Gastric Bypass Weblog

that is really so nice and true, makes you think.

Hi Everyone,
Well the time has come for another of our get togethers. May has been
extremely hectic for Omar and me so I decided not to schedule anything until the
first weekend in June. We will be meeting either the 5th or 6th at a place yet
to
be determined. I need some feedback about what day is better for everyone.
Omar will be having the plastic surgery on his legs/thighs on June 10. Those
of you that know Omar understand how much this surgery will help him to get
closer to "New Body Makeover."
Plus it will make walking so much easier for him.
As for myself, I'm in a holding pattern. I completed all my pre-op testing
and sent some letters to my surgeons office from my mental health therapist.
Well, the papers have been "Misplaced." We are working to correct this problem
ASAP.
I hope to see many of you next weekend. Have a great Memorial Day.
Sincerely,
Dawn

Isn't Your Bag Heavy Enough?
One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and
a sack of potatoes. For every person we'd refuse to forgive in our
life experience, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the
name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of our bags, as
you can imagine, were quite heavy.
We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for one week,
putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving,
next to our desk at work.
The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a
weight we were carrying spiritually, and how we had to pay attention
to it all the time to not forget, and keep leaving it in
embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes
deteriorated to a nasty slime.
This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain
and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to
the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves as much as anyone!!
So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask
yourself... isn't your bag heavy enough?
- Author Unknown
Jesus doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called
Hugs,
Cynthia
" It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
~ Confucius ~
Visit my online home..
~ Cynthia's Place ~
Find me on ICQ
#16778835
*No buggies on me!
I tooked a baff in Norton's 2002 bubbles!*

Thanks so much..I have requested that I be allowed to join the
group..Thanks again it means alot to me.
Marshall

Donna,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you lots of luck and a speedy
recovery. Just had mine 5 weeks ago tomorrow and I have no regrets and
nothing but wonderful things to share with family and friends about my
experiences.
Take care and meet you on the losing side.
Laurette
WLS 4/23/04
309/290/267/???
Cleveland, Ohio

WOW!!! Two years ago this journey seemed so long...and now my
surgery is just 5 days away. I am finally about to begin the journey
of a lifetime. Right now I am a mixed bag of thoughts and emotions,
so if I babble, please excuse me. I have tried to think of anything
and everything, so as to be able to go into the hospital knowing I
am fully prepared for ANYTHING! Yes...I even did a will. I am so
excited I could almost &*$%, though I am sure I will be doing plenty
of that very soon. LOL. Just thought I would post for all the other
pre-ops and let you know that yes...nervousness is definitely in
play here...along with great anticipation, and even some grief. I
have been 300+ for so long...it is hard to imagine myself any other
way. I have a photo of me at 16...before I packed on the pounds, and
that is my motivational photo.
Right now my mind is a blunder of so many things that I will be able
to do as the weight comes off..things that I have never been able to
do, and things I havent dont for a long time.
Anyways... enough of my babble. My surgery is June 1 at
9:15am...Doctor Daniel Baker at Unity Hospital in Fridley, MN.
Pray for me.
Donna Berrier

Okay gang, here are some other things I noticed about losing nearly
100 pounds
10. I can fit into most any chair, even the plastic patio ones
9. I can actually bend over and tie my shows without having to take
a deep breath before doing so OR clipping my toe nails is the same
way
8. I no longer have the lingering smell that followed me even after
a shower
7. I am definetly more happy and positive in my responses to
questions
6. I am more thankful for life itself
5. I can sit in a booth OR a table at a restaurant
4. I like being able to see some of the pattern on a plate just
before I begin eating
3. I enjoy being able to pull anything out of my closet, knowing
its either to big or its going to fit
2. I am actually looking forward to the summer and going to the
public swimming pool
1. The sex is Soooo much better... hey, I'm a guy!
-Ray

Susan,
I believe that your stay in the hospital will go much smoother if you
don'thave to cope with caffeine withdrawal. I have been told that you
should wean yourself off caffeine the week before surgery. You are
not going to get your caffeine fix while there and the headaches and
withdrawal won't make your recovery any easier. I weaned myself off
of straight caffeine by mixing decaff grounds with regular grounds
50-50. After a couple of days I decreased the regular to 25% and
increased decaff to 75%. Should have you in good shape to stop all
caffeine after about 5 days.
Just use your imagination to picture yourself in the hospital after
surgery and you are sweating, shaking, and have painful headaches and
you are nauseaus. And these nasty symptoms have absolutely nothing to
do with your surgery. Do yourself a favor, at least for the
hospitalization, and withdraw from your dependence on caffeine while
you still have time to do it right.
Once I got completely off caffeine I found I didn't want to go back.
Good luck,
Cathy

Dr. G is great one of the BEST. He has saved many lives and gave
back many. I had my surgery 8/12/03 and have lost 148lbs. His staff
is great and we have a great support team. We have a meeting every
month. You should try to make one of them. We just had a picnic this
past weekend. Good luck and Dr. g is a GREAT choice. Try checking
out this group tulsa-wlss I think that is the group. There are a lot
of people that went thru Dr. G on that group.
Angelia

no.. you can drink coffee. i have had it from the
start...it is fine to drink. but not a whole lots..i
drink maybe 2 cups a day... nora

=====
Freedom Prevails Because Hero's Serve.
- Trulock Family

Tita, Isn't it funny the things we notice after losing weight. Cindy
"Tita T." <beachbabi@...
closer to the steering wheel!!
I had forgotten I'd ever moved it back!!
That and.. passing someone in a small hall or walk way... instead of waiting
for them to pass through before you start down that way.
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/225/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Message: 19
Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 09:27:36 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
From: monica hornsleth
Subject: another thing you might notice about losing weight
like that being able to cross your legs....
here I go again.
When cars are parked close together and you tried to open the door and not
hit
the car next to you?
you have more room than you used to.
monica

This is one question that has been bothering me. Will I be able to have my
morning cup of coffee, even right after the surgery? I drink only a cup a
day. I do not drink sodas. Yet if I miss my one cup of coffee I have had
severe headaches. Once I even had withdrawals...shivers, nausea, etc.
Susan

i had my lap done on the 6th of may everything went fine.. srayed at
my daughter for awhile. still getting tired

So sorry to hear that Marshall, but you definitely have a positive
attitude about it and that makes all the difference in the world. Keep
at it and I'm sure you'll get up that mountain :).
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/302/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

The Dr Phils are 26g protien, 21g carbs, and 10g sugar
,
Somehow.. when I noted they were 'low' sugar.. compared to to 'regular' diet
shakes.. 10g vs 36g or so sugars.... I forgot to notice they were 10g vs my
other shakes 2 grams of sugar!!
I guess it's live and learn (and keep making changes) .
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/225/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 07:01:10 EDT
From: ehmjc1014@...
Subject: Re: Dr Phil Shakes
If they make you uncomfortable, I would stop drinking them!!!! They are not
low in carbs, and if I remember correctly, they are not low in sugar. It
could be a form of dumping, so be careful.
Mindi
277/165/135
Lap RNY 6/26/03
Size 26/28---

Isn't it strange how you can be on a mountaintop one minute and in
the lowest valley the next? I had been to my surgon..been through
the bloodwork..been through the gallbladder ultrasound...been
through the upperGI(camera down my throat). Seen the exercise person
got a letter from my MD..All I need is my physc eval and to see the
nutritionist before submitting for insurance approval which my nurse
told me was a shoein((Mountain))...Things were clickin right along
TILL....The superior minds at Springdale's Northwest Medical Center
has decided that GBP or WLS as a whole is not the road that the
hospital wants to take and has canceled the entire program..
((Valley)) I am not giving up however and I have a seminar to attend
in Tulsa with Dr.Gorospe (is anyone else familier with him?)on June
11th. We will see how to proceed from there..Our insurance will
still cover the hospital 100% and the tests I've already done will
be acceptable as well. So I'm climbing back up the mountain..LOL
Please remember me in all your prayers.
Marshall

I just had to move my seat a little closer to the steering wheel!!
I had forgotten I'd ever moved it back!!
That and.. passing someone in a small hall or walk way... instead of waiting
for them to pass through before you start down that way.
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/225/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Message: 19
Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 09:27:36 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
From: monica hornsleth <monicamh@...
Subject: another thing you might notice about losing weight
like that being able to cross your legs....
here I go again.
When cars are parked close together and you tried to open the door and not
hit
the car next to you?
you have more room than you used to.
monica

Krys,
If I can just through my thoughts into this topic. First, it is
possible to drink soda post-op. I would definetly wait 8-10 weeks
before doing so. I am a few days past 17 week mark and can drink
about a half of can of soda (slightly flat)before becoming
uncomfortable with a bloated feeling. I can tell you that since I
have begun to drink soda my servings or portions have also slightly
increased, so I don't know if that is due to the soda stretching my
pouch or that the honeymoon is over, I HOPE NOT! If you're in need
of a soda fix and you haven't drank since surgery, GO SLOW, tiny sips
at first. I reality, I'd say stay away from the carbination as long
as you can, water serves your body best. I converted from diet soda
to water and really enjoy a cold bottle of water over soda... most of
the time. Best of luck.
-Ray

hey its finally done check it out!
http://carisasandersweighloss.4t.com/index.html

1) It's really not FOREVER, like a lot of people on this board will
reiterate, but from personal experience I know that I'm not having a
problem with cravings like I used to and I think I can attribute this,
at least partially to the removal of sodas from my diet. I used to love
Diet Coke and Diet Sunkist, just choose to no longer have them.
2) What do you mean not have Starbucks again?!?!?!!? I have it every
morning, decaf (sometimes half-caff), nonfat, 2 = latte...that's me :).
II was worried about this when I began my initial research a year
before surgery because people told me I would become
lactose-intollerant, not true, at least in my case. I know there are a
number of people who do, but I don't believe it's the majority.
3) The liquid part of the diet is dependent solely on your doctor and
plan, I was on liguidy foods (milk, mashed potatoes, jello, pudding...)
for a couple of weeks and then we started adding in eggs and gradually
more and more until at 4/5 weeks out I could have almost anything
(within reason and of course on a little of it :) ). This kind of thing
is best for your consultation, they'll let you know what they feel is
best.
Best of luck Krys!
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/302/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

I've "heard" that u can't have any carbonated drinks after surgery for the rest
of your life. I'm a huge soda person (hate water) I was able to get myself to
tolerate diet soda but losing soda forever will be hard. let alone never having
starbucks again. =(
then I believe I heard a few people say (from watching the oprah winfrey show)
that u are on a liquid diet the first 6 weeks after surgery.
I'm sure I'll get a lot of questions answered at my consultation appointment
this Friday but was just curious. =) thanks.
~*Krys*~
"I don't particularly like babies. I don't mind them for about four minutes.
That's my max. After that I can't quite see what everyone's fussing about." -
Hugh Grant

like that being able to cross your legs....
here I go again.
When cars are parked close together and you tried to open the door and not hit
the car next to you?
you have more room than you used to.
monica

Because most people don't delete the entire digest when they respond. So you
have the answer to your question, plus the extra messages. If you switch to
individual emails, or read the messages at the site, you'll save all that
hassle. (I use the individual emails, that way I only have to read the
message at the top and don't have to scroll thru all the other stuff to get
to the next message.)
"But...How Come there is so much "stuff" in between each one and many
messages are repeated several times with each reply. It takes forever
just scrolling down to go through it all."

I'm 2 weeks post op and have lost about 20 lbs. so far. I
guess that's good, but then in the first few days you don't
eat much of anything, right? I'm hoping to be able to have
the same report as you do-85 lbs in 3 months is great. I'm
so happy for you! Would you care to share a quick run down
of your food choices/exercise? I'm still trying to work my
way through how this new way of eating.
Thanks for any info you may be able to provide.
Kelley
RNY 5/12/04

Amy,
I had a preliminary psych eval and it went fine... Many folks have
baggage that tends to drag them down, or maybe their bipolar or have
other mental issues. This process simply helps the surgeon in
determining whether or not the patient is stable (my word) enough to
deal with the lifelong changes that take place post-op. I'm glad I
had the opportunity to talk through things in my life and share with
the psychologist my anxieties and frustrations of being overweight.
For me, the most disturbing piece was interviewing with the dietian.
The person new her stuff, but had ZERO personality. You may want to
consider a second opinion if you're not getting all of the standard
pre-test workups, i.e., Psych, cardiac, upper GI, etc... Best of Luck
-Ray

glad i did not have to . these email have helped me so much i have lost 85 lbs
in almost 3 months

Dana,
messages are repeated probably because of how people manage their
response... That is, do they delete the threaded message below their
response, or do they leave the entire message... Me, I prefer to
remove most everything except maybe the first sentence...

SPAM DELETE

Thats what the psychologist is there for.....Make sure you bring it up with
him. The surgeon does not know how to treat the depression (most surgeons
don't have a clue what we go through as "fat people"). That is why they make
sure
you go to a psychologist. Don't tell the psychologist what you think he
wants to hear, tell him the truth and you will be fine.
Good Luck
Mindi
277/165/135
Lap RNY 6/26/03
Size 26/28--

ok so first I find out a girl that works at geico has been dating my ex
Jeremy...they live together & are engaged...she JUST turned 20 in Feb. and he'll
be 25 in July. she's a bit young...WHATEVER.
so I was all depressed and emailed the love of my life Sean who's in the army &
stationed in TX. hadn't talked to him in a while. he replied saying him & his
air force girlfriend have a house.
so yeah just been down in the dumps I know I know I'll meet someone and be happy
it's just hard b/c I would do anything to be back w/ Sean. his birthday is
Monday he'll be 26 and he's just great.
there's a guy at work that I think is cute and a good guy, he just turned 27
last Thursday but I think he's gay, lol. but I don't feel confident right now
being over weight...but of course the guy of my dreams would realistically love
me no matter how I look...
just needed to ramble,no need to respond, thanks for listening.
~*Krys*~
"I don't particularly like babies. I don't mind them for about four minutes.
That's my max. After that I can't quite see what everyone's fussing about." -
Hugh Grant

I am going for my psychological evaluation in a few weeks. I have
been suffering from depression because of my weight for a long time
but I never brought it up with my surgeon. Should I talk about this
with the Psychologist or will it effect the DR's decision in whether
I am a good candidate for the surgery?

Thanks Marla,
I am just now losing enough weight that I'm starting to "flap' so
hopefully it won't get too much worse if I keep exercising. I am
turning 41 this summer and they say as you get older your skin
doesn't return to its younger days as easily. I will try the
firming lotion though. Can't hurt.
Thanks again,
Bridget Northam

I love all the info this board has to offer. And getting them
directly to my email is fine in the daily digest (the 25 messages
usually at a time I think)
But...How Come there is so much "stuff" in between each one and many
messages are repeated several times with each reply. It takes forever
just scrolling down to go through it all. It gets a little confusing
& frustrating at times when I just want to check through quick.
Is it just me? LOL Or my ancient computer, how it is set up.
Or is it like this for everyone.
Just wondering...Dana

Tita, I've never tried Dr. Phil shakes but do they have sugar in them? If
they do maybe it is that. I have a hard time with any food with sugar. Just a
thought. Good luck. Cindy
"Tita T." <beachbabi@...
Ok.. odd question.
Has anyone else tried the Dr 'Shape up!' shakes? (No. that's not my
question! lol)
I've been trying them.. but have found two things.
1. They give me gas like crazy, and
2-. They make my stomach/insides hurt!
It's the strangest thing. Not hurt like I ate/drank to much, but from the
first sip, it's uncomfortable. I'm not sure how to describe it.
Has anyone else had a problem with them?

http://pub84.ezboard.com/bweightlosssurgeryjourneys
Here is a small weight loss surgery board starting if u are
interested please come in and post . Me and my sister are the
founders we just started it I had surgery 4 yrs ago and she is about
to have it. See how it changes both our lives. and Join your
experinces with ours and share them so we can help others everywhere.
we always need more than 1 support site thats how information is
spread and learned.
Carisa Sanders

Antwanett,
You almost have to get the GB surgery approved by your PCM,
otherwise Tricare is not responsible for paying for it. It has to be
approved and authorized by them for them to be financially
responsible for it. In my situation, we only have a small clinic
here. It takes care of all of the basics, however, if there is
anything else needed they send you off base to any number of places.
In the long run this works out better since L.A. has such a large
population of doctors practicing varying forms of medicine and
procedures.
I'd push that PCM. That's what I ended up doing with my PCM. I
went in there armed with info. the first time around and explained
to him the series of diets/exercise I had endured in my 24 years of
being overweight/obese. He didn't have much more to say than "let's
get the ball rolling for an authorization". Since then, I've only
been to his office once-and that was for an autho. to get my
Gallbladder taken out since I was diagnosed with biliary colic in
the ER two times over. Give him a push if that's what he needs!!!:)
Hope it works out for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Marla
Open GB
February 12, 2003
360/189/185
Fountain Valley, CA
Dr. Chin

Bridget, I was reading my e-mails and came across yours. I also have the
floppy arms. I'm hoping my batwings will go away. But, I doubt it I have about
80 more pounds to go for my goal weight. I'd love to think I could get rid of
all this flabby extra skin but I don't think it is going to happen. Lots of
luck. Cindy
Bridget Northam <bridgetnortham@...
Thanks for the info about tummy tucks! Actually, I'm not the one
that was asking about it. I keep hoping that somehow the extra skin
will disappear as well as the pounds. Yeah, right! I have another
80 to 100 pounds to go and I am definately getting more flappy in
places as I lose weight. I can easily cover those areas up with
long sleeves, shirt over my floppy belly, and long shorts or
capris. I am soooo HAPPY about finally losing weight but I do wish
I could wear a tank top without feeling like batwoman with my floppy
arms. I think I'll start using hand weights again . . .
Later,
Bridget

Hi Tita,
No, I haven't tried that particular type of shake, but I know what
you mean about the uncomfortable feeling that you endure after
ingesting a certain food. In my case, I have to lay down when that
starts or find a place to sit and breathe through the pain. I try to
omit anything from my diet that will cause this reaction, but am
sometimes suprised when trying something out or something new.
Hopefully, it will work itself out sometime in the near future.
Marla :)
Open GB
February 12, 2003
360/189/185
Fountain Valley, CA
Dr. Chin

congrats to you. i have no advice at all about that. i
am done having kids. i am done getting fat again..lol.
so in a nice way.. better you than me.. i have 2
daughters who are my life. and i am done.....nora

=====
Freedom Prevails Because Hero's Serve.
- Trulock Family

Gottcha. I was a little lost there for a little while. Thanks.

K+ is the medical (chemistry) symbol for Potassium.
-Ray

I am also using military benefits. I am curious is it easier to get the
surgery approved if you don't go threw the military hospital?? I ask
because today my doc threw up a road block for me. He said even though I
definitely qualify for the procedure he wants to wait another six months
before he puts in my referral since I have lost 11 pounds since April. So
now he has me trying even more meds to bring my blood pressure down, and is
saying that he is going to change those around if I don't show any progress.
I am frustrated!!!!!!
Blessings,
Antwanett
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to
see beyond the imperfections.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
that take our breath away..."

Ok.. odd question.
Has anyone else tried the Dr 'Shape up!' shakes? (No. that's not my
question! lol)
I've been trying them.. but have found two things.
1. They give me gas like crazy, and
2-. They make my stomach/insides hurt!
It's the strangest thing. Not hurt like I ate/drank to much, but from the
first sip, it's uncomfortable. I'm not sure how to describe it.
Has anyone else had a problem with them?

Hey Everyone, It has been a long time since I have had any questions
but I am full of them now. I found out I am pregnant. I am now 5
weeks pregnant. I had a RYN Gastric Bypass on Sept 24th, 2004 and am
doing great. My doctor suggested that I not get pregnant till 12-16
months out and I was on the pill and I go in thinking I had a
Bladder infection and came out having a baby.
Although I am really excited for this much wanted miracle I am
scared. Has anyone been pregnant shortly after your surgery and what
did the doctors recommend.
Help! Advice Needed!
Allison

Hi Kim,
Yeah, I'm 15 months out. I weigh in at 189, down 171 lbs (was 360).
Okay, here's my question. Did you go see your PCM to get a consult
to a plastic surgeon? My GB surgeon gave me three cards for plastic
surgeons in his area that he works with. However, since they don't
work within the same office I am unable to go through my surgeon to
seek an authorization for this. What did you use as your reasoning
to get your PCM to agree? The only side effects of my loose skin,
other than making me look somewhat abnormal, are: itching skin, and
slight break outs, not quite rashes. Other than that, it's all
psychological. I feel like I'm wearing a strechy skin suit. But then
I've seen a lot of after pics, and I'm not nearly as bad off as
most. So, I'm still in the process of justifying the need to do it.
So you aren't quite getting a full body lift? Are you scared or
worried about the pain or scarring?
You mentioned going to see your surgeon, was that to get his advice
on whether or not you "needed" to go through with plastic surgery?
My surgeon's rule that he won't talk about plastic surgery until
you're at 18 months. He wants, and I agree with him, to make sure
you're body gets the most out of the surgery and the exercise. Right
now I'm hitting the gym 5-6 times a week for two hour sessions. It's
taken off a lot of weight. But now I have that squishy weird fat in
places like my tummy and arms. Are you also experiencing this?
Thanks for your help and any further suggestions or advice you can
give me. If the timing is right, maybe you and I can get through
this next step together. :) Just one more step in
our "metamorphosis". Can't wait to turn into the butterfly....:)Talk
to you later.
Marla
Open GB
February 12, 2003
360/189/185?
Fountain Valley, CA
Dr. Chin

I was told that the scar would disappear over time fade . I spoke to a few
people and saw pictures before and after and at 3 months the scars didnt look
bad and tha dr gave them a banging body...
Like I said I look great in clothes.
My bf gets mad at me because i rather be covered then naked in bed but I feel
unattrative naked.

I want to pose a question on this topic, is there anyone out there who
lost the weight and didn't have to have nips & tucks?
For those of you who do need or had nips & tucks, how much did you
exercise and what kind of exercises did you do during the weight loss?
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/305/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

The skin will not go away on its own. I am 22 months post op.
start weight 334 now 160 down 174 lbs gone for good and let me tell you as much
as i try the skin is still there I look great in clothes. The only area I have
the skin problem in is my tummy and butt and my breast can use a lift back to
where they onece belonged. I want to loose at least 20 more lbs on my own before
having a tummy tuck and a breast lift. But that will mean outta work for 3 to 4
weeks.
Bridget Northam <bridgetnortham@...
tummy tucks! Actually, I'm not the one
that was asking about it. I keep hoping that somehow the extra skin
will disappear as well as the pounds. Yeah, right! I have another
80 to 100 pounds to go and I am definately getting more flappy in
places as I lose weight. I can easily cover those areas up with
long sleeves, shirt over my floppy belly, and long shorts or
capris. I am soooo HAPPY about finally losing weight but I do wish
I could wear a tank top without feeling like batwoman with my floppy
arms. I think I'll start using hand weights again . . .
Later,
Bridget

Hi Melissa!
Congrats on your upcoming surgery? What part of the country are you
in?
I had my LAP done on March 30th at 7:30am and was home by 3:00pm THE
NEXT DAY!
Alot depends on your surgeon. Have they given you any idea of how
long you'll be in?
I'm amazed at the great variances between surgeons. I had no drains
and my surgeon does "the leak test" while you are still under. I
felt great 24 hours after surgery and felt very prepared to go home.
I had little to no soreness but still took it easy for the first
week. I did walk at the Mall each day and I think that helped. I
took naps each day and concentrated on getting my water in.
Best wishes!!
Tracee

Marla I also have Tricare Prime. Are you a year out yet? I am getting most of my
"Work" covered. I went though my surgion and my primary doctor and then went to
talk to the plastic surgion who told me what she felt they would cover. Which is
my lower body lift, tummy and butt and legs. And a boob lift. Otherwise if I
want anymore I would have to cover it. I dont need my arms done so thats not a
problem. Hope I have helped some.
Kim
petersonmcee <petersonmcee@...
Hi Mary,
I too am at the point where I may need to consider plastic surgery.
The trouble is I can't decide if the scars are worth it. I'm 6 feet
tall and am weighing in at 189 lbs these days. My skin issues are
minimal, with exception to my upper arms and to be honest my breasts
could use a perk-up too. If you're able to pin point a cost on the
brachioplasty could you share your info with me? I have military
insurance, Tricare Prime, and am unclear if they are willing to foot
the bill since I fall into the "gray" area of decision making on
this matter.
Marla :)

Congrats on having the surgery Melissa, wish you the best of luck! I
was in hospital 2 days (surgery Friday, out of hospital Sunday
morning), that tends to be the average stay, I don't know many people
there less times than that. I also work at a computer and started
working a little from home each day after I was home a couple of days,
went back full-time after 2 weeks.
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/305/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

Hello Bridget
I have joined a group about plasic surgery here in

Hi Krys, welcome to the group!!! Let us knowhow your appointment goes....best of
luck to you!!! sherri

Hi, I am going to be having the Lap RNY, for those who have had it
about how long will I be in the hospital?? And I work at my computer
how long before I will be able to get back to work? Thanks in
advance :) Melissa

hello everyone, my name is Krys, 23 from CA. I hope to have the surgery ASAP!
I have my consultation appointments this Friday. unfortunately my insurance
carrier (Kaiser) thinks I don't qualify. I do w/ my BMI but I don't have any
co-morbidies. so I'm paying out of pocket. I'm very excited and can't wait. I
know the group is very active and so I hope I can keep up! I will do my best.
thanks for letting me join.
~*Krys*~
"I don't particularly like babies. I don't mind them for about four minutes.
That's my max. After that I can't quite see what everyone's fussing about." -
Hugh Grant

Up your protein this might help. that is what i have been told to do ....
stacy beck
open rny March,10,04
so far gone 82 lbs....

I NEED HELP! I'm 8 weeks out from surgery and ive lost about 40
pounds but now im not losing a thing! its been 2 weeks and i cant
seem to lose anything and i walk everynight for excersise about 2-3
miles, is this normal not to lose weight?! im almost giving up hope.
it makes me so sad!!!!! email me back anyone with answers
Jenipooh85@H...
Jennifer
271/235

Thanks for your message. I will be out of the office from May 12, 2004
until approximately June 14, 2004. In my absence please contact Sandy
Cox for FMLA needs (user name: coxsa), and Patty Haberberger (haberbp)
or Karen Drake (drakeko) for any other Employee Relations issues.
Kelley Patterson

I'm not sure how much a tummy tuck costs but it seems like a lot of
people are having their insurance company cover it. Several people
at my local support group were able to have their abdominoplasty
(sp?) covered because of rashes and sores they were getting from the
flapping skin. Have you checked with your ins company?
I'm sure someone will post more advice soon. (I've got another 80
or more pounds to lose before I can think of plastic surgery . . .)
Keep us posted,
Bridget

how long did you wait to drink a soda .

Does anyone know how much it would cost to have a
tummy tuck? My stomach looks just awful. I had the
surgery 3 years ago!

Yes, bananas are a good source of K+, unfortunately one or two
bananas a day aren't going to get things back to norm... To many
constipate and we all know we don't how unpleasant that can be.
Thanks

Ray
I thought bananas are high in K+

=====
click to visit our home page

Hi Mary,
I too am at the point where I may need to consider plastic surgery.
The trouble is I can't decide if the scars are worth it. I'm 6 feet
tall and am weighing in at 189 lbs these days. My skin issues are
minimal, with exception to my upper arms and to be honest my breasts
could use a perk-up too. If you're able to pin point a cost on the
brachioplasty could you share your info with me? I have military
insurance, Tricare Prime, and am unclear if they are willing to foot
the bill since I fall into the "gray" area of decision making on
this matter.
Marla :)

I'm 15 months post op and have lost more than 170 pounds. I still
suffer from food withdrawal. I have not regained the "hunger"
feeling and therefore spend the majority of my time feeling
satiated. There are pros and cons to this. The pro being there is
never a need for me to eat more than a few bite fulls of anything at
any given time, the cons are many days I have to push myself every
two hours to eat something. Protein is always on the top of my list,
with drinks of water or crystal light in between periods of eating.
There have been a few days that I have become to involved in my
studies or have been out on long shopping excursions and just
totally forgot to eat because I didn't get hungry. Because of this
I've had a few experiences with becoming hypoglocemic and have
started to carry with me at all times a bottle of water and a series
of small healthful snacks in my purse. I hope this helps. If you
want to ask more questions feel free.
Marla :)

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday May 24, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

I worried about that pre-op too. I had many LAST suppers.... last steak, last
barbeque, last brownies, etc. I worried I would miss them.
Guess what? Your taste buds change so much it may not be a problem. Some
things I used to crave dont even appeal to me now. Others, a few bites
satisfies me for weeks. I was a big time chocoholic... rarely touch the stuff
now. Maybe I get my fix w/chocolate protein shakes, but without the craving. The
first few weeks post op, the bland food (cottage cheese, eggs, oatmeal, s/f
puddings, jello) got to me so I would take a hand blender to corned beef hash or
bean soup and a few bites would do... I may have been craving salt. There is
very little I cannot eat (including sugars, damnit) but the small portions are
not damaging and very satisfying.
My advise is to not worry about it until the time comes, if it does. I still
pack way too much for work lunches; I bring home half of what I pack.
Subconsciously there must be a fear of not having enough to eat. The tool of
surgery is doing its job in spite of my fears.
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/189/160 (-63)
BMI 37.2/28.5/23.6
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Message: 14
Date: Mon, 24 May 2004 03:06:46 -0000
From: "kportell2004" <kp30spam@...
Subject: food withdrawl?
My question today is how to deal with the food withdrawl.
What have others of you done? I am scheduled to have surgery at the
end of June. I am very excited but I am scared to death of how to
deal with the food withdrawl.

WOW, I'm 17 weeks out and had my first bowl of rasin bran (since
surgery) for breakfast this morning and have been very gassy. Since
my K+ or potassium is low, this is a good source for it. But man, I
cannot go through this each day. They'll kick me out of the office.
Anyone have a thought on high K+ foods?
Thanks,
Ray

Do you take blood pressure meds. It could be that
they need adjusting. Sometimes a dry mouth is a sign
of this.

Walking is about the only way and just giving it time.
It should go away gradually in a day or so.

I had barely any pain after the surgery (I had it lap)
and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I've lost 132
lbs in 7 months, with only 68 to go till goal. I've
gone from a 32 to an 18. I thank God everyday for
giving me this opportunity to get my life back. Good
luck,
Shannon in WA

New to the group - just had surgery on 5/20. I am really struggling
with the shoulder pain they say is from the air they use during
surgery, and the gas pain - although it's alleviated some. Wondered
about how long this stuff takes to go away. Any suggestions as to
how to get rid of it sooner would be much appreciated - thanks.

Hi, my name is Antwanett. I live in lawton, Oklahoma. I am
supposed to go talk to my primary care manger(doctor) Tuesday. I am
hoping that she is going to give me a referral to have gastric
bypass done. Then on the other hand I am terrified. I am almost
300lbs and I am supposed to be at 150 lbs. My blood pressure was
179/110 the other day so now I am on different meds. I am boderline
diabetic which I am pretty sure when they check Tuesday I will be
put on meds for that also. Please help me tell me the good, the
bad, and anything you feel might help me. I hate the way I look I
go weeks at a time without looking in the mirror. I exercise and it
works a little but I need to loose this weight. I have four kids to
take care of. I am thirty and I want to see them grow up. Any
advice will be so appreciated.
Blessings
Antwanett

Go the site and switch to where you can read the emails yourself on a daily or
weekly basis, they wont go to your inbox.
Just a suggestion
Kim
dpitts@... wrote:
unsubscribe me now too many emails to habdle

What do you mean by food withdrawal? I never felt like I had food
withdrawal, in fact if anything I felt the opposite---like I was
getting too much food after my surgery. I had a real difficult time
getting enough protein/calories in for several months and my
nutritionist had to keep telling me to eat more to keep my nutrition
up. For the first few months after surgery I HAD NO HUNGER. I felt
full after just a few bites. Of course that is part of what the
surgery is supposed to do, satisfy our hunger sooner so we eat less.
I think you'll do just fine with the surgery and you'll be surprised
at how little you feel like eating. Some of us do have to do
with "head hunger" and maybe thats what you're worried about. I'm
sure others on the board will have some good suggestions for that.
Good luck!
Bridget Northam

Congratulations, you are doing really well. I bet you feel AWESOME :)
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

Hello everyone, Just thought I would share. Today is my sixth month post-op.
I have lost 95lbs. so far. I tried hard to make the 100 mark by now but am so
happy with the lost I have . I am a happy girl today!!! Cindy 11/24/03
316/221/145

Do anyone have a problem with dry mouth. I drink plenty of fluids,
but it doesn't seem to matter. I sometimes have a problems when I
swollow my food.
what I like to know will this pass?
gwls(4-19-04)
458/409(begenning-now)

My question today is how to deal with the food withdrawl.
What have others of you done? I am scheduled to have surgery at the
end of June. I am very excited but I am scared to death of how to
deal with the food withdrawl.

Joan, a little water, a little ice, some suger free syrup or sugar free/fat
free puding mix and you protien mix, blended in the blender and you are ready
to go......

Not a pink face, but I do notice that my body temp is more up and
down. I get hot and cold through the day...depending on whether
I've eaten or not actually.
JC
Lap rny w. choly
May 14 2004

Hi everyone.
Just wanted to check in. I've been home from the hospital since
Monday and feeling better each day. I have been able to eat and
drink everything I need too. In fact, I've been meeting my protein
goal each day since about Wednesday.
I do have several infected incisions, but I'm just taking that one
day at a time.
I'm so glad I had this surgery. I'm not saying I didn't have my
moments in the hospital when I was a hurtin' pup, but still, I am so
grateful that I made it to the other side safely.
All your posts help me so much in the past and I'm sure will
continue to do so in the future.
Thanks
JC
Lap rny w. choly
May 14 2004

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
South Miami Hosp Support Group
Thursday May 27, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats on the last Thursday of every month.
Event Location: Educ Cntr
Notes:
go to miamihope.com

After researching weight loss surgery for almost nine months, and after
careful thought and consideration, my daughter and I have decided that the
gastric bypass surgery was what we both needed to do. I found the doctor in
our area that specializes in this procedure and then decided to start the
process of seeking approval from our insurance company. The good news is
that after several letters and requests to the insurance company, they
finally approved this surgery for both of us.
The bad news is that we have just been informed that our co-payments and
deductibles would come out to be just under $10,000 for each of us.
Yikes!!! Thats about $20,000 more than we have.
I had assumed that since we had a good policy (80% / 20%) with a good
insurance company, that our co-payments and deductibles would be minor
amounts that I would be able to somehow swing. Our surgeries are scheduled
for June 2, 2004, which is less than two weeks away.
I am, and always have been, a single parent; which means that I have always
worked from paycheck to paycheck. My net worth is currently zero. My
daughter is 19 years old and in her second year of junior college, with only
a part-time job which pays minimum wage.
I am urgently seeking donations to be able to go through with these
life-altering surgeries on June 2, 2004. I realize that if I am able to
receive anywhere near the amount that it would take, it would be like
winning the lottery. And, I realize what my chances are of ever winning the
lottery however, maybe one of you readers out there has had luck in your
life, maybe you have even won a lottery, or know of someone who has, and
just maybe someone out there is willing to share their luck with us.
I have spent 46 years of my life being overweight and my daughter has spent
19 years of her life being overweight. We are both very dedicated and
committed to having this surgery and changing our lifestyles forever, so
that we can be thin so that we can be normal.
Any amount of donation will be truly and greatly appreciated!!! No donation
is too small!!!
Donations for our gastric bypass surgeries can be sent directly to me at:
Susan Brittendall
1065 W. Lomita Blvd., #281
Harbor City, CA 90710
or, if you prefer, you can send them to my doctors office at:
The Center for Surgical Weight Loss
At Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital
Attn: Helen Sweatt, Office Manager
323 N. Prairie Ave., Suite 434
Inglewood, CA 90301
If you send a donation to our doctors office, please note in the memo
section on the check FBO Brittendall (for the benefit of the
Brittendalls).
Please feel free to distribute this message to anyone who you think may be
able to help.
If you have any questions, or want more information, I can be reached by
phone at 310-326-6754.
Thank you in advance for any help you are able to offer ! ! !
No donation is too small ! ! !

What does the vinegar do for you?? Linda D

I started as soon I got back in a regular room after surgery, I use
whey protien from www.allthewhey.com , I get the vanilla and choc
My favorite is a scoop of vanilla,a half scoop of choc mixed with 8
oz of coffee, blended well, then throw in some ice cubes blend again
just enough to make a slushee out of it,,,another way is with
vanilla and some fresh fruit, I mix choc and peanut butter to get my
reeces fix,,LOL,, a five lb jug costs 19.00 plus shipping,,,I hope
this helps someone,
Steve

How much does it generally cost to get an upper arm lift?
Thanks.
-Mary
March 11, 2003
319/160/130

I have a question for you .. is it possible to take the protein
drinks, either the whey or whatever type, and stick them in the
blender with the water and some ice cubes..then can you add a little
vanilla or something like that to better the taste?? If you whizzed
it a minute or two, would it be more like a shake consistency from
the ice in it?? How soon do you start on the protein drinks post
op?? How long would it take to down one of these protien drinks..say
if you made it into a 4 ounce drink??
Joan in Colorado
preop..date 6/22

Linda,
Thats wonderful...just think by Tuesday evening your gona be on
the "Loosing Side"....Keep us updated post op if you can...
Joan in Colorado
Surgery set for 6/22 RNY

I am almost 7 months post op and I eat ham at 2 months out and didn't have
any problem. I have CarbSmart IceCream in my freezer and I don't like it that
well. Don't like the taste...
Pam

Dana,
It sounds like you are doing wonderfully since your surgery...and I
am sure it was so very comforting to have your hubby there during
that time..Is there any meats that you are able to tolerate yet
other than the tuna? Have you tried pureeing any meats in like a
blender or coffee bean grinder?? I am trying to get all the dietary
stuff lined up before surgery...so sorry bout all the questions.
Joan in Colorado
RNY set for 6/22

Hey all. I just had a few questions. I am 14 months
post-op and have lost about 159 pounds. I just had
some questions..
1. Does anyone eat ham? How well do you handle it?
2. Does anyone eat that CarbSmart ice cream? How
well do you handle that?
I think that's all. Thanks to anyone who responds!
~Mary
March 11, 2003
319/160/130

Anyone have any experience with the New Start program in St. Louis?

Gang,
My mother-in-law is coming to stay with us for a few weeks so I'm
switching to no email. If you need to chat with me, email me at
Leeds@.... Take care.
Tanya

Congratulations on a successful surgery and the start of a great weight loss
and new you. You sound like you are filled with positive thoughts and that is
wonderful. Keep up the good work. the protien part was always the hardest for
me too as I think it is for most.
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

you were told about?
I found their website, but the nutritionist had the company rep call
me directly.
http://www.juiceplus.com/

Good morning Linda, As your surgery date approaches I'm keeping you in my
prayers and want to welcome you to the losing and healthier side of life. God
bless you. Margaret RNY Lap 6-24-03 Dr Alan Whittgrove in San Diego Starting 252
now 142
LindaD1029@... wrote:My surgery is this Tuesday, May 25th. I'm not really
nervous, just excited.
I'm scheduled for 7:30 in the morning....Say a prayer for me....I'll see you
on the other side!!!! Linda D

My surgery is this Tuesday, May 25th. I'm not really nervous, just excited.
I'm scheduled for 7:30 in the morning....Say a prayer for me....I'll see you
on the other side!!!! Linda D

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Kendall Regional Hosp. support group
Wednesday May 26, 2004
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This event repeats on the last Wednesday of every month.
Event Location: Bird Road the Turnpike
Phone: 305 222-2200
Notes:
atrium building, suite 703
(support on the 4th wed & info on the 4th thurs of the month)

Hello everyone,
Just an update on my progress, 2 weeks + 2 days since my life
changing weight loss surgery. I have lost 17 pounds. Whoo Hoo. (and
also add the 10 prior to surgery) 27 total.
285 in April now at 258.
I had my 2 week checkup Thursday 5/20, all's well, labs were good and
had all but 8 of the staples taken out (from 25) my incision is about
8 inches long.
Food is progressing (in the small portions), yogurt, cottage &
lowfat cheese, refried beans, milk, V8, mashed potatoes, mashed
bananas, a little baby food vegies/fruit, and baby food meat mixed in
mostly everything for more protein. I just slowly tried some tuna
pureed a bit with a LITTLE melba toast and did fine.
Finally getting all my meds and vitamins down too.
The only thing still having trouble with is enough Protein, and maybe
a little bit of fluids. I know they are the most important part, so I
need to work on them. With the TONS of kinds of protein shakes that
everyone uses I have yet to find any I like and drink enough of.
I also found a local support group to go to once a month, it was
nice meeting others just like me. They went around the room at the
end and all post-ops said there time out and weight loss. When
finished (I think about 40 people or so) it totaled 2,433 lbs.
How Cool!
My kids are doing great, last day of school is 6/3 and my hubby's
parents are coming to visit end of June AND taking them to Disney for
a few days. We are in Georgia (Ft. Benning)
Ron (the hubby) is home for one more week then back to the Army
grind. I will say again how absolutely wonderful he has been. Back
home this week and he has totally taken care of all the
house "stuff/needs" in addition to the kids and helping me recover.
Also a continued thanks for all the replies of support & prayers,
they have meant the world to me. I send blessings in return to each
of you and your familles.
Hugs too...
The getting lighter Dana Leigh

Shari,
Good luck on your big day..you will do fine I am sure..and think
where you will be in a year...fabulous!!!. Keep us updated!
Joan in Colorado
Approved surgery 6/22
Dr. Michael Snyder, Denver, Colorado

Mimi,
Wow..thats alot of weight in a short time youve lost. How far do you
walk every day?? Any idea why you are dropping so fast?? I want to
know the secret! Ü
Joan in Colorado
Approved, surgery 6/22
Dr. M Snyder, Denver, Colorado

rosacea maybe?
http://www.rosacea.org/patients/whatis.html
Cynthia

I know this sounds weird and it really puzzles me but every since I had
surgery when i wake up ( even in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom)
my
cheeks, chin and forehead are a bright pink. It is very weird and it almost
looks like I am overheated but i am not. i have never noticed this before
surgery so i assume it was something from that. So I am curious if I am the only
one. I know my blood pressure runs low, maybe it runs really low while sleeping
or something, I don't know. Any guesses or does anyone else have this?

IT'S O.K. YOU GOT VENT SOMEWHERE--THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR.
"Janet P. Whiddon" <janetpw@...
posts.
I was supposed to have my surgery on May 17th, but am still here due
to tests results not getting to the surgeons office in suffient time.
Talk about frustration!
I initially had bloodwork, an EKG, a chest X-ray, an upper GI
(barium swallow), an interview with the aenesthesiologist, and also
needed a psych eval. The psych eval wasn't accepted, as it turns out,
after paying the man $75.00, that he was a "psychotherapist" and not
what the surgeons office was wanting. The tests I had revealed an
abnormal EKG, showed I had the beginnings of diabetes, and they
didn't have a full report from the Upper GI. ( The upper GI was the
one test I didn't want to have to repeat, but realize that I will
have to have one after surgery as well - YUCK ). The doctor said I
was too anemic for surgery and have to increase my iron intake
quickly.
So, I am taking iron supplements in the dosage he told me to. I
spent another $100.00 for 3 sessions with a bonafide psychologist,
who faxed the eval over on the Thursday prior to my Monday scheduled
surgery. The first session was an interview of my diet and personal
history and background family issues. The second session was me
filling out a 500+ bubble questionaire, and the third was to go over
the results and get my eval. He thinks I am normal. (Go figure!)
I made an appt. with a cardiologist two weeks prior to my
scheduled surgery, and his office girl couldn't get me into tests
until the next week. I had the next Tuesday sevral tests: echo,
stress with Nuclear med type scans prior to and after the treadmill
stress test. They injected me with radioactive isotopes, and other
things various times during the visit. She said the tests would take
3 days to come back, and that put me in a panic. If they didn't fax
the results on that third day, I was SOL. We started calling the
cardiologists office the very next day to bug them. My surgeons
office was calling me and calling them and I was stressed to the max,
and broke down crying at work. The office manager at the surgeons
office told me that I didn't get my bloodwork done. I told her that I
couldn't just go do my own bloodwork - was I supposed to draw my own
blood? No one from the office did the procedure nor gave the
prescription to have it done from the lab - their MISTAKE. The
surgeons office faxed their bloodwork results over to speed up the
process, but the cardiologist wasn't there to read the results. Plus,
the echocardiogram results weren't back. She was waiting for the
results and wouldn't call to get the results because the doctor
wasn't there to read the bloodwork anyway.
So my surgery got postponed, and I want to kill someone, but after
crying, I lost all the stress that had been building up ( I was such
a moody B all that last week ). Now I am content to sit and wait for
my next appt. June 11th. 3 more weeks. All tests are done.
I was told to take Pepcid Complete after surgery for a year/two
years? I am taking that now anyway for GERD. I asked the dietician in
the surgeons office, and she said that even though it was calcium
carbonate, I was taking enough for ample absorption, and didn't need
to take the calcium citrate. She suggested me ordering Juice Plus
capsules, which I ordered. It contains tons of anti-oxidants and
benefits from fruits and vegetables that I will not be able to ingest
after surgery. I started with the one fruit capsule in the morning
and one veggie capsule in the pm and built up to two each. It
supposedly gives me fiber, and even though I have been taking large
amounts of iron, per MD, I have not had ANY trouble with
constipation. I was instructed to buy Champion Whey Protein, Centrum
chewables and liquid Iron supplements (can't remeber the brand). I
was also told BIOTIN for hair loss, but I don't care. I have
extremely thick hair and could stand to lose half of it!
I have a good deal of what I need, but still have to order the
iron and CHAMPION brand of protein whey. I have two containers of
other brands which I plan to take later as supplements, but thought I
should start with their preferred brand. I want to find a site that I
can buy EVERYTHING I need.
Sorry that this post was so long, but I think it helps to know we are
share some of the same experiences. Waiting patiently, Janet

I have been reading the last 100 posts.
I was supposed to have my surgery on May 17th, but am still here due
to tests results not getting to the surgeons office in suffient time.
Talk about frustration!
I initially had bloodwork, an EKG, a chest X-ray, an upper GI
(barium swallow), an interview with the aenesthesiologist, and also
needed a psych eval. The psych eval wasn't accepted, as it turns out,
after paying the man $75.00, that he was a "psychotherapist" and not
what the surgeons office was wanting. The tests I had revealed an
abnormal EKG, showed I had the beginnings of diabetes, and they
didn't have a full report from the Upper GI. ( The upper GI was the
one test I didn't want to have to repeat, but realize that I will
have to have one after surgery as well - YUCK ). The doctor said I
was too anemic for surgery and have to increase my iron intake
quickly.
So, I am taking iron supplements in the dosage he told me to. I
spent another $100.00 for 3 sessions with a bonafide psychologist,
who faxed the eval over on the Thursday prior to my Monday scheduled
surgery. The first session was an interview of my diet and personal
history and background family issues. The second session was me
filling out a 500+ bubble questionaire, and the third was to go over
the results and get my eval. He thinks I am normal. (Go figure!)
I made an appt. with a cardiologist two weeks prior to my
scheduled surgery, and his office girl couldn't get me into tests
until the next week. I had the next Tuesday sevral tests: echo,
stress with Nuclear med type scans prior to and after the treadmill
stress test. They injected me with radioactive isotopes, and other
things various times during the visit. She said the tests would take
3 days to come back, and that put me in a panic. If they didn't fax
the results on that third day, I was SOL. We started calling the
cardiologists office the very next day to bug them. My surgeons
office was calling me and calling them and I was stressed to the max,
and broke down crying at work. The office manager at the surgeons
office told me that I didn't get my bloodwork done. I told her that I
couldn't just go do my own bloodwork - was I supposed to draw my own
blood? No one from the office did the procedure nor gave the
prescription to have it done from the lab - their MISTAKE. The
surgeons office faxed their bloodwork results over to speed up the
process, but the cardiologist wasn't there to read the results. Plus,
the echocardiogram results weren't back. She was waiting for the
results and wouldn't call to get the results because the doctor
wasn't there to read the bloodwork anyway.
So my surgery got postponed, and I want to kill someone, but after
crying, I lost all the stress that had been building up ( I was such
a moody B all that last week ). Now I am content to sit and wait for
my next appt. June 11th. 3 more weeks. All tests are done.
I was told to take Pepcid Complete after surgery for a year/two
years? I am taking that now anyway for GERD. I asked the dietician in
the surgeons office, and she said that even though it was calcium
carbonate, I was taking enough for ample absorption, and didn't need
to take the calcium citrate. She suggested me ordering Juice Plus
capsules, which I ordered. It contains tons of anti-oxidants and
benefits from fruits and vegetables that I will not be able to ingest
after surgery. I started with the one fruit capsule in the morning
and one veggie capsule in the pm and built up to two each. It
supposedly gives me fiber, and even though I have been taking large
amounts of iron, per MD, I have not had ANY trouble with
constipation. I was instructed to buy Champion Whey Protein, Centrum
chewables and liquid Iron supplements (can't remeber the brand). I
was also told BIOTIN for hair loss, but I don't care. I have
extremely thick hair and could stand to lose half of it!
I have a good deal of what I need, but still have to order the
iron and CHAMPION brand of protein whey. I have two containers of
other brands which I plan to take later as supplements, but thought I
should start with their preferred brand. I want to find a site that I
can buy EVERYTHING I need.
Sorry that this post was so long, but I think it helps to know we are
share some of the same experiences. Waiting patiently, Janet

TRACY,
HAVE YOU TRIED FISH? IT'S GREAT IN PROTEIN AND IT WILL BE BETTER FOR YOUR CHILD.
YOU CAN MARINADE ON A LOW FAT DRESSING AND BROIL LIGHTLY--TRY SALMON WE LOVE AT
HOME..HOW ABOUT CHILI?--W/GROUND CHUCK. OR SOUPS W/ LEAN BEEF AND CHUNKY W/
VEG..
Tracee Moore <tracee@...
I'll be two months out from surgery on May 30th. I'm obviously a
slow loser as I've only lost 40 pounds. I've recently "turned over a
new leaf" in my thinking about this surgery and how obsessed I've
become with the weight coming off.
My new approach is to just live my life, eat what I'm supposed to eat
in the quantities I'm comfortable with...and it WILL happen. Please
don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I'm just saying that during the
past two months I was so incredibly obsessed with the surgery and
watching the weight fall off...that I'm ready now to just live my
life (while following the rules which are second-nature now) and
developing a new lifestyle.
The one problem I have is that I'm bored with food! A friend gave me
a copy of a bariatric cookbook...but I have a two-year old and I just
can't spend that much time in the kitchen!! I've tried grilling my
chicken and can eat rotisserie chicken till I cluck...but I NEED
OPTIONS!! I find that when I'm bored with what I'm eating I tend to
eat things I shouldn't.
I did make a meatloaf the last week and that was a nice change of
pace...but I need other options!! Anyone have any good ideas that
work for them? I'm thinking PROTEIN. I have no problem fitting in
veggies and fruit...and, of course, CARBS.
I tried steak this week and had no problems at all. In fact, I
haven't gotten sick once since surgery and I've only dumped a few
times which I contributed to eating too fast or drinking too soon
after a meal. Nothing has ever gotten "stuck" and I really fluctuate
on how much I can eat at one time. I've never felt "full" but get a
feeling that this should be my last bite. However, I FEEL HUNGER!!
I hate that part and I try to avoid giving in to it. When I do feel
hunger, I drink a big glass of water or eat some protein.
Help!!
Tracee

I'll be two months out from surgery on May 30th. I'm obviously a
slow loser as I've only lost 40 pounds. I've recently "turned over a
new leaf" in my thinking about this surgery and how obsessed I've
become with the weight coming off.
My new approach is to just live my life, eat what I'm supposed to eat
in the quantities I'm comfortable with...and it WILL happen. Please
don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I'm just saying that during the
past two months I was so incredibly obsessed with the surgery and
watching the weight fall off...that I'm ready now to just live my
life (while following the rules which are second-nature now) and
developing a new lifestyle.
The one problem I have is that I'm bored with food! A friend gave me
a copy of a bariatric cookbook...but I have a two-year old and I just
can't spend that much time in the kitchen!! I've tried grilling my
chicken and can eat rotisserie chicken till I cluck...but I NEED
OPTIONS!! I find that when I'm bored with what I'm eating I tend to
eat things I shouldn't.
I did make a meatloaf the last week and that was a nice change of
pace...but I need other options!! Anyone have any good ideas that
work for them? I'm thinking PROTEIN. I have no problem fitting in
veggies and fruit...and, of course, CARBS.
I tried steak this week and had no problems at all. In fact, I
haven't gotten sick once since surgery and I've only dumped a few
times which I contributed to eating too fast or drinking too soon
after a meal. Nothing has ever gotten "stuck" and I really fluctuate
on how much I can eat at one time. I've never felt "full" but get a
feeling that this should be my last bite. However, I FEEL HUNGER!!
I hate that part and I try to avoid giving in to it. When I do feel
hunger, I drink a big glass of water or eat some protein.
Help!!
Tracee

I didn't see the post but what I am understanding is 2 months out and
drinking. I am three years four months out about a year ago I would go out
and all it took was two drinks and for me I was a goner. Before surgery I
could drink like a fish and still stand. Before surgery I did stop drinking
for a couple of years. I don't know what happen but after losing all the
weight well I just had to go out and show off my new look. Well, that two
drinks went to three and so on. It felt good I could feel the buzz right
after the first drink so why couldn't I stop and not have anymore??? I
stopped going to bars and drinking after passing out a few times, falling of
the bar stool and on the floor, what a mess. But, It didn't stop there. I
was never a drinker at home well guess what, her comes my good old friend
captain morgans rum and diet cream soda oh it tasted so good. Then I
thought well wine isn't like drinking yeah right! Next thing I knew was
walking to the store at four am to get not one bottle but two bottles large
bottles of wine. Oh, I thought I was hiding it now. Somehow this took over
me I was drinking non stop. I would have a few fall asleep wake up have a
few more over and over day after day for about three months. I was out of
control, I was ready to kill myself I was so sick of being sick needing that
drink when I woke up or I would have the shakes. Boy I never would have
dreamed in my life alcohol would take over me. Thank goodness for good
friends. I was crying out for help someone went to my family for help for
me. FOR ME AND ONLY ME I could do it all over again I would never have pick
up that first drink. I really think it does haven't something to do with
the gastric bypass because you get a buzz so fast. For Me I wouldn't drink
at two months out. I went to AA on my own guess that tells me I knew I was
sick and really needed help. Guess what I found some really nice people and
I have over a hundred days sober this week. I wish the best of luck to you.
Just because this happen to me doesn't mean it will happen to everyone. My
point was FOR ME this is what happen.
Hugs,
Denise
Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 13:02:52 -0400
From: ehmjc1014@...
Subject: Re: i have an alcohol question.
Wow...2 months and drinking already?!?!? I am 11 months out and just had my
first glass of wine. Be careful with the beer because beer is loaded with
carbonation. Carbonation eats away at your pouch. After Gastric Bypass,
drinking is much more intense because you do not absorb the alcohol the way
you are used to. Best of luck to you.
Mindi
277/165/135
Lap RNY 6/26/03
Size 26/28--

Good luck next week on your surgery. You will not
regret it at all! Before you know it you will be on
your way to losing more weight than you ever had
dreamed about. I've lost 132 lbs in 7 months-only 68
lbs to go to goal and I would do it again in a second!
Later,
Shannon in WA

Congratulations Sheri! You'll do fine, just make sure you have
everything ready at home for your return, take a items we've all
mentioned with you to the hospital, do what the doctor tells you and
everything will be perfect. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be in all of our
hopes and prayers.
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/305/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

I am a 38 year old male from IL. I have WLS on May 24, 2004. I have
not posted here before but I have viewed for information etc. I am a
little scared right now and any encouragement as surgery nears would
be great. I plan to post regulary and be an active member of the
group. Thanks!

Well the first day of my new life is almost here, May 25th. I am
really scared and nervous but so very anxious as well. I have been
participating on occasions, buy mainly just reading.
Thank you all for being so supportive and informative. I will update
you on how my surgery/recovery goes.
Sheri in Michigan
307/awaiting new life