Gastric Bypass Weblog

I found an interview with Carnie Wilson.
I thought some might be intrested, here's the URL
http://www.lifetimetv.com/reallife/df/star/wilson.html
Hugs,
Cynthia
htp://www.cynthiasplace.com

Wow! Rachel congrats! And good advice on the whey protein drinks. Do
you prepare them or have you found some that are already prepared?
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/305/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

Are you using protein drinks? Low-no sugar, predigested whey protein drinks? I
find them invaluable . . . I do 6/day+ . . . and I eat 3-4 times/day (small,
1-2 oz meals).
I get safe protein powders from VItaLady.com, where you can order inexpensive
samples to try before you buy the whole jug.
I've lost 160 lbs . . . still losing. Was 320, now ~160, was size 28, now SIZE
8, 5'10".
Good luck . . .
Rachel
<<Subject: Re: HELP I AM NOT LOSING at 6 mos.postop what is the
average loss expected..
I am about 5 1/2 months out and have only lost 55 pounds. I dont know
what i am doing wrong. it freaks me out. i wanted this surgery so
badly and it is not working. I did check out that other website and found
that I am on the low average. but I have hit some severe plateus.
HELP ...... I walk every day. I dont eat carbs. I drink lots of
water...... I eat protein, fruits and vegs. I take
vitamins....... I dont know what else I can do....
Rose
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Ray,
I have more fight in me than a momma bear protecting her cubs! I just got
thrown a curve ball that is all... I came home cried and got it out of my
system... The fight is on!
Even if it takes a year, then it will still be worth it but I just did not
want to wait that long... waiting is so hard but worth it I believe.
Kim,
I don't take meds... One of the reasons I gained so much weight was from
the Lithium and that started a downward spiral. I have not been heavy all
my life. I use to model but with the lithium and the fact that chemo and
radiation for cancer killed my thyroid.
I never got a second opinion on the bi polar as it made sense at the time..
but when I took the meds, it zombied me out and without it, I am functional.
There are times I get hyped up and can't sleep and such and then there are
times when I get really down (which I take an anti-depressant for).... but
I think I will take advantage of the "counseling" and find out if I really
am or not. Time will tell and the doc will see that I am one of the most
tenacious people he will ever meet.... = )
Have a good evening and thanks for the responses.
ICE

good luck Dora on your insurance approvals. Keep in mind that alot
of us were turned down the first time we tried for wls and had to
appeal. I hope you get your approval right away but even if it
takes longer it is worth the wait!
That's interesting what the magazine article you found says about
the body remembering its plateaus when we are gaining and responding
to that as we lose. Of course I can't remember what my plateaus
were that long ago--seems I've been overweight forever but I'll keep
that article in mind when I hit my first plateau.
Thanks! And good luck!
Bridget Northam

Since I am pre-op, these are not my thoughts, but the thoughts of a writer for
WLS magazine. I know that there has been great discussion on plateaus and how
to break them. Of course he says that they are very normal and that every one
has them. One of the things that they have found out is that if you have a
plateau while you are gaining then you will probably have the same plateau as
you are losing. The body seems to remember these things. They then go on to
give ways to break the plateau...
Most people break a plateau by doing the first 3.
1. TRY TO ELIMINATE ALL REFINED CARBOHYDRATES FROM YOUR EATING PLAN. They
recommend that your weight-loss food plan consist of 70% protein and 30%
vegetables. That's three bites of protein and one bite of veggie. It it's not
a protein or a veggie - don't eat it.
2. INCREASE YOUR FLUID INTAKE. This means water. During the plateau drink 128
ozs of water. This is twice the 64oz you should be getting every day anyway
while still sticking to the no water during meals or 30 mins before or after.
3. INCREASE YOUR EXERCISE. If you are walking 1 mile increase it to 2. You
may show a gain to begin with but that is because you are building muscle mass.
You will show a loss later because it takes more calories to sustain muscle mass
than it does simple body mass.
Most people these 3 will break a plateau. If your plateau is not broken go on
to 4.
4. MEASURE THE VOLUMES OF FOOD YOU EAT. Consult your surgeon for specific
guidelines as to the volume of food you should be eating at each meal through
out your weight-loss phase, then, measure the volume of each meal and don't eat
any more than the recommended amount. DO NOT SKIP meals and attempt to "diet"
your way through a plateau. Eliminating meals will only prolong your plateau
since your body will go into starvation mode and attempt to hold on to, and
store, every calorie it can. This lets your body know that there is more food
where this came from and there is no need to store for the day you won't have
any.
If you still have not broken your plateau go to 5.
5. YOU MUST SCIENTIFICALLY COMPARE YOUR CALORIES-IN VS CALORIES-OUT BALANCE.
Have your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) scientifically tested so you know how
many calories your body uses to keep itself alive. Log on to healthtech.com and
enter your zip code and it will tell you where you can get this tested. And
then track exactly what you are putting into your body.
And they say... Remember, the most important thing you need to break through a
plateau is patience.
I hope this helps someone. I have the article that I can look to for answers if
you have questions.
Dora
Still awaiting insurance approval.

It is normal to get on a plateau, especially after a
big weight loss. Your body is trying to play catch
up. You could also be losing inches. It's important
to measure yourself-it's also fun to see how many
inches you can drop. More exercise and more water
will help with the plateau. Also, the throwing up may
be from eating too fast or eating the same thing
everyday, maybe it doesn't agree with you? Just a
thought.
Shannon in WA

sorry...i am having troubling figuring out how to respond to
messages.but i meant to include this...i am responding to cindys
message #42257. i posted the alcolhol question previously.

Hi everyone, I'm Jennifer and I'm new to this site. I
had my surgery on April 26th. I started out at 300
pounds. I now weigh 262. It was three weeks this
past monday. For the past week and a half I have
stayed at this weight. Is this normal? My doctor had
me on a liquid diet and then advanced me to soft foods
and littl bites of soft meat. Since this happened I
have had no weight loss. I just thought maybe I'm
doing something wrong? Another question I have is
that I don't tolerate breakfast well at all.
Yesterday I had severe nausea and today I went ahead
and vomitted. This is the only time it hits me. Has
anybody experienced that? If you have time I'd
appreciate your feedback, its just hard to believe
that I've already hit a plateau.
Thanks, Jennifer

i am the one who posted the alcohol question...the lecture i think
your referring too..REALLY,made me feel like an idiot! At first i
was embarrassed, then mad when i read "THE LECTURER" response! I
guess i set myself up for people like that to respond with "an
attitude" by not wording my question better and including "ONLY BEEN
THERE,DONE THAT PEOPLE NEED REPLY"...but i didnt. I totally agree
with you. thank you again...you said everything i wanted to say but
couldnt! congratulations on your weight loss! pam moreno

I am about 5 1/2 months out and have only lost 55 pounds. I dont know what i am
doing wrong. it freaks me out. i wanted this surgery so badly and it is not
working. I did check out that other website and found that I am on the low
average. but I have hit some severe plateus.
HELP ...... I walk every day. I dont eat carbs. I drink lots of
water...... I eat protein, fruits and vegs. I take vitamins....... I dont
know what else I can do....
Rose
Shannon Breivik <lilcomfycouch@...
I am around 6 1/2 months out-I have lost 131 lbs. I
am so happy with that. I have 69 more lbs to go to
goal.
Shannon in WA

Carrie I am now 2months out and think I have only lost 40 pounds and not loosing
inches really.Why amI loosing so slow?????????? ANd I feellike I can eat more
than I should be able to eat. I was hoping for better results than thisany
advice????????????/
Diane
Diane <bubbles_9832000@...
how have you lost 17 inches?I am 7 weeks out today and have lost like 36 pounds
and like 1 inch and i mostly eat meat to get my protein in and suggestions? I am
doing lots of walking.
sherri edling <yorkiegal2003@...
That is fantastic!!!! Doesn't it feel great to be a loser, for once?! Keep up
the great work!!! sherri

Monica,

Ice hun you are my type of women. Because I am also Bi Polar and you can tell
him to kiss it. Sorry but I hate ignorant people. I have done fine. I am a year
out the key is to stay on your meds. When you get the surgery and as you lose
weight they will have to be adjusted of course. Why do you question that your
not Bi Polar though? Just wondering. I wish you the best of luck.
Kim
Open
5-5-03
Dr Peter Henderson
243/126/115 (almost there)
"ICE @--
Well, the much anticipated first consult was yesterday and I came home and
cried all night...
I knew that I would have to do some medical stuff to be approved but found
out that my insurance wants 12 consecutive months of medically supervised
diet within the past 2 years...
Well guess what???? Not only is mine over 2 yrs old but I don't have 12
month consecutive....
and also he is questioning my ability to remain faithful to the life changes
since I am bi polar manic depressive.
He says he wants me to have a good 6 months with a phyc.
~sigh~
So what I thought would be a long 3 months (which is what they said it takes
to be cleared) will be an eternity with a label of 12 months...
Just typing this makes me want to cry again....
The doc was nice but he talked a mile a minute and had I not already known
what he was talking about, I would have been so very lost. I got it though
because of this group and my research.
He knew I had done my homework when I started asking him questions LOL.
Asked him if it was gonna be prox or distal and he said they do an
intermediate between the two of them to get the benefits of both.
I now have to go get some medical appointments and find a phys. that will
not insist on keeping me in service for umpteen years.... geesh.
I hope to prove that my bi polar diagnosis was incorrect but we will see.
Anyway.... that is what happened.
Thanks for helping me be prepared to listen to him because I could not have
understood him had I not known in advance what he was saying LOL...
You have all been great and I will keep you all posted as I know more.
ICE
Pre Certification
258 current (40BMI)
Dr. goal 170
My goal 145ish
Barix Clinics - Groveport OH
Victor Stelmack MD

Dora, good for you for taking it that next step to the lobbyist. This is
your life and you are taking charge....you go girl!!! Good luck to
you....Linda
D

ICE...
Well, if that don't take the wind out of the sails... Have you
considered a second opinion? Of course, if you're comfortable with
your physician I would just say, be patient! I know, easier said
than done. Time is on your side, live the prescribed diet and show
yourself that you "can" make this happen and don't allow yourself to
get depressed. If there is any fight in you, it sounds like the next
6 months will be "your" fight. Patience and perciverance, stick to
it and it will happen. You have an awesome support system right
here, I hope that your family is your best support system.
Stay in touch,
-Ray

Well, the much anticipated first consult was yesterday and I came home and
cried all night...
I knew that I would have to do some medical stuff to be approved but found
out that my insurance wants 12 consecutive months of medically supervised
diet within the past 2 years...
Well guess what???? Not only is mine over 2 yrs old but I don't have 12
month consecutive....
and also he is questioning my ability to remain faithful to the life changes
since I am bi polar manic depressive.
He says he wants me to have a good 6 months with a phyc.
~sigh~
So what I thought would be a long 3 months (which is what they said it takes
to be cleared) will be an eternity with a label of 12 months...
Just typing this makes me want to cry again....
The doc was nice but he talked a mile a minute and had I not already known
what he was talking about, I would have been so very lost. I got it though
because of this group and my research.
He knew I had done my homework when I started asking him questions LOL.
Asked him if it was gonna be prox or distal and he said they do an
intermediate between the two of them to get the benefits of both.
I now have to go get some medical appointments and find a phys. that will
not insist on keeping me in service for umpteen years.... geesh.
I hope to prove that my bi polar diagnosis was incorrect but we will see.
Anyway.... that is what happened.
Thanks for helping me be prepared to listen to him because I could not have
understood him had I not known in advance what he was saying LOL...
You have all been great and I will keep you all posted as I know more.
ICE
Pre Certification
258 current (40BMI)
Dr. goal 170
My goal 145ish
Barix Clinics - Groveport OH
Victor Stelmack MD

I just finished up Zithromax liguid for a sinus infection. If you
get Amoxicillin I hope it tastes better than the liguid Zpack!
Sue
Lap RNY 4/14/04
-40 lbs

I was wondering if any of you have tried "Homemade Gourmet" products, and
are they good for gastric bypassers? For those of you who have never heard
of it, it is like meal solutions and soup mixes and much more. They have a
website: www.homemadegourment.com
Vickie
5'01" BMI 41 pre-op 223
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@...

You might want to ask your doctor, but I've been prescribed antibiotics since my
surgery...no problems.
Sonja
Lap RNY 12/2201
283 lbs 170 lbs now.

does anyone know if you can take amoxicillin and decongestants for a sinus
infection? thank you ann m.

I was at the GPF Chat room waiting for others to log on and nobody
entered the room. Did I do something wrong? I went to the main page
of the GPF Group page and then clicked on "Chat." Nothing.
Also is the time of the chat session listed as eastern daylight time
or is it adjusted to the time of the participant? Right now it is
7:06 p.m. Mountain Time which would be 9:06 eastern time. There
should be lots of activity going on in the chat room. I don't get it.
Does anyone have any info?
Debbie
lap rny 4/12/04
261/233/120

Does anyone know if we can take amoxicillin and a decongestant for a sinus
infection? Thank you Ann m.
Ann marschuetz
rny/lap
242/now 130
St. Louis MO

Cynthia,
Good thoughts... I've actually went to a seminar on this very
subject. In a nutshell, socially we may feel it necessary to watch
our Ps&Qs in order not to hurt anyone and most of us strive to be PC
(politically correct). However, there are those time in our lives
when we read and interpret things based on our current situations
and sometimes write something that is totally misconstured as
negative or confrontational by someone else.
In a forum such as this, we have to recognize that there are
probably more than 10,000 people that stop in here and read or type
their thoughts and opinions. While most are just an opinion of
someone who has a different feeling or experience than ourselves, we
shouldn't necessarily take their opinion as criticism(sp?). In this
venue, very few of us know one another in a personal way. Even
though we've shared some deep feelings and asked for advice, we have
to realize that we open ourselves to public opinion, whether we like
it or not.
I would say that probably 95% of the messages that I have read in
this group are positive and up lifting. The remain 5% vary in degree
of support or non-support, even rudeness. But again, that is a rare
instance from my perspective. Maybe its due to all of the negative
comments and looks that we have recieved through our days as obese
people that we take some comments as criticism.
Opinions are free for the asking, knowledge is divine and usually
comes with price.
-Ray

Very nicely said Cynthia. Sometimes my delete key is the most used key on
my keyboard.
Claudia

Good thread...
Unfortunately, I do not have to go out to dinner to see the larger
portions being consumed. I look at my growing children and see the
amount of food on their plates and often say to my self, there is no
way that I could finish that, and I tell them that.
As for looking at others, the first thing I thought of when I began
to read the thread was, that was me just 14 weeks and 90 pounds ago.
As someone has alluded to, I feel sorry for those that are as big as
I was and eat like there's no tomorrow. Maybe its my own shame that
I feel knowing that I was just like them. It was nothing for me to
eat a 16 oz steak, large sweet potato with butter and sugar
cinnamon, a large salad, mini loaf of bread then top everything off
with a slice of pie and ice cream, in all about 3500 calories in one
sitting. And honestly, without the surgery, today, I'd probably
still be doing the same amount of eating.
Even though I've had the surgery, it was not without sacrifice and
pain. Not being able to eat my favorite foods still bother from time
to time. The occassional bouts of nausea are also a reminder of the
commitment and surgery. I know this is way off the inital topic, but
this is the type of emotion such a thought can stir inside me.
Again, great thread because it make us think of who we were, are and
can become without the intervention of WLS.
-Ray

Hello,
Just felt I needed to add my 2 cents here. Take it or leave it, it's up to you.
<gentle smile
I've been in this group a very short time ( a little more than a month now ).
All I've seen is kindness and support. But when dealing with others online thru
words alone, it can be easy to "take things the wrong way". In emails, there
are no faces to "read" no body language to "read". Just words. And they can be a
powerful thing!
And altho the person sending the emails may mean well, it solely rests on the
people reading the emails to interperte the way it was meant.
I'm not sure what to say, other than if an email upset you, do what I've done in
the past..... save the letter, go onto something else then later when your
emotions have had a chance to "cool" re-read it, see if you "see" it in a
different light. I've done that and realized I either read it wrong or
misunderstood.
I hope this eases a few ruffled feathers...... and this email was written with
kindness and sisterly love. <gentle hug
Hugs,
Cynthia

I am 6 1/2 months post op and have lost 86 pounds. I want to lose a total of
130. So not much more to go..
Pam

Hi I am new to the group . Can someone please give some pros and
cons of having gastric bypass. I have always been overweight.
I would love to know what it's like to be slim. I have high
cholesterol and blood pressure. My BMI is 44.
Thanks
Marsha

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday May 17, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

Hey guys, having a difficult day dealing with my hospital. I called today and
talked to the lobbyist for Vanderbilt. After trying to get answers for weeks
from the person who works in my surgeons office and having no luck. Within
hours of talking to the lobbyist I got a call from someone in the
pre-certification department. Come to find out they are still waiting on
paperwork that the person in the surgeon's office was supposed to send them on
the 26th. As a matter of fact I asked them to hold off from sending the stuff
to pre-cert until the 26th so that I could get signed up with the nutritionist
before hand because Aetna requires it. Well she waited until the 26th and then
sent the paperwork without what I asked them to wait on. And every time that I
have called her she has blamed it on pre-cert that they were backed up and she
could not tell me when they would send my paperwork. And she would not check
for me. She just told me that there was nothing she could do to speed them up.
Well the lady that called me today was not very happy with those responses
either when it was the lady in the surgeon's office's fault that my stuff has
not gone to Aetna yet. I gave her the fax number and hopefully my paperwork
will be faxed to Aetna today. I will let you guys know.
Thanks for letting me vent. It just makes me so angry when the person who is
supposed to be in charge of getting you approved doesn't seem to care enough to
send all the information to the people working on my case and then doesn't care
enough to even follow up on it for me. Very disheartening.
Dora

Monica....
I do the same thing...it's amazing how much people can put in their
mouths.....not to mention their plares...wow. I find myself staring at people
eating huge burgers...that's what amazes me.
Sonja
Lap RNY 2001
283/170 now.

For those of you who have had the surgery and been thru liquid and pureed and
our little ozs of food, when you go to a social occasion and lets say its a
buffett...Doesnt it blow your mind how *much* food people can put on their
plates!!!! We could eat whats on their plates for a week! ( and yes, that was me
before the surgery but things are different now.... ;-)
Okay and now Im on a roll( not iterally), I saw this lady pick up a forkful of
scrambled egggs that should have choked her ,it was so huge!!! Im surprised she
could lift the fork.
hope this makes you chuckle and makes your day.
monica the observer
who can now cross her legs.
I was at a wedding and I had to pin my dress on cuz it was too big. I wore that
dress last year and I couldnt breathe in it. yipee yippee yippee

Hi Monica,
Try not to drive yourself too crazy. I do the same thing. I compare and
read and try and figure out if my loss is normal or not. I always feel like
I have not lost enough, but then I try to tell myself, just to be happy
where I am and keep trying. Basically that is all we can do. We all lose
at different rates and have different things that effect our body. I keep
trying to tell myself that I am ahead of where I was!!
Best of luck!!!
Claudia
2-10-04
404pre-op/367surg/308/160?

you made my day! I looked at the website and found out my weight loss is normal.
i was kinda freaking out. i have lost 38 pounds. 2 months since RNY, plus im on
a plateau....
monica

Cindy
Good note... I'm post-op 16 weeks today and down +90 pounds. I do not
miss alcohol and my friends that I hang with don't pressure me to
drink and I greatly appreciate that! Because of this, I guess I don't
feel the pressure to socially drink, besides, I don't need the extra
calories. Like you, I've done this to lose weight and I'm not about
to slow that down. I'm enjoying some new freedoms and compliments
that I've not experienced in over 25 years. There's a certain amount
of pleasure that I'm getting from the change in body and spirit. I
only wish that more obese folks that have the means to take the WLS
step would do so. I know and recognize that it's a personal decision,
but by reading the success stories from around the net, you have to
at least look into it. Yes, it's a life altering step and has some
significant risks attached to it, but I had to look at it from the
perspective that if I went through with it, in a year I would be down
probably +100, my other health issues would be eased or erased. If in
a year I didn't have the surgery, I would probably be 3-5 pounds
heavier, another pant and shirt size larger, and certainly the health
issues would still be there. All this and I haven't even mentioned my
family and all of the things we wished we could do together, but
because dad is tired, or to big for a certan ride or activity, the
fun things are put on hold... Well, I was tired of being tired and
not getting to do those things with my family. Sorry for the long
note, but there is some passion in my heart after having lived life
for so long over 400 pounds and at 47 being noticed for losing nearly
100 pounds (almost an adult person)I'm pretty happy. Enjoy living
life, that is what I want most of all and I think I'm on my way.
-Ray

Cindy,
It sounds by your email that you were offended or your feelings were hurt by
something that someone said. I am sorry that you feel that way. I agree with
you. We are here to support one another. What is right for you might not be
right for me and vise versa. You have to do what makes you happy, and by the
weight that you have lost you must be doing something right. Once again, I am
sorry that you feel bad from something someone said. I for one, and I am sure I
speak for many others, enjoy hearing from you and listening to how you are doing
while using your tool of WLS.
Dora

It took me a couple of days to feel like doing much, but hated laying
there so while I continued to take it easy I would say it was a week
before I was at the market or movies or anything and at 2 weeks I
started back exercising, at 3 I was back at work fulltime. Best of luck
Neil!
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/311/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

Curious as to how long it took most of you to physically recover
from the surgery and get back to normal activities (ex: grocery
shopping, light yard work, etc...)
My day is tomorrow!
Neil

Am I missing something? Where's the protein in this recipe? Also
the recipe looks like a lot of fluid. Remember when mixing a protein
powder with a liquid it must be used in a short period of time or it
losses its usefulness.
Colleen

Pam, I am Almost six months post-op and am down 93lbs. I hope that I'm in the
right range. LOL Cindy
pam1452000 <pam145@...
tell me what they lost at
6mos. post op..just want to see if im in the proper range...thanks
pam

You know everyone losses at a different pace but check out this web
site...it predicts you weight loss. It's only a fun thing not meant
as a guideline. http://clos.net/predict-wt-loss.htm It's pretty
cool.
Colleen

Hello everyone, I am six months post-op. I read these e-mails daily. I don't
always reply but I think there is alot to be learned from other peoples
experiences. When I do reply I try not to lecture but to offer some kind of
help through my experiences. A few days ago someone wrote that they were
wondering about alcohol consumption. So I offered my opinion. My alcohol
consumption consist of one to two drinks every month or every other month. When
I do go out I have one to maybe two drinks(low carb and low sugar only drinks).
My choices still this far in the program are to lose weight. I haven't
sabotaged a thing by having that one drink a month. Does anyone else out there
drink a beer now and then? Probably! There are all kinds of people in life. I
feel good about myself the first time in years. I've lost almost a hundred
pounds so far and plan to keep going. I can actually go out on a dance floor
and not worry that someone might be laughing at me. I'm just having
fun. When I go out with my husband that month I don't think that the one
drink I have is going to hurt me. But like I said that is my choice. I don't
tell anyone else to do that. When I first found this group I was so happy
because I just had surgery and was so sick. I learned alot from the people here
and my monthly support group. This is here for exactly what it says, support.
Not lectures. I have been thinking about this for a few days now. I'm not
better than anyone else nor do I pretend to be I am only human which puts me in
the catagory to fail occasionally. I learn from mistakes and am not afraid to
admit when I have made one. This surgery was a tool and I use that as a tool
not a miracle cure. I drink lots of water. Excercise daily, and eat low carb
and sugar free(or very low sugar) foods. Plus my protein drinks. I'm still
losing weight even if I have that one drink a month that doesn't make me an
alcoholic. Like I said I'm not here to yell or lecture.
Only support for others.
Cindy 11/24/03 316/223/145

would like to hear from everyone who can tell me what they lost at
6mos. post op..just want to see if im in the proper range...thanks
pam

Ok all...I know I don't post often, but I wanted to let you know I
have made it to the other side!!!!! I had my open roux-en-Y on May
12....was home on the 15th and on the 16th was already down 7
pounds! I am following my rules STRICTLY! I am getting plenty of
fluids and almost my whole protein drink. Can anyone tell me....I
have a recipe for a protein drink and I altered it. Does anyone
know how much I have to have of it with the alteration? I mean how
much protein am I getting with the alteration. Here is my recipe:
4 cups 2% lowfat milk
1 cup nonfat dry milk
8 tablespoons Sugar Free Nesquick
I need help with that...I am new at this :)
Leah

So glad to hear you are doing so well. I hope I get on the pureed
food within that time..I have heard so many folks are on clear
liquids, then full liquids for another 2 weeks before they ever
graduate to the pureed food...you must of done real well.
Do you hve any drains in??
Joan in COlorado
Approved for RNY..just waiting for surgery date

Congrats on the surgery Roy. I have to say I'm surprised at you being 4
days post op and on pureed food, usually the first 2 weeks are liquids
and things like mashed potatoes and applesauce that are easy on the
stomach. Protein is best gotten in with milk and protein supplements
those first few weeks. Congrats again!
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/311/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

hey im 4 days post opp and doing great,i came home on the 2nd day.
im having a hard time getting all my protien down i can only eat
about 1 1/2 oz of pureed dood at a time.but im feeling good the gas
pain in my shoulder is gone,i am a little light headed today
though ,i wouldnt think my blood pressure meds already need a
justed??but i see the doctor again on fri and well see.well got to
go know i will keep posted i will add a before picture later....bye

---Krysta-
First of all Congratulations on your success so far! Give yourself a
big pat on the back for what you have accomplished already.
There are several ladies in my support group that have recently
been in your situation. And as was stated in another response they
went back to the basics of when we had our surgeries, They did
liquids for one week then puree staying between 2-3 oz those first
weeks and graduate yourself back up.... Remember to get that protein
in first then the veggies and last if you need to the carb or starch.
AND wait at least 30 min after the meal before you drink. I too
always drank with my meals and it has been a challenge- But when you
look at your goal it is worth it!!!
Also are you excersising? Walking, water arobics, Curves is having a
2 for 1 special thru June 9 right now! Both of them reported that
they were loosing again at our last meeting. Good luck, and if you
don't belong to a local support group that you can go to I recommend
that also, it helps to go and be accountable and have that personal
support. I would love to hear how you are doing on your journey!
Feel free to email me anytime shelmail1969@....
Michele in Dayton, OR
RNY lap 3/26/04
415/364/180

Hi Cindy,
I had gny lap 1/17/01. Before surgery I could drink like a fish. After
surgery I waited a year I would have two drinks that's all it took then
three, four ect. Before surgery I was able to stop drinking. For me I
would said don't play with fire it seems for some reason people that has had
the surgery can an alcoholic before you know it. This is what happen to me.
Please if you can reframe from it please do. I never in my life thought
that I would have such a problem. I started AA and got my ninety day chip
last Tuesday. Drinking caught up to me so fast my head was spinning. It
was so much fun in the beginning but as this disease progress it's not any
fun any longer. So Just be very careful. I don't think once every few
months would hurt but a few times a week, well for me that ended up day and
night 24/7 and I sure don't want that to happen to anyone else.
Good Luck
Denise 325/145 but I gained 15 pounds since I stopped drinking and eating
the wrong foods such as sugar.
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 15 May 2004 05:34:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Cindy <caks43@...
Subject: Re: i have an alcohol question.
Pam, I'm six months post-op. I also like to go out have a good time. I
don't like beer but I choose mixed drinks. I will drink the ones with low
sugar and calories. Not alot lot but I will drink one or two. That's
enough for me. You get a buzz faster than before surgery. Check it out on
the web but I think it is rum,vodka, gin, tequila mixed with diet soda.
Cindy
pam1452000 <pam145@...
wine after having gastric bypass?
a friend of mine had her gastric 6 yrs ago and told me she could
drink 5 -6 coronas when she would go out and she was 6 mos post op
at the time...she said nothing was different after the bypass except
it took less alcohol to get a buzz...this doesnt sound right to
me...that seems like a lot to me...but she said she was single then
and drank like this at least 3 times a month..has anyone out
there "been there,done that?" i have tried 1 beer over a 3 hour
period of time,and i was fine but was afraid to drink faster than
that so therefore i didnt get any kind of feeling at all...i must
confess i use to drink 6-10 beers in an evening a couple times a
month and have done this for years, so im use to alot of beer and i
do miss having a good time! im 6 mos. post op...any info would be
soooo appreciated.. thanks pam...

FIrst off -
Most of us don't have acid in our pouches, that's true. But acid doesn't absorb
acid, anyway. And liquids *don't* stay in the pouch. I *burp* to release
carbonation, same as I did before surgery.
Secondly -
Colas, and coffee, and tea are all bad for iron absorption (they can impair
absorption), and can make kidney stones.
IF you have no history of stones, and drink *lots* of plain water, and keep them
away from your iron caps, there is no reason not to have an occasional diet
soda, coffee, or tea.
There is no evidence that they harm us in any way . . . I'd love to see your
studies, if you have 'em?
Rachel
From: ehmjc1014@...
Subject: Re: Re: popcorn
I For those of you who made the comment "I can drink soda"...According
to
what my doctor said, you can train your pouch to tolerate anything.
That goes
for soda, more food, etc. The imprssion I am under, is that soda
doesn't have
any immediate problems, however, since there are no gastric acids in
your
pouch, there is nothing to absorb the carbonation. Therefore, after
time, the
carbonation eats away at the pouch. Be careful
Mindi
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

when is it safe to consume beer or wine after having gastric bypass?
a friend of mine had her gastric 6 yrs ago and told me she could
drink 5 -6 coronas when she would go out and she was 6 mos post op
at the time...she said nothing was different after the bypass except
it took less alcohol to get a buzz...this doesnt sound right to
me...that seems like a lot to me...but she said she was single then
and drank like this at least 3 times a month..has anyone out
there "been there,done that?" i have tried 1 beer over a 3 hour
period of time,and i was fine but was afraid to drink faster than
that so therefore i didnt get any kind of feeling at all...i must
confess i use to drink 6-10 beers in an evening a couple times a
month and have done this for years, so im use to alot of beer and i
do miss having a good time! im 6 mos. post op...any info would be
soooo appreciated.. thanks pam...

Pam,
Personally, for me, this was a life changing surgery. I wanted to break
ALL of my bad habits...not just the food addiction. Alcohol is empty
calories for one thing, why do you want to do that to yourself? We all
know it's not healthy for us....and why do you need alcohol to have a
good time anyway?? My personal opinion is that for me, I wouldn't drink
at all. I don't need it....and just because I may want something,
doesn't' t mean that I need it or that it's good for me. With making the
decision to rearrange my insides, my life choices got rearranged as
well......
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/235/170
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."

Here is the link for the Pouch Rules

There are many drinks that I like that are sugar free
and have very little calories. I love anything Crystal
Light and the sugar free Cool Aids. I can't stand to
drink plain water. Another thing I have found that
taste really good if you are a soda drinker like me is
Diet Rite flavors such as Red Raspberry and Tangerine.
They are both excellent. Just some ideas!
~Kylee

Monica
"Eating around your band " means that one is eating
food that goes straight through the band and doesn't
sit in the small part of the stomach. When one "eats
around the band" they are eating mostly sweet things
that are almost liquid when swollowed and high in Cals
, so the weight loss is not good.
When I had my band . I got to where i would try to eat
a bit or two of my healthy meal , chewing chewing very
good and the food would get stuck and I would vomit it
up. I got so frustrated and not to mention hurting at
vomiting everytime I would then go to food that I knew
would not make me vomit. It was puddings , icecream,
cakes ect.
Hope that cleared things up
Virginia

"eating around your band"

I think Im gonna stay off coke as long as I can, and I told you all what a big
coke drinker i was. the thing is, that Im off it, so i think ill just stay off.
That being said, what was a good thing about coke is that its just there. where
ever drinks are sold that's one of them. (im thinking like malls or fast dood or
seven-11 somewhere where you can get a drinkl fast) yes, there's ice tea too but
if you care caffeine sensitive at night, you wont want that.
I only can drink water oif its very cold.
SO, i just wanted to add a drink to the list of drinks. I bought it at the
Coffee Bean and Tea leaf ( if you have those near you) but its an herbal tea (
and I can hear my friends rolling on the floor with laughter because previous to
this I wasnt an herbal tea kinda girl) called swedish berries. It has a wnderful
smell and i put splenda in it.
so along with the snapple apple (that sounds great!) maybe this nice tea will
help.
p.s. i never thought I would sing the praises of ground turkey either! :-))
Monica

Try going back to when you first had the surgery. Do
the "Pouch Rules for Dummies" and go back to liquids,
then pureed, etc. It must be hard after 2 years.
Good luck.

i asked my doctor if we had no stomach acids and he said we do. he said that
acid in the stomach doesnt do as much breaking down as what goes on in the small
intestine and that was untouched by the surgery. i dont mean to contradict, Im
just telling you all what he told me because the no stomach acid thing kind of
surprised me.
monica

Mindi,
That does make sense. I have never been too worried about he carbonation
because I know that the acids in my stomach are stronger than carbonic acid
which is what they use to carbonate drinks. But I had not thought of it from
this standpoint before. You are right, there are no acids in our pouch to
counteract the acid in the coke. Thanks for that. That definitely makes up my
mind on the issue. And anyone can live without cokes. I have done it and it
was not that bad. I went back to them just out of habit unfortunately. Once I
get my pouch, no more coke!!!
Dora

I got a message on my other email that May 19th do not
buy gas-it's a gas strike on this day.

Pam each person is different I was the same way and really still am after a year
out. The most important thing is your protein.
Kim
plj9 <plj9@...
Hi, I had my lap rny surgery four months ago. I still can't eat
much. I drink a protein shake for breakfast, and for lunch maybe a
yogurt or a piece of cheese and dinner I will try some veg. maybe
one spoonful of meat. Is this normal? I keep hoping I will be able
to eat more, but when I try I get really sick to my stomache. I
know alot of it is in my head but I feel like I should be able to
eat more. Please let me know what you think. Thanks Pam

Hi, I had my lap rny surgery four months ago. I still can't eat
much. I drink a protein shake for breakfast, and for lunch maybe a
yogurt or a piece of cheese and dinner I will try some veg. maybe
one spoonful of meat. Is this normal? I keep hoping I will be able
to eat more, but when I try I get really sick to my stomache. I
know alot of it is in my head but I feel like I should be able to
eat more. Please let me know what you think. Thanks Pam

I For those of you who made the comment "I can drink soda"...According to
what my doctor said, you can train your pouch to tolerate anything. That goes
for soda, more food, etc. The imprssion I am under, is that soda doesn't have
any immediate problems, however, since there are no gastric acids in your
pouch, there is nothing to absorb the carbonation. Therefore, after time, the
carbonation eats away at the pouch. Be careful
Mindi
277/162/135
Lap RNY 6/26/03
Size 26/28--

Alex,
I am by means no expert in this, my surgery was 5/5/4 a lap rny
revision from a vbg done 10 years ago.
But, I was given a strict diet for the first 6 weeks from my surgeon
and a nutritionist. The first 2 weeks are full liquids, you can
have something as dense as pudding (sugar-free, fat free) or cream
of wheat, but nothing that would hurt your stample line or
possibily cause an obstruction. More solid food may possibly do
this. week 3-6 aqre pureed foods. thats when scrambled eggs come
in. If you drink protein shakes, they do help with hunger they fill
you up.
I guess your post just scared me, I would call my dr's office and
check on the after care. diet ... you don't waNT to be back in the
hospital with leaks ... You will get hungry, this is not the quick
fix, just a tool to work with, think about all you can do with it
when you hunger sets in.
Be strong,
Good luck,
Mindy

I look forward to what is shared also.
Ed Kemper & Delores
edkemper@...

Sorry to say that I have not heard one positive thing about the lap band. From
what I hear the success rate is vert low.
Sonja
Lap Rny Dec 2001
283 then 170 now.

I have a friend that has gotten the Lap Band about 4 months ago and has only
lost 15 lbs so far. I wanted to know if anyone could offer word of
encouragement or success stories related to the Gastric Banding. She is going
for fills
and it works for a few days and she is exercising and following up with her
doctor but weight loss is much slower. Is there anyone who has had success
with the Band?
Jen
291/239/180?
1-13-04
Dr Espisito FMC

I am scheduled to have my WLS on May 25th. Can anybody tell me what
to expect. Even horror stories are welcome. I will have some kind
of idea what or what not to expect as I begin my new life.
Thank you all so much for all of your support.
Sheri in Michigan

You'll do okay. it is very hard to adjust at first and you get alot of head
hunger but it goes away to the point of you will forget to eat, lol.. THATS A
GREAT FEELING :)
God Bless,
Robin, NorthEastern, NY
Age- 41
EDD- July 27th, 2004
IT'S A BOY!!!!!!
Mommy to:
Benjamin & Jonathan
(twin boys 8 years),
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 :)
It's a BOY!!!!!
Emerson Roger

Wow! That's quick Kim, congratulations! Take it easy, try and rest and
we'll see you on the other side :).
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/311/140
www.carrieburns.net

Alex--i too fromt eh beginning could always eat way more than the 2oz rule and I
never felt full---I am almost three months out now and have lost 50 pounds---not
sure if that is okay or not--i know many have lost alot more. Im also at a bad
spot now--just not focusing on my proteins like I should and life circumstances
make it difficult to exercise much. I ave found out quickly that it would be
fairly easy to ruin this if you tried. I still eat a few carbs--low carb bread
1 slice or occasionally some pasta---so i dont know what to tell you--just hang
in there and know you arent alone---CIndy

Congrats on on your upcoming surgery Gale! There's a good bit of
activity on this board and everyone's very open so I'm sure if you have
issues or questions we'll all be here to help.
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/311/140
www.carrieburns.net

Kim,
A very big CONGRATULATIONS to you. It's okay to be nervous and
excited. You are at the door, now all you have to do is step through
it. Great news, congratulations again.
-Ray
Jan. 26, 04
418/220/330

Dora,
Believe me I understand. I also went to see the doctors on the 26th of April
and as I sit here today I finally got a hold of my patient coordinator. (She
is new) and she said that after my call again yesterday she contacted all the
different doctors I saw on the 26 and nd they were faxing over the dictation
from each visit. Duh!!!!
I was told by my coordinator that she should have all the dictations today and
then it has to go to the surgeon and then once they get it back then they can
schedule the surgery. I asked her how long that would take and she said maybe a
week or so???? Needless to say Patience is not one of my virtues.
I have been calling each week pushing them along trying to get a response so
that I can get a date and my husband can schedule his time off at work.
With it being summer this makes it hard when others want to schedule their
vacations. The surgeon told me when I went in that he wanted to get it
scheduled for the 1st week in June as I am having an open.
Like you said it is very frustrating, especially as we who are overweight to
get motivated and stay that way. To keep a positive attitude and not fall back
into bad habits. Thats where I am, as I guess this is a test ONLY A
TEST....LOL
I will keep my fingers crossed for you and keep you in my prayers. Stay in
touch..
Cherie
Dora McCary <dora.mccary@...
I am so frustrated. I have all of my initial stuff done and am currently
attending the nutrition classes that my insurance company requires that I
participate in. My pre-certification paperwork went to the pre-cert department
at he hospital and it is still sitting there. It went to their office on 4/26
and now 13 working days later it is still sitting there. Do they not realize
that this is our lives that they are just sitting on? I would not be allowed a
13 working day turnaround on my job. I sure that most of us would not. I
called and the person that works with them said that there is nothing she can do
to get this process to speed up. I find that hard to believe, but what can you
do? The longer they wait the longer out we go with scheduling my surgery. We
are already into August with the wait list and obviously it is going to be later
and later. Uuuuggghhhh. I am just frustrated and wanted to vent a little bit.
Thanks for listening.
Dora

You guys! I've been approved!!!! I just got the phone call from my
doctor's office, I'm having surgery on Monday!!!!!!!! I'm so nervous
and excited all at once!
Kimberly

Maybe I'm just bold then because when I drink during a meal I can eat twice the
amount of food. My doctor has told me that it does assist in the intake of more
food and consequently absorption of more calories as well as a feeling of hunger
faster.
This process is so individualized that we can't compare our experiences or our
doctors. I didn't intend to start a debate. I was just hoping to find some folks
out there that may be experiencing the same issues...

You don't feel full because your pouch is new and healing. If you
continue, you will stretch it and it won't matter anyways. You have to
stop or this will have all been for nothing. You won't stretch ot in a
week. They have pre-op diets for a reason.. if you continue to overeat,
you can pop your pouch, and then you have a leak and you can die. It's
not worth it.
marchmatron wrote on 5/13/2004, 1:27 AM:

Hi Alex,
Your appetite doesn't seem to be common for patients so soon after
surgery but it does happen. You are probably having what they
call "head hunger". I think you've taken the right step by
realizing right away that you are not using your new "tool"
correctly. WLS is a tool to help us lose weight but it doesn't work
automatically. We need to take control of our eating habits
immediately. Most of us started out with liquid and/or soft foods
right after surgery. I'm surprised that you are already eating a
biscuit. I would strongly suggest you contact your surgeon or
nutrionist about your food requirements. I know that most of us
emphasize protein first because it helps maintain nutrition and
SATISFIES our appetite. Protein will give you a sense of fullness
quicker than anything. Are you getting much protein in? Like I
said before, its a good thing you are trying to nip your overeating
in the bud, but I would refer back to your doctors orders for your
eating since its been less than a week since your surgery.
Keep us posted and hang in there!
Bridget Northam

I had an RNY Lap on Friday. I feel pretty good - almost no pain now -
but I can eat way more than the 2 oz limit - like 4 to 5 oz -
without feeling full at all.
Also - I have the huge Carbohydrate cravings - and (I know - very,
very bad!) ate almost a whole biscuit with honey today. (Along with
a piece of sugar free chocolate.) I didn't have much of a reaction -
just felt a little too full - like after Thanksgiving.
So - help! I can't stand eating jell-o anymore! Did I do something
that made my stomach too big? Am I the biggest weenie ever? Any
ideas for getting over the carbohydrate cravings? Are there any carbs
I can eat? Why can I eat so much? Where did I get my DNA anyway?
(I have 4 stick-thin sisters so I don't think I'm related.)
Thanks for the help
Alex

Hey Rachel and South!
Thank you for your replies in regard to going from lapband to
gastric bypass. South, like you, I eat "around" my band and fall
victim to sweets as well. Plus I throw up and burp all the time. I
feel so disgusting........
I will be looking into www.OhToBeThin.com I will let you know when
I find a doc.
Thank you both!
Rachel

Hi
I'am glad you are doing well. when you said you ONLY vomited 3 times that is
what they mean by dumping! my doctor advised that spit or salvia or bile is
what dumping is and every time you have that your pouch stretches. i'am 7
months out and 93 lbs less loving every minute of my new life. i want to lose
about 30 to 40 lbs more but that seems like a never gonna happen thing because
i have been at 208-210 for about 6 weeks. beleive me its gets harder and
harder. i don;t lose sight of it. i just say its better than gaining and i try
to
drink more protein shakes. good luck to you
maria
10/1/03
lap rny
300/208/180????

Has anyone heard about Mika since she had her syrgery yesterday?
Keeping her in my prayers. Margaret RNY Lap June 24, 2003

All I can say is that I lost most of my weight (almost 200 lbs of it) fast while
I wasn't drinking while I was eating. Since I have started drinking while i
eat, I haven't been losing hardly anything. My surgeon is 100% against eating
and drinking at the same time.

Hello
Could anyone tell me about Compression shorts or
anything better to support all this skin hanging
around on my tummy?
I wonder if compression tights are better? Any body
know of anything that works better and where I can buy
them?
I have lost 70 pounds but still large anything I have
found on line is to small.
thanks
Virginia
=====
click to visit our home page

Patty
I find that the Pudge brownie mix is pretty high in
sugar. Does it make you sick with Dumping?

=====
click to visit our home page

<< From: south seeker <southseeker2000@...
Subject: Re: milk
Rachel.
Would you tell me what kind of Calcium we can have ?
thanks
Virginia
Virginia -
The calcium of choice for us is Calcium Citrate. I use Osteo Enhance from
VitaLady.com. I find it to be cheaper and better than others available locally.
Citracal is another good choice. Available almost everywhere.
Anyone who has reduced stomach acid (all of us, and elderly, people on acid
reducers) should use Calcium CItrate.
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Hi, RAchel . . .
My doc, Dr. Ki Oh, is an experienced, very excellent surgeon who does both lap
bands, RnYs, and he also does revisions . . . He has a lot of experience (over
3000 WL surgeries himself, and 16 years, or so), and you can find him at
www.OhToBeThin.com.
He's in Washington STate . . . Seattle area.
Good luck, from . . .
another Rachel
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 22:26:05 -0000
From: "Rachel" <Prissy3395@...
Subject: lapband to gastric bypass
Hi all!
I am looking for information about going from a lapband to gastric
bypass. I had my band installed 14 months ago and have only lost 20
pounds. I think the band is a wonderful alternative for many; but
for me, it was not so good.
I am having trouble finding a surgeon who will remove a lapband
and go to gastric bypass. If any of you have any information that
could help me, please let me know.
Thank you in advance,
Prissy3395@...
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

I am so frustrated. I have all of my initial stuff done and am currently
attending the nutrition classes that my insurance company requires that I
participate in. My pre-certification paperwork went to the pre-cert department
at he hospital and it is still sitting there. It went to their office on 4/26
and now 13 working days later it is still sitting there. Do they not realize
that this is our lives that they are just sitting on? I would not be allowed a
13 working day turnaround on my job. I sure that most of us would not. I
called and the person that works with them said that there is nothing she can do
to get this process to speed up. I find that hard to believe, but what can you
do? The longer they wait the longer out we go with scheduling my surgery. We
are already into August with the wait list and obviously it is going to be later
and later. Uuuuggghhhh. I am just frustrated and wanted to vent a little bit.
Thanks for listening.
Dora

No I think its starting/current and goal so mine would be 252-127-115 ( I am at
the docs goal weight.)
Kim G
monica hornsleth <monicamh@...
is it
starting weight/goal weight/ curent weight?

Hi Pam. Thanks for replying. I have been drinking for a while now. I'm sad with
myself for doing it, but the feeling of food in my stomach bothers me. It's not
painful it's just weird. I started today really trying to buckle down. This
morning I had my protien bar and didn't drink anything with it.
The other thing is that the carbs get me. At the beginning, I was all over the
protien and then little by little it shifted into Carb-land. My husband started
bringing home more and more carbs and I fell right back into it. I know that the
drinking and the carbs is what is messing me up. At this point, I know that I
can get back on track, I'm just the type of person that works better with
someone reminding me of what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't get a lot of help
from my friends and family anymore, so I'm looking elsewhere because I know I
should be at my goal by now or darn close.
Krysta

ALMOST A MONTH HAS PAST BY SINCE MY SURGERY.(4-19-04) I'VE LOST 40lb.
ALL THE DIETS I'VE BEEN ON I'VE NEVER LOST THAT MUCH. NEEDLESS TO
SAY I AM VERY HAPPY.
I'VE HAD NO PAIN. MY CUT DID DRAIN SOME,BUT THE DOC. SAID THAT
IT WAS NORMAL. I'VE ONLY VOMITED ABOUT THREE TIMES AND THAT WAS
MOSTLY SPIT. THAN THERE IS THE WALKING. SINCE THAT WAS NEVER MY
THING I'M HAVING A HARD TIME MAKING MY SELF WALK. BUT ALL IN ALL
THINGS ARE FINE.I'M LEARNING NEW THINGS AND IT'S NOT SO BAD.
SPEAKING OF BAD THINGS.LETS JUST SAY THAT THERE WERE SOME
UNEXSPECTED THINGS THAT I WENT THROUGH AT THE HOSPITAL.ALL I'LL SAY
IS THAT I'M NO LONGER MODEST AND LEAVE IT AT THAT.
ANYBODY THINKING ABOUT HAVING WLS.LOOK INTO EVERY.TALK TO ANYONE
THATS HAD IT. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASKED THE HARD QUESTON.
459-436-418

is it
starting weight/goal weight/ curent weight?

Hello Rachel
I am Virginia , and I had my gastric bypass done Nov 3
2003, I had the lapband for 14months before that and
lost 30 pounds then GAINED 35, the vomiting was the
worse part they never could get my band correct for
me.
I think the bypass Surgery was a breeze compaired to
the lapband , recovery time was better and without as
much pain.
I am happy to not be vomiting all the time now!
As you most likly have been told , the band is not
very helpfull to those of us who are sweet eaters,
it(the band) is very easy to "eat around" (as it is
coined). I fell victum to that pitfall. And with the
bypass I can't eat sweets at all. It has been tuff
Mentally but I take it day by day. Some days I could
eat the house full of snickers bars!!!
I guess the worse part of the bypass surgery was
thinking it would be unsuccessful like the band. I had
so much hope that it would work and the let down as
almost to much to take.
I am sorry to tell you I did not have my bypass
surgery in the States. I live for now in Holland and
had my surgery in Belgium. The total cost of the
surgery I had was 9100 Euros. That included 5 days in
the Hosp and the Best bariatric surgeron in Europe
(that is according to the reports I read about him,yet
I really like him too). Just a side note: I have been
a nurse in the states for 20 years and know a good
hosp and nurses when I see one. The Hosp in Beligum
was one of the best hosp i have ever seen and the
staff was over and beyond the call of duty as far as I
am concerned.
Rachel, do not give up with the bypass,it is the way
to go I think.
I have the feeling that alot of Docs in the states are
just not use to taking the band out and doing the
bypass and Docs are always stand off on things they
are not use to. I feel that in a year or two they will
become better at taking the band out , because of all
the people that are having it now will in a year or so
be in the same place as you and I are in.
So,,,, make a long email short. LOL, you are welcome
to email me if you need anymore information or someone
to talk to.
Success.
Virginia
Southseeker2000@...

=====
click to visit our home page

hi krista..i hate not being able to drink either...but i do take a lil sip only
at end of meal to help push my food down.try to limit yourself to that...how
long have you been doing that...i hope not long ..it will be hard to break the
habit...you have done so well but still have a ways to go...please DO use this
gift you have been given!

Hi all,
Sorry I dont get to post much. I do read what I can though. Things have been
really hectic around here. May 18th will be my 6 month post op anniv. as of
today I am down 110 pounds. Moving VERY VERY slowly now. But with everything
going on I have no time for exercise. I know make time. But thats IMPOSSIBLE but
after next week I will have MUCH more time on my hands. THANK GOODNESS!
Also, My sister is looking into having the surgery. She has Oshner ins and I
was wondering if anyone has been approved with them. I know I can go to
obesityhelp.com but In the little bit of time i had to go look i couldnt find
the
ins part.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Crystal
Lap RNY
11/18/03
365/255/ next mini goal 250...

Hello group. I have been lurking and posting periodically, but didn't know what
to say. I'm 2 years and 2 months out and I still have a lot to lose and am
getting very frustrated with myself. The weight is fluxuating around the same
spot.. I'm having trouble sticking with my program and I think the honeymoon
period is over. Guess I'm in desperate need of some inspiration and maybe some
help with how to deal with the drinking and eating thing. I hate not drinking
when I eat and I know that is sooooo bad for me to do. When I eat and don't
drink, I feel sick to my stomach. I want to keep going and use this tool that I
have been given. I still have at least 100 more to go and I want it gone! If
anybody can relate or has some good tips or inspiration, I would so love to hear
it.
Krysta
Started 487.5 down to 290 (My goal is 180...)

Hey Monica!
how cool... i'm 10 days older than you... well my bypass is anyway!
where in calif are you? i'm in south riverside county...
temecula/murrieta area - it's one heck of a drive for my office
visits!
have you been seeing dr. furman for your checkups? i don't think
kahlili does the checkups... i have only been seeing furman... he's
my hero - i'll tell you why in a later post.
deb

Pat,
I think it depends on the individual. His a habit to drink while I was eating.
Since my surgery was 5 years ago things have changed.
Patty Spakoski
Open RNY 2-25-99
Boston, MA Dr. Forse
267/145/225 Help!!

Deb
I too had this excruciating pain below one of my incisions (I had LAP) that
lasted a few weeks. My surgeon said it was common where the nerves were
regenerating and encountering scarring and that it would go away. It did.
That being said, do not rely on the group's advise for BIG PAIN. Always,
always, contact your surgeon immediately. Waiting can delay healing should
something be wrong. Your surgeon needs to know any problems you encounter asap
so proper intervention can be started if needed. He should be the only one to
dismiss pain as normal.
Good Luck.
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/193/160 (-59)
BMI 37.2/28.5/23.6
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Hi all!
I am looking for information about going from a lapband to gastric
bypass. I had my band installed 14 months ago and have only lost 20
pounds. I think the band is a wonderful alternative for many; but
for me, it was not so good.
I am having trouble finding a surgeon who will remove a lapband
and go to gastric bypass. If any of you have any information that
could help me, please let me know.
Thank you in advance,
Prissy3395@...

Im confused.... I thought we were not to have any fluids with or immediately
after a meal..
Message: 25
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 15:05:04 -0500
From: "Sonja Nunnery" <snunnery@...
Subject: Re: coke
Om my God Patty !!!! So do I . My meal goes soooooooo much easier when I chase
it down with sips of an ice cold Diet Coke....
Sonja
Lap RNY 12/2001

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
FL Medical Center meeting
Tuesday May 18, 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.

<< From: "Deb" <deb62060@...
Subject: Re: Carrie and milk . . .
so nonfat milk is bad for us?????????????????? i'm confused now.
I believe it is . . . it's very high in sugar. About 13 grams sugar/cup. It
provides no nutrition that we need, or can use other than sugar (which *I* don't
need!), as the calcium is carbonate. We can't use calcium carbonate, which
requires at least an hour or so of close, personal time with stomach acid before
it can be absorbed. In us, calcium carbonate makes kidney stones . . .
Cow's milk is specifically designed to nourish young bovines . . . not adult
humans. It's a mix of sugar, fat, and a little protein. But it's *designed* to
add weight to little calves. Not what I want! :o)
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

I figured that I would throw my two cents into the fold.
There is a product this on the market. I do not sell it or am not
trying to push it in anyway. I just know it helps with my cravings
for sweet and chocolate. It's called No Pudge, it's a brownie mix.
The only ingredient you add is plain yogurt. if you do not have or
do not like yogurt, you can use applesauce. What I like about it is
I can make a single serving. Mixing 2 tablespoons of mix and 1
tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce in a microwavable container and
cook for 1 minute and you have a snack. Add frozen yogurt and fat-
free whipped topping and you have dessert.
Once I was able to return to solid foods, but my surgeon and
nutritionist approved the snack and dessert. They also liked the
fact that I was taking the initiative to include foods that I like
and are not going to hurt me.
Patty

how do we access the archives?

Gang,
Maybe I am the one that baffles the doctors. I started drinking diet soda about
2 months post op. Now I to have a soda with every meal or the food will not
digest. There are also times I need to have a spoonful of sugar to help digest
my meal.
Patty Spakoski
Open RNY 2-25-99
Boston, MA Dr. Forse
267/145/225 Help!!

Deb,
14 days after surgery my incision started to open with an infection. I sat in
the hospital waiting room for 5 hours before I was seen by a doctor, then they
called my surgeon. Two hours later he arrived and decided that the infection
would be cleaned (into my abdomen) and then would heal from the inside out. It
was a 4 inch wound that needed a visiting nurse twice a day for three months.
During this time was throwing up bile in the morning. I could not go to work,
it was the worst feeling.
As long as you get to your surgeon/doctor as soon as you feel something is
different, they will reassure you that you are ok or get you the help you need.
Hang in there, we are here for you.
Patty Spakoski
Open RNY 2-25-99
Boston, MA Dr. Forse
267/145/225 Help!!

Hi Deb! I went to cedars and Dr Kahlili
was my surgeon too. I went on March 15
Monica

Congrats!!! I can't wait to be in your shoes one day. It would be good to be
melting because the weight is just falling off of you instead of melting in the
heat because I am so fat. I think it would be a good trade. Keep up the good
work.
Dora

I'm 107 days post op and just bought a new pair of pants. I've went
from a size 54 to a 44 and have dropped 88 pounds.
I have not been in a 44 pant since 1978. This is incredible fun, just
watching things fall off of me. The unfortunate part is that I'm 47
years old, not 21... although, I'm not so sure I would want to be 21
now...
Anyway, that's my update.
-Ray

So, is this something I should call the DR about now? Or can it wait
until my next appt to mention it? (that's in 3 weeks)

Mon,
Like you, I was a big soda drinker, probably 2-4 liters per day. I
drank Caffine Free Diet Pepsi. Of course immeadiate post-op I was
drinking water, water, and more water. Now, post-op 110 days, I've
began to bring in soda a little at a time. Some GB folks can drink it
straight from the can, I prefer to pour mine into a plastic cup,
freeze it for about an hour then drink or munch. Doing this seems to
take away the carbonation and makes it easier on my pouch. I don't
drink it everyday and when I do its usually no more than 8-10oz over
20-30 minutes. I tried Mountain Dew (regular, not diet) and got a
little nauseous so I'm staying with diet soda.
So, with soda's, if you can't live without it, I suggest BABY STEPS!
-Ray