Gastric Bypass Weblog

hi my name is lisa and my surgery is 5 days away i am having it done
with the abdimon cut no laposcopic i am 5'9 and 349 pounds im active
and healthy but i have a curve in my back and cant have the epideral
for pain meds im worried because i know it makes a big difference in
managing the pain. i have back problems and have been on percocet
10mg for 2 years im also worried the medication they give me might
not help my pain has anyone else gone with the morphine drip and what
meds do they usually send you home with my biggest fear is i will get
home and be in so much pain i wont move around like im suppose to and
slow or complicate my healing.thank you guys for taking the time to
read this and please let me know of any chat rooms i can go in

Thanks lots for the responses! I'll definately look for the Batbata
Thompson book. I guess I need to do a little more research & I'm
going to a support group tomorrow. Thanks for the understanding! I
really appreciate it.
Heidi

My doctor is big on the beef jerky. He loves that stuff for snacking because you
have to chew it up really well and it is high protein and lower fat and there is
a bunch of different flavors. My hubby and I have taken to making our own jerky
to help me maintain my protein. - Krys

can anyone give me some suggestions on to go food. like bars, or nuts, any thing
good
from the atkins stuff. i need more to go snacks. i don't eat much still so i
thought potien
bars would be good. what kind? and where to get them? does anyone eat nuts? what
kind
if so? just anything handy to throw in my purse. nora

Lisa,
I'm seven weeks postop and I can relate to several of the things you
mention. My biggest problem is eating to fast. While I try to limit
myself to nothing more than a half to three fourths of a cup. Being
off of the soft diet hasn't really changed my eating to much other
than I get to explore the different foods and actually enjoy flavors
I haven't had in sometime.
Small amounts and take your time. Stop before you feel full, I too
have suffered the pain of a stuffed pouch... NO FUN.
I keep the water volume up between meals to stay hydrated but also
to stave off any hunger pangs.
Good luck, be patient and stay true to the plan and you'll be at
your goal fit, happy and strong.
Ray

Hi Jessica
If your husband doesnt support you and is that LAZY screw him.Dont back out of
the surgery, its your health not his. Just maybe he's worried you'll lose the
weight and get rid of his lazy @ss. Let the house go if he wont do anything till
you get better, whats he going to do call Children Services on ya, NOT he would
be in some trouble himself for not taking care of the home and kids, if you need
to call a freinds daughter or someone who can help you and tell the lazy @ss he
has to pay them, that will change his tune really quick, sitters and house
cleaners dont come cheap......... just to let you know, I am a Daycare Provider
through the County Certified where i live and ive seen so things that makes you
wonder how those parents still have custody of their children, so dont worry
hun. You get the surgery and lose that weight for your own sanity..
Good Luck
Jodi
cheyanne1113@... wrote: Hi, as most of you know my surgery is sceduled for
April 2nd, and it's gonna
be done Open. I am nervous about the surgery yes, but, my biggest problem is
my husband........ It's not that he doesn't support me having the surgery but,
he's lazy and doesn't do a stitch of house work ever and I'm the one who
works!! I am worried about how things around here (my children, the house work,
etc.) are gonna be taken care of. I know that as soon as I am home from the
hospital, he's gonna expect me to go back to doing what I did before. I mean,
he did after I had my daughter c-section so, why wouldn't he now?? I am almost
to the point that maybe I shouldn't have surgery. I know I am just being a
baby about things but, if you all only knew what he was like you all would
understand. Anyway, I just had to vent to someone and you all are my "family"
so
I am venting to you.
Jessica in MI
Pre-Op ( surgery date is April 2nd)
325
Mom to Nate-5 and Maylynn-2
"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even
when not feeling it. I believe in God, even when He is silent"

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Homestead Hospital wls meeting
Wednesday March 10, 2004
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This event repeats on the second Wednesday of every month.
Event Location: downtown Homestead, off 11 St
Notes:
email wlslori@...

Hi, as most of you know my surgery is sceduled for April 2nd, and it's gonna
be done Open. I am nervous about the surgery yes, but, my biggest problem is
my husband........ It's not that he doesn't support me having the surgery but,
he's lazy and doesn't do a stitch of house work ever and I'm the one who
works!! I am worried about how things around here (my children, the house work,
etc.) are gonna be taken care of. I know that as soon as I am home from the
hospital, he's gonna expect me to go back to doing what I did before. I mean,
he did after I had my daughter c-section so, why wouldn't he now?? I am almost
to the point that maybe I shouldn't have surgery. I know I am just being a
baby about things but, if you all only knew what he was like you all would
understand. Anyway, I just had to vent to someone and you all are my "family"
so
I am venting to you.
Jessica in MI
Pre-Op ( surgery date is April 2nd)
325
Mom to Nate-5 and Maylynn-2
"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even
when not feeling it. I believe in God, even when He is silent"

Hi all---im supposed to start trying "real" food next week---was just curious
what most of you tried and found easy to start with---thanks--CIndy

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
FL Medical Center meeting
Tuesday March 16, 2004
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
This event repeats on the third Tuesday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 5 days, 4 minutes.

It does me too. My suggestion would be to try it for a
week or two to see how it does on your scale.

Wow! That must be awful. When do they plan on doing
your surgery to repair your problem? I can't imagine
not eating anything for such a long time. I feel for
you, but don't have any idea on the food questions you
asked. Good luck,
Shannon

HELLO EVERYONE I READ ALL THE QUESTIONS EVERYDAY I AM HAVING A
PROBLEM AND DECIDED TO POST ONE MYSELF FOR A CHANGE. I HAD SURGERY ON
FEB 10 2003 I HAVE LOST 152 POUNDS SO FAR WHICH IS GOOD. BUT I HAD
MANY COMPLICATIONS WITH THE SURGERY. I AM LEFT WITH A FEDING TUBE AND
A COLOSTOMY BAG FOR NOW TILL THYE TRY OT REVERSE THE PROBLEM. HERE
GOES MY STORY AND QUESTION I HAVE FEEDING TUBE FOR OVER A YEAR I
HAVE NOT EATEN AND DRANK ANYTHING FOR THAT PERIOD.I NEEDED SOMETHING
IN MY LIFE SO I DECIDED TO EAT APIECE OF CHICKEN AND AND CHEW AND
CHEW AND CHEW AND THEN SPIT IT OUT I KNOW IT SOUNDS GROSS BUT I FELT
SO GOOD AND NOW I AM TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS AS LONG AS I DONT EAT
ANYTHING MUSSY SO IT WONT GO DOWN THE WRONG PIPE BUT MY QUESTION IS
WHAT KIND OF CALORIES AND STUFF AND I GETTING FROM DOING THIS DO YOU
THINK IT WOULD BE A LOT I DONT WANT TO PUT WEIGHT BACK ON I HAVECOME
TO FAR AND I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO I WAS 427 STARTING WEIGHT.I WAS
TOLD CERTAIN THINGS BREADS AND PASTA BREAKS DOWN IMDEALITY IN YOUR
MOUTH I JUST CANT GIVE UP EATING ANYTHING NOW I GET ENJOYMENT JUST
FOR THE TASTE ITS BEEN SO HARD YOU JUST DONT KNOW I WOULD KILL FOR
PROTEIN SHAKES THAT THESE PEOPLE GRIP ABOUT HOW ABOUT NOT MAKING IT
GO DOWN I WISH I COULD GET SOMWTHING DOWN BESIDES IN A FEEDING TUBEOH
WELL ANYONE GOT ANY IDEAS I WILL WECOME ANY COMMENTS THANKS JANET

Heidi-
I dont usually post here (I just read a lot) but I just felt the need to
respond to your post. First of all I want to say how sorry I am about your
marital situation, it must be hard.
I had an open RNY with a doctor I totally trust and respect. Formerly he
was a cardiac surgeon and is responsible for teaching bariatric techniques
to almost every other bariatric surgeon I have researched in this area. The
man is absolutely awesome at what he does. As good as he is, I had some
problems with my surgery. My spleen was ruptured (one of the things they
warn you could possibly happen) slightly (just a very slow bleed) but it was
not realized until they went to close me. It was determined at that time
that I had probably bled throughout the entire surgery. They super glued my
spleen and closed me up. It took me a little longer to get my strength back
but with some mega doses of iron things turned out OK. I was released from
the hospital on schedule and was fine at my 1st post-op visit.
Approximately 1 ½ weeks after surgery I developed a low grade fever and was
readmitted to the hospital where an internist assisted my surgeon in
fighting what apparently was an infection. We still dont know where, we
just know I was one of the lucky ones and the IV antibiotics took care of
the problem.
While I was in the hospital the second time a man who had a lap RNY three
days prior (different doctor) was admitted. He had been released from the
hospital but got hungry, ate a cheeseburger and ruptured his pouch. All of
that food, etc., was in his abdominal cavity. Im not sure what the outcome
was with him.
Just last week one of the doctors at the hospital I went to lost a patient.
The doctor is very good at what he does and has an outstanding reputation.
The patient had a lap RNY and did very well until the next day when he
developed a high fever and died shortly after. To the best of my knowledge
they still dont have the answers as to what happened.
The bad side effects are there. Only you can weigh the odds in your
particular case and decide what is best for you. Since I have had my
surgery I have had many people ask me if I thought an RNY would be right for
them. I NEVER ENCOURAGE IT!! What I do encourage is education. People do
in fact die from this and you must be prepared for the worst. Everyone who
chooses this surgery should not only be very knowledgeable about the
procedure but both confident and comfortable with it as well. Additionally,
people need to research their surgeon and not be afraid to ask him/her any
question they cant find the answer too. If you dont have complete
confidence in both the surgeon and the procedure you have chosen then its
time to back up and learn more. I encourage everyone to join an in-person
support group and meet other patients who are willing to share their
experiences..good & bad. I cant begin to tell you how much I have learned
from my support group both pre and post-op.
One last thing and then I will shut up. Please dont feel like you are in a
now or never situation. Your divorce does not have to end your medical
insurance or the possibility of gastric bypass in your future..a good
attorney can help you with that.
CJ

Up your protein and exercise. This seems to work for
some people. Try to get as much as 80 grams of
protein per day.

I would say you are right on track-- losing roughly 20 lbs/month
early on is fantastic. Do your inches too.. that would amaze you and
really show your progress

That is correct. The hunger that you feel should
subside. I felt small bits of hunger in the beginning
but it didn't last long. Also, I made sure to eat
only 1/2 cup at a time and stopping before I ever felt
full because it does take a while for everything to
come together in your pouch. I still do that because
I'm not really hungry when I eat. I mostly eat for
nourishment and I stop before I feel full. Only once
or twice have I ate too much and it is very
uncomfortable. Good luck,
Shannon

Hello all,
I'm 3 weeks post-op and doing pretty well. I started my exercise
last week on my elliptical. This week I have upped the time. Next
week I'll up the time some more and add some strength training. For
all of this I still have worries. I'm on the soft foods portion of
my diet and was wondering if others experience this.
When I eat it's not very comfortable. For example, some things go
down very easy like pudding and yogurt and cottage cheese. While
others make my tummy ache a bit like chicken that is well chewed.
I'm assuming that this is just part of the healing process and will
get better. Is this correct?
Also, some of my hunger came back last week. It's not the same as
presurgery hunger, but it's still a growly tummy with a need to eat.
Problem is that if I eat until I feel full, it's too late. After
about 10 minutes then I'm too full and uncomfortable for 15 minutes
to 30 minutes. This week I've stopped eating before feeling full and
increased the number of meals. However, I'm a little bummed I'm
getting hungry. I was hoping that I'd have until at least 4 months
before this came back.
So now I'm a little frightened. I'm afraid that I'll still fail even
though I had this done. Are these typical feelings? I know I'm
eating right for the most part. I eat my protein 1st and limit my
carbs but feeling the need to eat it scary. I don't know, it's like
I feel like I shouldn't eat. Aaaarrrgh!
So folks who are farther out then I, I need some words of wisdom to
help me. Let me know if these experiences sound familiar and what
you did to get through them.
TIA,
LisaF
249.5/233/135
DOS 2/16/04
Lap RNY
Dr. James Dickinson,
PVH hospital, Colorado

HI Julie, and welcome!!! Congrats on the surgery!!! Glad that all went well!!!!!
Just take it one day at a time, and do not overdo!!!! sherri

After having to go all the way to the Insurance Commisioner my surgery finally
got approved and scheduled for March 25, 2004. If anyone has any advise for me,
I would love to hear it.
Thanks Sheri
wlslori <wlslori@...
a giant congrats, sherri! continue your kick butt progress.
lori h.

Hello Heidi,
I'm a new post-op, I will be 8 weeks out on Wednesday. I'm still in the learning
process here, but I can share my experiences with you.
I started looking into wls about 5 years ago. I'm the type of person that
believes knowledge is power......so did tons of research, found and excellent
surgeon and decided once and for all this was my last hope to regain my health.
As with any surgery, there's always a chance that something could go wrong. You
go into surgery hoping and praying that you will make it through fine and most
people do. I did, until I was in recovery. Very nauseated, was told it was from
anesthesia. I heard and felt a slushy sound in my chest, then I vomited blood.
That was scary enough, but to see the look on everyone's face when I did it, to
hear the "oh my God's" and even worse and hearing the pages on the intercom for
my surgeon to come STAT
down my throat to my pouch to drain the blood.
(At the place where they join the intestine to the pouch I had a bleed on the
inside of the intestine/pouch area where it could not be cauterized. They kept a
very close eye on me. Tons of xrays and a blood transfusion, 2 extra days in the
hospital and was sent home to recover. (There is only a 2% chance of needing a
transfusion ) The first week I was home I had help. I have 4 littleones. By week
2, I was feeling well enough to be on my own (lap-RNY= shorter healing time)
doing light housework I pulled apart stitches on the inside, and then there was
another week out of commission. Physically, I'm healed.... just trying to get my
activity level up again. Emotionally, nothing could prepare me for the loss of
food. I was eating the way I am now before surgery but in larger quantity. I've
followed my diet plan religiously, except once my husband bought me some
icecream, sweetened with splenda, low fat "turtle flavored". Made the mistake of
eating 2 turtles( chocolate with carmel inside,
about as big as a dime) only 1/4th cup. Within a half hour was dumping,
sweating, shaking and vomited. With diarrhea half hour after that. Needless to
say, I stay away from icecream now. And just last week. My SIL sent some low
carb cookies over. I had one small bite because it looked so good. The small
bite melted in my mouth and I cried. I just started bawling like a baby. Like so
many others, letting go of food was a lot more difficult than I had expected.
Now, when I have my bad days, I have to remind myself why I did this in first
place, to regain my health. And for that reason I would do it again. You will
still have control over your body. Thru exercise and the food choices you make.
You will just have to be more sensitive to your body and learn to listen to it.
Which is where I am now. If you do decide to go ahead, plan for plenty of help
when you come home. And be gentle with yourself while you are healing. I'm sorry
for your difficult situation. I find that people who say
"eat right, get off your lazy a** and exercise" have never been significantly
overweight with health problems to complicate everything. Sorry So Long, but I
wanted you to have the details and not sugar coat them. Deciding to have this
surgery was most difficult. But, I would do it again. I hope this helps,
Constance

Hi everyone,
I wanted to say "hi" and introduce myself. I had lap rny on march
1st and am doing pretty well. I had some nausea and vomitting when I
got home which was not very pleasant.
I am getting in my protein and fluid fairly well. I'm also walking
30 minutes a day as prescribed by my surgeon. My next hurdle is
getting all those vites in.
Thanks for all your posts!
Julie
lap rny 3-1-04

a giant congrats, sherri! continue your kick butt progress.
lori h.

Surgery Fri March 5th
Monday March 8th
My first full day home.(no pain medicine since 8pm Saturday evening ) .was
spent thinking "i feel Fabulous'..(like billy crystal says) I had to take my
first pill open into crystal light...was not to bad, then had to drink that
antacid medicine which doesnt make sense to me...but was too scared to do the
chewable flintstone vitamin..thinking i have time to get that in....I started
with my first protien shake...what a joke..i drank about 3 sips and decided that
the shake i loved so much before my surgery...was not so fabulous..lolol but
low and behold i had supplied my cabinet with different kinds of
protien...grin...
I Have something called attain that i had my husband order for me from
melaluca, it is 13 gr of protien for 8 oz which is really the same at adkins
which
is 20 gr. of protien for 11 ox..wow 11 oz is like a gallon to me now!!!! i
love my sugar free popsicles...the keep my mouth wet..
I had some chicken broth about 1/4cup..it is really amazing to me how you can
feel everything in your stomach..something i had not felt for 25
years...somehow we learn to shut off everything associated with our stomach..and
after
surgery your stomach and how it feels is "Right in your Face".. My husband took
the day off and walked with me around our cul-de-sac...it felt like a mile to
me..but i was determined to make it all the way around...it was about 3x the
length of the hospital hallway...the last couple feet..i could have
crawled..thank god he was there to hold my hand...lololol
He made eggs and sausage for himself and the smell made me so nausaus i could
hardly stand it...he laughted at me..since this was my breakfast of
choice...when ever i could have it....Later in the early evening he made
nachos...again they didnt smell great...wow no one told me that after surgery
everything
you loved to smell would make you think you were going to be sick...a bonus i
guess!!!
I napped quite a bit during the day..my work called me to see how i was
doing...and i tried to really focus on trying to get my liquid in...it can be
all
consuming..the whole fluid thing...but i just keep thinking...dehydrated...NOT
ME...
I think i got in maybe 28 gr of protien my first day home. 3 -1/2 sugar free
pops and about.. 4- 8oz cups of water...(I like with ice) so i will try to do
better tomorrow...
March 9th, 2nd day home Day 4
I woke a couple times during the night having to go to the bathroom and
needing to get something to drink ,...around 3 am i had a popsicle and made a
protien drink made with milk...that doesnt seem to go down very well..so i didnt
drink it...I am at 280 this morning from 289 the day of surgery...wonderful to
see and know that after my next meal that it would not go back up to the
starting number..that is how i have spent my entire adult like...losing weight
and
then eating a regular meal and putting it all back on..Remember a real meal to
me was a plate large enough to feed a family of 4.... lolol..I
I finally got up around 6am and started my morning ritual...( well it will be
now...i took my antacid...opened my pill into my crystal light and decided to
be brave and chew my first flintstone complete vitamin....but.,,,,,i
remembered that i had read here on the posts that if a pill gets stuck then to
drink
something hot,..so i made my chicken broth first and stood in the kitchen
chewing my flintstone vitamin like i have never chewed before!!! I did not
want
to have any problems with my hole being covered....I also passes another
milestone this morning I took my first BM ...how exciting..lolol well it was
for
me...it is nice to know that everything is working well....So i am off to take
a shower and might go for a ride down to my work and say hello to everyone...i
will see how i feel...it is hard to be home...
Dawn6ft@...
Surgery March 5th
Cape Cod, MA
289/ 280 this morning

I also had a hernia repaired, it's fine just a little more pain when
you contract your abs muscle. one week the most.
\

Read Barbara Thompson book or look her up on here. She tells all about the
surgery what can happen to your new life. It is the facts of this surgery. She
has a website. Talk to her. I got a divorce 5 years ago I know the pain but I
met a really great man and I am married 3 years to him. I gain 40 lbs being
married to him. I wanted this surgery more than anything. He didn't want me to
have it. After I had it he is so glad. I can walk really fast now. Little pain
in my legs. I have lost 63 lbs in 4 months.
Joyce
marchmatron <marchmatron@...
This will be long and pitiful - please feel free to fast forward -
I've been to the surgeon & I'm just waiting for insurance approval.
Tentative date set April 16th.
Here is the rub - I'm getting divorced (not my choice) and I am so
depressed - BUT I have great insurance that I will lose post divorce
so I'm in a now or never frame of mind. Also, impending ex-husband
is an orthopedic surgeon who highly recomends that I do not have the
surgery - told me the horror stories, etc. and he is also from
the "get over it, stop eating & run 12 miles" school of weight loss.
I have done lots of research & feel very confindant in the surgeon
but not in the surgery. I'm 37 yrs old, 5'6" and 250lbs (30 of those
pounds put on in the past 6 months - nothing like a little stress
eating to bulk up.) I've lost some weight in the past through diet &
exercise but gained it back & more. I've hung around 180 to 200 lbs
most of my adult life. I have not tried a structured weight-loss
program & don't know if that will work for me but I don't have high
hopes.
More info for those of you patient enough to keep reading - I have
three little girls - 9,8 & 4yrs old - who are following in my
footsteps & getting pudgy so I know I've got to do something! I also
know that I eat for comfort - who needs a mate when you have donuts?
(Kidding - donuts can't help with the kids.)
This sounds dumb but one of the biggest things I worry about is not
being in control of what is happening to my body. I'm sure the
hospital stay is going to totally stink for me (The OB nurses
remembered me after 4 years & gave me the "You can not pee on your
own" lecture before I delivered my last kid. I showed them & did pee
on my own - quite successfully I might add.) I'm also worried about
after the hospital. I don't know what my body is going to do & that
scares me.
Finally - it seems like everyone I've talked to pushes for the
surgery & minimizes the bad side. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I
really want to know the down and dirty before I make a decision.
Sorry this is so long but thanks for reading through it. Thanks lots
for any help!!
Heidi
(Sorry if this is a duplicate - I'm going to post on one other board -
I'm not that internet savvy & don't know if that's OK or not.)

This will be long and pitiful - please feel free to fast forward -
I've been to the surgeon & I'm just waiting for insurance approval.
Tentative date set April 16th.
Here is the rub - I'm getting divorced (not my choice) and I am so
depressed - BUT I have great insurance that I will lose post divorce
so I'm in a now or never frame of mind. Also, impending ex-husband
is an orthopedic surgeon who highly recomends that I do not have the
surgery - told me the horror stories, etc. and he is also from
the "get over it, stop eating & run 12 miles" school of weight loss.
I have done lots of research & feel very confindant in the surgeon
but not in the surgery. I'm 37 yrs old, 5'6" and 250lbs (30 of those
pounds put on in the past 6 months - nothing like a little stress
eating to bulk up.) I've lost some weight in the past through diet &
exercise but gained it back & more. I've hung around 180 to 200 lbs
most of my adult life. I have not tried a structured weight-loss
program & don't know if that will work for me but I don't have high
hopes.
More info for those of you patient enough to keep reading - I have
three little girls - 9,8 & 4yrs old - who are following in my
footsteps & getting pudgy so I know I've got to do something! I also
know that I eat for comfort - who needs a mate when you have donuts?
(Kidding - donuts can't help with the kids.)
This sounds dumb but one of the biggest things I worry about is not
being in control of what is happening to my body. I'm sure the
hospital stay is going to totally stink for me (The OB nurses
remembered me after 4 years & gave me the "You can not pee on your
own" lecture before I delivered my last kid. I showed them & did pee
on my own - quite successfully I might add.) I'm also worried about
after the hospital. I don't know what my body is going to do & that
scares me.
Finally - it seems like everyone I've talked to pushes for the
surgery & minimizes the bad side. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I
really want to know the down and dirty before I make a decision.
Sorry this is so long but thanks for reading through it. Thanks lots
for any help!!
Heidi
(Sorry if this is a duplicate - I'm going to post on one other board -
I'm not that internet savvy & don't know if that's OK or not.)

Dear Daqwn,
Thanks for the info. Not too much for me, as my surgery is in 1 week! You
made it sound like a breeze! I am also having a hernia repair, so don't know how
it will effect the pain levels and timing. I just am praying that all will go
well.
Hope you have an easy time of adjusting and recouping!
Ellen
awaiting surgery 3/15/04
In a message dated 3/8/2004 9:37:30 AM Pacific Standard Time,

How long have plateaus lasted for you guys? I'm 3 months out, have
lost 63 pounds (hey, i'm pretty happy with that) but have not moved on
the scale for a month now. So essentially I lost 63 in 2 months....I'm
doing it all correctly - definitely no more than 700 cal (and that's a
pretty rough estimate) per day including my protein, not completely off
carbs, but very very low in carbs. Just want to hear of your
experiences, as this is hugely depressing. I feel like I'm going to
be the tiny percentage that this does not work for completely, although
I'm doing all things that my nutritionist has said to do. Any advice?
Thanks!

Glad things are going well for you. Keep us posted. It's a great feeling huh
God Bless,
Robin, NorthEastern, NY
EDD- July 27th, 2004
IT'S A BOY!!!!!!
Mommy to:
Benjamin & Jonathan
(twin boys 7 1/2),
Madison, daughter, 5 years and
Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)
Gastric Bypass Surgery-
October 18th 2002
Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)
goal 170 after baby :)

Same story here. I was able to restart it with the help of advice. I
changed my protein, upped it. And exercise ALOT more. It moves after
6 or 7 months but sometimes slower. Keep up the good work

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday March 8, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

For me personally, I would want a Dr that had more expirience. Mine's
done opver 1800 laps.
Just my thoughts, though.
mikethacker01 wrote on 3/8/2004, 1:59 PM:
The Doctor she

hi cary. 1st, have u calculated the %age of weight you've lost? 2nd,
are u weighing yourself too often? 3rd, i'll ask my trainer, she would
probably say there's no such thing as too much exercise,lol.
4th, tae-bo & pilates, awesome. 5th, do u go to 'in person' support
groups, where u can pick a nutritionist's brain?
lori h.

welcome mike. it's fantastic to hear significant others'
opinions;we've had parents, grown children, spouses, & roommates (etc)
on here asking for support-----welcome.
i'm approaching my 2nd anniversary, my best advice for her is to
research & soul search. post-op life is not w/out its struggles &
sacrifice. she has to be vigilant regarding supplements and follow-up
appts, etc etc. & believe me, life is never ever the same.
keep posting.
lori h.

Often if you go back and refer to the pouch rules for
dummies, you can go back to the induction phase of the
diet and perhaps boost your losing.
Shannon

I stopped loosing weight at 7 months out, and have not lost any
additional weight the past 4 months. When I was sick with pneumonia
at the 7th month, I had lost a little over 100 pounds, then when I
got well a month later I gained about 5 pounds back, and have not
changed weight since then.
I thought the weight was supposed to continue to be lost for about
18 months; did anyone else stop loosing at 7 months? Has anyone's
plateau lasted 4 months? I had my first plateau at 6 weeks out and
this lasted until week 12...after this I had more plateaus, but none
lasted over 6 weeks like the first had...until this 4 month Plateau
started...what's up with this? Anyone have any insight into why I am
experienceing these so often?
Any suggestions for jump-starting the process towards loosing weight
again?
Guess I should give a time-line...Surgery 4/28/03 with gastrectomy +
Open Roux-en-Y...no weight loss since November 2003. Lynda Nurenberg

Hello
I am Tabithia Roldan, from Ohio. I went to my first appointment to
talk to the surgeon. I am just not so sure that this is what I want.
I also have just started taking Zetacap which is a pill form of
gastric bypass. I hope that they work. I want the surgery , but I
am so scared of the after affects. I have a few friends that has had
a really bad experience with this. I am very obese. I weigh 306 and
I am 5 foot tall. I am 28 years old. My husbands is very supportive
of my desicion. I am also having trouble with the insurance company
not wanting to pay for this. Please If there is anyone who has tried
zetacap please let me know what happened with them. If there is
anyone in Ohio that has Aultcare insurance please let me know how you
got them to pay for your surgery. Any advice anyone has to offer I
will welcome
Thanks
Tabithia

Hi
Can anyone tell me the signs of a stricture? I am 2. 5 weeks out. The first
week I didn't do well (have a problem with anything sweet tasting) but then was
doing great (able to eat cream soups/cottage cheese/ ect but ) until last
Thursday. It started with throwing up the food I ate about 15 minutes to 1/2
hour
after eating. Now today I can't even drink liquids without throwing up . It
is after 3:00 pm my time and I still feel soo full and all I have had today at
9:00 am is 4 sips of liquid. My scar also is feeling very thick inside if that
makes since. I have a feeling like there is something pushing on my pouch...
I do have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow to get my G-Tube removed
but wanted to see what the signs are for a stricture. Thanks

I ate chili within that time, I pureed it so the
chunks weren't so big. Even in the hospital they gave
me stuff like pureed macaroni and cheese. It was
good. So you can eat anything as long as you keep it
pureed. Starting around 3 weeks you could move to
things with a few chunks in it, keeping in mind you
must chew it until it is pureed. Every doctor is
different so you must check with them. But my doctor
had no problem with eating the way I did but some are
very strict with liquids for up to 6 weeks. Later,
Shannon

don't blame u for being restless, i can relate. as u know, you'll be
99 different answers regarding the diet progression....
in the files section, they are prot shake recipes(yippee-kai-yay).
lori h.
22 grateful months post-op
miami

Do you have a lot more to lose? It could be that you
are losing inches and not pounds at this time. That
could be since you are doing so much exercise. If you
are getting close to goal, I know the weight will come
off slower.

Hi , My name is Mike & after nearly a year and lots of set backs ,my
wife Sue will get an RNY on March 18th in Philadelphia. My most
worrysome thought is about long term (a couple of years) affect this
will have on my wife. I know a gastric by pass is not a new operation
but there are very little studies on Lap operations 10 years back. My
wife is a diabetic, suffers from high blood pressure.. She is not
wayyyyyyy over weight . 5 ft about 235.. It is fine with me but not
her!.She sees her father taking 4 shots of insulin a day. As most
people who want this procedure , she has tried all the
diets ,weightwatchers , Jenny Craig ..ect. Is she going to regret
this a year or so from now? She says her legs can't take steps ,
other things ache.. I want her to feel better inside and outside. We
have seen 3 Doctors. They all say she is a good canidate for this
proceedure. Even our primary doctor like the idea.. Most of our
problems were with insurance. Or Doctors moving. Some hospitals don't
want to do gastric by pass..not enough money in it. The Doctor she
will have has done over 100 laps's & over 300 bypasses in all. Should
I feel afraid , how can i support her better ? I think our kids who
are 21 thru 34 really don't want her to do this, but don't say so.
She is getting nervous , so am i . We have read it all ..Thanks Mike

welcome home, dawn! wow, u must have some good meds. if you're so
inclined the files section has a "weight loss chart" to track your
progress. sounds like you're hitting the ground running;-)
lori h.

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is doing well! This past month has been
rough for me. I've lost 125lbs and am 11 months out on today. I know
this is a great accomplishment, but like I said this past month has
been rough and it seems to be I'm in a yo-yo effect. I gained 4
pounds which I know in perspective is not a lot, and got those off. I
tend to think it was water weight or muscle mass because I am
exercising 1 hour 5-6 days a week doing tae-bo, and cycling and then
I do pilates or weights for 20 minutes 3 or 4 days a week in addition
to cardio. I know our bodies get use to something very quickly, and I
know I am getting my heart rate up when I am exercising. I do get my
water in, focus on proteins, vegetables and fruits and take my
vitamins. I keep carbs to a minimum, but do eat them. I eat 4 times
a day on a good day, but usually 2 or 3 times. The only thing I don't
do is measure my food. I can eat and be full in about 8 or 9
minutes. Somedays I feel like the WLS poster child as I know I am
doing everything right. Other days the feelings of failure creep back
into my head.
I am extremely frustrated at this point and just need some
reassurance. Could it be I am exercising too much and in a starvation
mode and compensate for those calories I do burn? I exercise one day
and up a pound the next. I have backed off the exercising this past
week and found I would lose the pound or 2 on the days I wouldn't
exercise. I'm trying to figure out what to do to get things going in
the LEFT direction instead staying put or going in the RIGHT
direction :) I have experiences plateaus before, but nothing like
this. Thanks for any input or suggestions you guys may have.
~hugs~
Cary
OPEN RNY 04/08/03 -125 lbs
Dallas, TX

i know the doctors sometimes get exagerated. for example no driving for 3
weeks ect...
how long before i can really eat something?
i'm 1 1/2 weeks post op and i'm drinking puree beans and soups and water. but
i've had enough and i'm going crazy. how long before i can have lets say
chilli, or shredded chicken or something?
what do you guys think?
thanks for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations and great story!!! I hope I am so lucky if and when I get this
done.
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

hello all.. i am startingmy first doctors appointment this morning.. had to
stay home from work.. got 3 doc appointments this week 3 next week and 1
the following.. so excited its starting to happen..
i siad forget loosing 90 pouinds went to the ppo doc and its all rolling
together so far.. just thought i would give all a update ....hope the war in
the group is finally over also.. starlet

Morning All,
Arrived home yesterday afternoon from the hospital..Had my surgery on Friday
. I was to arrive at 9 for a 10:30 surgery time..we arrived an hour early as
we live almost 2 hours away...This was not a good idea..as i paced the halls
and considered running from the building numerous times..lolol Then ,,
everytime i would turn to walk down the next hallway.. i would see myself in a
window...You know how when you see your self in a window pane..and you look
really
thin and then you realize you are only seeing half your body and then try to
move yourself to one side and you just dont fit...lolo well that is what kept me
from fleeing the sceen...so i stayed...they finally took me back to get
prepped for surgery and i sent my wonderful husband off to get a newspaper and
something to eat...well.. then the Dr. assistant came to see me and wanted to
ask
my permission to let some high school students observe my suryery..I said
absolutley!!..then it dawned on me that this could be good or bad....He could do
an excellent job..to show off for the audience or be distracted...lolol I was
hoping for the first observation...I was finally taken back for my surgery at
12:30 after a call was made to my husband in the waiting room to let him know
that i was just getting started and not just finishing...and off i went...to
the beginning of my new life..
I awoke in the recovery room around 3 and remained there until 5:30 when
there was a bed available for me upstairs... when i arrived at my room..i made
my
first walk since surgery...I walked from my room to the nurses station .and
then back to my bed...it was really not to bad... I was settled in to the
bed..and was experienceing my first cathater experience..I was nervous about
this as
i had never had one before and was glad it was inserted while i was asleep...
My mouth was so dry it was unbelievable...and they give you these little
green sponges soaked in water..which were like the BEST LITTLE SPONGES SOAKED IN
WATER...i had ever had...lolol I sent my husband home since it was such a
long day around 6:30pm..he was such the trooper,,,and looked exhausted ..I had
blood pressure cuff looking things on both legs which blew up every couple
minutes to help with the blood flow in my legs....I got up again around 8pm and
walked the length of the hallway...it was a little easier than the first
trip...but still hard to stand upright...alot of pressure and gas build up from
the
lap procedure..The wonderful nurses were fabulous...and in the early evening
they brought in my first shot in the thigh of medicine to prevent blood
clots...it didnt hurt so,, it was ok....
THE NASTY BLUE STUFF...They brought me in a little cup of this blue stuff for
me to drink..there was of checking to see if everything was sealed up...it
was the most discusting salty stuff i had every tasted....they were looking for
it to come out of the tube that was left around my stomach.which had a small
bulb the size of a small hand on the outside which i attached to my nightgown..
there was a little line of blue that seeped but only enough to leave a small
line of sediment along the bottom....was up agin around 12 midnight had
second shot of blood thinner and again 4am and again at 7 so had one more shot
of
blood thinner and then was able to leave off the leg blood pressure cuffs
starting saturday morning as i was up walking enough that i didnt need
it...Saturday i tried to walk every 2-4 hours it really helped me to feel better
and to
get the gas moving around in my stomach..My wonderful husband called me in the
morning before he left to go to work...and my best buddy called to say she was
coming up to spend the afternoon with me...The Dr. came in saturday as was
thrilled with my walking around and had scheduled to have a GI XRAY around 2 to
see how everything had sealed together and if all was good i could move through
my 3 stages and go home on sunday!!!! YEA,,Hospital beds are aweful...
Around 2 they came to get me to go to xray for my test...They told me i would
have to drink two different things and to take a mouth full and swallow all
at one time...THE HORROR.. i thought we were suppose to only take small
sips...LOLOL they promised me that everything would be fine as they needed the
pouch
to fill and then drain during the xray...The wonderful xray teck then game me
a small glass of clear liguid..which must have been a close family relative to
the NASTY BLUE STUFF from the day before which i took a mouth full and
swallowed and was very excited not to have to repeat....then they gave me a
glass
full of white chalky stuff which after the NASTY BLUE STUFF"S COUSION i was
thankful to drink..everything looked wonderful!!! YEA!!! Now i could have
liquid...lolol
I was taken back to my room where i was given 3 little medicine cups of water
to drink, each one to spread out over an hour...( you look at this little cup
and think i can drink that in one gulp!!!) but let me tell you...if you take
little sips it is amazing how filled you are when you try to take little sips
over the course of an hour..YOU ARE SOOOOO FULL it is uncomfortable..and so
then i would get up and walk to help move things through my new pouch...My best
buddy came and brought my a beautiful nightgown in size large I wear a 3x
now (with a card saying when it gets too large for me to pass it on to her...)
..with a fabulous teddy bear with an incision down the front of her ....and
stuffing removed,..with the stuffing left in her butt...she is just the cuttest
thing. she walked with me and around 7pm i was starting to get really
tired...since i had not slept well the night before..so off she went...The pain
was
really hardly nothing...from 4am to 4pm on saturday i had had 10 pushes of my
morphine drip ,,when i asked my nurse if that was alot..he laughted and said
no...you can have 8 pushes an hours..lolol so i guess things were going
well...at
8pm saturday evening i asked for some pain medicine so i could sleep...after
taking my sip of pain medicine my nurse informed me that i had just taken
the equivalent to 2 percocets...I informed her that i was allergic to
percocet...(WELL DOCUMENTED IN MY CHART) and she said you are kidding right? i
said
nope..and she immediatley left the room to call the doctor and the pharmacy
...saying..how could this happen...she returned to ask me questions about my
reaction to percocet..which was heart palputations , breaking out into a sweat,
feeling nausous ..etc..but that had been 20 yrs ago...She was a nervous
wreck...as
the Dr. was paging her back..they put the sides up on my bed and said she
would be keeping a close eye on me to make sure i was ok...after checking with
the pharmacy, they told her that the Doctor on call said to go ahead and give me
the pain medicine in spite of my reaction..as she felt like it was not an
allergic reaction (Throat closing ..etc..)and it was the medicine they used
after bupass...so the nursing staff keep a close eye on my for the next 3-4
hours...it was not bad at all, but real scary in the beginning...so it worked
out
ok..At midnight i had my cathater removed..which was not bad at all..I was very
nervous about this procedure as this was my first one...but am here to tell
you..it is nothing and over before you can
say...supercalafragalisticxpealadocious...lololol
Sunday morning...I watched alot of tv...and was so ready to move through my
stages to go home...my husband called to let me know he was coming with our
oldest daughter to get me at around 1pm i told him i would be so ready!!.. At
Breakfast time they brough me three little medicine cups of Chichen broth...THIS
WAS THE BEST CHICKEN BROTH IN THE WORLD!!! so i procceded to drink the
first...real slow...did i tell you that this was the best chicken broth in the
world?
I drank on whole little cup and could not believe how full i was...i had to
walk again..They also are bringing me antacid twice a day..which doesnt make
any sense to me..since it is going into a place where there is no acid.. The
doctor came into see my around 10am and said all was wonderful and that i was
the poster girl for bypass surgery and that the whole staff was proud of the way
i was recovering..and that i could go home...!!!!
My husband called at around 11:20 to say he was on his way...so i was now
looking for the nurse to take my IV out which had started to swell...and then
the
only thing left was the tube in my stomach to drain out any fluid from the
incision..
I had the IV removed from the back of my had around 12:00 and was left with
what my husband call the Hamburger Helper Hand...LOLOL It was more painful
than the 6 little incissions on my stomach. (Fluid had built up from the iv
needle coming through the vein so the iv fluid was being delived under the skin
in the top of my hand instead of in the vein)
I was then brough a carnation instant breakfast for lunch..the last test..of
being able to leave...It was strawberry..and didnt taste very well but i took
small sips and by 2pm was looking for the Dr. to come remove the tube in my
stomach so that i could shower and go home with my family ...The Dr removed my
tube which seems to be 12 feet long when it is coming out..and then i proceded
to take my shower...BOY was that nice...and i was dressed and ready to leave
by 2:30pm on Sunday...The hospital stay was wonderful and the ride home was a
little ruff...alot of bumps..but i did sleep some...
I arrrived home yesteday to our 4 dogs that greeted me like they had not seen
me for 3 yrs...my husband had to get them out of the house so that they would
not jump up on me..and then i greeted each one individually so they could
welcome my home...I slept in the extra room last night...ON MY SIDE...GRIN for
about 3 hours at a time...and started my day today taking my medicine for gall
bladder,, sprinkled in a small glass of crystal light lemonade..then i have
started in on my protien drink for the day... So this is where i am so far..I
know it is probably more than you want to know but thought it might be helpful
for someone who has not had their surgery yet...

Kay, i've been doing the same thing organizing, throwing old clothes away,
organizing, painting, decorating, taking care of small debts,and taking care of
legal issues as well..Mimi
Kay <jssweetie78@...
I plan to teach
co-workers my job, organize my house, make sure bills are in order,
write some letters, and take care of credit cards (paying off) and
getting rid of alot of things I don't use. I'm even considering packing
some things up because I don't want my husband to have to do it should
something happen.
What are some things you did to get things in order in case?
ps. I dont have a negative attitude. I have a realistic one. I know the
odds of something happening are small, this is a precaution,
Thanks,
Kay
www.livejournal.com/users/kayholder
--
Kay Clark-Holder
www.livejournal.com/users/kayholder

A month after surgery I had for a day. Thought I was going to die.
Hate that s___

Everyone goes thourgh the same thing. Got all my papers together.
Took my daughter have access to my safety deposit box. (jewelry).
and wrote a letter telling her what to do in case.
BUT, you will be fine.

What did you do to get things in order? So far, I plan to teach
co-workers my job, organize my house, make sure bills are in order,
write some letters, and take care of credit cards (paying off) and
getting rid of alot of things I don't use. I'm even considering packing
some things up because I don't want my husband to have to do it should
something happen.
What are some things you did to get things in order in case?
ps. I dont have a negative attitude. I have a realistic one. I know the
odds of something happening are small, this is a precaution,
Thanks,
Kay
www.livejournal.com/users/kayholder
--
Kay Clark-Holder
www.livejournal.com/users/kayholder

Joy,
Your question was a good one and try not to let others bring you down for
asking that is what this board is all about is to ask question's that you
don't know. If someone doesn't like the post they know how to hit the
delete key. I think we are all grown up on this board, so if you don't like
something hit your delete key people. Joy keep posting and best of luck.
Denise
325/145

We will have Lane in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Robin, NorthEastern, NY
EDD- July 27th, 2004
IT'S A BOY!!!!!!
Mommy to:
Benjamin & Jonathan
(twin boys 7 1/2),
Madison, daughter, 5 years and
Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)
Gastric Bypass Surgery-
October 18th 2002
Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)
goal 170 after baby :)

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Kay. We will definately keep
Lane in our prayers and you as well.
Take care and keep us posted.
Bridget Northam

Thanks for the info!!! I still want to do the cookbook though. I
think it would be a lot of fun to have a stack of yummy tried and
true recipes from friends who share a common bond.
Please email recipes to me at r.whitesel@... if you are
interested. We have 1900 people here, so lets get cooking!!!
Thanks
Alicia
11/18/03
284/249 preop/193/?

Our friends sister was diagnosed with luekemia a few months ago. She
spent 9 weeks in the hospital recieving chemo every day. She came home 3
weeks ago and is having chemo once a week now. She is now in ICU with
pnuemonia, which is deadly to people with no immune system. please keep
her in your prayers. her name is Lane.
--
Kay Clark-Holder
www.livejournal.com/users/kayholder
--
Kay Clark-Holder
www.livejournal.com/users/kayholder

You go girl! I totally agree with everythign you said. You just beat me to it.
wlslori <wlslori@...
had the displeasure to
read since becoming a member in aug 2002.
u most definitely showed 1900 people what you're about.
ciao!!
lori h.
PS i welcome any points of views: wlslori@...

Hi Lori,
I guess we all can get a little carried away at times (hmmm there
was a full moon last night . . . )
I'm with you that we should all be respectful of each other, after
all this is a SUPPORT group.
Funny, I didn't know that having sex with the 'lights off' was
considered the dark ages. But then dear hubby hasn't been
interested in a loooooong time. The last couple years the only sex
I've seen has been on TV. LOL Wonder what amiRN would say bout
that! I guess if I keep losing weight that will change:)
Have a good weekend!
Bridget

amiRN, for the most reprehensible post i've had the displeasure to
read since becoming a member in aug 2002.
u most definitely showed 1900 people what you're about.
ciao!!
lori h.
PS i welcome any points of views: wlslori@...

Bridget,
Thanks for the most informative news articles. Wow, that is something to
think about.

I WATCHED THIS AND I WONDER HOW MUCH IT SCARED THE PREOPS. YOUR SUIRGERY IS
ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR SURGEON SO ALWAYS BE CAREFUL OF WHO IS DOING IT.
God Bless,
Robin, NorthEastern, NY
EDD- July 27th, 2004
IT'S A BOY!!!!!!
Mommy to:
Benjamin & Jonathan
(twin boys 7 1/2),
Madison, daughter, 5 years and
Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)
Gastric Bypass Surgery-
October 18th 2002
Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)
goal 170 after baby :)

Just curious, does the surgery bring it on , even if you are not due? I just
got over mine and my surgery is in 8 days. I have always been like clock work,
even at my heavest.
Ellen
awaiting surgery 3/15/04
In a message dated 3/7/2004 8:47:25 AM Pacific Standard Time,

I think that's a great idea..it will save on guess work too... i'll get back to
you later..Mimi
kanapal12000 <kanapal12000@...
I am so tired of eating the same stuff, so I had a thought....
If everyone contributed just one yummy recipe that is high in
protein and easy for WLS patients to digest, we could have the first
Gastric Bypass Cookbook for our group! I would be willing to compile
all the recipes then email a copy to all. Smoothie recipes welcome,
too.
Please email your recipe to me at r.whitesel@... if you are
interested.
Alicia
11/18/03
284/249/193/?

Joy,
I for one feel that there is no need for you to apologize. You in my
opionion had an honest question. I don't know if anyone else here in
the group has read Carnie Wilson's book "Gut Feelings" but she too
asked the same question and I LMAO!!!
Kathy

Hi all,
I am so tired of eating the same stuff, so I had a thought....
If everyone contributed just one yummy recipe that is high in
protein and easy for WLS patients to digest, we could have the first
Gastric Bypass Cookbook for our group! I would be willing to compile
all the recipes then email a copy to all. Smoothie recipes welcome,
too.
Please email your recipe to me at r.whitesel@... if you are
interested.
Alicia
11/18/03
284/249/193/?

Hi everybody,
Here's my update, I am about 2 and half months out now and I've lost
61 pounds. I think the weightloss is starting to slow down now and
I just had a couple questions for any of you.
When did your weightloss start slowing down?
When did you start getting hunger pangs? (I haven't had any yet)
What is your goal for calories for optimum nutrition?
(Sorry for all the questions. THANKS for sharing!)
Bridget Northam

that was so funny, me either told my husband he just laughed and walked
away,,,lol
Chris Barlage <Cbarlage@...
this is what I heard on the Oprah show a
couple of days ago. The doctor on there said that would have more protein
then a pork chop. So I would guess it would be good for your pouch. I made
sure my husband did not hear this cause I won't even go there. LOL
Chris B.
Surgery date 7/23/03
310/205/150?
BTC/ Columbus OH
Dr.Stelmack
Open RNY

I've been doing the same thing..preparing for later...i even recommended it to
my husband...see if it will help too...Mimi
Pamela <psk1957@...
supply. I get Spring Valley
brand and 1000mcg. I started taking it 1 month before surgery and had
very little hair loss and mine nails are growing great now! I am
still taking it and 1 1/2 years out.
Pamela
11/19/02
160 lbs gone!!
Miami

I hate to bring up that 'personal question' stuff but I just
remembered a news report that sorta relates to that. Doctors say
there is a big link with oral sex and throat cancer. I posted the
one of the newsreports below:
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994712
Ironically, I think the report came out about the same day that
a 'personal question' was asked on our board. To be honest with
you, my husband hasn't been interested in 'doing it' in a loooooong
time but I think I'll print that article out and hand it to him if
he ever wants some of that. LOL
Later,
Bridget

Joy, you're welcome...it was just a question....i'm glad that didn't stop you
from leaving the group...Mimi
jtaz64 <jtaz64@...
I offended by my
personal question I didn't realize that I would stir up so many
negative responses I thought it would be better to ask the question
here instead of asking my doctor I thought for sure that some of you
had already gone through the surgery and might have some experience
with this again I am sorry for stiring up problems and for those of
you that supported me on this thank you very much for your opinions
and answers they where appreciated...Joy

I would like to say sorry for those people that I offended by my
personal question I didn't realize that I would stir up so many
negative responses I thought it would be better to ask the question
here instead of asking my doctor I thought for sure that some of you
had already gone through the surgery and might have some experience
with this again I am sorry for stiring up problems and for those of
you that supported me on this thank you very much for your opinions
and answers they where appreciated...Joy

Funny post!! LOL (after having sex with the lights ON) and
yes...although sperm was close to my mouth, doesn't mean it WENT into my
mouth!

funny!!!!!!! I hope you had a great time tonight unlike me!!!!!!!!!!! You go
girl!!!!!!!

Now I do believe reading this message really made me laugh you were just way to
funny!!!!!!! I hope you had a great time tonight unlike me!!!!!!!!!!! You go
girl!!!!!!!
Diane
AmiRn76@... wrote:
And you can't spell. The friends I have made here, I love you dearly, but
its idiots like this chick here that are so prude, rude, uptight, closed minded,
selfish and conservative (I could go on and on) that ruin this group. I am
unsubcribing because I don't need this bs. This IS a gastric bypass group - GB
and everything that goes along with it - and that includes sex and everything
you put into your pouch and for some women, that includes sperm. Personally,
the mere thought of having sperm anywhere near my mouth makes me want to
vomit, but it didn't offend me to read about it. You are living in the ice age
Twinsmommy. It makes me wonder exactly how you conceived those twins. IVF?
With the lights off? I can't imagine someone as uptight as you are actually
doing the nasty. But no matter. I wash my hands of it all. I have a hot date
with hubby tonight and I think I will have sex afterwards! With the lights on!
In the livingroom! And I like it on top! Scandalous! How's that for too
much info? :þ
In a message dated 3/6/2004 5:37:26 PM Central Standard Time,
Twinsmommy42@... writes:
Well, you seem to know it all. I am not a sick person that wants to ask that
kind of stuff or to tell people my private stuff. This is a gastric bypass
group, not when to swallow or how much.
Your nuts

I did not run her out of the group nor understand why she would feel
like she needed to leave. No one was rude in their response just taken
aback that it was asked. I'm sorry that she felt that she needed to
leave....but as she has a right to ask the question, we also have a
right to our opinion and being vocal about the shock of asking the
question on the board is as legitimate opinion/question as the original
asked. In retrospect, I wouldn't have had the gumption to ask such a
question, in fact, I would probably use my surgery to get out of this
practice all together...LOL! Sorry, she left, but let's move forward
and use this board as the source it has become to one and all. As in
life, people come and go...but we can't lose site of the good that comes
from this group. Just one gal's opinion!
Carol Matar

Admittedly, I dont post very often. Its usually only when I feel lke I
really have something to add or when a thread really sparks my interest. Some
of
you are acting completely out of line regarding the question about being able
to swallow sperm after surgery. Thats right - I typed SPERM!!!! SPERM! There
- I did it twice more. Get over it. It was a completely legitimate question
and even something I had wondered about. Even though I dont swallow, I still
wondered, so I imagine that a woman who does would really need to know. This
forum is suppose to be about support and it is suppose to be a place to you
can ask anything, even questions you might be too embarrased to ask your doctor
face to face. And some of you ran her smooth out of the group. You should
be so ashamed of yourselves although I highly doubt you are.
Those of you who can't handle such personal topics as sex, should take a hint
from the subject line that she put on her email - PERSONAL QUESTION - and
just skip over it.
~ami~
Lap RNY 5-13-03
261/174.5/130

what is biotin and where do i get it? I have just started losing hair. Started
noticing it when I run my hands through my hair and get a hand full of hair. I
am three months post op.
rose
rainfaireey@... wrote:
Biotin is a fairly small pill, I didnt have to crush it, but I didnt start
taking it until I was about 4 mos out. I think it erally does work I mean I
still was losing hair, but I think it would have been alot worse had i not
started
taking them. well best of luck. Sheryl

Nora, Carry a bottle w/ you and take sm. sipps..mimi
Lenora <noratrulock@...
the worst headache my eyes hurt to open. i am so
dizzey when i lay down then get up. i feel so weak. like everything is drained
out of me. i
have been trying really hard to drink. but i still feel yucky. i ate so cottage
cheese and a
potien shake this morning i forced myself. i just can't take this. what should i
do. she i go
to my doctors. i have so much laundry to do. all i want to do is sleep. my
husband is
working this weekend. and my girls can be a little crazy when they know mommy is
resting. please any advice... nora

Tracee---yes, I too was on my period---it is not really a big deal. I am
also a nurse who works in surgery so trust me when i say that happens all of the
time. No one can wear a tampon in surgery anyway---so all i did and what we
do for all women that this happens to is wear a pad---no underwear is allowed
either--but they stay in place okay---dont worry about it---just be sure to
tell the nurse going into surgery so they will know and can help---CIndy

ok i think i am really Dehydrated. I have the worst headache my eyes hurt to
open. i am so
dizzey when i lay down then get up. i feel so weak. like everything is drained
out of me. i
have been trying really hard to drink. but i still feel yucky. i ate so cottage
cheese and a
potien shake this morning i forced myself. i just can't take this. what should i
do. she i go
to my doctors. i have so much laundry to do. all i want to do is sleep. my
husband is
working this weekend. and my girls can be a little crazy when they know mommy is
resting. please any advice... nora

my inbox is maxxed out, oops, kinda happens when you're a wls crusader. i'll
try u;though i'm not free till tonight, have a huge
business law test in 60 minutes.
lori h.

About protein...
I am seeing my surgeon on Wednesday and intend to ask him this
question. I'm looking for info/research on just how much of the 60-
80g of protein is actually absorbed. I have minor kidney issues and
certainly don't want to overtax them. However, my surgeon is aware
of my kidney function and had it been an issue for him, I think he
would have brought it up...but I will bring it up on Wednesday just
to be sure.
If anyone knows of a site to gather info on absorption...I'd love to
have the link!
Thanks!!
Tracee

Hi everyone just an update on how i am doing. I had my surgery on 11/18/03
and the weight is coming off nicely. I hit one plateau which lasted about 10
days. Day before surgery i weighed 318 and as of today I am 238. 80 lbs gone
forever....
i have been doing alot of research since this surgery looking into the
different aspects of the weight loss. comes with being in the medical field.
But i have a question for all of you that do the protien trains... I have read
in the medical journals and different articles and books that to much protien
also has adverse effects by overstraining your kidneys. From all i have read
so far The human body cannot handle more the 60g of protien any day. To
constantly try to push more will eventually lead to some damage to your kidneys.
As i have said in posts in past my Dr is one of the developers of the
laproscopic instruments for this procedure. He has done this procedure since
it's invention. he has a 99.9% success rate. As for diet he basically says Eat
whatever you want. he only pushed liquid and soft for the 1st 3 weeks. I asked
him about carb intake. he said again to limit the carbs is not wise. If you
lose weight to fast you can end up getting sick. Having a well balanced amount
of carbs in your daily diet is actually better so that the weight loss slows
down a bit and lets you body catch up to itself.. Just a sample of what i eat is
spinach salad with croutons, 1 slice of turkey cheese and dressing, I can eat
Egg foo young NO meat in it tho. I can eat peanut butter, I have bread
sticks and fish is big part of my meals... I have not been able to eat
meats(chicken, pork, steak.. Also I cant seem to eat tuna salad or chicken
salad)
If any of you can please send me a personal email (AMT520@...) I am
looking for a list of exercises you are doing to tigthen up flabby underarms,
Stomach, Butt and Thighs.... PLEASE send me what works for you.... I need to
establish a set program.
Work has been great I can keep up now with the weight loss and i dont
tire out as fast.... I actually now have a shot of competeing for a promotion
and
I dont feel so unsecure anymore....
FOR THE PRE OP's........... Dont let these TV shows scare you away....
Not that i had the perfect surgery... I have had several complications since
mine which put me in the hospital 2x. I have had problems eatting still today.
one day things are great next i cant hold a thing down. I have had trouble with
pain in lower right side pain in chest. I have had to go for upper GI twice
already. I had endoscope to see if opening closed up... So dont think this is a
breeze... If you decide to put your body through this procedure be prepared
for what could be afterwards a long haul twd recovery.
Well this was long drawn out so will say goodbye now....
Cori
11-18-03
open RNY
318- 238- 140's UNDER 100lbs to go

Lori H,
What's wrong with your email address? Can you email me off board please?
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/261/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to feel like I belong."

Hi Tracee,
First of all welcome to the family!
To answer your question, dont worry about it. Some of us (not all)
started right after. The surgery brings it on.
Pamela
11/19/02
160 lbs gone!!
Miami

Hi Lenora,
You really need to start pushing the fluids , You can carry a bottle of water
around with
you all day thats a good way to get the fluids in. You dont want to learn the
hard way about getting dehydraited , I just got of the hospital Tuesday I was in
there for a week.
when I first went in they couldnt even get a vain to start an IV becouse I was
so dehydraited it wasnt fun. When you make your shakes you could drink part of
them
and put the rest in the fridge for later instead of waisting them. Hope this
helps at least
a little.
Bonnie R
Open RNY
8/6/03
313/220/150
Lenora <noratrulock@...
hi all,
well i am now 2 months post opp. and have lost around 55 pounds so far. Anyways,
I just
really don't eat and drink. I know i don't get my 60-70 grams of protien a day
or my 64
fluid ozs of water too. maybe that is why i have headaches and tired alot. i am
just not
really a big eater. i have had all day i made homemade chilli i had about a cup
full really
small cup. glad i kept that down.. that was around 6 ish.. and i drink a little
through out
the day. nothing for breakfast really for lunch. well had a iced coffee. then
the chilli and
right now i just ate a small salad. I want to be able to open my frige and eat
lunch meat or
my potien shake i try but then i can't finish them. I just don't know what to
do. I need to
drink more. drinking is problaby more important right? i take all my vitamins
everyday. i
have been really bad on working out. i am starting up again. i just did all my
working out
for today then i ate a small salad. i need help on easy things on the go. i have
2 girls who
are active in sports and i am always on the go. I try my shakes but i never
finish them. so
kinda a waist. please tell me i am not alone. i feel i am doing bad with the
water intake and
the food. any advice will be grateful.
Nora
GB LAP
12/30/03
291/235/150
SAN DIEGO

I am curious as well...hope you get good results...Mimi
Tracee Moore <tracee@...
feather's...
I'm new here...and will intro myself later in the day. However, I
just realized that I will start my lovely period a few days before I
go in for my surgery on March 30th.
Anyone else go in while on their period? I only use pads because my
period has gotten so terribly heavy over the past year or so...
I have a VERY wonderful husband who is more than willing to help in
that area if I need him to...but was just wondering if any of you
have had to deal with this while having surgery and for the first few
days of recuperating.
Thanks!
Tracee

Tracey, I hope the best for you. I too am going thru the paperwork and i have
insurance. So regardless you still have to meet certain requirements..i am
dealing w/ the in-network and out- of- network issue w/ aetna.........mimi
Tracey Finch <csk470@...
called the dr office and talke to them and they are now telling me that i have
to wait almost a year not 6 months like they said before. i have medicaid. they
seem to be having all kinds of trouble or something but i feel like i am being
put off. so i called another dr office in cinncinati and they said if went there
it wouldnt be near as long. i already have the approval and she said we just
have to gather all the info they need have a consult with the dr and then
schedule my surgery. she seems to think as long as all goes well i could be in
their office in about 3 weeks and sugery about 4-6 weeks after that. so i called
the dr that i am seeing now and told their records lady what was going on and
she is gonna have my chart ready to go for me on wed. so i will go get that and
will be on the road to more running and paperwork. i dont care! i have come to
the idea that this is the 4th dr that i have had to deal
with. if i have to wait forever for him
too then i am going to give this up and hope that i just get lucky and deal with
all my medical problems. i cant go on yet another roller coaster. i just cant. i
know that having state insurance isnt the best but you know i could get a job
and get real insurance if i could get this surgery. i am so sick all the time
and cant chase the daycare kids like i used to.....this would make all the
difference in the world for me. my husband is supportive but really doesnt want
me to have it done. he is really worried about what could happen. i reminded him
what could happen if i dont. as it is we will be driving about an hour away for
the new dr at the university of cinncinati. i think it is worth the drive. i
just have to figure out what to do with the kids. please pray and keep your
fingers crossed that this will work out for me!!!
Tracey

I hope this doesn't ruffle anyones feather's...
I'm new here...and will intro myself later in the day. However, I
just realized that I will start my lovely period a few days before I
go in for my surgery on March 30th.
Anyone else go in while on their period? I only use pads because my
period has gotten so terribly heavy over the past year or so...
I have a VERY wonderful husband who is more than willing to help in
that area if I need him to...but was just wondering if any of you
have had to deal with this while having surgery and for the first few
days of recuperating.
Thanks!
Tracee

hi all,
well i am now 2 months post opp. and have lost around 55 pounds so far. Anyways,
I just
really don't eat and drink. I know i don't get my 60-70 grams of protien a day
or my 64
fluid ozs of water too. maybe that is why i have headaches and tired alot. i am
just not
really a big eater. i have had all day i made homemade chilli i had about a cup
full really
small cup. glad i kept that down.. that was around 6 ish.. and i drink a little
through out
the day. nothing for breakfast really for lunch. well had a iced coffee. then
the chilli and
right now i just ate a small salad. I want to be able to open my frige and eat
lunch meat or
my potien shake i try but then i can't finish them. I just don't know what to
do. I need to
drink more. drinking is problaby more important right? i take all my vitamins
everyday. i
have been really bad on working out. i am starting up again. i just did all my
working out
for today then i ate a small salad. i need help on easy things on the go. i have
2 girls who
are active in sports and i am always on the go. I try my shakes but i never
finish them. so
kinda a waist. please tell me i am not alone. i feel i am doing bad with the
water intake and
the food. any advice will be grateful.
Nora
GB LAP
12/30/03
291/235/150
SAN DIEGO

LMAO you go babay girl!!!!!!!! Its about time i hear something worht
hearing!!!!!!!!!!! She never said anything out of line it was left to you to
fill in the blanks so shame on each of you that found this gross!!!!!!!! Some
like some don't she did not ask that. As i to would like to know the answer to
this. please stay baby girl. As for the rest of you grow up and delete what you
cant answer font be so bitchy about it.
Diane
cheyanne1113@... wrote:
Mee TOO!!! There are somethings you talk about publically and then there are
somethings you talk about with just a physician or a good girlfriend.
Jessica in MI
325
Pre-Op surgery date is 4/02

Hi
I posted this a few days ago and have received a few emails saying they could
not sign on. I left out a hyphen so below is the correct link to join.
Please join us at

connie try to not think negative you sound just like me a few months ago..
truest me there will be a fight with insurance i have been fighting since
nov. i have no great advise liek some may, but
please do not let ti get you down.. try to walk or so some excersise if its
possible you will feel somuch better or just feel better when the excersise
is done..lol.. chin up girl.. be thinki