Gastric Bypass Weblog

I can no longer take these...Email me privately. I have SEVERAL bottles

Did you feel you needed help after the surgery? Help with the kids,
help for yourself, help doing stuff around the house? I have 3 kids,
ranging in age from almost 13 to almost 3. Husband is currently
deployed, so no help from him...lol. My sister is driving up and she
said she could stay for a couple of weeks. That should be long
enough, shouldn' it? She's coming a week early, but I'm not counting
that week.....that's for us to hang out and have fun.
~Tanja

Amy,
I wish you the best of luck. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you
start this new adventure in your life. Take care and God Bless!!
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/259/150

One thing I had my husband go out and buy for me was a pair of
earplugs. The first two days, in a surgical intensive care unit, was
SO noisy all night that I just couldn't sleep. Even with all the pain
meds. I finally got moved to a semi private room, but my then I had my
earplugs too. That any my own small pillow from home were the only
things I needed.

You re in my prayers already!!! God will be with you!! and just think that
this is your re-birth to a new life!!! how exciting!!! :)
Love,
Scarlett!!!!

I remember taking so much and hardly used any of it, except the chap stick.
wasn't able to wear my own gown and the hospital gowns were so big i didn't
need a robe...lol. i wore the clothes home that i wore in, was less to worry
about. wore flat slip on shoes so i didn't have to bend or wear socks. less
for my family to do.
laurette
4/23/04
309/290/259/150

gale here is a list of theing i have had sujusted to me for hospital
robe
flip flop or slippers
small fan ( if it's hot in your area)
loose clothes for when you leave
chap stick
hair brush
tooth brush/ toothpaste
deodorant
lotion
baby wipes
back scatcher
pillow for ride home( support tummy)
large underwear
foot socks
shampoo/cream rinse
hair band
loose fitting bra(for the ladies)
it seems like alot but you need it all
i can't think of anything else right now this is my list for hsopital
stay
bye
shirley of fontana calif

i am not sure what i am gettinginthe morning .. open or lap.. buti am getting it
and definatly they said i am going ot be knocked out.. congrates on it
happening.. starlet
tineriffic <tineriffic@...
And I was curious for
anyone who has had one. Do they kock you totally out for this? I
know it is probably a stupid question but I never thought of it. I
have my family visit with Dr. K on July 1 and my pre-op on the 2nd.
Then surgery on the 6th. What do they do during the pre-op? I
thought it was all paperwork but I was over at obesityhelp.com and
they were talking about some test to see of you have bacteria in the
esophagus? Anything you can tell me will help. I am starting to get
antsy now. Thanks again.
Tina

I am scheduled for Open RNY on July 19th and was saving some prior
posts about what to take to the hospital and what to have at home
when I get out. Unfortunately, my computer crashed and I've lost that
information. I was wondering if anyone could send ideas about what to
take to the hospital with me and what to have at home when I get out.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Gale
Open RNY July 19

I am having an open surgery in 2 weeks!! And I was curious for
anyone who has had one. Do they kock you totally out for this? I
know it is probably a stupid question but I never thought of it. I
have my family visit with Dr. K on July 1 and my pre-op on the 2nd.
Then surgery on the 6th. What do they do during the pre-op? I
thought it was all paperwork but I was over at obesityhelp.com and
they were talking about some test to see of you have bacteria in the
esophagus? Anything you can tell me will help. I am starting to get
antsy now. Thanks again.
Tina

Would I do it again? In a New York Minute!
This has been the best thing I've ever done for myself, bar none and I'd do
it again in a heart beat!! (and this is after I've just had my first
experience of dumping, it happens again.. someone please just shoot me! lol)
I feel so much better, I look so much better, my attitude is so much better.
I am 6 months out and just at 60 pounds.. slow.. but at least it's sort of
steady.
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/215/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
If there was a way, would you EVER consider going back in time, and
not having the surgery done?? Also, would you mind telling me how much
you lost, and in what amount of time?? (I know you have probably
already told this 10, 000 times, but I am just trying to decide what
to do....)
=)
~~Bawana~~

I was shocked at how weak I felt after surgery. While normally fairly
active, I needed to lay down and rest after taking a shower! The
hospital staff will usually check to see if you have someone around to
help you in the immediate post-op time. You just cannot do the things
you normally do right away. You need help with maneuvering the stairs,
fixing your meals, and perhaps other things as well.
As far as returning to work, it depends on several variables. Even
though I was feeling much better, I stayed out of work for 8 weeks due
to the physical demands of my job. And I had laparascopic surgery too.
Had I had a desk job, I'm sure they would have sent me back sooner.
I can't answer you definitively about insurance. Mine only took a
couple of weeks to be approved. I'm sure that was due to my
physician's office being very adept at handling the paperwork.

It's different for everybody. Personally, I felt
pretty good and was able to do things without too much
difficulty. I also went back to work after 1 week,
but I have a desk job so it was nothing strenuous.
Shannon in WA

Did anyone else have their surgery by Dr Kahili at Cedars ( Los Angeles, CA)?
IWhen i first joined someone teold me they went there. Anyway Im going back for
my 3 mo check up at the end of the month, just checking, maybe I'd see you
there!

Hi, I am having surgery soon, I hope. I went to the introduction, a
psych eval, a nutrition class and have had a physical and approval
by my regular doctor. Paperwork was submitted to my insurance
company -- is there a considerable wait for their approval.
They've also painted the first few weeks after surgery as pretty
difficult. Is it really as bad? I am a widow and need to work to
support myself. Is it going to be a long recuperation -- they
haven't told me if I qualify for laparoscopic or open surgery.
Thanks for any info.
Maggie

Hi all, hope everyone is having a good day. I do have a question though, I
hope someone can help me with. I am 8-1/2 weeks post-op and for the last
couple days have been having some real discomfort by the pouch area (base of my
ribcage). Not a pain but it's sore and tender. Haven't really been able to eat
much either. Got sick twice yesterday. Has anyone experienced this feeling
this far out?
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/259/150

I personally am glad I did it. I havent had any complications thus
far. However, that doesn't rule out future problems. I am well aware
but I know more people that have had zero problems whatsoever.I have
lost 117lbs in 9 months.
Make an informed decision based on everything you can
research,everyone you can interview, read all you can. The good, bad
and the ugly. That is the only way you will be able to make an
informed decision.
For me, I have NO regrets.
Good Luck!
Bonnie
287/170/150
9 months out!

Is there anyone in this group who has had, or is contemplating
having, WLS that is in the above weight range? I would love to hear
from anyone in this weight range about their WLS experiences. A
relative of mine is in this range and I have referred them to my
surgeon but they were told they would have to lose weight prior to
surgery -- major disappointment to say the least.
Also, has anyone in this range had any issues w/ severe water
retention which caused blistering?
Thanks Everyone, Victoria
322.5/275/122
RNY 3/22/04

If there was a way, would you EVER consider going back in time, and
not having the surgery done?? Also, would you mind telling me how much
you lost, and in what amount of time?? (I know you have probably
already told this 10, 000 times, but I am just trying to decide what
to do....)
=)
~~Bawana~~

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm just about 2-1/2 mths. post op
and down 55 pounds.
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/293/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

$22 FOR A BUFFET??? I wouldnt pay that, even now that I can still
eat!!!!! LOL
~~Bawan~~

You are now officially on my prayer list. Good luck. I know that everything
will go well. Keep us posted.
Dora

I know that you will do fine Amy, good luck and try to relax because
it will help. I will be thinking about you tomorrow.
Bethany

We'll, the time has finally got here..... I have to be at the
hospital tomorrow morning at 5 am... and my surgery is at 6 am..
please keep me in your prayers. it will be very much appreciated...
amy

I've been traveling allot lately, and I use my card all the time. Well,
actually, I would if I needed to. Usually I just order right off the child's
menue. I rarely ever get any feedback from the server. When they've asked
any questions, I've explained about my surg. and they, almost every one, has
smiled and said they were happy to help. I have shown my card, but not
because I've needed to.. but because the waitress was curious! lol
I will say though. I've not gone to a buffet and I've not gone to a theme
park and tried to use it, but ever other than that, I've had wonderful
support.
If you do find yourself in a place where you can't get the smaller portions,
try asking for a to-go box at the same time you order your meal. Divide your
food as soon as you get it, it will make it easier for you, and you won't be
tempted to try and eat it all. Even if you don't take the doggy bag.. you've
just helped yourself control your serving size.
Mostly.. have fun!! Do what you can, don't sweat the rest.
Don't let the food worry dominate your vacation. You are doing, and will do
a wonderful job and deserve the fun you will have!
Tita
Dr English
Lap RNY 12-31-03
275/217/145

Cindy, Yes I do still take protein shakes but not as often as I
should and definitly not as often as my doctors and the nutritionist
wants me to. I hate the way they taste...YUCK!!!:) I haven't been
doing much exercising either because since my gastric bypass I have
had three other surgeries and a SEVERE car accident that I have been
recuperating from. I've pretty much spent the past 7 months either
on the couch or in a hospital bed. It seems like as soon as I get
better from one thing another sneaks up on me. First they thought I
had some kind of bone marrow cancer, so I had to have a bone marrow
biopsy for that, that wasn't pleasant. Then they thought I had
lymphoma, I went through a bronchoscope and a surgical lung biopsy
for that, turnes out it's not cancer but some other disease,
Sarcoidosis. Then my blood levels go down to critical and they want
to admitt me for blood transfusions which I refused so they made me
go to the hospital twice a week for IV Iron infusion. My blood
levels are still low but they have come up a little. Then I got in a
severe car accident. I hit a tree, flipped the van, hit another
tree, went airborne, and landed on it's side in a river. I didn't
have on a seatbelt so I was thrown to the back of the van. It took
them an hour to get me out with the jaws of life, they flew me to a
trauma center. They didn't think I'de ever walk again. I was so
scared. But within 24 hours I could feel my legs and move them
again. The damage...severe concussion, lacerations to my head,
several broken bones in my right shoulder, broken left occipital bone
at the base of the skull, bruised breast bone, 7 inch laceration to
right leg with 17 stitches, and lots and lots of bruises. So you can
imagine why I haven't been exercising much lately. I'm starting to
feel better though so I'm gonna start soon. That's great that you
walk a couple miles a day though. I really have to start doing
that. I really don't have any excuse not to at least walk, I can at
least do that much, right?
Nean
RNY 11/03/03
376/245/135
Dr. Kaul--NY

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is great!!!
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

Hi,My name is Tammie
I really need this surgery.I have tried every diet known to man!!!
Ive lost and gained 100's of pds..Only to gain it back time and time
again..
I have Mediacaid as my primary INS..
I live in West Virginia.
I have been told that for Medacaid to pay I would have to have
Diabetes.
seems like they would want to avoid the exspence of Diabetes..My
husband has it and i know..He has Type 1.He is on an Insulin Pump...
I do have several health problems but i do not have Diabetes.
I feel my health would be SO MUCH better if i could have the surgery.
Does anyone know of Medacaid paying for this surgery at all..EVER?
Thanks For Listening...Tammie

really you like there salads...i think there so gross... yeah the movie was dumb
and crazy if he was to eat at burger king or jack n box he would get fat there
to. not just at Mcdonalds...nora
dawn200111238 <dawn200111238@...
title it's a documentary? Basically,
this dude eats nothing but McDonald's for 30 straight days, every
meal to show how disruptive the fat in the food is to our bodies.
Granted it's seems very enlightening but really who eats McDonalds
everyday and three meals a day? It seems a bit extreme? Anyway, the
end result is his liver goes south he gains 25 pounds his cholesterol
goes through the roof. He has since lost the weight and made a whole
lot of money and pissed off McDonalds who has made some major strives
to clean up it's act. I have to admit I love their salads they are
excellent. Anyway, it was a small budget production that's receiving
whole wide acclaim. Check it out if you have a chance.
Dawn

hello everyone it is me again wanting to say hi and let you all know how I am
doing ...well, I have lost 100 lbs as of this afternoon when i got weighted at
my family doctor office...I am so glad I feel so good about myself...as you can
tell I went to the support meeting in Peoria Illinois tonight and got up in
front of everyone and talked...WELL cried I should say. It must be the mood
thingy jumping in there I wanted to say alot more but the tears came
instead.like last Sunday i went swimming for the first time in three yrs and the
last Friday rodney and i went to a chiefs game and i sat in the seats and man
did i feel good i haven't made it to a race yet but one of these days I will.I
want to thank everyone who has helped me and my family in the last few months
you all are GREAT....much love to you all.
Stacy Beck
Galesburg,Il.
Surgery Date :.MARCH,10,04
409.6/as of June,21,04 I weighted in at 309.6/
so that is a lose of 100 lbs
gone for good..
/someday195

nope won't work there...i was there about 2 months after surgery and they won't
accept it...we were there for 5 days so we ate every where and it is rare to
find any one who will take it besides ihop and denny's.........i just get salads
and soup or pick off my kids and hubby..........nora 95 pounds gone in 5 months.
ddollri <chse1975@...
We're planning a trip
this summer and I was planning on bringing that card with me that
requests you be allowed to order from the children's menu.
My question really involves the buffets. They charge a set price for
adults and children. It is truly a huge waste of money for me to pay
$22 when I can only eat a tiny bit of food. I'm hoping someone has
experience with just paying a child's price.
I will try to call the individual restaurants before we leave, but I
figure I'll probably get the run around. If someone has had prior
experience, it would be helpful to be able to relate that to whoever I
talk to.

Has anyone gone to Disney since their surgery? We're planning a trip
this summer and I was planning on bringing that card with me that
requests you be allowed to order from the children's menu.
My question really involves the buffets. They charge a set price for
adults and children. It is truly a huge waste of money for me to pay
$22 when I can only eat a tiny bit of food. I'm hoping someone has
experience with just paying a child's price.
I will try to call the individual restaurants before we leave, but I
figure I'll probably get the run around. If someone has had prior
experience, it would be helpful to be able to relate that to whoever I
talk to.

Has anyone heard of the above title it's a documentary? Basically,
this dude eats nothing but McDonald's for 30 straight days, every
meal to show how disruptive the fat in the food is to our bodies.
Granted it's seems very enlightening but really who eats McDonalds
everyday and three meals a day? It seems a bit extreme? Anyway, the
end result is his liver goes south he gains 25 pounds his cholesterol
goes through the roof. He has since lost the weight and made a whole
lot of money and pissed off McDonalds who has made some major strives
to clean up it's act. I have to admit I love their salads they are
excellent. Anyway, it was a small budget production that's receiving
whole wide acclaim. Check it out if you have a chance.
Dawn

ty, i seem to get more and more emotional.. still got my ear ache and now a
yeast infection from the antibiotics..i have to be more positive.. i am doing
excellent today with my liquid diet so far.. bout bed time.. going to bed early
so as to tempt myslef.. starlet
"Delong, Robin M" <rdelong@...
Star - it's a scary surgery. I know for two weeks afterwards I
"grieved" for the lifestyle I had left behind and wondered "how the hell
am I going to do this for the rest of my life." It's naturally to be
scared/nervous about a lifestyle change. Now (8 weeks out) I'm "in the
groove" and it's much easier than when I first started. There are a few
things I miss, but those are the things that got me in trouble in the
first place.
Please email the group whenever you need support, that's why we're here.
Robin
RNY 4/27/04
257/217/157

I use chewable Caltrate 600 plus VitD and minerals. WalMart carries
them, as well as CVS. As long as the calcuium has VitD with it, it can
be well absorbed.

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday June 21, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

I know my doc asked me if I wanted chewable when he prescribed mine but i got
the regular, they are out there though. Not sure about liquid though but i
would guess it is out there too. you may need a rpescription though.
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

Dora,
I am currently taking Viactiv, (2x daily) and they really aren't too bad.
As for the pre-nats, I can't help you there. My dietcian and doc says a
good multi-vit. will work. I take One Source in Chewable form, 2x daily.
Hope this helps some.
Vickie
5'01" BMI 42
pre-op 224/currently 204
6-7-04 Open RNY
Dr. Daryl Stewart
Denton, Texas

I hope I can help. I am in the process of trying to get pregnant right now. I
have been told my both my surgion and my Ob that all I need is the multivitiams
I am taking, of course I do have to take more calcium due to I cant drink milk,
and only eat a little cheese. (makes me ill) I am also going to be highrisk if
and when I get pregnant, I will tell you what my ob told me, that we cant do the
diabeties test do to the drink they make you drink because its full of sugar,
and not to eat for two. As for heartburn, tums works. It is part of pregnancy.
If you cant drink your shakes dont force yourself. Trust me the baby is getting
enough. Not sure if it will pass each person is different. Eat more meats if you
can, beans, things higher in protiens. And UTI and Kidney infections go hand and
hand, if you have a uti and dont realize it (more so when your pregnant) then it
leads to a kidney infection. All I can say is try to realive your bladder more,
and make sure its as empty as you can
get it ( i know sounds weird). Also dont mean to embaress anyone by this, after
having sex you should go to the bathroom, thats the number one reason for uti's.
Ok I hope I have helped
Kim
Open5-5-03
243-123-115
twricci <twricci@...
Hi guys
Maybe someone can give me some advice on this: I am 7 months post op
and pregnant. Now, I am seeing a high risk ob because of my age (40
and 1st baby) and post op Gastric Bypass. Now, the ob wants me to
take these expensive vits. that I have to order online at this one
company called vita4life.com and it is about $55 a month for this. I
want to have a healthy baby so I'll do it of course but one problem
is that I have heartburn so bad all the time (I know it probably is a
big part of pregnancy but I can't eat too well and I am afraid the
baby won't get enough). Does anyone have any suggestions for
heartburn relief? Also, they want me to take even more protein about
170 mg a day, I had a hard enough time with the 60 for the operation
that wanted me to have a day, what do I do now? I am trying to drink
my protein drinks as usual but they make me sick now, is this just
temporary and just another part of being pregnant?
Also, I just had to be put into the hospital for two days last week
for a kidney infection, isn't that a part of the high protein
intake? I never had a kidney infection in my life and it really
through me for a loop. I sometimes have UTI's but it has never been
this bad. please help!
Tammy Ricci
Lap 11/11/03
350/230/140 (after baby)

I went to see my dietician today for the beginning of my pre-surgery education.
She was telling me what I will need to take as far as supplements. First, can
you buy chewable or liquid prenatal vitamins? I tend to have low iron and might
need that additional iron in my vitamin. Second, she recommends that I do the
Viactiv (calcium carbonate) for the initial 6-weeks since it is chewable and
then switch to calcium citrate pills when I can tolerate them. Can you buy
calcium citrate in chewable form? Sorry to ask this same question, but the
citrate and carbonate always confuses me. And now that I have my paperwork I
can make some notes from your answers.
Thanks,
Dora
Awaiting approval in TN

I WOULD FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE LYING BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO
NEED THIS, NOT ONLY TO ENJOY THERE LIFE,BUT TO SAVE THERE LIFE. I WOULD
NEVER KEEP A CURE TO MYSELF. I'M SO HAPPY SOME WAS KIND ENOUGH TO BE
HONEST WITH ME.

Yes you can get them at Walmart

derek <derek@...
Please forgive us for any disturbance, but we have an important subject
to address to you regarding FAITH, and we Don't intend to overload your email
with unnecessary messages...
This is a WLS support group. NOT a group about FAITH. I do not come here to be
"converted" to Islam/Muslim beliefs. I am a born again believer in the Lord and
do not want to see/hear/read, etc. this sort of messages.
This is my opinion ONLY...but I think there may be others whom agree with me.
So, please, DON"T overload our mailboxes with this.....................
Angela in Cali
Islam's FAQ
1- What is Islam? Is it really a true religion?
2- Does it discriminate against other believers? If no, then why are Muslims
always in Jihad and trying to kill anyone who doesnt believe in Islam?
3- Does it respect human rights at all? If yes, then why does Islam order to
kill any writers who write anything against Islam?
4- Does it have free speech? If yes, then why does Muslims execute any writer
who writes anything against Islam?
5- Does it encourage peace? If yes, then why most terrorists are Muslims?
6- Does it treat both sexes equally? If yes, then why is a Muslim man able to
marry four women at the same time while a woman can not? And why can a man
divorce his wife while a wife can not?
7- Is Islam a successful system to follow? If yes, then way are all the Islamic
countries so retarded? And why are all their governments currupted?
1- What is Islam? Is it really a true religion?
Islam is an Arabic word that means submission and surrendering to Allah (Allah
is an Arabic word which literally means The One God) and obeying the orders He
gave us through His messengers (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon them)
whos the last one of them was Muhammad the son of Abdullah who was from Quraish
one of the most respected Arabic tribes in Makkah. Islam is the religion that
states that Allah (God) is The Creator of everything. He is God, the One and
Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and
there is no one like Him. All creatures are His slaves and they must worship Him
cause He is the One Whove created them and blessed them with everything they
have. Islam is the godly system that Allah (God) has ended all the religions
with and made it so perfect to cover all aspects of life, including the relation
between the person and his Creator, the relation between him and other people
like parents, children, wife, husband, neighbors,
governors, etc. Islam is not a religion that only tells you how to worship your
God (Allah); it is a full way of life.
Yes, it is indeed a true religion because it was delivered by a person (Muhammad
may peace and blessings of Allah be upon them) whom even his enemies testify
that he is the most honest and trustworthy person they ever known and they used
to call him (the honest trustworthy). Also all the previous scriptures had
mentioned him including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity. He also
had many miracles that until now no one could have; and the greatest miracle he
had was the glorious Quran. Islam, Christianity and Judaism have the same
origins, they all go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three
prophets are directly descended from his sons: Muhammad (peace be upon him) from
the eldest Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) from Isaac.
Someone may ask about Allah The Almighty why did he send plenty of prophets
without mentioning the word Islam at all? . The answer is very clear: Islam
is an Arabic word while those previous prophets were not Arabs! Moses and Jesus
(peace be upon them) did not speak Arabic. But still they did deliver the same
message that prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered which is worship
Allah (God) The Almighty and only Him and this is basically Islam. The
difference between Islam and the previous religions (messages from Allah) is
that Islam is the latest message from Allah and its scripture is still clear
from alteration that affected previous messages.
2- Does it discriminate against other believers? If no, then why are Muslims
always in Jihad and trying to kill anyone who doesnt believe in Islam?
First, you should know an important rule in Islam, which is that no one is
allowed to force any person to become a Muslim. But also we must inform every
one about Islam if we can. So no one is going to kill you cause you did not
become a Muslim. As an example, Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. They
never used the sword to force people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders
came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain
who could openly give the adhan that is the call for prayers.
Concerning Jihad, It seems that you have a wrong idea about it. Jihad is also an
Arabic word, it literally means starving or struggle and is shorthand for
Jihad fi Sabeel Allah (struggle for Gods cause). In a sense, every Muslim is a
Mujahid, one who strives for Allah (God) and justice. The real Jihad - like what
my brothers told you is the warfare against (ones own) passions. Jihad is the
Muslims purest sacrifice: to struggle to live a perfect life and completely
submit to God. Another form of Jihad is the striving to translate the Word of
Allah (God) into action. If one has experienced Allah (God) and received
guidance from the Quran, one struggles to apply that guidance in daily life. So
the larger, more prevalent meaning of Jihad is the spiritual struggle of the
soul. In this case, Jihad is always present for the believer. We should never
reduce Jihad to violence. A third level of Jihad is popularly known as holy
war. It is one of the ways to spread Islam. And to
bring the meaning closer to your mind, imagine that you have a cure and you
know that people need it. If you are a good person you will try your best to
give them this cure and let them see that it really solves their problems. Even
if they refuse to use it and think it will harm them you will do every thing to
convince them that it is good for them. And that is basically what the third
type of Jihad means. Muslims do not go to other countries and just start killing
people! No, first they send a message to the ruler of that country and tell him
about Islam and that he should worship Allah and only Him. If the ruler accepted
and became a Muslim and tell his people about Islam, then it is all right and
people have the right to become Muslims or not. But if he refused to tell his
people about Islam, they give him another choice, which is to live under Islamic
law in order to let his people see the nature of Islam and the high principles
it has. If he also refused then comes the last
choice, war, where Muslims fight those rulers who stop in the way of peoples
happiness and spreading Islam, sacrificing their souls in order to let people
know about Islam and see how it will solve their problems. You should also know
that Islam lays down strict rules of combat, which include prohibitions against
harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims
see it, injustice would be to triumphant in the world if good men were not
prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause.
3- Does it respect human rights at all? If yes, then why does Islam order to
kill any writers who write anything against Islam?
Islam respects human right. It prevents any kind or form of oppress. The life
and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether a
person is a Muslim or not. Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims. For example,
when Ali bin Abitalib (may Allah be pleased on him) was the ruler (khalifah) of
the Islamic state, which was the largest state in the world, he had a fight with
a Jew about a shield. Each on of them was saying that it was his. The judge (he
was a Muslim of course) asked each one of them to give a proof that he is right
(according to the Islamic law). The Jew gave a proof while Ali (may Allah be
pleased on him) did not. The judge then gave the shield to the Jew not minding
who Ali (may Allah be pleased on him) was, and Ali (may Allah be pleased on him)
did not object or take the shield by force cause this is the order of Islam.
Doesnt a religion like this respect human rights?
As for killing Muslims who convert to another religion, I told you before that
no one is forced to accept Islam, people convert to Islam cause they like it and
find it most reasonable. So why to convert to another religion? Is Islam a toy
in their hands so they can embrace it or convert to another religion whenever
they want? No, Islam is not a toy or a dress that you can play with or change
any time you want! You became a Muslim with your own free well, so why to
convert after living and seeing the truth. Those people are miserable, lost and
have no acceptance for the truth. They have bad minds and souls and might be a
great danger to their communities. They are like a rotten apple in a basket full
of good apples; if you do not extract it right away it will spoil the rest. You
should also know that those who convert to another religion are not just taken
away from their homes and killed right away; the ruler first must give them a
chance to think and reconsider their decision and if
they insist, they are killed.
4- Does it have free speech? If yes, then why does Muslims execute any writer
who writes anything against Islam?
Islam encourages freedom of speech, but not all speech only the open-minded
speech that can be used to solve problems and discover more facts without any
libeling or blind bigotries, and with minding politeness. But those people who
have strange ideas and blind bigotries and who are not willing to be convinced,
they just argue for the sake of arguing and will not be convinced even if they
see the truth, including those who try to distort Islam by spreading lies about
it and fighting it with all they can even if it takes them to say bad things
about Allah (God The Almighty) or His prophets (peace be upon them), these
people are not Muslims and should be treated like those who convert from Islam
to another religion. It is all right to ask about things that you dont know if
you need an explanation; but spreading lies and saying bad things is not
acceptable.
In fact, I see that Muslims had freedom of speech more than any other people
especially in front of their rulers (I don't mean the rulers of nowadays, I mean
the real Muslim rulers in the past). As an example is the story of Omar bin
Alkattab (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was first elected as the
governor (khalifah) of the Islamic state. He gathered people in the mosque and
gave a speech (khutbah) and when he asked them what would they do if they see
him bend a little from Islam? A man stood up (he was an ordinary man, he had no
influence) and said -in full self-confidence meaning each word he is saying- "If
we see you bend even a little, we will straighten you up even if we have to use
the sward to do it". Did khalifah Omar then ordered to kill him or send him to
jail?! No, he didn't. He thanked Allah that he was the ruler of people like
that. Isn't this freedom of speech or not? You will find many stories like that
in our history if you are interested.
5- Does it encourage peace? If yes, then why most terrorists are Muslims?
Yes, Islam encourages peace and spreads love and weal between people. In fact,
the word Islam is driven from the Arabic word "slaam" which means peace. Islam
also fights evil, bad people and all what brings misery to mankind. Real Muslims
(the ones who really practice Islam) are people with good principles and morals
and their communities are the best in this world. Unlike non-Muslim communities
that became decayed and have no principles (adultery is spread, children with no
fathers are in millions and a lot of them are been killed right after birth,
parents are being abandon by their children, drugs and alcohol are being used
widely.. etc.). And as we all know there is always a war between good and bad.
Thereby some people are really feeling bad because many people admire Islam and
love the way Islamic communities live. So, they started spreading bad rumors
about Islam accusing it of things that Islam really fights (like terrorism) in
order to disincline people from it. This thing
is very clear and obvious in the western media. There are movies that present
terrorists as people wearing Arabic clothes. News most times bend the truth to
show that Muslims are terrorists while others are not. News shows that unarmed
Palestinians who try to defend their land as terrorist, while armed Israelis are
the people who love peace. Peace! Which Peace? Is killing poor children with
latest weapon is peace. See this link..
Also, poor Muslims in Bosnia are terrorists! That is what news said! Why? Just
because they tried to defend their land from the invasion of Serbs. Serbs made
awful things to Muslims: killing, raping stealing, torturing, etc. While the
whole world was watching doing nothing until thousand of people were killed and
mission accomplished, then news started telling some of the facts and some of
what really was going there!
Russians are also doing awful things to Muslims in Shishnia like what did they
do in Afghanistan, killing, raping, stealing, torturing and any other thing that
can occur to your mind. Yet, they are peace lovers while Muslims are TERRORISTS
because they are trying to defend their land!
In Eastern Timor Christians are doing horrible things to Muslims, things that
even savages do not do.
In Kashmir, the Hindus are doing their best to wipe Muslims out. In addition to
killing and other stuff, they are ruining many mosques and Islamic books, while
the world is watching.
In eastern Turkistan (or Uyguristan), Chinese are doing the same thing to
Muslims, but in silence! See it for yourself:
When we review history, what do we see? Compare what the Islamic leader
Salahuldeen Alayooby did when he entered Jerusalem with what the Christian
Crusaders did!
By the way do you know many persons were killed in the first and second world
wars? Millions right? Who started these wars? Was it Muslims? No, it was not.
Knowing these things and also knowing that Muslims are forbidden to harm
civilians, destroy crops, trees and live stock in war, does a person who thinks
in a logic way still believe that we (Muslims) are terrorists? If yes, then what
do call Jews, Christians, Hindus, Serbs, Russians.???????
6- Does it treat both sexes equally? If yes, then why is a Muslim man able to
marry four women at the same time while a woman can not? And why can a man
divorce his wife while a wife can not?
Islam gave each sex what is suitable for it and from the Islamic point of view,
the woman is so soft, beautifull and gentle that Islam and good communities make
her, in her home, like the Queen of bees in its beehive. She is a symbol for
love, compassion, sympathize. She is always being served and everything that she
asks is done. She is like a fragrant flower, and she is at the end far away from
problems. But in bad communities she carries more than what she can, and she
faces a lot of problems, and single-parent women are the best example for this.
Concerning polygamy, I hope that you and everyone who read these words avoid
looking from one point of view, instead its better to judge by counterpoise
between the positives and negatives. All what my brothers said was true, I just
want to concentrate on this point. The number of women is more than number of
men and this is a fact supported by spectacular statistics; for example there
are 8 women for every man in Sweden. So if a man married one woman only, what
will happen to the rest of them?? don't they have the right to live with a
husband and to have children.. Yes, most of women, even Muslim women don't like
their husband to have another wife, but regardless of their feelings we should
think of other women as I said, we should protect them from deviation from the
right. So, do you think that there is a better solution for this matter more
than what did the people Creator -Allah- set to them. And you can't compare
having a girlfriend with marrying a wife b/c marrying -as you
know- isn't just a written paper only - specially in Islam, the husband should
hold the responsibilities like taking care and paying expense for his family,
also he should upbring his children and pay them their expense even after
divorce .
The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in Islam:
1. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such
marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the mother can easily
be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband, only the
mother of the children born of such marriages will be identified and not the
father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of both parents,
mother and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do not know their
parents, especially their father undergo severe mental trauma and disturbances.
Often they have an unhappy childhood. It is for this reason that the children of
prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood. If a child born of such wedlock is
admitted in school, and when the mother is asked the name of the father, she
would have to give two or more names! I am aware that recent advances in science
have made it possible for both the mother and father to be identified with the
help of genetic testing. Thus this point which was
applicable for the past may not be applicable for the present.
2. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband
despite having several wives. A woman, in a similar position, having several
husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman
undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different phases
of the menstrual cycle.
3. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual partners at
the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal or sexually
transmitted diseases which can also be transmitted back to her husband even if
all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case in a man having more
than one wife, and none of them having extra-marital sex.
The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are probably
many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry.
Concerning prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) many marriges and the awful
things that you said about him, you should know that he (peace be upon him)
married his first wife (Khadijah may Allah be pleased with her) when he was 25
years old, she was 40 years old and she remaind his only wife for the next 25
years until she died. After that, he married several women for several reasons,
one of them was a lonely old woman whos husband been killed while he was
defending his faith -her name was Um Salamah-, another was Aishah who was the
only, put a line under "only", wife who didn't married before and he married her
to show his love to his best follower -her father- who is called Abo baker. So
as you see, if Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was after physical pleasure,
he did not have to wait until he was more than fifty years old to start marrying
more wives. Although he lived in a society in which it was quite acceptable to
have many wives. But the prophet remained devoted to his
only wife for 25 years. When she died she was sixty-five years old (May Allah
be pleased with her). It will take time to talk about all his wives one by one.
So please refer to this site:
Concerning women and divorce, well you have wrong information. In Islam a woman
can ask for divorce if she can not stay with her husband.
Finally, through researches it happened that there is no system or law that gave
the woman her rights and duties better than Islam all through the history before
Islam -in ignorant time- and after Islam up to our freely days. If you have more
questions you can go to this site:
7- Is Islam a successful system to follow? If yes, then way are all the Islamic
countries so retarded? And why are all their governments currupted?
=== message truncated ===

Ashamed? No...
Discreet? Yes.
Here's my take on this question. I know my self. I know how many
hundreds of times that I've tried to lose weight. I know how many
promises I've made to my self to do what ever it took to lose the
weight. It just never happened. Now, at 47 years of age with 3
children under 13, knowing myself, I needed the intervention and tool
that WLS provides in order for me to live life as it was meant to be,
with JOY. I am now 148 days post op, down 106 pounds with about 80
more to go for my ultimate goal. Yes, people are noticing and giving
me compliments, but, I simply thank them for noticing and let them
know that I still have a ways to go.
I have had a few ask me what I was doing to lose the weight, I
honestly answer, "I'm eating alot less..." and that's all I say.
Unless I feel I know the person enough to share more detail that's
all people really need to know.
Ashamed, I quess you could say to some degree that I felt some shame
when I weighed 418 pounds and had the problems that go with carrying
around that much weight. Now, I'm 312 and find myself wanting to
reach out to folks who are struggling, but know that they have to do
it for themselves, I just am here for support and cheering them on.
Oh, one last thing... for the first time in probably 20 years, I was
able to wrap a regular bath towel around my waist this morning...
See, even as a guy, I recognize the little things.
-Ray

Dawn,
My opinion is that it really isn't anyone's business how you lost weight.
Personally, I have only told a few friends that I am planning on doing it.
They have all been very supportive in my decision to lose weight through
this method.
If your high school classmates say it as a compliment, say thank you for
noticing. If they asked for more details, just say... what does it matter.
I am fit and healthy.
Does it make you a bad person? Of course not! It makes you smart because
you've done something to make yourself healthy.
Eileen

Hey folks,
Quick question, for those of us that have had surgery do you ever
feel like not telling people that you had surgery? Do they look at
you like you made a deal with the Devil? Like you couldn't do it on
your own? I met a guy and he is really nice and I saw someone from
school and she was like you really lost a lot of weight. I said yeah
but for some reason I was reluctant to say I had surgery does that
make me a bad person? I really don't think I would be where I am if I
hadn't had surgery I would not feel and look as great as I do! All I
can say is that I don't want the guy who just happened to be the bus
driver to know that I had surgery when I bumped into my high school
friend.
Dawn
355/240/160

Hi guys
Maybe someone can give me some advice on this: I am 7 months post op
and pregnant. Now, I am seeing a high risk ob because of my age (40
and 1st baby) and post op Gastric Bypass. Now, the ob wants me to
take these expensive vits. that I have to order online at this one
company called vita4life.com and it is about $55 a month for this. I
want to have a healthy baby so I'll do it of course but one problem
is that I have heartburn so bad all the time (I know it probably is a
big part of pregnancy but I can't eat too well and I am afraid the
baby won't get enough). Does anyone have any suggestions for
heartburn relief? Also, they want me to take even more protein about
170 mg a day, I had a hard enough time with the 60 for the operation
that wanted me to have a day, what do I do now? I am trying to drink
my protein drinks as usual but they make me sick now, is this just
temporary and just another part of being pregnant?
Also, I just had to be put into the hospital for two days last week
for a kidney infection, isn't that a part of the high protein
intake? I never had a kidney infection in my life and it really
through me for a loop. I sometimes have UTI's but it has never been
this bad. please help!
Tammy Ricci
Lap 11/11/03
350/230/140 (after baby)

Star - it's a scary surgery. I know for two weeks afterwards I
"grieved" for the lifestyle I had left behind and wondered "how the hell
am I going to do this for the rest of my life." It's naturally to be
scared/nervous about a lifestyle change. Now (8 weeks out) I'm "in the
groove" and it's much easier than when I first started. There are a few
things I miss, but those are the things that got me in trouble in the
first place.
Please email the group whenever you need support, that's why we're here.
Robin
RNY 4/27/04
257/217/157

You will be in my prayers. You are not the first person I have heard of who has
had some mental issues and was still able to have the surgery. You have
accomplished the hard part which is getting the insurance approval. Good luck
today.
Dora

As I have said, my insurance finally approved me for the surgery.
When I contacted my surgeon's office to set up an appt. I was
informed that his office had concerns with my psych eval.I was
devastated. They told me to get another opinion. So I made another
appt and that appt is today. I have been diagnosed with depression
and take meds for it, but I emotionally very stable, has anyone else
had this problem??? Anyhow I need to get ready for the appt. Please
keep your fingers crossed for me?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Angela

I feel the same way Shannon. I wasn't strong enough to do it on my own so he
provided those that could help me. We also have to remember that after
surgery we still have to give our 40% or we won't be successful.
laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/259/150

The way I feel about it, is this was God's plan for me
in order to get healthy and find the correct eating
plan. After all, didn't he give us the knowledge and
the ability to get it done? Didn't He guide us safely
through the surgery? I prayed for the answers and I
feel that I got it and feel very lucky.
Shannon in WA
--- Dora McCary <dora.mccary@...

He feels like he should have trusted the Lord for disciplined
eating habits that would lead to weight loss.
[Dora Boyd]
I understand his feelings on this. The way that I deal with the thought of "I
should just trust the Lord to help me". I am trusting Him to help me. Who does
he think gave the surgeons the knowledge that they need to do this operation.
God was there with him and will remain with him. From everything I have heard
the first few weeks are the hardest and you do start second guessing what you
have done. But he will get through it and will be thankful he made the step
that he made. Hang in there and try to not get too frustrated with him.
Dora

I had trouble with chicken in the beginning. It seems
to be hard to swallow, bunches up or something. In
the beginning I had pureed mac and cheese (they gave
this to me in the hospital and I loved it) applesauce,
sf pudding, sf popsicles, refried beans with cheese,
baby food also worked good. Some of it is really
tasty such as the chicken gravy which is great on top
of the instant mashed potatoes. Loved it!
Shannon in WA

2 a day. Once in the morning and again in the
evening.

First, you need Flintstone COMPLETE and I was told as an adult to take
two. But it's important to not take them at once, as they won't all be
absorbed. Take them separately, like one in the morning and one at night.

Can anyone tell me how many of the Flinstone vitamins I should be
taking?
Thank you all
Sheri in Michigan
LAP 5/25/04
(Down 42lbs)

I don't think I would feed him chicken breast just yet. Stick with soft
mushy foods, such as low fat refried beans, low fat cottage cheese, mac n.
cheese, or even a baked potato with maybe a little cheese on top to add some
protein. Hope this helps.
Vickie
5'01" BMI 42 pre-op 224/currently 204
6-7-04 Open RNY

Thjere was some question about the sugar in the SlimFast shakes. The
original SlimFast shakes, the meal replacement ones, I think they call them,
are extreemly high in sugar. Something like 35g if I remember right, but..
They make a low carb line now that they've even come back and improved on
and I really like.
It's 20g of protien to 2g of sugar for Vanilla and 20/1 for Creamy Chocolate
Be Well
Tita
Lap RNY 12-31-03
Dr. English
275/215/145

Hi Jeanine, congratulations on your weight loss your doing great!! It is so
much fun when you can try on clothes and say can't wear this it's too big. LOL
I was sitting in my chair at home and told my daughter to come look. My butt
doesn't take up the whole seat no more. It used to touch side to side. Now I
have six inches left. I know what you are saying about theater seats, booths at
restaurants, etc. I can also walk around and not be stared at. It's a great
feeling. Sometimes I have days where I'm not hungry and I have to force myself
to eat something. Even when I don't want to. Do you take any protein
supplements? I still do. Plus I drink alot of water and walk 1-2 miles about
five times a week. I know other people who have had the surgery and they have
the same problem with not being hungry or get sick when they eat. Hang in
there. Cindy 11/24/03 316/214/145
neanermulhern <neanermulhern@...
my RNY gastric bypass on November
3, 2003. My starting weight at time of surgery was 376, I am now
245, and my goal weight is 135. I am 34 years old and have been
overweight since I was about 8 years old. I am so happy that I had
this surgery done, I only wish I had done it sooner. I can't believe
I am down 131 pounds in just 7 1/2 months. It feels GREAT!!! :) Do
you know what I spent the day doing? Cleaning out all my "fat"
clothes out of the closet. Everything is SO big on me now things are
just falling off me. Fortunately, through the years as I was rapidly
gaining weight, outgrowing all my clothes, I kept everything, all the
smaller clothes. I went into the attic and found nice summer
dresses, 5 pairs of almost brand new jeans (the kind with buttons and
zippers, instead of the stretchy waist I had gotten all to use to
wearing), sweaters, shorts...yes I said shorts, I can't believe I'm
actually going to wear shorts again (only around the house though,
I'm not that brave...or that thin...YET :)) It was great and I
didn't have to spend any money to get clothes. I think there is more
stored up in the attic, I'll look again tomorrow. I never thought I
was going to feel this great losing this weight. I have suffered
from mental illness for 6 years now...major depression, panic
disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality
disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder. I never thought I'de ever
get any better. My self-esteem is the worst...or at least it was.
It has gotten so much better. I still have these problems and still
get help for them but things are getting better and I think my better
outlook on things has a lot to do with how much better I feel about
myself, since I feel like I am accomplishing something good here.
And I am looking better and feeling better. I'm not afraid to go out
to restruants or theaters anymore, fearing that I won't fit in the
seats. I know I'll be able to go on a plane again because I'll be
able to sit in the seats. I can walk up stairs now. I can fit in
the regular desks at the college now, I no longer have to arrange for
them to have special desks set up in the classrooms for me to fit
in. People don't stare at the "HUGE FAT LADY" anymore. Don't get me
wrong, I know I'm still fat, but I also know it's not as bad as it
was. I can sit out on my deck on the patio furniture...I fit in them
now. I can shop at the mall, they have my size, I don't have to get
everything from specialty catalogs anymore. I don't have to worry
about fitting into someone elses car. Kids aren't as afraid of me as
they use to be. I can't believe how many things have changed with
just this much weight loss. I can just imagine what life will be
like when I lose the other 115 I have left to lose. That's if I ever
do...I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I don't know if anyone else had any problems in the beginning but I
sure did. My first few months were torture. Not that I was hungry,
that wasn't it at all, I NEVER feel hungry. I was just sick all the
time. I couldn't even keep water down. I threw up constantly. I
was admitted twice for a week and a half at a time for dehydration.
And I wasn't even eating. The most I ate was sugar-free jello and
broth for the first few months and I couldn't even keep that down.
It was terrible. They finally discovered that I had a hernia. I had
to go back in for surgery to repair that. The vomiting got better
after that but I still had a little trouble keeping things down.
It's been a while now since I have thrown up but I'm still nausous
all the time. They are not sure why I have this unexplainable
nausea...they have tried me on all sorts of meds for it, even meds
they give to chemo patients to keep them from getting sick from the
chemo, nothing seemed to work. They finally found this drug called
Zofran, I take it 1/2 hour before I eat and it seems to curb the
nausea somewhat. It takes the edge off at least. It's gotten to the
point where I just don't want to eat at all, or drink. Everything
just makes me feel so sick to my stomach. I've actually sat and
cried when it was time to eat. Sometimes it's like torture forcing
myself to eat. That's why I sometimes go days without eating, which
I know is wrong. It's so hard sometimes. Does anyone else have this
problem?
Well I'm so sorry for rambling on and on here, it's just that I don't
have anyone to talk to in my life. My husband kind of gets sick of
hearing my babbeling and I don't think my mother and sister are
interested in hearing about this stuff. That's why I joined this
site...I figured here people would understand how I was feeling since
you all are probably going through the same things...here I am
rambling again...:)
Nean
376-245-135 (start-present-goal)
RNY 11/03/2003

Persis, I'm sorry your husband is feeling so crappy. I had the surgery in
November of last year and I was very sick for three months afterwards. I would
tell everyone that I regretted having the surgery. Now I'm 102lbs. lighter and
I know I couldn't of done that without surgery. I'm thankful for that. I still
don't know if I had to do it over again if I would have it done. Like I said
was very sick for awhile. It gets better with time. I found out moving around,
exercize, and lots of water- or fluids of choice- does help. Cindy 11/24/03
316/214/145
Persis Serrano <itsmepersis@...
My husband had the bypass surgery on June 14, 2004. He is now home, but in alot
of discomfort. He looks so sad. You can tell that he totally regrets having
this operation. I am tring to encourage him, but I don't want to overwhelm him.
I don't even know what to cook for him. I've been giving him mash potatoes.
Please help me help him. What can I give him to eat. What can I say and do to
make him feel better.
Persis
Persis Serrano <itsmepersis@...
Hi Angela!
I just received your email. It was very touching. Thanks.
Did you get the Gastric Bypass Operation? If so, how long ago?
Persis
Angela Carrington <piperkc@...
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor
beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for
bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.
As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins
made as they were dropped into the jar.
They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty.
Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the
copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure
when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table
and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked
neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between
Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.
Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me
hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile
mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's
not going to hold you back."
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across
the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.
"These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill
all his life like me."
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream
cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk
at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the
few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start
filling the jar again."
He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they
rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he
said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another
town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their
bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served
its purpose and had been removed.
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser
where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and
never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and
faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.
When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the
lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it
defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly
drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off
from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a
week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary,
as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my
beans to make them more palatable, he became more
determined than ever to make a way out for me.
"When you finish college, Son," he told me,
his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again...
unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent
the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat
next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first
grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took
her from Dad's arms.
"She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the
baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan
came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in
her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my
hand and leading me into the room. "Look," she said softly,
her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser.
To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed,
stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins.
I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and
pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions
choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar.
I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped
quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he
was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.
This truly touched my heart... I know it has yours as well.
Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to
count our blessings.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small
gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.
God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some
way. Look for God in others.
Angela in Canada
340lbs BMI 55.8 -139lbs
Dr Michael Grace Open RNY
Life began May 16, 2002
I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Surely..I will
heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

I cook as I always did, have always loved cooking for me and my
husband, family, friends, whoever. I still taste test and really don't
cook anything "bad", didn't for awhile before surgery. As my eating
habits changed so did my cooking and finding healthy alternatives that
taste great is the best. I made a cheesecake I found in the South Beach
Diet cookbook last night for a group of friends at a cookout and noone
knew how good it was for them :). It's fun and I get the benefit of
being able to enjoy the food, though in smaller portions :). My husband
has lost a considerable amount of weight since I had surgery by simply
adopting some of the things I do (like removing diet coke from diet),
he got into jeans with a 34 waist the other day and literally came out
of the dressing room dancing, I was laughing....a lot :).
Carrie
Lap RNY April 9, 2004
348/293/140 (begin/current/goal)
www.carrieburns.net

Question for post-ops.........
After surgery, when you are able to get around and cook for the family, or even
just you and your spouse. How do you cook? LOL I'm constanly taste
testing the food, like a cheif,
Can't do that anymore so.............. what the heck you do?! lol
Still waiting on appeal...........
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!*

Hi. My name is Jeannine and I had my RNY gastric bypass on November
3, 2003. My starting weight at time of surgery was 376, I am now
245, and my goal weight is 135. I am 34 years old and have been
overweight since I was about 8 years old. I am so happy that I had
this surgery done, I only wish I had done it sooner. I can't believe
I am down 131 pounds in just 7 1/2 months. It feels GREAT!!! :) Do
you know what I spent the day doing? Cleaning out all my "fat"
clothes out of the closet. Everything is SO big on me now things are
just falling off me. Fortunately, through the years as I was rapidly
gaining weight, outgrowing all my clothes, I kept everything, all the
smaller clothes. I went into the attic and found nice summer
dresses, 5 pairs of almost brand new jeans (the kind with buttons and
zippers, instead of the stretchy waist I had gotten all to use to
wearing), sweaters, shorts...yes I said shorts, I can't believe I'm
actually going to wear shorts again (only around the house though,
I'm not that brave...or that thin...YET :)) It was great and I
didn't have to spend any money to get clothes. I think there is more
stored up in the attic, I'll look again tomorrow. I never thought I
was going to feel this great losing this weight. I have suffered
from mental illness for 6 years now...major depression, panic
disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality
disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder. I never thought I'de ever
get any better. My self-esteem is the worst...or at least it was.
It has gotten so much better. I still have these problems and still
get help for them but things are getting better and I think my better
outlook on things has a lot to do with how much better I feel about
myself, since I feel like I am accomplishing something good here.
And I am looking better and feeling better. I'm not afraid to go out
to restruants or theaters anymore, fearing that I won't fit in the
seats. I know I'll be able to go on a plane again because I'll be
able to sit in the seats. I can walk up stairs now. I can fit in
the regular desks at the college now, I no longer have to arrange for
them to have special desks set up in the classrooms for me to fit
in. People don't stare at the "HUGE FAT LADY" anymore. Don't get me
wrong, I know I'm still fat, but I also know it's not as bad as it
was. I can sit out on my deck on the patio furniture...I fit in them
now. I can shop at the mall, they have my size, I don't have to get
everything from specialty catalogs anymore. I don't have to worry
about fitting into someone elses car. Kids aren't as afraid of me as
they use to be. I can't believe how many things have changed with
just this much weight loss. I can just imagine what life will be
like when I lose the other 115 I have left to lose. That's if I ever
do...I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I don't know if anyone else had any problems in the beginning but I
sure did. My first few months were torture. Not that I was hungry,
that wasn't it at all, I NEVER feel hungry. I was just sick all the
time. I couldn't even keep water down. I threw up constantly. I
was admitted twice for a week and a half at a time for dehydration.
And I wasn't even eating. The most I ate was sugar-free jello and
broth for the first few months and I couldn't even keep that down.
It was terrible. They finally discovered that I had a hernia. I had
to go back in for surgery to repair that. The vomiting got better
after that but I still had a little trouble keeping things down.
It's been a while now since I have thrown up but I'm still nausous
all the time. They are not sure why I have this unexplainable
nausea...they have tried me on all sorts of meds for it, even meds
they give to chemo patients to keep them from getting sick from the
chemo, nothing seemed to work. They finally found this drug called
Zofran, I take it 1/2 hour before I eat and it seems to curb the
nausea somewhat. It takes the edge off at least. It's gotten to the
point where I just don't want to eat at all, or drink. Everything
just makes me feel so sick to my stomach. I've actually sat and
cried when it was time to eat. Sometimes it's like torture forcing
myself to eat. That's why I sometimes go days without eating, which
I know is wrong. It's so hard sometimes. Does anyone else have this
problem?
Well I'm so sorry for rambling on and on here, it's just that I don't
have anyone to talk to in my life. My husband kind of gets sick of
hearing my babbeling and I don't think my mother and sister are
interested in hearing about this stuff. That's why I joined this
site...I figured here people would understand how I was feeling since
you all are probably going through the same things...here I am
rambling again...:)
Nean
376-245-135 (start-present-goal)
RNY 11/03/2003

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
South Miami Hosp Support Group
Thursday June 24, 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

I have just started the process to get gastric bypass surgery. I
live in the State of Maine and wanted to know if there is anyone out
there from my area with any stories to share. Good, bad, or
indifferent, I want to hear it all. Good surgeons, Poor surgeons?
If you have any information that could be of use to me feel free to
email me at personal email address. Thanks

He had lap. The left side of his belly is bothering him alot. It
actually looks swollen.
I boiled a piece of boneless chicken breast and I was going to puree
it for dinner. Is that o.k.? His doctor did not give us anything
other than to make an appointment with him in two weeks. So I'm
getting most of my information on the web.
Thank you for the prayers, Lord knows we need the covering right
now. He feels like he should have trusted the Lord for disciplined
eating habits that would lead to weight loss.
I really appreciate the encouragment and advice. Thanks again!!!
Persis

Persis,
The first week or so are the roughest. He should be or at least I was only
on full liquids....jello, pudding, popsicles, etc. Was on full liquids for the
first 10 days and then pureed (blended) foods for the next 18 days. Tell him
to keep his chin up. Each day will get better and better. Did he have the
Lap or Open surgery? Will keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers. Take
care.
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/260/150
St. Vincent Charity
Cleveland, Ohio

Hi all
My husband had the bypass surgery on June 14, 2004. He is now home, but in alot
of discomfort. He looks so sad. You can tell that he totally regrets having
this operation. I am tring to encourage him, but I don't want to overwhelm him.
I don't even know what to cook for him. I've been giving him mash potatoes.
Please help me help him. What can I give him to eat. What can I say and do to
make him feel better.
Persis
Persis Serrano <itsmepersis@...
Hi Angela!
I just received your email. It was very touching. Thanks.
Did you get the Gastric Bypass Operation? If so, how long ago?
Persis
Angela Carrington <piperkc@...
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor
beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for
bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.
As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins
made as they were dropped into the jar.
They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty.
Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the
copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure
when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table
and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked
neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between
Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.
Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me
hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile
mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's
not going to hold you back."
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across
the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.
"These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill
all his life like me."
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream
cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk
at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the
few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start
filling the jar again."
He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they
rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he
said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another
town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their
bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served
its purpose and had been removed.
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser
where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and
never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and
faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.
When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the
lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it
defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly
drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off
from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a
week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary,
as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my
beans to make them more palatable, he became more
determined than ever to make a way out for me.
"When you finish college, Son," he told me,
his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again...
unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent
the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat
next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first
grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took
her from Dad's arms.
"She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the
baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan
came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in
her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my
hand and leading me into the room. "Look," she said softly,
her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser.
To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed,
stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins.
I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and
pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions
choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar.
I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped
quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he
was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.
This truly touched my heart... I know it has yours as well.
Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to
count our blessings.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small
gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.
God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some
way. Look for God in others.
Angela in Canada
340lbs BMI 55.8 -139lbs
Dr Michael Grace Open RNY
Life began May 16, 2002
I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Surely..I will
heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

Hi Angela!
I just received your email. It was very touching. Thanks.
Did you get the Gastric Bypass Operation? If so, how long ago?
Persis
Angela Carrington <piperkc@...
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor
beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for
bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.
As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins
made as they were dropped into the jar.
They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty.
Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the
copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure
when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table
and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked
neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between
Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.
Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me
hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile
mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's
not going to hold you back."
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across
the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.
"These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill
all his life like me."
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream
cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk
at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the
few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start
filling the jar again."
He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they
rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he
said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another
town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their
bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served
its purpose and had been removed.
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser
where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and
never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and
faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.
When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the
lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it
defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly
drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off
from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a
week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary,
as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my
beans to make them more palatable, he became more
determined than ever to make a way out for me.
"When you finish college, Son," he told me,
his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again...
unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent
the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat
next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first
grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took
her from Dad's arms.
"She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the
baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan
came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in
her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my
hand and leading me into the room. "Look," she said softly,
her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser.
To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed,
stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins.
I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and
pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions
choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar.
I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped
quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he
was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.
This truly touched my heart... I know it has yours as well.
Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to
count our blessings.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small
gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.
God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some
way. Look for God in others.
Angela in Canada
340lbs BMI 55.8 -139lbs
Dr Michael Grace Open RNY
Life began May 16, 2002
I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Surely..I will
heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor
beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for
bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.
As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins
made as they were dropped into the jar.
They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty.
Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the
copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure
when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table
and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked
neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between
Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.
Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me
hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile
mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's
not going to hold you back."
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across
the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.
"These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill
all his life like me."
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream
cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk
at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the
few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start
filling the jar again."
He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they
rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he
said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another
town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their
bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served
its purpose and had been removed.
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser
where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and
never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and
faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.
When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the
lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it
defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly
drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off
from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a
week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary,
as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my
beans to make them more palatable, he became more
determined than ever to make a way out for me.
"When you finish college, Son," he told me,
his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again...
unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent
the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat
next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first
grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took
her from Dad's arms.
"She probably needs to be changed,"