Gastric Bypass Weblog

Hello.
I'm finally doing my official intro although I already "snuck in"
two questions ;)
OK. I'll be 35 next week and I weigh about 260 (depends whose scale
I'm on) and I'm 5'7".
I live in CO with my Army husband and am going to see the Dr.
tomorrow to discuss having this surgery. Since we're army, we have
Tricare Prime insurance. If anyone out there stationed at Ft. Carson
that has had this surgery please email me -- I would really like to
talk to someone who has been through this with military insurance --
especially from my area because I know the insurance is different in
different regions.
Anyway... anyone have any advice for me for my first apt with the
doc?
Michelle

Sandi,
The clear liquid diet I was on was Water, Iced Tea, Kool Aid, black coffee,
herbal tea, chicken broth, jello. Water based things. Hope that helps.

Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the advice. I had considered doing liquids for a couple of days
but didn't know how that would work out. The thing is I still don't get
hungry (I think they disconnected my hunger trigger all together!) so I only
eat because I know I need to and if I get the munchies. On the weekends I
tend to go all day without eating a bite because I am doing things and never
think about it. Anyway, what do you consider clear liquids? I was never on
a clear liquid diet, just a liquid diet. What would constitute clear? Does
that mean you can't have anything but water? Please let me know as I may
give this a try starting tomorrow.
Sandi

Hi all--was just wondering if any of you used any type of frozen meals like
the Lean Quisine or weight watchers---just sometimes looking for something to
throw in the microwave---Im not a cooker by hobby---thanks--Cindy
Open rny 2-16-04
300/258/150

Sandi,
By Anniston to you mean Anniston, Alabama? I am just outside of Mobile, AL.
Glad to have you back posting again. I am sure your weight will start moving
again, after all it is summer and you will most assuredly be getting out
doing things. Good luck.
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-245-141lb
BMI 65/40

There was a guy name Bob that was on here and he had the surgery 20 years ago
and he was fine.
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-245-141lb
BMI 65/40

Hi everyone!
It has been a long time since I posted but for good reason. I had
major computer problems which resulted in my computer crashing and we
had to buy a new one. We have finally gotten a new one and hopefully
I will be back in full swing on it in no time.
Just a refesher on me, I had my surgery on August 26th 2003 with Dr.
Bryan Freeman in Anniston. The day of surgery I weighed 375 #'s. As
of this past Sunday I weigh 232 #'s which is a loss of 143 #'s. I am
now almost 8 months out. Things have slowed down considerably in the
weight loss. I now go a couple of weeks at a time without losing
anyting. Here are my questions......is it normal to go a couple of
weeks at a time without losing anything at this stage? Remember, I
still have 50 pounds to lose to get to my doctors goal for me and 82
pounds to lose to get to my personal goal. How much should I be
eating at this stage? I feel like I am eating so much but know that
it is no where near what I ate pre-surgery. Yesterday was a typical
day for me, let me know what I did wrong...
Breakfast
1 trail mix bar
Lunch
Seafood salad (lots of shrimp)
Supper
Chicken and Rice mixture with veggies
Snack
Banana & 2 baby kosher dills
Fluid intake
Too much to keep up with!!!! :)
Does anybody have any ideas what I can do to speed this thing back
up? I have too much left to lose to stop now. My one year
anniversary is not that far away and I would at least like to be to
my doctors goal for me if now my own. Not to mention we have our
Bariatric Ball coming up in October and I wanna be looking sharp for
it!!!! :) Any input or help on this matter would be greatly
appreciate!!
Sandi Custer
Lap RNY 8-26-03
Dr. Bryan Freeman
375/232/150

Jessica,
I bet with the swelling and gas associated with the surgery it's tough to
notice physically. You should take a trip to your dr.'s office and check.
It just might make you feel better. I have a very hard time beleiving that
with this tool and following the dr.'s orders, you wouldn't lose any weight
in 2 weeks. Something just doesn't seem right to me about that. And feel
good about yourself regardless! You did something amazing for yourself, for
your health and for your life!
Take care!
Sarah Vandever
Lap/RNY 4-6-04
304-287-165

I drink Propel, and its made by Gatorade..
Pam

Don't let those girls bother you, they are just jealous. I hope that I can
feel as good as you in that length of time. My surgery was 2 weeks ago and I
just don't think I have lost anything. I don't feel like I look any different.
I know I need to be patient but, it's frustrating.
Jessica in MI
308 post-op 4/2/04

can anyone tell me if your allowed to drink datorade or even
powerade after surgery??? cause i'm a gatorade nut thanks..Joy

And that is a very good point. They don't know how we feel. I watched the
video clip that was sent to us today. They make it sound like this is something
that is becoming fashionable to do and that people are just rushing out and
getting it done like tattoos or something. This is something that I and I am
sure most of us have agonized over when trying to decide if this is something
that we need to do. Who in their right mind would have their stomach cut up and
internal organs rerouted and change the way we can eat food for the rest of our
lives if we did not need the help this procedure offers. It is not an easy
decision and it will not be an easy road to follow on the other side. But thin
people don't know what it feels like being stuck in a fat body that won't
cooperate with what we want to do.
That was a little more emotional than I originally intended. But I mean every
word of it. This is a life saving decision for us, not a cosmetic decision like
the news stories and other articles make it appear.
Dora

Lori,
Congratulations on the great weight loss. I too know just what you are going
through. I am down 118lbs from 288. 10mos post op lap rny. Some of my friends
seem a little jealous, I guess thats what you would all it, see I have lost
weight and they have put on a few lbs, I mean they are by no means fat, but last
summer and the summers before that they were alll thinner than I was,and they
couldn't understand why I was so depressed from my weight. Well they are kind
of realizing it now. I have alot of people who say, wow you have really lost
weight, but the ones who are closest to me, don't even aknowledge my weight
loss. I guess I just feel that they should, selfish on my part ? maybe, but hey
I had to go through all of their happy summers, hearing about how they bought
new clothes and what not, well its my turn, I acctually weigh less than a few
of them now, i think that is the part that they hate, probebly because they
never thought I would acctually lose the weight. Oh well I hope I don't sound
terrible,But hey!! we feel good about ourselves right! its about damn time. So
in closing all I can say is you GO GIRL!!! take care and keep up the great
work. Sheryl
Sheryl MI.
LAP RNY
6-10-03
118 from 288 =118
gone forever!

I agree with you. I don't think any of them know how any of us feel. I am going
thru a messy divorce because of my weight loss. My husband of 23 yrs felt safe
with me at my heaviest and when i started losing weight calling me names ,
accusing me of cheating when i was doing nothing wrong. I got to the point where
i stayed in the house and wouldnt go anywhere so i couldnt be accused of
anything but it still continued. Then I would go to work and be accused of being
with any guy even guys walking down the street. I went thru this for 12 months
then I made a choice to separate. I am at my happiest now for the past 6 months.
The jeaulously in him drove me away and even to this day he says mean things to
me. I now have a new boyfriend and he is nothing but nice and understands what I
am going thru. I think when you continue to get accused of things you didnt do
it takes its toll on you.
Barbara in NJ
legalsec102 <legalsec102@...
well some of these women are going through messey divorces, etc.
Another gal is probly about 350 pounds and is probly jealous. She
says she doesn't need the surgery cuz she is healthy and likes
herself the way she is, but I see a lot of "sadness" in her face. You
are right about even skinny people having low self esteem.
The problem is I serve on the board of directors of my group and
these are the people who are giving me the rough time (just some of
them). I'm considering dropping off the board.
Thanks for your response

I too have a friend that is trying to talk me out of it. She is a little heavy
herself, but has always been able to loose weight when she wants to. She gains
it back but she does loose it. I explained to her that I have a different
opinion on food than she does. I look at some foods and can't say no to them.
She can have cookies in her house for weeks and not eat them if she decides that
she isn't going to. Long story short, I think that there will always be a
number of people who just don't understand and want to talk us out of it. I
have just made up my mind and I am going to have the surgery.
Dora

Hi Friends,
Oh do I know what you are going through and I am Pre-op! I have a
very dear friend,thin one that is,who I share everything with. We
have been like sisters for 20 years. Well low and behold, she is
trying to talk me out of WLS. She knows how I feel and how much I
want to live a normal life with less weight. Now that I am seeing a
psy that treats eating disorders, she thinks I will be able to loose
on my own. Her words to me this AM, "When you work through why you
over eat, you will loose." My goodness would that not be
wonderful! Why did I not think of it 40 years ago...LOL...I think
thin folks just have no idea what we go through, medical problems,
as well as all the other side effects.
So you go girlfriend, tell everyone how much you have lost and how
grand you feel about yourself. Surely to God, they have their own
disabilities, perhaps mental ones!!!
I am very proud for you. One day soon I will be where you are, on
the other side!
Marla

This group has truly been a blessing to me. It is so nice to have someone
who 'understands' what I am talking about. My husband, love his soul, has
not a clue to the pain I feel with this heel spur and feels so totally
helpless when I hurt.
The doc says that it is not the spur that hurts but rather the inflammation
that it is causing but so far, we have struck out on finding an
anti-inflammatory that I can take. Seem to have a bad reaction to all the
ones they tried so far as well as the steroids. Can you say PUFFER FISH?
LOL
I go back to him tomorrow and will insist that he schedule me for surgery
next week if possible so that we can remove the spur and the bunion on my
little toe (same foot). I can't have this flare up every 5 or 6 months
especially when there is not a med I can take for it yet.
As for the job, I was hired for "seasonal" work so the normal rules don't
really apply to me. They had me working all the time but never 'upgraded'
me to a real employee ....... I think he does that on purpose. I will know
more about that on Friday. I really don't want to work for him anymore
given that I have seen his true colors over the past week. I have lost all
respect for that man.
Anyway, thank you all for the info and for the understanding on what I feel.
Just knowing that I am not insane where this is concerned helps me.
I have really enjoyed this group and have learned a lot so far. Looking
forward to getting to know everyone better when I am not so drugged up on
pain meds = )
I have tried to not type too much in this state of mind LOL.
ICE

In a message dated 4/14/2004 1:36:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,
wlslori@... writes:
http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/medicalreports/C651/
nope didnt work for me =o(
Linda
10-21-03

Okay, I have another question. I realize that we have to have our protein
and water intake, but I'm curious does the water that you mix with your
protein count towards your intake of water?
Vickie
5'01" BMI 41 pre-op 215
6-7-04
Heavenly Scents Candle Company
Vickie Smith
523 Dickson Circle
Sherman, Texas 75090
903-893-3833
website: www.heavenlyscentstx.us
e-mail: rasmith@...

Yes the Protein drinks also count toward your fluid intake. By the
way I like mixing Milk because you get extra protein and calcium
LoriB

Thanks Lor, "we'll talk"!!!! I plan to start going back to my
support group in June for sure.

Hi Mariah, I know I'm not one of the people you were referring to,
but I do live in CO and would love to have someone in person to talk
to about this stuff. And I'm a nice person too ;) What part of CO
are you in?
Michelle
Fountain, CO (just south of Colorado Springs)
<< You guys sound so nice, I wish you lived in Colorado
Mariah

http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/medicalreports/C651/
this link better work, lol.
lori h.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/8416411.htm

Uhhh.... where did you find this info? I'm new here (haven't done a
proper intro yet) and my first apt to talk to a dr about having this
surgery is Friday. Is the below info correct?!?! Now I'm getting
scared!!!
Michelle
<< say it's all good and fine the first 5 years - but just wait!!
Death, weight re-gain, no metabolism, liver & kidney melt down,
constant nausea and vomiting,

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/8416411.htm?1c
hope the link works. the story is relevant, since it will directly
affects patient & consumer rights in our state. for ALL of us that
try try to research our docs/surgeons, etc.
lori h.
23 grateful months post-op,
by His grace

welcome back, dawn! great to hear that omar has regained his
quality of life. keep up the good work & wtg on reaching out to
others:-)
lori h.
23 grateful months out in the magic city

hey loriB, amiga. i agree w/ the input from the group. these so
called friends need to be downgraded to acquaintances, u frankly do
not need their baggage. continue working on the mission of the
board, but no need for self disclosure or sharing w/ these folks.
don't let 'em get u down, you're working on the new u. keep on
keeping on & CHIN UP, hunny.
& u can always make connections @ in-person wls support groups. my
miami wls budds are some of the most outstanding ppl i ever met. (&
coincidentally, there's a handful of us in the legal profession...)
lori h.

Check obesityhelp.com It will give you a list of dr's
and the type of insurance they accept in your
area/state.

How great is that!!!! I would be happy to not have to use an extender on the
plane. I have never even thought about being able to put the tray down. I
always use the person that I am traveling with's tray. That is awesome. You
hang in there and keep kicking.

Yes you are correct Thank God we have this group where everyone
identifies! I LOVE MY LIFE! (at least most of the time these days!!)
I just went on a plane for the first time since I lost weight and I
was able to get the seat belt on with about four inches to spare, I
was able to put my tray down and not have it sitting on my
stomach!!! It was actually about three inches away from me! and
there was actually extra room in my seat.
I too wanted to be "foxy at 50"!!!! I THINK IT WILL HAPPEN (-:
GOTTA GET BACK TO WORK!

well some of these women are going through messey divorces, etc.
Another gal is probly about 350 pounds and is probly jealous. She
says she doesn't need the surgery cuz she is healthy and likes
herself the way she is, but I see a lot of "sadness" in her face. You
are right about even skinny people having low self esteem.
The problem is I serve on the board of directors of my group and
these are the people who are giving me the rough time (just some of
them). I'm considering dropping off the board.
Thanks for your response

Thank you for understanding. Isn't it wonderful to be able to look
at yourself in a mirror and feel like "YEAH, YOU GO GIRL!!!!" There
were so many times through the years when I would go to a restaurant
and find myself looking at myself in a mirror. I couldn't stand it,
I always changed places with someone. I used to sit in the passenger-
side of my car when the dh was driving and see myself in theright
sideview mirror and want to cry from total disgust! NOT ANYMORE AND
HOPEFULLY IF I DO WHAT I'MSUPPOSED TO DO, NEVER AGAIN!
lORIb

I AM SO GLAD YOU POSTED THIS LORI!
I am experiencing theses same things! Who is that person I'm seeing? It is
just so weird! I'm also 49 and decided I wanted to be healthy when I turn the
big 5-0. And I want to look good.
As for your "friends", they just don't understand and they cannot comprehend
what a new experience this is for us. That's why this is such a great site.
We all understand exactly what everyone here is feeling and experiencing.
Keep up the great job! And keep sharing here, we don't judge!
Joyce B
268/220/ ?
1/15/04

LoriB,
That is a tough one. I have never lost the weight and had to deal with that,
but here is my two cents worth. One thing that you have to keep in mind is that
these people do not know the euphoria that you are feeling. They don't know
what it is like to not be able to live your life and now all of a sudden you
can. They have no reference point from where you have come. Another thing is
that even skinny people can have low self-esteem. And some people can be very
intimidated by people who have good self-esteem. That may also be a problem
that you are facing. These people may not feel good about themselves and they
don't understand or are jealous that you do. I have encountered that before.
You don't have to be fat to have low self-esteem. Now neither of these reasons
give them the right to be talking behind your back. You look to these people as
your friends and they should treat you as their friend. Now, what you do with
this is your call. You can ask them about it to try and reconcile your
friendship, because if you don't it will always be hanging over you. Or you can
move on and try and find people who are truly your friends and will except you
no matter what you look like or how you feel about yourself. I hope that some
of that helps, and that is just my two cents. But you continue to live your
life and enjoy every day of it and don't you dare let anyone get in the way of
that.
Dora

I find women are catty, all women. ANyways, i think the thin ones defiantley
do NOT understand our excitement over losing weight. They never had to have
this problem. I am thinking I would be very tempted to tell them how I feel and
what your hubby told you. I think they need to know you are NOT bragging but
are HAPPY. Maybe they are just IGNORANT. But you ahev a right to feel great
about yourself and I know i do too. I LOVE seeing a smaller me in pics and in
the mirror. i still have more to go but I am still a happy girl. Good Luck
everything
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 had mine removed a year before surgery. i thought most docs remove the
gallbladder when they do the WLS. I had emergency gallbladder removal because i
was loaded with stones and it hit me hard one night on my way to bed and doubled
me right over. i thought I was having a heart attack at first and went
straight to the ER and was admitted and had surgery the next day to remove the
stones stuck in my tract and the next day had surgery to remove the gallbladder.
I
would get it checked, it can get VERY painful.
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 :)

Hi ALex, I am only 1 1/2 years post op but I am gald I had my surgery. I was
ssooos cared too right up until surery day but I did it and am happy I did. I
know that I would nbever feel this good if I did not and I did not want to
live as fat as I was. I still have NOT made it to goal weight though.I was not a
good follower of my diet, I was a first but once I could eat junk I did. i
need to still learn to say NO to junk food. I know i will still get to goal
though. I still cannot overeat so that is a good thing. I am currently pregnant
(
6 months) so I am at a standstill but I am going to get my ass in gear after.
I have still lost 140 pounds and uit is a GREAT feeling and I would do it all
over again if I had to. Good Luck Alex and I hope your nerves settle down and
all goes smoothly for you. The worst problem I had after surgery was the
drainage tube aggravating me. I had mine in 2 weeks but i know others who got it
out before coming home. I also have a hernia near my incision from lifting kids
too soon but it is NOT painful and I will get that fixed later when i lose the
rest and get a tummy tuck :)
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 :)

Here's a good one: Tell me how you really feel but please be kind!!!!
Okay, I've just dropped almost 80 pounds since October 3, 2003. I am
feeling proud of myself. I'm driving my husband nuts cuz I can't
stop looking at myself in mirrors, windows, anything that will show
me! I felt so horrible about myself for so many years and to see
this thin little face, blows my mind! Anyway, my co-workers are all
so happy for me. They compliment me constantly. It's embarrassing,
but I handle it graciously. Now my "friends" are another thing. I
belong to an organization that I am very active in. I thought most
of these people were really happy for me. I haven't been bragging
all that much with them even tho they are my "friends". Immediately
after the surgery, I was asking the thin ladies how much they weighed
to gage what I would look like. I would say "How much do you
weigh?" They would smile and tell me maybe like - 135 and I
said "I'm going to be right down there with you someday!!" Then they
would smile and tell me how great that was... . A bunch of pictures
were taken of me and this group and I made a couple of comments about
how I couldn't believe it was actually "me" in those pix! People
seemed happy for me, were patting me on the back, etc.
Well that was a few months ago and now I'm finding these people are
throwing these things back in my face when I'm not around. My dh
went to a meeting that I didnt go to and he told me people were
saying nasty stuff like "Well, you should have heard Lori asking
people how much they weighed...." or "You should have heard her when
she saw a picture of herself..." I feel like they have turned on
me. I thought cuz they were my friends and were all thin I could say
this stuff to them. I won't say anything around them about my weight
anymore I guess. By the way it's all women who are saying this stuff.
Can you all understand what I'm going through here? My Gosh, I was
so heavy and looked so awful for soooo many years. I am 49 and think
that I am just now finally really starting to like myself. I had
almost 48 years of extremely low self esteem.
That's it, just needed to vent. Has anyone else experienced mean-
ness from people they thought were their friends after weight loss?
Thanks
LoriB
LAPRNY 10/3/04 228/151/130
ft laud fl
dr. english
P.S. Just found out I can tolerate sugar. This is not good. We all
have to remember: We have a TOOL! That's all the pouch is, a tool!

You need to make sure this is what you want to do. It is a big step and not one
that I think anyone should take lightly. For yourself, please take time to
think it through and weigh all the risks. You have until May 7 to back out.
Don't ever do something like this that you don't want to do because from what I
have heard it is not a cake walk after you come out of surgery. Good luck and
keep us posted.
Dora

That is good to hear. I thought that the fact that I had an under active
thyroid and that is why I might be gaining weight would hinder me. I was afraid
that the insurance company would try to blame all this weight on my thyroid and
suggest that meds would take care of it. Thanks.

Vicki--the bra thing was really a pain--i COULDNT wear one at all for almost
2 weeks---it hit right on the scar which was very painful--not sure what to
tell you--good luck--Cindy

You guys sound so nice, I wish you lived in Colorado
Mariah

It's the scaredy pants again! Surgery date for May 7th!! Still not
sure I want to do this (doing it now because I'll lose my insurance
soon) - maybe I've gone overboard reading stuff on the web!! Lots of
posts I've seen say it's all good and fine the first 5 years - but
just wait!! Death, weight re-gain, no metabolism, liver & kidney
melt down, constant nausea and vomiting, no one will love me, the
world will come to an end . . . any opinions, suggestions, feedback?
Also, I'm pretty confident of my Doc's ability to cut but, from what
I've heard, he STINKS at follow up and taking care of complications.
No other doc in the state (Utah) is covered by my insurance. I've
alread had trouble with his office staff but had a little heart-to-
heart with the office manager and got some results.
Anyone had good/bad follow-up?
Thanks everyone!!
Alex
Pre-op RNY
5'6" 250lbs

To my surprise I tried to see about 4 or 5 doctors in Sacramento and
northern California. To my surprise they don't take Medicare. I guess
they don't pay enough for the doctor or something. If you happen to know
a doctor Please let me know. I am very happy for those of you who have
been approved and also those who had the surgery. Ryan

Hello My name is ann and I had rny/lap 16mths. ago and have lost around 120
lbs. was doing fine until a couple of days ago. I think I am having gall
bladder symptoms. Has anyone had any problems with their gall bladder after
surgery?
If so please share the symptoms. thanks ann
ann M
lap/rny
242/ 130

It will just be easier to get approval. I have thyroid disease too and it
will not be a reason to not get surgery.
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 :)

of course there are chewable citrate pills. go to a GNC or i got mine at the
Vitamin Shop.

I have a silly question to the women of the group who have had open rny. I
was wondering how do you go about putting on a bra in the weeks after your
surgery? I unfortunately am well endowed in that area, and I can not go
without a bra. It occured to me the other day that the way I put mine on,
it would interfere with my scar. Is it painful to wear one? I would
appreciate any suggestions or help in this area. Thank you for your replies
in advance.
Vickie
5'01" BMI 41 pre-op 215
6-7-04
Heavenly Scents Candle Company
Vickie Smith
523 Dickson Circle
Sherman, Texas 75090
903-893-3833
website: www.heavenlyscentstx.us
e-mail: rasmith@...

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
FL Medical Center meeting
Tuesday April 20, 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.

Hi Everyone,
I've been a member for awile but haven't posted much. My name is Dawn
and my husband Omar and I live in Orlando. Omar had LAP-RNY at the
Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida with Dr. Raul Rosenthal on April
7, 2003 and has lost a total of 240 pounds! He started at 525 and now
weighs 285. His is the inspiration and love of my life and I'm so
very happy for him because he has his life back.
A little history about us. I met Omar in a chat room in January 1999.
At that time he had been housebound almost 5 years. He didn't leave
his room, people had to come to his home and take care of all his
personal needs and he had basically lost all his friends because of
his downward spiral into becoming anti-social and a non-contributing
person in society.
he wasn't always like that though. In high school he played all
sports and was on the wrestling team and football team. He played
college football in Ohio and that was when things began to change. He
busted his right leg and his football days were over. He moved back
to Miami and graduated from UM but depression began to take over. He
then had to take care of an ailing grandmother and then his mother
became ill. Add to that some BAD personal relationships and you had
the recipe for bad things.
His grandmother passed away and then his mom. By this time he had to
quit work because the company that he worked for, who had been
sending a special van daily to get him to work couldn't afford to do
that anymore so Omar quit his job.
The way he dealt with everything was through food like most of us
have done.
When we meet in the chat room I was living in SC. We began emailing
each other and then talking on the phone. I went to meet him a few
months later and we have been together ever since. We got married on
March 23, 2002. There were many things in out way and it hasn't been
easy at all but we have managed to keep it together and finally are
looking forward to a bright future.
I myself am obese and I am in the process of getting all my stuff
together to have GPS. Hopefully, it will be sometime this summer. I
was reading the post from the woman who went to the amusement park
and that made me want to write. Omar hadn'r been to Disney since 1985
and 1 of his motivations to lose weight was to be able to walk around
the park and ride the rides. Well, he has been able to do that twice
this year so far. It was so great seeing him doing all those things
he wanted to do. I'm so proud of him and he deserves all the
happiness he gets because he is such a caring and wonderful human
being. he is truly a GOOD person.
I am hoping to stay more active in this group from now on. For those
of you that have had some setbacks in trying to have this surgery,
please hang in there because it will be worth it. The quality of life
that you will receive after the surgery is worth all the paperwork,
stress,pain in the butt people you have to talk to, etc. We all have
to take it one day at a time but there will be a reward for all of
your work and patience.
For those of you who live around the Orlando area, Omar and I have
get togethers once a month for any pre/post op people and their loved
ones. If you're interested in this just let me know. We also are
willing to visit with you one on one if the monthly get togethers are
difficult for you to attend or if you have some concerns about being
around a large group of people. We can meet at your home, a library,
coffeehose/bookstore, wherever you feel comfortable. We just want to
lend support to others and help whenever we can.
Sincerely,
Dawn Barrera

Ok, I have a few questions. They have tested my thyroid and tested
it because of my weight. Now that I am trying to get this surgery
it comes back underactive and could be part of the reason for the
weight gain and tiredness. What will that do to trying to get
insurance to approve? Does anyone have an underactive thyroid and
still had surgery? I know it is not the reason I am fat. I have
been fat my whole life and this is just now showing up. I am
probably panicing for no reason, but any little kink in the system
makes me start to worry. I know the insurance company will get out
of paying in any way if possible.

Welcome Dora,
I had my surgery right before Christmas and people said are you sure
you want to have surgery right before the holiday but you know it
was the best Christmas present to myself ever! I have lost 84
pounds so far and pretty soon I will be in the 270's which is less
than I have weighed in probably ten years. I hear that there is a
big difference in weightloss depending on your starting weight (I
was almost 360) and everyone's body metabolism is just different.
Also the rny works differently than the banding so you should do
alot of research on what you prefer. I listened to my surgeon who
specialized in rny and prefers it because of the quick initial
weightloss and less malnutrition.
Keep us posted on your decision and good luck!
Bridget Northam

Hi Dora,
I have to tell you that you have already been of help here. Your questions
have made me stop and think, and your encouragement to people has made me
smile on days when I really need that smile. I hope that you get to have
your surgery soon, and will keep you in my thoughts. I didn't start the
process until I was 44 and wish I did it years ago, but we all have to wait
until the time is right in order to succeed. If I can ever help you just
let me know.
Claudia
2-10-04
404pre-op/358surg/324/160?

So, I guess it is better late than never. I am 33 and live in
Nashville, TN (anyone else from TN?). I am married to a wonderful
man whom I have been with for over 7 years. We just got married in
October of this last year so we just celebrated our 6 months wedding
anniversay just after we celebrated our 7 year dating anniversary.
He now admits he should have married me years sooner. We have no
kids and are not sure that we ever will. I am not the most maternal
of people.
I have been heavy my entire life. The last time I was thin I was 3
years old. But as I get older the heavier I get. I am at my top
weight right now. I have been researching the GPS for about a year
now and wish I had started the process long before now. I
officially started the process about 2 months ago. I am so looking
forward to the surgery because I am so ready to get on with my
life. I am tired of not being able to live like everyone else. I
am supposed to schedule my sleep study today for some date in the
future. I also go see the surgeon for the first time next Tuesday.
Hopefully I won't have too difficult a time with my insurance
company. They have been very kind so far.
And I want to thank you all for all the help you have given me so
far. Hopefully I will be of help to someone else some day soon.
Dora

Wolfie,
You are doing great. I am so happy for you. I have missed you on here.
One of your Alabama partners. As of this morning I am down 141 lb. I know
longer use my wheelchair at all except to go to Walmart.
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-245-141lb
BMI 65/40

Well hello everyone! How are things going with you? Well here pretty good.
Marriage is wonderful. Weight loss is getting there and I feel wonderful except
of course for the usual old age pains, lol. Well for a while it seemed the
scales weren't going to move again and I was getting pretty upset. I know , I
know, be patient. lol. Well I have now lost another five pounds in addition to
the weight I had lost over the last three which I think as of Sunday it was an
additional four pounds lost so I have lost another five pounds...Drum roll
please...a total of 127 pounds lost! I am so excited I want it to all come off
so
I can get my TT and get into even smaller clothes.
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Ima kickin up heels here in Alabama! lol. Skinny
Wishes everyone! Hugs to
ya all!
Wolfie
Leeds, Alabama
"Keep It Real & Off the Top"
Lap Rny & Choly
Dr. Lee Schmitt
Medical Center East
August 27,2003
349Pre-Op/336/222/200

POPSICLES--POPSICLES--POPSICLES sugar free, of course!
That's my answer! I know they certainly help me. You do have to make sure
your getting plenty of protein in too. I have found that if I increase my
protein, I'm more inclined to be satisfied. Also you might need to do some mind
games with yourself. Like questioning as to whether this is an old habit
creeping through or am I REALLY hungry or is it my head telling me I want a
snack?
Sometimes it can be an oral fixation and you just need something in your mouth
not in your stomach. At any rate, if ya gotta snack, snack healthy! Like I
said, popsicles do it for me!
Joyce
268/222/?
1/15/04

Hi Dupe,
I'm not as far out from my surgery as you but I worry too about
having problems snacking eventually. So far, my nutrionist tells me
I'm not eating enough! Anyways, the first thing we've all been told
is to be sure you're getting enough water in to get that feeling of
fullness. Also, are you getting enough protein in? Protein really
helps with weightloss and feeling full. By the way Dupe, how far
out were you when you started snacking too much and having weight
fluctuations? Did this just start recently?
Feel good about yourself because you realize whats happening and you
are working on getting back on track.
Take care,
Bridget

Barbara Thompson wrote a book you would be pleased with it tells everything
about this surgery.
Joyce
11/12/03
290/203/150
"ICE @--
Are there any book available to read about the gastric bypass R-N-Y and the
eating rules that apply or is it so varied that they don't have any?
I know that there seems to be as many different approaches to diet and such
as there are doctors so I am trying to gather as much info as I can and make
some kind of sense of it all.
Some docs say no milk, others say it is ok..... some say liquid for 8 weeks
others say different...
It can get very confusing it seems. I asked at the library today and they
said they did not have any books on the topic. Anyone know of any?
Thanks,
ICE

Hello everyone, I'm new to the group. I had my WLS 3Sep2003. I was
278 lbs and have since lost 84 or so. My problem is snacking. I
seem to eat more everyday so my weight fluctuates on a daily basis.
I'm becoming increasingly worried. I know one would say "just stop
eating", but it's really hard. I really need some motivation or
even a good fussing at. I don't want to fail. Please advise me.
Thank you. Dupe'

Hi all! I'm a new member and I promise to introduce myself better in
the future, but right now I'm in trouble and I need your help. :)
I live in Miami, am 38 5'3" with an BMI 58.5. I have Lupus (lots of
co-morbidities: arthritis, circulation, slight asthma, sleep apnea,
elevated blood sugar, heart murmer, etc.). My insurance is Humana
HMO (Medicaid). The rats have denied my surgery!
The reason they give is "at least 1 year of a physician supervised
diet."
Now I go to my doctor's office about once a month (& get weighed)
and I have been on diets all of this time, but it is no use because
of the prednisone I can't lose any weight no matter what I do. The
diets I've done have all been over the counter (Slim-fast) and "book
diets" (South Beach, Atkins, Pritikin, etc.), but mostly I've been
doing WW on my own (I have the materials from previous attempts, so
I have not attended meetings).
Ok, here come the questions: :)
* Can I "marry" my attempts with docs weigh-ins?
* Will this work?
* Has anybody else done this?
* How much documentation does one have to have (I don't have it
all journaled, but I did it!)?
* I am completly stumped how to get started, does anybody have
an example of an appeal letter that I can take a look at?
Any and all help is very appreaciated! I am scared out of my mind! I
need this surgery so very badly ...
Thanks for listening to this lunatic :)
Elsa
330/330/110

Hi Andra...Glad hubby is home and doing well!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!
sherri

I just had my surgery done in Lansing!! I will have my 2 week appt. this
Thur. Dr. Kam is my surgeon and he is very good. He's through the MSU Dept. of
Surgery. You are like the only person I have met on here that is from
Lansing. That is so kool. The hospital I stayed at was Sparrow Hospital. The
number
at Dr. Kam's office is (517)267-2460. I hope that all this helps.
Jessica in MI
308 Post-op 4/2/04
Mom to Nate -5 and Maylynn-2

I can go to weight watchers and get my records? It has been maybe 20 years.
Would that be to far apart from now? Cause that is what I need now. My
insurance wants 5 years of recorded file of dieting.
Thank you,
Mary Katherine

hi Nora,
I don't know much about your liver count being high. But if it's any
consolation, to let you know I too had and still continue to have problems with
my
tailbone hurting. Especially when sitting for long periods at a time or sitting
to far back. I posted my problem and it seems that it is a common problem
primarily with females. No one seemed to have an explanation including my Dr. as
time has gone on it seems to have lessened up a bit. Several people suggested
an inflatable pillow like one used for (hemorroid sufferers) not fully inflated
is best. I haven't tried it, because my two little ones keep me off my rear
most of the day. I have noticed that when I do sit and shift my weight
differently it doesn't hurt as much. I hope any of this information helps.
Good luck
to you and keep up the great work with your loss.
Laura
lap 5/17/03
326/194/145(goal)

Are there any book available to read about the gastric bypass R-N-Y and the
eating rules that apply or is it so varied that they don't have any?
I know that there seems to be as many different approaches to diet and such
as there are doctors so I am trying to gather as much info as I can and make
some kind of sense of it all.
Some docs say no milk, others say it is ok..... some say liquid for 8 weeks
others say different...
It can get very confusing it seems. I asked at the library today and they
said they did not have any books on the topic. Anyone know of any?
Thanks,
ICE

hi,
well i had lots of blood work done today... and my Dr.(well the dr who is
filling in for my
dr) Anyway, he said my liver count is a little high...I am not sure what that
means...he just
said to make an appt with my dr to follow up on this...I am worried here..what
is this..why
is this happening...i told him i had the gastric bypass surgery almost 3 1/2
months ago.
Shouldn't my blood work be fine? I don't eat crap anymore..he doesn't know
either....does
anyone had this? And I am having BIG PROBLEMS with my tailbone..i have always
had pain
back there but since my surgery it has been really bad. i can't sleep or sit
very long
without being in pain. this dr just sent me home with advil...i call my dr. and
he said i can
give you strong pain meds if i want..i told him i don't want pain meds they just
mask it. i
want this fix or find out what is wrong with me..i don't know what to do with
myself..i just
though i would be all fixed after my surgery...well, NOT. any advice please
email me...
Nora
Gastric Bypass Lap
12/30/03
291/220/150 71 pounds gone forever!!!!!!!
San Diego,CA

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Cedars Med Cntr support group/information meeting
Wednesday April 14, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event does not repeat.
Event Location: conference area next to garage
Street: www.cedarsmedicalcenter.com
City, State, Zip: Miami, FL
Notes:
the Mercy hospital meeting has MOVED to Cedars Med Cntr

well i have spent the entire day on the phone trying to talk to a human at the
state level of medicaid!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr is all i can say!!!
my dr has been having a hard time getting my approval changed to them from a dr
that was gonna do my surgery. i have been approved and all but they want to make
sure they are the ones that are gonna get paid! cant blame them lol but now my
surgery may be on hold till they can get it worked out. i am scheduled for the
22nd of april but looks like it may have to wait a bit. kinda depressing but i
know i could be waiting alot longer!!! im just kinda bummed couse it was all
going so smooth and well i just knew there had to be a bump in the road!! i know
the lady at the dr office finally got to a voice mail of the supervisor of the
pre approvals so i hope that she will call her back in the next day or so, so i
can go ahead and get my pats done and see the nutritionist and dr for the last
visits for surgery, please keep your fingers
and toes crossed for me so that this is over by tomorrow!!! i hate this roller
coaster ride! i am soooooooooo close but just not there!!!!
Tracey

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday April 12, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

<< Will my depression ever go away
I'm new to this group and I don't know you'r name, but I have battled
depression for many years and found medication was vital for me to pull out
of it. So, if you feel you are 'stuck' in a black hole of depression, please
do not hesitiat to get professional help. Good help is out there and can
make a world of difference in your health and outlook on life.
Michelle

Hello everyone,
Well my husband Brian had his surgery on Thursday, April 8th. We came
home on Friday afternoon. I think it was alot more painful than he had
expected it to be but he is doing well. He is not quite getting in both
his protein drinks or his water yet but is seeming to get more and more
in every day. I guess it will take time. Do not want to over extend his
pouch. We go back in on Thursday to get his staples out. He is pretty
weak but I guess that is to be expected also,
Just thought I would give you all a little update and let you know he is
doing fine.
Andra
DH, Brian, post-op Lap RNY on April 8th

Hi Cindy and thanks for your best wishes :)
I was opened up in '92 for the surgeon to perform a VBG and initially it
worked fine. Three years after surgery it was still good and I lost in the
region of 130# - my weight at the time of surgery being 442#. I remained at
around 300# for eight years and then started to gain more and eat more!
:-( I'm back at 395# now :-(
The polypropylene band is still around my oesophagus but the staples have
mysteriously disappeared! The surgeon planning to carry-out my requested
surgery has seen a report from my Consultant radiographer who took many
X-rays and barium meals etc., to establish that "there is no radiographical
evidence that I ever had a vertical banded gastroplasty, only a banding of
the oesophagus".
Three parallel lines of staples were apparently used and I have to say it
worries my that the surgeon (the same one as last time) may want to locate
the staples whilst I'm opened up and having the other two procedures carried
out. It's not a pleasant thought given the 'rummaging' he might have to do!
LOL
The surgeon had said (last week) that the VBG procedure does fail sometimes
and that bypass is the more reliable option along with the BPD to make
doubly sure I get the weight off and keep it off. I'd researched the pros
and cons before asking him to carry out the procedures and I see it as the
only answer now.
I do feel a bit more aware this time - at least I'll know what the surgery
aftercare involves.
Even with a (18"+) laparotomy I was up and walking - I was discharged after
five days :-)
I may be 12 years older but I hope I'm a bit wiser too ;-)
Thanks again Cindy and best wishes to everyone out there... lurkers included
;-)
Best wishes
Andy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4647686
lori h.
23 grateful months post-op,
by His Grace

hey tanya amiga! i celebrate your milestone! wishing u many many
more compliments & empowerment beyond your dreams:-)
lori h.

I have BCN HMO and am looking for a participating surgeon, does
anyone know of any, or how I may get this information?
Thank You
Sheri
312 - waiting for new chance at life

MIMI, I did submit 6 years of participating in WW, all the cards and
they were all for 6 months or more of participation each year. They
told me that wasn't medically supervised, I told them yes it was. The
most recent time I joined was 01-03-08-03, and then again in 01-04.
They said it had to be monthly weigh in's at my doctor's office!

Hi Andy, As far as I know it's only us statesiders here. You had a banding
procedure? I'm gathering that it didn't work. Or maybe something went wrong.
So now you are having a bypass. Wish you best of luck.
CindyPhoenix@... wrote:Hi everyone :)
I'm a British bloke who had a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty in 1992 and am
now ready for the surgeon's knife again.
I've opted for a Proximal gastric bypass and also the Scopinaro procedure
(Biliopancreatic diversion) which obviously needs a bit more than
laproscopic surgery :-(
I saw the surgeon last week and he is ready to do the surgery "as soon as
possible", pending the anaesthetists' assessment in a week's time.
I was wondering whether there where any UK subscribers or online groups for
discussion and support. It's not that I haven't felt at home here in the few
days since I joined *g* but I'd like to hear from any UK subscribers ;-)
Cheers
Andy
=====
Phoenix@...

Hi everyone :)
I'm a British bloke who had a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty in 1992 and am
now ready for the surgeon's knife again.
I've opted for a Proximal gastric bypass and also the Scopinaro procedure
(Biliopancreatic diversion) which obviously needs a bit more than
laproscopic surgery :-(
I saw the surgeon last week and he is ready to do the surgery "as soon as
possible", pending the anaesthetists' assessment in a week's time.
I was wondering whether there where any UK subscribers or online groups for
discussion and support. It's not that I haven't felt at home here in the few
days since I joined *g* but I'd like to hear from any UK subscribers ;-)
Cheers
Andy
=====
Phoenix@...

Tanya,
Thank you for such an inspiring email! I am in tears! Congratulations on
an extreemly eventful day and it sounds like you had a blast! I am so
jealous.
Group,
I am 5 days post op and I have lost 10.5 lbs! Can you believe it?!?!?! I
am so excited!
Sarah Vandever
Lap RNY 4-6-04
304/293.5/165

Hi family!
Yesterday, my family and I (minus my son) went to Astroworld here in
Houston. Its probably the first time in almost 20 years that Ive been
to an amusement park and actually got to participate instead of hold all
the bags and shoes, etc. My husband and daughter pooped out long before
I did! I was able to go on every single ride that I wanted toincluding
all the roller coasters (even rode one by myself because they were too
chicken)without any problems with the seat belts not fitting (well
except for the antique cars but hubby was sitting with me and I had on a
fanny pack) or being too big to even sit in the seats. At one point I
just HAD to point out to my husband that I was able to fit through the
turnstiles WITHOUT TURING SIDEWAYS! I was so excited. We probably walked
about five miles and I never had the need to sit down! I felt great! My
husband on the other hand (who is about 63 and 160 lbs. sopping wet)
constantly wanted to sit and relax and wanted to go on all the tame
rides like the train and the sky ride! He was such a killjoy! LOL I felt
so goodwe probably walked about 5 miles all together.
Later, after we left (didnt stay til it closed because of the
weaklings lol), we went to a Mexican food restaurant that we used to go
to once a week before my surgery and we havent been back to since
August because we moved. My husband wondered if the wait staff would
remember us because wed eaten there so often but been gone so long. The
waiter who came over to our table was the one we usually had was really
surprised to see my husband and daughter and he looked at me, looked
back at my husband and said, Is this really your wife? I looked back
at him and said, Yes, Victor, its me! He then made me stand up and
looked me up and down and asked, Wheres the rest of you? You look
really good! ¡Qué bonita! after which, he proceeded to call the entire
staff over who used to wait on us and point out the difference. What a
head rush! Even the owner (who used to talk to us every time we went in
there) came over to say hello and gawk (my word) at me. Though it made
me uncomfortable, it made me feel good at the same time. I hope you all
understand that!
All in all it was a great day and I had so much fun I just wanted to
share. I cant wait to do it again!!! Oh!! Also, I came home this
morning, got on the scale (after eating breakfast and lunch) and I had
FINALLY gotten below 250 (249 but still)!!! That was with clothes on
too!!! Cant wait to see what it says next week! Out! Out you nasty
plateau! Dont come back again!
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/257/170
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."

Message: 14
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 08:26:27 +0400
From: "kaye" <kaye@...
Subject: Crimes in Iraq
I mean no disrespect..
But can we please not post things like this here?
This is not the place for them.
Be well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/231.2/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

If more stringent rules were utilized when approving membership (ie all profiles
must have basic info, only profiles with e-mail addresses are displayed or
members with "request profiles" are not allowed) can spammers potential be cut
down on....I am a moderator of another group and in the over 3,000 messages, we
have NEVER had a spammer. But as always, deleting a message is the quickest way
and most effective way to deal with spam and e=mails I don't want to read....for
no amount of e-mailing and griping will stop the affliction of spam...it's like
junk mail you get through snail mail...far more effective and less time involved
to just throw it away...time is of the essence and it takes more energy, far
more than it deserves or I care to spend to do anything else...so this is my
last response on this issue...and most of you say..."Thank goodness"...LOL!
Hope everyone had a safe Easter and made great choices...it is an ever constant
battle to make good choices...we all want to be normal and guess what....normal
people have to battle as well. So welcome to normaldom!
Carol Matar
Post op 10/31/03
Lap RNY Dr. Adam Naaman
405/292/135
Carol Matar

welcome aboard jeff! & hats off for recapturing your quality of
life!
lori h.
23 grateful months post-op

I'm sorry Carol, but I think you are off-base on this. These lists are supposed
to be moderated in some form. I too believe in freedom of speech. I ignore
postings that don't concern me. If we allowed every kind of posting on the
group, the real purpose of it would be lost. Yes, these people are entitled to
their opinion, but we are entitled to not be spammed by these types of messages.
We are here to support each other in our WLS journeys. These types of messages
should be deleted before being allowed to be posted. Religion and politics don't
belong here. There is a time and place for everything. I repeat-I am a very
strong advocate of freedom of speech. But I resent being spammed.
Linda Wales

In most cases these people join a list, post this stuff then unjoin or disappear
before the moderators or anyone else has time to do anything about it. It is
rarely actually contributing members of a list. I just delete and go on rather
than blame a moderator that has no control over it. Just my 2 cents.
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

to keep this as accurate, brief, & concise as possible---this
individual had been banned previously since their 1st post re FAQs
of islam. he/she returned w/ a different email addy to spam us,
civilized folks w/ this atrocious post.
this group is strictly for gastric bypass issues & this spammer is
obviously an outsider who's mass mailing unsuspecting groups.
& btw, i just got off the phone w/ the co-founder, sue; rest assured
we are doing what we can to prevent this situation. however, since
this is a free country (& cyber country) it's not entirely
stoppable.
lori h.
one of the moderators

While I am the first to fight for free speech, this is not an issue of freedom
of speech, Carol, IMO. Unless I remember incorrectly, the rules of this list
prohibit this kind of thing. This is a privately owned list. That makes it a
matter of theft, theft of our time, our list (well, Di & SUe's), our bandwidth.
And as someone else said, I don't come here for religious and political stuff.
I do political in another life, as a political activist; I don't do religion at
all. This is both, and is offensive to me.
And, if one can do it, shouldn't all be able to? I don't want a daily barrage
of religiopus/political posts . . . just WLS related things.
This person is spamming all my WLS lists, got banned, then changed names,
apparently, and is BAAAACK!
Rachel
<< From: "kaye" <kaye@...
Subject: Crimes in Iraq
http://www.geocities.com/mossab442/1.html
Crimes in Iraq
Will Fallujah Be Leveled?
By Firas Al-Atraqchi
Freelance Columnist
06/04/2004
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Jonny,
Are you on any assistance program? Disability? Medicare? etc.
Ellen
very greatful surgery 3/15/04
440/398/???? 42 lbs lost in the 3 weeks and 5 days!!!! Woopie!!!
Your friend in freedom from fat!
In a message dated 4/10/2004 12:37:36 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

Does this list not have a moderator? Usually these types of lists do... who is
the "owner"?
I'd rather not receive political/religious types of emails in this group, I
don't know about others, but I'm here for friendship, support and information
concerning wls.
Please, can someone look into this?
Cynthia

Congratulations!!!! and welcome!!!
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

Temporary on the hair lost. I am getting mine back now.
Joyce
11/12/03
66 lbs
mom2ttcc <m.lund@...
Regarding the hair loss issue... is it temporary or permanent?
Thanks, Michelle

Am new to this Gastric Bypass Family. I was surfing the different
WLS websites, found this one, it's great lots of information.. I had
gastric bypass on May 5th of 2003, it has saved/changed my life ..I
have spent the last 18 years being aleast 100 lbs overweight, like
most morbid obese pts I developed muliple health programs from heart
diease to diabetes before I finally decided to have the weight loss
surgery and start living again..was the best this I have ever done
for myself..I have lost 140 lbs in the last 11 months, I was one of
the lucky ones, no post op complications or major set backs.. I went
into surgery with the attitude that I needed give 100% of myself to
make this successful, and so far I have been successful .. Sure I
miss eating lots of things but find that for the first time in my
life I am making better eating choices...I think that the best thing
I did was surround myself with people who were going to give me
positive feedback and alround good support..it made a hugh
difference in my recovery and success.. I didn't want to be around
people who had negative thoughts about WLS..
I feel like I am finally living my life at 44 years of age..I
would like to talk with others who have gone thru this surgery..John

Regarding the hair loss issue... is it temporary or permanent?
Thanks, Michelle

I use sugar free soy milk with no problem.
Alicia
11/18/03

This may have come up in past, but I was unable to find info. Can
soy milk be used to mix protein shakes? I am pre-op and trying
protein products to find the ones I like. Today I mixed
strawberries and cream protein powder with chocolate soy milk. It
is very good, however, not sure if it can be used after WLS.
Marla
pre-op
TGH Dr. Murr
250/140

Hi Colleen, I think that is what I meant. Like the drinks like ensure that
has only say, 30% protein. I have found one that is 40% protein. So, I can get
these drinks and say if the one that I get has 30% I can drink 2 of them a day
and it will give me the protein that I need so I wont lose my teeth or my hair
and to keep me healthy?
Thanks for the help,
Mary Katherine
PS I had to change my e mail cause this person would not leave me a lone she

Have you tried any soups? Creamed, fat free and strained. Cindy
"ICE @--
groups and have a question or 5 LOL
I know that I don't like cottage cheese alone. My family always put it in
jello. Can we do this and it still be effective?
And also, can we use say like ricotta instead of cottage cheese? (or is it
too sweet and fat?)
Just trying to think of alternatives since I don't do plain cottage cheese.
Also, what other liquids/soft foods can you eat for 2 to 4 weeks?
I have read
Broths (should we get low sodium ones or just the regular ones?) (Chicken
AND Beef?)
Popsicles (unsweetened I presume)
SOFT FOODS:
Sugar free pudding (should this be made with soy milk or skim milk?) - I
would use the
AnyWhey in this for more protein.
Baby foods (which I probably won't eat - don't know yet - I had an ulcer in
my esophagus
once and had to do baby food... I just see it now
and almost gag.)
Blended mac n cheese....... (the kind in a box or homemade?)
Refried beans..... (again, canned or homemade?)
Potted meats? (or is this a no no)
What else?
Can you eat spaghetti with the low carb maranara sauce (although I have not
checked the
sugars in that - or if there is fat or not)
Chewed really well
I am sorry for all the questions.... I am just trying to get all the info
gathered that I can prior to all this so that I can have the pantry done up
before I go into surgery.
Thanks,
ICE (intro to follow)

Hi Rachel, when I say 40% or 20% protein, I mean like those drinks that you
can get to drink like ensure things like that. I know that I am sure that I
will have to order fromVitaLady too. But, I am put back on the back burner for I
am sure about 6 months. Cause they want money up front for things. And I not a
bank. But, I know that things will be ok.
Talk later,
Mary Katherine

I will pray for your wife and for you. What a supportive husband she has.
Good luck to you both.

hi vickie. 1st, the mantra is: "reconstructive surg",since the
removal of redundant skin following massive w l isn't entirely
cosmetic. many times it improves function & addresses legit medical
probs...
lori h.
23 grateful months post-op
pre-op RS

welcome home, jess! fiiiinally, huh? after all the worrying, the
optifast, etc.
lori h.

Mayra,
Is the insurance wanting a medically supervised diet for consecutive 26
weeks? I would think that if your doctor has it documented for 5 years that
would do.
Vickie
5'01" BMI 41 pre-op 215
6-7-04
Heavenly Scents Candle Company
Vickie Smith
523 Dickson Circle
Sherman, Texas 75090
903-893-3833
website: www.heavenlyscentstx.us
e-mail: rasmith@...

Yes, several . . . TwinLabs makes one, I think. Solaray has one that's good . .
. like big orange sweettart-like candy.
Tasty, but high in sugar . . . made me queasy, but YMMV.
HTH,
Rachel
From: "Deb" <deb62060@...
Subject: chewable calcium citrate?
i am 5 weeks post op and there's no way i can swallow a pill yet...
is there such a thing as chewable calcium citrate? if so, where
would i get it?
deb
surgery 3/5/04
357/316/150
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

I was denied because I did not have 26 weeks of medically supervised
diet! I told her no, I only have 5 years worth. She said it had to
be detailed. I am so frustrated the doctor had documented everything
I have been on for the last five years. What do these people want!!!
Sorry I just have to vent, CIGNA SUCKS!!! Everyday that goes by I
feel physically worse, My bP gets higher and higher not only weight
related but stress related. I am greatful my Diabetes is semi-
undercontrol. But this whole process is driving me nuts!! If you
guys have any advise or where I can get a sample of what they need so
I can give it to my PCP I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in
Advance, Mayra

Get protein powders from VitaLady.com, and mix 1.5 scoops of powder with 4 oz
water. Add a few ice cubes, if desired. Small drink, 30 grams of protein.
Drink with a straw, to prevent swallowing too much air, and to avoid the
"protein stink". You can add more water, if desired, but small volume is easier
early.
What's your name?
RAchel
<< From: "bjbodywork" <bjbodywork@...
Subject: Re: Protein
I was searching for how much can you take in like 8 fl.oz., 16
fl.oz. at a time. Thanks for the info.
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Welcome home Jess!!!!!
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/251/170
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."

Congratulations on making it through. Now take it easy.
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I`d take that weight loss any day!!
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

well here i am made it through the tests yesterday the gallbladder scan and
endoscope(where they put a camera down your throat!) all was well with the scope
but dont know the results fo the scan will have to wait till i see the dr again!
the nutritionist came to see me while i was in recovery and gave me a binder
that has a ton of info in it and i got homework! i had to make 2 menus for the
pureed diet and soft diet and i have to make a grocery list to go with them! so
at this point i have 2 dates lol i wanted april 22 so that my dr wont have to
take off more then one day of school to stay with the little ones and then have
the weekend here since she doesnt go to school on Fri. and the 20th the one the
nurse said she knew for sure they had open in the OR. so she will call me today
and let me know. i am waiting for the pre op people to call me with a date for
the tests and then have to call and make the Dr and nutritionist appt the same
day. so now just waiting, but at least i have a
DATE!!! i am so happy and scared and all the other things i think we all go
through. it is amazing that its going so well considering this is the 5th dr
that i have had to find due to insurance issues be