If you are going to pay go with the doctor recommended by your
surgeon, they work with your doctor and will recognize any
problems. At least they won't talk about Jenny Craig or Weight
Watchers or trying to diet again.
Pat in soon to be snowy RI
Hey everyone
I'm just posting to let everyone know that on Febuary 2nd I will
be starting water therpy exercise. I'm excitied cause I'm hoping and
praying that this will help me lose my 20lbs so I can get my
surgery. I'm continuing to see my dietican also as soon as I have
lost the weight my surgon said he will schedule my surgery. I'm just
hoping all goes well I can lose the weight and I can get my surgery
and be on the other side. I'm nervous and a little scared but
excited all at the same time. I just want to get the surgery part of
it done so I can recovery and be on my journey to losing the weight
and being healthier.
Love Debbie
Potassium is one of the electrolytes in your body. It can become
low from diuretics because our natural source of potassium is from
our food groups. Bananas, avocados and many others give us
Potassium. The supplement will be potassium and if you get the pill,
they are king of big, but chalky. The liquid is awful so try to
handle the pill. Hope this helps.
talora
Carlie...I can't stress enough for you to go to someone who your dr. recommends
or someone you know isn't against WLS! The one person in my town on my dr's list
couldn't get me in until March (this was last Jan. I was looking). I didn't want
to wait that long so I went to someone at another mental health facility. Well,
he decided I didn't need the surgery...that I should have therapy instead. I
wanted to strangle him! Try being 370 lbs with diabetes, high blood pressure,
arthritic knees and a hip that is bone on bone...and then tell me you don't
think I need the surgery to get this off fast! grrrrrrrr I talked with a friend
who had been seeing another therapist, and it turned out I knew her already and
that she's the one who does the evals for one of our local hospitals where they
do the surgery. I didn't want to use the local surgeon, but that was ok. I met
with her a few times and she sent a letter of recommendation for me. It will
save you time and anger to find someone who
approves of this surgery!
Mary open rny 12/3/04
Carlie <carliep2000@...
I just spoke with a therapist that I took my son to last year. I
asked her if she could do my evaluation since she is the closest
thing to a psychologist I have been to.
She said yes but said that she had some reservations about WLS. She
started talking about Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers etc........
I feel like she might be unfair in her evaluation because of her own
personal beliefs about WLS.
I thought that the whole purpose of the evaluation was to find out if
I am having the surgery for the right reasons and have made an
informed decision....
Should I just bite the bullet and go to someone who is recommended by
my surgeon?? I am self pay and thought maybe my insurance could
cover at least this portion of it!!!!
Thanks :)
Carlie
Hi Jill!
I'm here... just lurking :-) I usually only post if I have something
constructive to say. I'm doing pretty good though dealing and coping
with some family stuff. But, I'm trying to stay positive. My 9 month
surgiversary is coming up on the 11th. I hope to get a new pic up... I
hope I can see a difference! I hope everything is going great with
you! Rainy weather sucks for sure... It seems like its been raining
for days down here ... but now the sun is peeking through the clouds
yayy!
April
Does Sci-Fit have a website...like Sci-Fit.com? I sure find out about a lot of
sites from you all!
Mary
Diane Jotautas <dj4wheeler@...
Aren't you glad you bought a sample and not the whole thing! TRy the Sci-FIt.
Diane J
Mary Miller <rellimyram@...
Just an FYI....I ordered a bunch of samples from vitalady per so many people's
posts in here. I only tried one so far... pro blend 55 cappucino mocha....and
YUK! Can't stand the smell or the taste! Please....someone tell me other flavors
are going to taste better? I have those whey ones also....never had whey in my
life so scared to mix one and try it! lol Sure hope I didn't waste money!
Mary
Shannon Breivik <lilcomfycouch@...
I found it works just as well, if not better, if you
just have the protein shakes for breakfast and lunch
and then eat a sensible dinner.
Tammmmmmmy, That is ABSOLUTELY wonderful news.
Now show them you are worthy of this journey!!! It's a 'piece of
cake'....bad choice of words : - )))
Love ya,
Jillllllllll
Not sure what caused yours to be low Keri but mine is from taking lasix for my
blood pressure. Many meds can lower your potassium I think. And smoking depletes
it also.
Mary
keri means <mmsmmmy2@...
I just had my blood work done for the first time since surgery Jan. 12, 2004 and
everything came back normal except for potassium. They said it was low and they
wanted me on supplements. What would cause this to be low? I was just
wondering if anyone knew?
keri-memphis, tn
KERI--Memphis, TN
RNY WITH GALLBLADDER REMOVAL
AND HERNIA REPAIR
01/12/04/1 yr post
DR PHILLIP ALSTON, MEMPHIS, TN
264/202/148 goal was 150
LOL Thanks Carmen! I haven't worried about hairloss until reading it here! Maybe
it won't happen to me. My bor-in-law and I decided we could open our own
pharmacy with all the meds we take! LOL Wish I had stock in all the
pharmaceutical companies!
Mary
Carmen <kccjer@...
I know what you mean Mary lol I've decided that my meals consist
of pills with a little food added in lol I take several
supplements for reasons other than the bypass and seems like I must
take an average of 6 3 times a day. My brother actually asked me
what I was doping up with lol good luck...and I think the biotin
is optional. Carmen
My appointment is 11:30 but I come from out of town so I usually get
there early. You may be just getting done when I get there if you
meet with the nutritionist too. Just hollar Valerie in the waiting
room or ask Holly if she has seen me yet. I would love to meet you!
Valerie
April,
I am a teacher and I had similar questions from the kids in my class. I
actually told them I was going to be sick but I was ok. I called them the day
after
the operation and they all felt better to hear me. I think that honesty is
the best policy. But, I would say it carefully... choose my words with care....
like this??? Yes, they are going to cut me but when the doctor does it it
will not hurt mommy ... she will not feel it... and they are going to make mommy
well again. I would stress that I am "sick" or not healthy and that I want to
be healthy. I would not spend a lot of time on the facts of the operation
rather... I would say that Yes, I am going to have an operation but it is not
like
it was years ago and it is safe. I need to be healthy and I will be just
fine. Reassure them that you will be fine and that you need to get better just
like if you had the flu you would need to take an anti-biotic. I hope this
helps.
Beth
In a message dated 1/21/2005 3:29:39 PM Eastern Standard Time,
april_eyer@... writes:
I just spoke with a therapist that I took my son to last year. I
asked her if she could do my evaluation since she is the closest
thing to a psychologist I have been to.
She said yes but said that she had some reservations about WLS. She
started talking about Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers etc........
I feel like she might be unfair in her evaluation because of her own
personal beliefs about WLS.
I thought that the whole purpose of the evaluation was to find out if
I am having the surgery for the right reasons and have made an
informed decision....
Should I just bite the bullet and go to someone who is recommended by
my surgeon?? I am self pay and thought maybe my insurance could
cover at least this portion of it!!!!
Thanks :)
Carlie
Hey guys....my pysch visit is scheduled for monday the 8th at 11am. I am so excited!!!! One step closer!!!!
Tammy
Anybody hear from Judy A lately? Wondering how she's doing...
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
Cathy Spencer (12/20/04)
http://www.PictureTrail.com/cathyspencer
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer/
Jill, you're right.
I think that's why I was able to skip the potato chip binge this January!
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
jyllyann1 <jyllyann@...
When Bonita wrote to Sandi and said...she should be good to herself
during Robert's recovery process, it really rang a bell in my head.
With 'the patient' having his accident, his surgery, totally being
incapacitated at home, it really has stressed me. I've been
focussing on him and NOT me....just like the caretaker I've always
been...helping others----helping others and forgetting about me.
Sooooo I say to EVERYONE, when stress enters your life and we all
know it will....stop and take time to regroup and remember you MUST
be GOOD TO YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT WAY OF COURSE or YOU CAN'T BE GOOD
TO ANYONE ELSE.
Ok, sermon has ended....now I need to practice what I have preached.
Wishing all of you wonderful folks a great day & weekend. I am
picking up my little grandaughters after work....I am so excited to
see their beautiful little faces.
Love to all,
Jilllllllll
Carmen,
You don't want to get it all taken out becosue then you fall like a brick
into menopause. I had a hysterectomy 12 years ago but since I still have my
overies I still "cycle". My mom had it all taken out and she did the hormone
thing but it did not help a bit. I hate the first pangs of the change but I
like not getting my monthlies!! I am only 38 however, why am I starting so
early?? O well I don't care enough to go to the Dr and ask.
Susan K
to get it all taken out and not worry about it any more lol Keep
your cold weather right there...I don't have enough sweaters to
handle that lmao Carmen<<<<<
April, I haven't seen a post from you in awhile....wondering how you
are doing and what's happening. Would love to hear from you!
Hugs from rainy Illinois,
Jillllllll
Thanks for the words of encouragement....and it's GREAT to hear from
you, my friend! Happy 2007 to you and Tim....I am working on
gathering up the jeans for you. AND there might be another surprise
for you. I've been busy with 'the patient'. I must admit that I am
surprised as to how tiring it can be...my iron count was low too so
that didn't help. I am working on getting it up.
I was soooo excited about the large top...yikes, more like THRILLED.
Hugs back to ya'll,
Jillllllll
It is not only that our bodies are different. It also depends on what type of
surgery you had and how much common channel is there, etc.
Diane J.
freebyrd <thecrittercrew@...
<snip
procedures and expect us patients to take or do so many different things. I
wasn't told to up my iron or take a supplement so I assume there's enough of
it in a multivitamin. But then I read what someone else wrote here and I
begin to wonder! I guess each body is different too...so some of us may need
more iron or potassium or whatever and others are fine with just extra
calcium or a multivitamin.<snip
Aren't you glad you bought a sample and not the whole thing! TRy the Sci-FIt.
Diane J
Mary Miller <rellimyram@...
Just an FYI....I ordered a bunch of samples from vitalady per so many people's
posts in here. I only tried one so far... pro blend 55 cappucino mocha....and
YUK! Can't stand the smell or the taste! Please....someone tell me other flavors
are going to taste better? I have those whey ones also....never had whey in my
life so scared to mix one and try it! lol Sure hope I didn't waste money!
Mary
Shannon Breivik <lilcomfycouch@...
I found it works just as well, if not better, if you
just have the protein shakes for breakfast and lunch
and then eat a sensible dinner.
When Bonita wrote to Sandi and said...she should be good to herself
during Robert's recovery process, it really rang a bell in my head.
With 'the patient' having his accident, his surgery, totally being
incapacitated at home, it really has stressed me. I've been
focussing on him and NOT me....just like the caretaker I've always
been...helping others----helping others and forgetting about me.
Sooooo I say to EVERYONE, when stress enters your life and we all
know it will....stop and take time to regroup and remember you MUST
be GOOD TO YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT WAY OF COURSE or YOU CAN'T BE GOOD
TO ANYONE ELSE.
Ok, sermon has ended....now I need to practice what I have preached.
Wishing all of you wonderful folks a great day & weekend. I am
picking up my little grandaughters after work....I am so excited to
see their beautiful little faces.
Love to all,
Jilllllllll
Thank you for the encouragement.
Frankie
Tammy Parker <bamagal4ever@...
Ms. Frankie,
I hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday. I bet you are glad to be off the road right now with all the crazy holiday drivers out there. I glanced at your surgery date and your numbers and GIRL you have dropped alot of weight!!!! WOW!!!!!! I'm so proud of you!!!!! You are doing great!!!!!
Hugs from Shelbyville,
Tammy
I just had my blood work done for the first time since surgery Jan. 12, 2004 and
everything came back normal except for potassium. They said it was low and they
wanted me on supplements. What would cause this to be low? I was just
wondering if anyone knew?
keri-memphis, tn
KERI--Memphis, TN
RNY WITH GALLBLADDER REMOVAL
AND HERNIA REPAIR
01/12/04/1 yr post
DR PHILLIP ALSTON, MEMPHIS, TN
264/202/148 goal was 150
Thank you Sarah.
Diane
Sarah Williams <tngal@...
Diane,
Just want you to know my husband and I will be praying for you to find a job.
Bless you in that you have good spirits! HE will take care of you!
Sarah
370/160 TN
Bonita,
Your suggestion is exactly the reason I stay on top of my OH profile and my picture trail.
Thanks for your concern. Yes, I am doing better. Almost normal... whatever normal is! Please know that I don't REALLY believe any of the funky thoughts I had, but you know, PMS, Blahs, etc. will plague you with negative thoughts. Once I made myself aware of where the thoughts were coming from, I was able to move forward.
I do enjoy what we have here. I do lean on you guys too... probably more than you realize!
As for my daughter: No, we don't know where she is. Well, we hear things from time to time, and from the stories, she is not doing well. But we only had her 4 1/2 years before she took off. You can't "fix" in 4 years what it took 14 years for someone else to break. You know? We did the best we could in the time we had... and most days that knowledge is enough. But the one year date looming must've snuck a blue streak into my subconcious.
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
paperstocker <BamaBIT@...
After being on the board for a couple of months or so and realizing
we all go through "funk" stages, it occured to me a suggestion I
might could make that's pretty therapeutic. Some of you may already
do this but I'm a scrapbooker and a big time addict at that. No
joke, dh and I used to own a scrapbook supply store and there were so
many customers/friends who told us of how so many times scrapbooking
got them through tough/challenging times in their lives. There's
something about looking at pictures which are generally about happy
times/events and you just kind of relive the moment/time and get
creative as well in doing a page about those pictures and next thing
you know, you've forgotten all about the things that were troubling
you. I'd be glad to give pointers, help, suggestions, whatever to
anyone who might need a boost. All ya gotta do is ask.
And don't think that each page has to be perfect or a masterpiece.
It's all about YOU and your idea of how to present it.
On a side note, Cathy S., glad you're back w/us. I for one realize
that you believe in this cause 100%. And you're a little further out
than most of us so we admire you and look to you for answers,
feedback, etc. But maybe we do expect a little much from you at times
so sorry about that. Hope things are looking up for you. You
definitely had/have some reasons to be in a funk after what you
shared with us. Just curious though if your daughter is okay today?
Sure hope so. Remember that we love you - and most of us knew you
from here and know the words you write before we ever saw you, we
know the words of encouragement you offer to all of us, but then to
see you in person, well what can I say? You look awesome which
perfectly matches what's on the inside. So hang in there and learn
to lean on us some, okay?
Hugs to all!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-06
296/192
Cathy Spencer (12/20/04)
http://www.PictureTrail.com/cathyspencer
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer/
Joy,
this is a link for the Yeast,
http://www.efn.org/~sundance/NutritionalYeast.html, I don't recoment putting
it on pop corn but the mac and "cheese" is good. Idose not taste like chees
but it is good. It has all kinds of benifits and kills fleas!!! I about died
when I read that. I add the yeast to pancake mix. The cheapest I have found
is by twin labs.
http://www.vitacost.com/Store/Products/ProductDescription.cfmSKUNumber=02743
4011051 I find it tastless in most stuff in regular amounts.
Nutritional yeast and brewers yeat are almost the same but brewers yeast is
really bitter becouse it is the left overs of making beer, and I really
dislike it.
I will still use it after I go back to eating meat postop for the benifits.
Susan K
before, but can't remember what it is. I was doing good with my protein
shakes for a while, but am having trouble getting them down now<<<<<
Hey all,
I just wanted to remind everyone about not putting private phone numbers and addresses in e-mails to the group. You have to remember, the group e-mails you send show up on the message board of the group... and ANYBODY can see them. I really encourage you to share private Phone numbers and address, but make sure the you send it via a PRIVATE e-mail directly to the person you intended it for. This is a safety issue.
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
Tammy Parker <bamagal4ever@...
Laura,
I have misplaced your number....I did have it here on my desk, but now I cannot find it. Could you give it to me again? Or you could call me on my cell at 931-224-2423.
Thank you,
Tammy
Laura <Lbrackbill@bellsouth.net
Please contact me to arraine a time to go through these clothes I know
several ladies said they might want them and trust me I have a bunch
of them !!!!!! I Have a box almost as big as our EX large dog kennel
full waiting for someone to wear
Laura
You did and I did.
Julie,
I'm not sure if I ask you to put me down for the retreat. Please do!
thanks,
Janie Loyd
You can try sugar free syrups like Davinci in plain whey protein to get the
orange flavor you want.
These flavoring are great in water too and since there are a lot of other
flavors out there you are not restricted by what other water flavored products
are on the market.
Diane J.
11/13/2001
511/230/175 goal
Pat <patcole@...
Talora, You might bring something to read, but you are going to
either sleep or just veg out watching TV. I tried to read and gave
up when I realized I couldn't understand what I was reading! LOL
Wear the hospital's gowns they are easier than your own. I've been
on regular medication since I came home from the hospital, my
surgeon gave me time-released pills to prevent ulcers and you can
not crush them. Go to GNC and try IsoPure, it comes in fruit
flavors and if you don't like it you can return it. I have to drink
them very, very cold.
Good Luck and remember we will all be thinking of you on your
special day.
Pat
Bonita, I have you down. We are going to have a FAB*U*LOUSSSSS retreat. The cost will be as limited as we can make it without losing quality. Also, your weight loss is encouraging to me.
paperstocker <BamaBIT@...
Julie -
I'm a few days behind on reading and posting but put me down on the
tenative list for the retreat too, please. (I had a job interview
today so getting off work might be an issue, but I gotta get the job
first before I start worrying about being off, right?) I couldn't
commit to the higher priced retreat because being a self-employed
realtor, well you just never know when the $ is coming in or how
much. And there are costs each month for staying active no matter if
you have any income or not. But the updated costs sounds much more
do-able for me right now. At worse, I could have a yard sale and
raise the money for this price of retreat! LOL! Thanks!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-06
296/192
Bonita, add me.
paperstocker <BamaBIT@...
Okay, I'm a little slow here in doing this so I've missed some of your
OH screen names. I have Cathy S., Valerie and Linda B. My screen name
is JustBeInMe if you want me to add you. Or you can tell me your screen
name and I'll add you!
Thanks!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-/06
296/192
Julie Williams
Math Teacher
Western Math, Science, and Technology Magnet High School
My common channel is about 100cm. My opinion is stick to your guns for 90 to 100
cm. My doctor said distal is about 70 cm but he gave me the impression that this
was too drastic and gave me a channel between distal and medial(?). I think he
said medial was about 120 cm. Yes we definitely face more challenges then other
surgeries or longer common channel folks.
I started at 511 pounds. My surgery was 11/13/2001. I am now about 230. I say
about because I can fluctuate between 230-240. I had a tummy and apron removed
6/22/2004. I was stuck at 255 before that removal. My problem is that I don't
exercise enough. I did at the beginning but curtailed it when I got laid off
(money problems) and with the plastics complications I could swim. I swim for
exercise because of degenerative arthitis in my knees and general wear and tear
caused by my excess weight.
Yes I should take 5 protein but I usually get in 4. I purchase all my vitamins
from Vitalady. I take 2 iron capsules, 2000 mg vit c, Chromagen Forte ( iron
prescription), Multi vit, vit E (Dry capsule), vit A & D (dry capsule), 2
Calcium Citrate with Magnesium and Vit D, Zinc twice a day, plus Biotin daily
and sublingual B-12 3-4 times a week. Also another Calcium and more vita A & D
at bedtime. I have my blood levels checked every 4 months. This is what my
doctor says is necessary for all his patients. I added the Bioton and B-12 with
his blessings.
I have maintained. My goal is 175 and I am hoping that with more plastics I will
lose some of that weight. I have huge arm wings and huge thighs. My tummy and
apron removed 25 pounds. But I am unemployed and unemployment insurance is
exhausted I am living with relatives now instead of in my car. So the rest of my
surgeries will have to wait. I feel great with what I did and had no
complications from the gastric bypass. I thank God for that. The plastics
problem was excess fluid production in the cavity that was left not giving the
two parts of my body a chance to bind together. But that has finally healed.
Once I get back to exercising I think I could lose more. Every surgeon I talked
to and with the support groups I attended they all advocate keeping up with
exercise.
I hope this helps. Good luck on he 7th and I will keep you in my prayers.
Diane J.
Dr. Oh
511/230/goal 175
Laurie <hevnbound1@...
Diane,
This will be a revision for me. In my original surgery, my doctor
only bypassed 25 cm!! So he is redoing it and is going to bypass 1/2
my intestines and leave me 10% common channel, but I am requesting
not less than 90 cm. or more than 100 cm. You do FIVE protein shakes
a day still? What kind of other supplements do you take? Can you
tell me about where you started and how much you weigh now? Have you
maintained or gained any back? I've regained 1/2 of what I
originally lost, but what I originally lost was only half of my
excess weight. So I never did do all that great. Started at 380,
BMI 58, and lost down to 255, BMI 38 at my lowest. I'm a little
worried that I am going to be TOO distal which is why I need to hear
from as many as I can to gain peace of mind.
Thanks for your help. I think RNYer's with short common channels face
a whole different ball of wax than other RNYer's.
Hugs,
Laurie in WI
revision 2/7/05
Laura,
I have misplaced your number....I did have it here on my desk, but now I cannot find it. Could you give it to me again? Or you could call me on my cell at 931-224-2423.
Thank you,
Tammy
Laura <Lbrackbill@...
Please contact me to arraine a time to go through these clothes I know
several ladies said they might want them and trust me I have a bunch
of them !!!!!! I Have a box almost as big as our EX large dog kennel
full waiting for someone to wear
Laura
Congrats Tammy, I know that feeling. Just one hurdle behind you now.
You are a trooper so keep going and you will soon be a looser too.
Also, WAY TO GO ROBERT ---I know you are excited. You and Sandi keep
on keeping on.
Darlene
420/280
Dr. Houston
2/22/2004
Can someone post the weblink to TN products ?? I need to place an order
TIA
Laura
what a great idea Carmen, never thought of doing that. thanks!!
hugs,
laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/210/160
St. Vincent Charity
Cleveland, Ohio
Please contact me to arraine a time to go through these clothes I know
several ladies said they might want them and trust me I have a bunch
of them !!!!!! I Have a box almost as big as our EX large dog kennel
full waiting for someone to wear
Laura
I had my pre-op/ nutritins class yesterday. I was worried it would
make me anxious or nervous, but it just made me want to get this
done and over with. I can't say enough good things about St.
Vincent's in Carmel, IN. About 3 years ago when I was first looking
into WLS, I went to another ver commercial gastric bypass center,
and they rushed me through, it just wasn't personable. St.
Vincent's has been so different. They are wonderful. The class was
6 almost 7 hours long. They gave us so much info on what to expect.
A HUGE packet of things to know and a dietician came in and talked
with us about what to expect after surgery as far as food and body.
Then the nurse came in and talked with us about what to expect at
our stay,..the surgery etc. It was so thorough and just made me
feel 100 x more at ease.
My pre-surgery testing is feb 3rd, for pulmonary, EKG etc. Then
surgery is Feb 10th. I am so happy.
My kids are very very nervous though. And it is the one thing that
is bothering me. I didn't think at their ages, 12,7,6,5,5,and 4 that
they would even grasp it,..well i thought the 12 year old
would,..but not the rest. The 7 yr old has asked me 2x not to have
the surgery because she doesn't want me to die, and my 5 yr olds
keep asking if they are going to cut me. I wish I could take all
of their anxieties away. Has anyone else dealt with this? If so
what did you do to ease your children's minds?
April
284 lb. Open RNY 2/10/05
Okay, I'm a little slow here in doing this so I've missed some of your
OH screen names. I have Cathy S., Valerie and Linda B. My screen name
is JustBeInMe if you want me to add you. Or you can tell me your screen
name and I'll add you!
Thanks!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-/06
296/192
I use the propel water too. I love all the flavors except peach
(i'm just not a peach flavor fan) I use the lemon to make my tea so
that I get some lemon flavor in there and the orange when I make
orange flavored tea to get more flavor. it's great!
Carmen (Germany)
Lap RNY 22Nov03
325/195/170
After being on the board for a couple of months or so and realizing
we all go through "funk" stages, it occured to me a suggestion I
might could make that's pretty therapeutic. Some of you may already
do this but I'm a scrapbooker and a big time addict at that. No
joke, dh and I used to own a scrapbook supply store and there were so
many customers/friends who told us of how so many times scrapbooking
got them through tough/challenging times in their lives. There's
something about looking at pictures which are generally about happy
times/events and you just kind of relive the moment/time and get
creative as well in doing a page about those pictures and next thing
you know, you've forgotten all about the things that were troubling
you. I'd be glad to give pointers, help, suggestions, whatever to
anyone who might need a boost. All ya gotta do is ask.
And don't think that each page has to be perfect or a masterpiece.
It's all about YOU and your idea of how to present it.
On a side note, Cathy S., glad you're back w/us. I for one realize
that you believe in this cause 100%. And you're a little further out
than most of us so we admire you and look to you for answers,
feedback, etc. But maybe we do expect a little much from you at times
so sorry about that. Hope things are looking up for you. You
definitely had/have some reasons to be in a funk after what you
shared with us. Just curious though if your daughter is okay today?
Sure hope so. Remember that we love you - and most of us knew you
from here and know the words you write before we ever saw you, we
know the words of encouragement you offer to all of us, but then to
see you in person, well what can I say? You look awesome which
perfectly matches what's on the inside. So hang in there and learn
to lean on us some, okay?
Hugs to all!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-06
296/192
Hi. Distal is the radical one, the one with the least amount of common channel.
The other is a Proximal which gives you more common channel. This allows you to
have more absorption of nutrients so you don't have to supplement with protein
shakes as much as the distal patient does. There is also another one. But I
don't remember that one but it starts with an M (Medial?). I just moved and all
my files are packed away otherwise I would have the info at my fingertips. Each
one gives you more common channel than the other.
Remember your tastes will change after surgery, at least mine did. I like the
Sci-Fit protein powder. They were the best tasting for me. I am three years out
and still have not found a vanilla flavor that tastes good to me. I tried all
the samples from Vitalady plus some from EnjoyHealth. I cannot stomach the taste
of any berry flavors. I have stuck to Sci-Fit and occasionally purchase another
type. I like Champion Banana Scream better than Sci-Fits banana flavor so I buy
that occasionally. You really have to test first or you could get stuck with 2
or more pounds of protein you will not even look at.
I also like to use the sugar free flavors from Davinci. These are also offered
on Vitalady. They help with the plain Whey protein shake and you can create your
own flavors.
Good luck.
Diane J.
511/230/ goal 175
Hi Everyone,
I have a question and hope someone will be able to tell me
the difference! I went to the Vita Lady website and wanted to know which one's
to take. Well then Ithought I would call to make the process faster, well when I
called I told her that I was having an open RNY but that is when she asked me
about either a distal or the other started with a P! I know is must stupid but
which is which and what is it all about? Thanks for your help! Germaine in MI.
Looking good girl! Way to go!!! Love the one with the bit of
attitude!!
Hugs and blessings to you all too!
Bonita
Good thing I have a good size jelly roll to hang on to!!!!!!
jyllyann1 <jyllyann@...
You are on a roll now.....fasten your seatbelt!!!
Hugs,
Jilllll
Amanda - Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I have my 6th
month appt with Dr. Houston on the 11th and may try to stop by and
see you. If not, I'll look forward to seeing you at the support
group meeting in Bowling Green (that's where I'm from too!) Not long
now!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-06
296/192
Sorry Sarah. It's so easy to mix everybody up on here...thank
goodness my name is so common lol Thank you for your compliments
and hurry up and get yours posted!!!!
Carmen
Julie -
I'm a few days behind on reading and posting but put me down on the
tenative list for the retreat too, please. (I had a job interview
today so getting off work might be an issue, but I gotta get the job
first before I start worrying about being off, right?) I couldn't
commit to the higher priced retreat because being a self-employed
realtor, well you just never know when the $ is coming in or how
much. And there are costs each month for staying active no matter if
you have any income or not. But the updated costs sounds much more
do-able for me right now. At worse, I could have a yard sale and
raise the money for this price of retreat! LOL! Thanks!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-06
296/192
Hey Valerie!
Just read your post where you're seeing Dr. Houston on the 11th. What
time? I'm scheduled that day with Dr. H too for my six month. I THINK
my appt is at 9:45. Hopefully, we can meet up there!
Bonita/Dr. Houston
7/11/06
296/192
Sandi,
Okay, this is my 3rd attempt to reply to your post. I've apparently hit
the wrong key two other times (I'm typing on a laptop and the keys are
so small and close together and my nails are getting a little too long -
so the two things combined and there's no telling whose mailbox those
other two messages will wind up in! LOL!) Anybody other than you and
I would have said "forget it!"
Anyway....please tell Robert he's such a winner at being a looser. That
is such an awesome loss. I'm sure you're both tickled. Although I
haven't posted in several days, I've had you in my thoughts and prayers
lately concerning the situation with your mom. I know that had to be so
hard! How are things? Remember to be good to yourself in all of the
stress.
Hugs!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7-11-06
296/192
You go girl1! It will all start to fall into place now. Congrats!
Bonita
Dr. Houston/7/11/06
296/192
Linda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Take care hon and we're here
for you.
Hugs,
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/210/160
St. Vincent Charity
Cleveland, Ohio
Julie,
I'm not sure if I ask you to put me down for the retreat. Please do!
thanks,
Janie Loyd
You can get Nioxin at several beauty shops. It's great stuff. i
used it when I was back in the states and LOVED it...it stopped my
shedding while I was there. Here in Germany the water is really
hard and nothing seems to help. If we shower every day...we get
really dry skin...it sucks. Good luck.
Carmen (Germany)
Lap RNY 22Nov03
325/195/170
You are on a roll now.....fasten your seatbelt!!!
Hugs,
Jilllll
Hi Everyone,
I have a question and hope someone will be able to tell me
the difference! I went to the Vita Lady website and wanted to know which one's
to take. Well then Ithought I would call to make the process faster, well when I
called I told her that I was having an open RNY but that is when she asked me
about either a distal or the other started with a P! I know is must stupid but
which is which and what is it all about? Thanks for your help! Germaine in MI.
Hi Mary,
Thanks - it's hard to believe it is less than a week
away. I just got a call from the hospital to go over
all the pre-op stuff. It's really going to happen -
well there went what little bit of my nails are left.
Oh Well! :-)
Gloria
Well, that wasn't just real hopeful for me lol I'm only 42 and
have been fighting perimenopause for a few years now...I just want
to get it all taken out and not worry about it any more lol Keep
your cold weather right there...I don't have enough sweaters to
handle that lmao Carmen
Congrats Tammy....I know you are excited.
Wanda
Hey guys...I just got a confirmation e-mail from Cheryl (financial conselor) from CMC and she informed me to go ahead and schedule my appointment for my psych visit!!!! YEAH!!!! My first appointment scheduling, I cannot believe it's actually happening now!!! I just had to share the news of the e-mail....you all might think it's silly, but I've been fussing with these folks for almost 2 months now trying to get them to mail my records. It's a wonder I have any hair left, I have felt like that's all I have been doing is pulling it out. Anyway, now tomorrow I have to make my appointment and I'm a step closer.
Oh, happy days!!!
Tammy
I know what you mean Mary lol I've decided that my meals consist
of pills with a little food added in lol I take several
supplements for reasons other than the bypass and seems like I must
take an average of 6 3 times a day. My brother actually asked me
what I was doping up with lol good luck...and I think the biotin
is optional. Carmen
Diane,
This will be a revision for me. In my original surgery, my doctor
only bypassed 25 cm!! So he is redoing it and is going to bypass 1/2
my intestines and leave me 10% common channel, but I am requesting
not less than 90 cm. or more than 100 cm. You do FIVE protein shakes
a day still? What kind of other supplements do you take? Can you
tell me about where you started and how much you weigh now? Have you
maintained or gained any back? I've regained 1/2 of what I
originally lost, but what I originally lost was only half of my
excess weight. So I never did do all that great. Started at 380,
BMI 58, and lost down to 255, BMI 38 at my lowest. I'm a little
worried that I am going to be TOO distal which is why I need to hear
from as many as I can to gain peace of mind.
Thanks for your help. I think RNYer's with short common channels face
a whole different ball of wax than other RNYer's.
Hugs,
Laurie in WI
revision 2/7/05
We'll see. :-) Seems like that camera only works at Christmas when family is around.
Steve
On Thu Jan 4 19:51 , 'jyllyann1' <jyllyann@...
We want pictures....we want pictures....we want pictures!!!
Linda my dear, I also had a death in my extended family, my SIL's
dear mother passed on my GS's fourth birthday. What a mess. We are
expecting a Nor'easter Saturday so I may be housebound with no
excuse but to call you! LOL
Pat
Kathy H
no problem thank you for the support it is greatly needed and appreciated
thank you to all who are there for support and encouragement.
Have a great day
amanda
Hungerford Kathleen <Kathleen.Hungerford@...
Remember Amanda, I will plan on seeing you and making sure things go smoothly for you and your family.
Call me If I can help.
Kathy H
Centennial
Hey Family,
I've been around but unfortunately I have had a death in my extended
family and helping them with arrangements. Its really though cause
she was "my other Mother" since I was a baby. She lived up here
where I am now and we reunited in 2001. We'd talked before that and
seen each other but it was brief. This was a complete shock for my
whole family so if i am distant please understand its not anyone
here just I am helping out around here. Thanks for being
understanding and I hope to get a few things done soon. Hey Pat,
sorry I missed your call...I hope to catch up with you soon.
Welcome to the new family members!
Hugs to all!!
Linda in AL.
Talora, You might bring something to read, but you are going to
either sleep or just veg out watching TV. I tried to read and gave
up when I realized I couldn't understand what I was reading! LOL
Wear the hospital's gowns they are easier than your own. I've been
on regular medication since I came home from the hospital, my
surgeon gave me time-released pills to prevent ulcers and you can
not crush them. Go to GNC and try IsoPure, it comes in fruit
flavors and if you don't like it you can return it. I have to drink
them very, very cold.
Good Luck and remember we will all be thinking of you on your
special day.
Pat
Sorry about that. I read that wrong! I thought boy she must be a tiny thing.
Steve
On Thu Jan 4 19:28 , 'jyllyann1' <jyllyann@...
My story was....the SCALE IS WRONG! It's stuck on this weight. Isn't
work right. I don't WEIGH 96.7 lbs. If I did, no one could or would
find me.
Jillllllllll
Too funny. I would buy one.......God knows I would even be happy with digits in 150 range ...
jyllyann1 <jyllyann@...
Robert....We are sooooooo very proud of you!!!! Sandi, thanks for
the update on Robert! Tell him we said he's T E R R I F I C !!! and
we know what we're talking about. Now Steve has a LOOOSER buddy and
isn't the only man in the group!
Sandi, about my new wonderful scale, I am pattening it and I'll send
you one...it sure lifts your spirits : - ))))) I got a feeling
everyone will want one.
Take care and hugs to both of you!!!
Blessings,
Jillllll
Thanks Rhonda for the info on the vitamins. I might have to try them next time
I get them. Have a great day!!!
Hugs,
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/210/160
St. Vincent Charity
Cleveland, Ohio
Wishing you the very best as you start your journey, Amanda.
Having Kathy H. (she's a sweetie) checking on you each day in the
hospital and 'our' Cathy S. calling you is nothing short of W O N D E
R F U L. I usually try to call but it sounds like you are well
covered! TAKE CARE.
God Bless YOU,
Jillllllllll
Robert....We are sooooooo very proud of you!!!! Sandi, thanks for
the update on Robert! Tell him we said he's T E R R I F I C !!! and
we know what we're talking about. Now Steve has a LOOOSER buddy and
isn't the only man in the group!
Sandi, about my new wonderful scale, I am pattening it and I'll send
you one...it sure lifts your spirits : - ))))) I got a feeling
everyone will want one.
Take care and hugs to both of you!!!
Blessings,
Jillllll
I have been reading different posts of vitamins and such.I have
found that it you use the vitamins labeled SILVER such as Centrum
Silver,they are formulated for senoirs who cannot absorb them as
readily,like the GBP people and they are more readily absorbed so we
get more vitamins into our blood faster,before thay are pushed
through and wasted . I take them and have great levels on my blood
work.
Rhonda
Loveland,CO
LAP RNY 3/17/03
297/189/170
-Jilllll,
I believe in miracles, where can I purchase some scales like that?
Ha, Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just get the weight off as
fast as we put it on? Love & Prayers to ya, girlfriend.
Sandi R
8/28/06 331/255/151
Dr. Olsen
Congratulations!! You are both doing so well. Remember you are supposed to stop and see me when you are here!!
Also wanted to let everyone know we are ready to start exchanging clothes.,Pleasr remember our space for this is limited and 2 racks will be located by the classroom for anyone to browse.
Kathy H
Centennial
--Hey Cathy,
I'll take any 26/28 pants you might have, and any dresses 22/24.
Tops 2x. I cleaned closets on New Years day and have three huge totes
to pass along. Jeans 34, Dresses 30/32, tops 3x,4x, and a couple of
shirts that are 5x. I'll be glad to give and glad to receive.
Blessings
Sandi R
Hey Sarah,
Thanks and congratulations to you also on the 3 months. Yes trying
to have alittle one is lots of fun...and great exercise!
Hugs, Linda in AL.
Each doctor is different...I was able to go back to swolling my meds at a week
out...No Clue on the Orange favor...but I will say your taste buds will change
from day to day...I really like the SF Carnation Instant breakfast I now use the
Carb milk and add a protien powder to it to up the protien...I used the gowns
they gave me for the first day then changed to what I brought...I wasnt really
sleepy but I bought books and never read them...So not sure if you want to bring
your laptop or not...Prayers and thoughts are with you
Kim Graby
Open 5-5-03
242-115
talora <talora@...
Gosh I am so happy to have found this family!! The posts are great
and so are the responses. They have made me think, laugh, and help
to ease my nerves as my "D Day" or is that "S Day" approaches.
I had my pre-op physical yesterday and passed with flying colors. 10
more nights and I will be on the road to a healthier me...AWESOME!!
Now for my questions:
How long before they switched people from liquid to pill medication
or if they aren't chewable or crushable, will they keep me on
liquids forever?
Has anyone found an orange flavored protein drink?
I hate the taste of them in chocolate or vanilla cuz it never really
tastes like chocolate or vanilla to me...
One simple idea for those that are pre-op like me......I have cooked
up a storm..The meals are all frozen, marked, categorized into
breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. These are waiting for my SO to eat
when i come home in case I don't want to cook. I have also made
some various homemade soups that I really like and blenderized them.
I made some clam chowder with 2% milk, some split pea soup with ham,
some bean soup, and a corn chowder with 2% milk. I froze some for
Jim and then blended and froze some in little tupperware snack cups
for me.
All this cooking and prep to get ready is occupying my time and
helping me not to count the hours until surgery lol.
I will have either a pict line or central line for my IV as I have
deep and lousy veins. That makes me wonder what others in this
situation did for tops. Did most of you wear your own clothes in
the hospital or did you wear there gowns etc. The unit I will be on
only deals with Gastric Bypass patients, so the gowns are very large.
Were you really sleepy most of the time or am I going to want to
bring my laptop? I am having lap RNY and will be on a demerol pump.
Please keep me in your prayers and send lots of positive energy my
way.
Thanks
Talora
Hey folks, just a quick update the Mr. had is first appointment with
Dr. Olsen today after his surgery. He is such a looooooser he dropped
26 lbs. since Dec. 19. Dr. O. was very pleased with him. He was
excited.We gonna celebrate tonight by going to support group.
Sandi R
8/28/06
Dr. Olsen
331/255/151
Pam,
Thanks for reminding us about the difference btwn food for the "losing weight" cycle and the "maintaining weight" cycle. I think we sometimes get excited about a new WLS recipe and forget to check it for compliance.
Pam rocks!!!
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
"pam.nutrition" <pam.nutrition@...
Hello all! I hope everyone has had a nice holiday season so far.
After reviewing the recipes provided by "Living after WLS," I just want
to remind everybody to please compare the ingredients with the
guidelines recommended in your manual and these recipes are only to be
used by those who are maintaining their weight (no longer in the weight
loss phase) and who are
Thanks and may you and your family be blessed with a very happy New
Year!
~Pam Helmlinger, RD, LDN
Cathy Spencer (12/20/04)
http://www.PictureTrail.com/cathyspencer
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer/
Carmen Thank You very much...I will go look at your pictures when I am though
checking email...
Hug
Kim Graby
Carmen <kccjer@...
Kim, you look fantastic!!!!!! I just loaded my pics so you can see
them too. I don't think I look near as good as you though...wow!
Sarah, you have a beautiful family!!!
Carmen (Germany)
Hello all! I hope everyone has had a nice holiday season so far.
After reviewing the recipes provided by "Living after WLS," I just want
to remind everybody to please compare the ingredients with the
guidelines recommended in your manual and these recipes are only to be
used by those who are maintaining their weight (no longer in the weight
loss phase) and who are
Thanks and may you and your family be blessed with a very happy New
Year!
~Pam Helmlinger, RD, LDN
We want pictures....we want pictures....we want pictures!!!
Gosh I am so happy to have found this family!! The posts are great
and so are the responses. They have made me think, laugh, and help
to ease my nerves as my "D Day" or is that "S Day" approaches.
I had my pre-op physical yesterday and passed with flying colors. 10
more nights and I will be on the road to a healthier me...AWESOME!!
Now for my questions:
How long before they switched people from liquid to pill medication
or if they aren't chewable or crushable, will they keep me on
liquids forever?
Has anyone found an orange flavored protein drink?
I hate the taste of them in chocolate or vanilla cuz it never really
tastes like chocolate or vanilla to me...
One simple idea for those that are pre-op like me......I have cooked
up a storm..The meals are all frozen, marked, categorized into
breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. These are waiting for my SO to eat
when i come home in case I don't want to cook. I have also made
some various homemade soups that I really like and blenderized them.
I made some clam chowder with 2% milk, some split pea soup with ham,
some bean soup, and a corn chowder with 2% milk. I froze some for
Jim and then blended and froze some in little tupperware snack cups
for me.
All this cooking and prep to get ready is occupying my time and
helping me not to count the hours until surgery lol.
I will have either a pict line or central line for my IV as I have
deep and lousy veins. That makes me wonder what others in this
situation did for tops. Did most of you wear your own clothes in
the hospital or did you wear there gowns etc. The unit I will be on
only deals with Gastric Bypass patients, so the gowns are very large.
Were you really sleepy most of the time or am I going to want to
bring my laptop? I am having lap RNY and will be on a demerol pump.
Please keep me in your prayers and send lots of positive energy my
way.
Thanks
Talora
This is also good with pickled asparagus-love them!
Thank you Jill.
Carmen,
I am not that Sarah regarding the pictures. That is another Sarah. But yes she
has a beautiful family too.
I am going to scan my pictures soon and get them posted. You have a beautiful
family and you look fantastic!
Sarah
370/160 TN
My story was....the SCALE IS WRONG! It's stuck on this weight. Isn't
work right. I don't WEIGH 96.7 lbs. If I did, no one could or would
find me.
Jillllllllll
I noticed the comments at the bottom of the web page... Most of them do say to order bigger!
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
jyllyann1 <jyllyann@...
Cathy....here's my thought on the size issue...I would order a 2x as
I got a 1 x and it wasn't comfy! Ya know what I mean. Check it out
and see what you think.
I AM ORDERING ONE OF DEM DARE SCALES FOR EACH OF US!!!!!!
Love ya girlfriend,
Jillllll
Woah... Ah needs me one uh dem der scales lahk whut you gots.
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
jyllyann1 <jyllyann@...
A MIRACLE has happened with ALL of your wonderful AMENS....I got on the
scale this morning and it showed that I NOW weigh 96.7 lbs. I am going
to market this weightloss procedure and patten it toooo. In fact, I
got off and back on again and the same weight appeared.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE....I am still laughing and the scale was just
purchased in June when I got home from the hospital.
Dr. Houston will certainly be impressed in March!!! He said he wanted
to see less of me....well, be careful what you wish for, Dr. H.
Love to all,
Jilllllllll
Cathy Spencer (12/20/04)
http://www.PictureTrail.com/cathyspencer
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer/
Joy, How far out are you? I'm almost 9 months out and I seem to be going
through the same thing these days. Seem to be struggling getting enough
calories and protein in. Never thought I'd have a problem getting calories
in...lol. Wishing you luck.
Hugs,
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/210/160
St. Vincent Charity
Cleveland, Ohio
Not one but three AMENS...wow & thanks....I hope it's not a fluke with
the large size in Misses!
But I get on a mission when I enter stores to shop....as Cathy S. said
I MUST remember to go to the Misses Dept...go to the Misses Dept.
Judy...thanks for adding postings...we appreciate YOU!
Hugs,
Jilllll
Can you tell me more about the yeast? I know I've seen postings on it before,
but can't remember what it is. I was doing good with my protein shakes for a
while, but am having trouble getting them down now. If I make a shake, it takes
me over an hour to get it down and by the end I'm gagging. Doing the same thing
with the protein bars can only eat about 1/2 a bar at a time. I know I'm not
getting enough protein in and have been craving carbs bad. I think I must be in
some kind of slump. Just feel like laying in bed......
Thanks,
Joy in IL
S Ostling <sostling@...
I don't know about the protien shakes but with the yeast you can add it as
you are ready to drink it so it would not lose the benifits. 2 table spoons
is about half of your normal daily protein needs and you can add that
though out the day as you need to eat.
My daughter drinks a yeast shake every morning, 1 cup oj, 1 raw egg, 1
bannanna and 2 table spoon yeast and she says she is not hungery come lunch.
But she does eat so she is not so hungery come dinner. I don't know if it is
low cal but it is low fat and much healthyer than the cerial she normally
eats. She loves the taste and always adds more yeast. I don't really care
for the amount she uses but I can add the normal serving to oj and it tastes
just fine.
Susan K
A MIRACLE has happened with ALL of your wonderful AMENS....I got on the
scale this morning and it showed that I NOW weigh 96.7 lbs. I am going
to market this weightloss procedure and patten it toooo. In fact, I
got off and back on again and the same weight appeared.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE....I am still laughing and the scale was just
purchased in June when I got home from the hospital.
Dr. Houston will certainly be impressed in March!!! He said he wanted
to see less of me....well, be careful what you wish for, Dr. H.
Love to all,
Jilllllllll
Thanks Valerie. I am doing better.
Cathy, 12/20/04
Houston - 420/204/180
www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer
www.obesityhelp.com/member/cathyspencer
vln00 <vnash72@...
Hi Cathy -
I too can relate to the "funky feeling". I had been so proud of
myself for getting through Christmas without gaining I guess I let
it go to my head. After Christmas I ate like there was no tomorrow
and then spent 3 days in the house too depressed to go anywhere. We
all need to learn from Dr. Frye and not beat up on ourselves so
much. You are a fantastic person and you don't have to be the
cheerleader all the time if you don't want. For most of us, all of
our lives we have been whatever everyone else wanted us to be or
done for everybody else but us. Now it is "OUR" time. Please know
that I am here for you as is everyone else, I am sure. We care
about you and feel free to dump whenever necessary!
Get better friend,
Valerie
Lynn,
I was eating salad at 2 months out. I would get a taco salad from taco bell
with extra meat and cheese to get the protein in. Of course I only could eat
about half of it, but my dietician said that was fine. Lettece turns mostly
into water anyway. Now I find that I hardly eat salads not because they bother
me but because I need the protein more and don't have enough room for
both...lol. What I used to love and crave before surgery are things I'm finding
I don't like now. It's amazing what this surgery has done. I used to love to
eat now I eat to live.
Hugs,
Laurette
4/23/04 open rny
309/290/210/160
St. Vincent Charity
Cleveland, Ohio
Carmen,
You look great!!!! You have done a wonderful job, congrats!!!
Presh in NY
LAP RNY 10/1/04
395/315/160ish
<snip
procedures and expect us patients to take or do so many different things. I
wasn't told to up my iron or take a supplement so I assume there's enough of
it in a multivitamin. But then I read what someone else wrote here and I
begin to wonder! I guess each body is different too...so some of us may need
more iron or potassium or whatever and others are fine with just extra
calcium or a multivitamin.<snip
Salad is ok to eat. You just need your protein first. It surprises
me how much salad I can eat. I've heard it compresses better in your
pouch. The restrictions aren't that big of a deal. You need to
watch your fat intake and no sugar but that's about it. Every Body
is different though. You just have to makes sure you get your
protein.
Anna
I have been getting a bit confused by the different things I hear on
television about eating habits after surgery. Al Roker had a special on a
while back which I watched, and I just caught another show that told the
story of a woman and her surgery.
The doctor on the show with the woman, stated that most people are back to
eating normal meals around a year. This is because the stomach pouch
stretches. He seemed to act like this was a good and normal process. I
have heard this other places also.
Another thing I was confused about, was the dietary restrictions that you
are held to. In the show at one year out, the woman was eating a tossed
salad and a steak. From reading on this list, I thought that roughage like
a salad would be hard to digest. Or am I confused? Are the dietary
restraints just immediately after surgery, or will they extend forever?
Does the pouch stretch allowing you to eat normal sized meals a year out?
Does the stomach heal and able to accept food items that are more of a
roughage type of food, how about carbs (potatoes etc.)?
Sincerely,
Lynn
Once again it's so strange how so many surgeons have different procedures and
expect us patients to take or do so many different things. I wasn't told to up
my iron or take a supplement so I assume there's enough of it in a multivitamin.
But then I read what someone else wrote here and I begin to wonder! I guess each
body is different too...so some of us may need more iron or potassium or
whatever and others are fine with just extra calcium or a multivitamin. And the
only way to know what we need is to get our blood checked about every 3-6
months... find out if we're deficient in anything. Remember to tell your doctor
in case he/she doesn't know to run these tests!
Mary
Lak824@... wrote:
Thank you, Mary, for your advice. I really do appreciate it. Ya know,
reading these posts here, I get concerned, because I only take a multi vitamin
and
my calcium, plus a B-12 shot once a week. Thats all I was told to take when i
had my surgery.
Linda
RNY 10/14/03
260/180/160
Steeeeve......
And 'they' say women are the curious ones.....
I even gave you a hint that it wasn't for you : - )))
Hope you're doing well and enjoying the journey....I bet you are
lookin' goooood!
Jilllll
Amen Dora! I feel blessed that I was able to take this opportunity
of having the surgery. My only regret is that I waited so long and
spent so much time being fat and tired. I had a friend ask me why I
tell people I had the surgery like I should be hiding it. I reply
that if I had cancer, would I be ashamed to tell people that I had
chemo? No. I have a disease and I'm battling it with the tools
that are provided to me. There is not one person who had this
surgery who can honestly say that they took the easy way out. This
surgery was the hardest thing I have ever done. You know what
though, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
anna
10-26-04
299/234/170
open rny
Jill my curiosity got the best of me. I had to go look! I believe I'll pass on this one!
Steve
On Thu Jan 4 0:27 , 'jyllyann1' <jyllyann@...
Now if I have your attention ladies, here's the deal....
I found this product on eBay and I bought it. They are great as I am
uncomfortable with my flabby arms. I tried to paste a pic of them
but it didn't work but here is the information if you'd like to check
it out. I think it's a great idea and works for me!!!
I believe our Cathy S. says she has bat wings!
Do a search on eBay for 'Rhonda Shear Arm Control Shaper' and
hopefully they will show up and you can see what you think.
Now I must admit this isn't for Steve! I'll try to find him
something equally as interesting.
Hugs,
Jillllll
Hey Andrea,
Congratulations! You are almost there, I am jealous cuz my
surgery isn't until March 8TH so you will be healed by that time! LOL
This group is soooooooooo AWESOME! I love reading their emails, some of the
topics are so funny but true, where else could you go an discuss this stuff only
we know about because of surgery? Probably not too many other places, IMO
It will be fine and you will come out better than new so just keep thinking
positive and say a prayer as i'm sure we all will for you. GOD will see you
thru, I keep telling myself that he wouldn't have let us get this far if it
wasn't meant to be!
Well make sure to let us know how you are doing, Good Luck and we will eep you
in our thoughts and prayers! Germaine in Michigan
From: Andrea
Now if I have your attention ladies, here's the deal....
I found this product on eBay and I bought it. They are great as I am
uncomfortable with my flabby arms. I tried to paste a pic of them
but it didn't work but here is the information if you'd like to check
it out. I think it's a great idea and works for me!!!
I believe our Cathy S. says she has bat wings!
Do a search on eBay for 'Rhonda Shear Arm Control Shaper' and
hopefully they will show up and you can see what you think.
Now I must admit this isn't for Steve! I'll try to find him
something equally as interesting.
Hugs,
Jillllll
Cold is something I hear a lot of post ops complaining about. I am
cold all the time. My son, Chris, says it's just payback for all
the times I had windows open while the rest of the family froze to
death lol The reason we are cold (as explained to me by a health
care worker) is that when we were fat, we had extra blood vessels to
cover all the area in our body. Now that we have lost weight, those
vessels are still there and mostly close to the surface and so we
lose heat that way (you know that when you get hot...your vessels
expand to release the heat and that causes you to 'flush') Keep
your sweaters handy and try to stay warm. I plan on telling hubby
that when he retires from the military we're moving someplace WARM!!
Carmen (Germany)
Lap RNY 22Nov03
325/195/170
boo hoo i can not download recipes!
Kathy g.
Kim, you look fantastic!!!!!! I just loaded my pics so you can see
them too. I don't think I look near as good as you though...wow!
Sarah, you have a beautiful family!!!
Carmen (Germany)
We are family....You'll always have friends here! Lots of
them....and no matter what, we will be with you!
Hugs,
Jilllll
I should have reread it before posting! Poor, poor pitiful me
without any friends! LOL :-)
Valerie
No, Linda. You do not need to take a sublingual b12 on top of your
shots. You do weekly shots??? It's so funny how docs differ...mine
recommends the shot every 3 months. I take an oral B Complex and my
b12 levels are triple what they ought to be. It didn't do anything
to stop hair loss tho... good luck.
Carmen (Germany)
Lap RNY 22Nov03
325/195/170
Debbie,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I cannot use the recipes yet but in the future when I am able I will try a lot of them for sure.
Blessing to you.
Donna M.
11/14/06
268/232/131
Dr.Dyer
Andrea, Good luck with your "date" don't forget to check back in and
let us know how you did when you get to the losing side.
Pat in RI
Pat,
I think it does some but if you let it sit a few mintues it should be at its
biggest. I don't notice a big difference. I have warmed my soy milk and
added it then when I made a shake I added a cube or two of ice and it was
cold and nice. You could put the heaping tablespoons in a bowl and using a
baby spoon you could add one spoon to the two ounces you have to drink at
first. Do that all day and i don't think you will have problems with
swelling.
Susan K
Hi everyone,
My surgery is coming up....creeping...4 days to go. *sweat
sweat* I went
to the hospital today and met my anesthesiologist , he's a
doll. Today
was my last day eating before the surgery..only protein
shakes and
vitamins from now on. Gotta lose that extra 8 lbs to shrink
my liver. I
do NOT want open RNY. Anyways, I think I'm all set in the
vitamin,
shakes, pain medication, pajamas and chapstick department.
And pudding.
Ha. But everytime I think of that day, my emotions go
beserk and I have
to stop thinking about it just to chill out and not go eat
a whole ham.
Except I don't like ham, so maybe A whole turkey. Or a
whole
cheesecake...mmmmmmmm.... cheesecake. I digress. I had a
boatload of
questions but they all have escaped me. :( Oh well. Sorry
I don't post
much. But I am sucking in all your posts to learn as much
as I can. And
I appreciate all the knowledge.Talk to ya'll soon!
Andrea
Dr. Hart Lap RNY
1/25/05
330/320/160
Good to see your posting and hope you check in more often!
Wishing you a great 2007!
Hugs from Illinois,
Jilllllll
[INLINE] Good Morning!
I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year!
It is written that God's mercies are new every morning and He has granted us a whole new year of new beginnings! No matter what happened before, we can always start again. I gain strength from God's Word and would like to share this passage from Paul to the Philippians:
Pressing on Toward the Goal
^12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ^13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ^14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV).
So I encourage you all, as well as myself to Forget what is behind and Press On.
I would also like to share a website for LivingAfter WLS. I have encluded a portion of my newsletter here and attached a 20 page recipe book as a gift. I had shared this with Kathy Hungerford and our dieticians are to review it. Please be sure it follows the guidelines of your surgeon's program before eatting anything, including this sample recipe book.
The recipe book is attached as a pdf file. I hope you can open it and download it.
Blessings,
Debbie Forte RN, Counseling Intern
The newsletter follows:
Happy 2007!
Welcome to the New Year.
Like many of you, I feel a sense of excitement and enthusiasm when I turn the page on a new calendar, a new year. There is so much hope and promise in those clean unmarked pages. And I resolve with each New Year to become stronger physically, spiritually and mentally while embracing this LivingAfterWLS lifestyle. I know many of you do the same.
Today's You Have Arrived is important because it focuses on empowering ourselves to become stronger: physically, spiritually and mentally. The core concept of this empowerment is treating our bodies as a gift and taking responsibility for their care and nurturing. When we set this as our key objective all the other resolutions we may thoughtfully make will improve and empower us. Electing to treat your morbid obesity with weight loss surgery was a difficult but important gift to yourself. For many, it was a life-saving, life-giving gift. Resolve with me to continue treating your body and your life as a gift. You deserve it.
Happy New Year!
Kaye
Your Body is a Gift
You are Responsible for its Upkeep
So often, as recovering morbidly obese people, we harshly judge our body finding an endless list of things that are "wrong" with it. Frustration and hopelessness prevail when we create lists of flaws. In extreme cases this becomes debilitating to the point of regret for having lost weight. Said one woman to me, "I traded an unattractive overweight body for an unattractive body draped in excess skin." She didn't mention that her co-morbidities were gone, that her mobility was improved and that she had energy to burn. She did not treat her body as a gift, only an unattractive burden.
"Your body is a gift," says Patricia Moreno, founder of IntenSati, "and you're fully responsible for its upkeep. Instead of condemning it for what it isn't, try to accept it for what it is and reward it on a daily basis with proper food, exercise and gratitude."
I challenge you to look in the mirror with kindness and respect. Find things about your fabulous working moving parts to admire and love. Consciously choose positive thoughts about your body. And then take responsibility for its upkeep. Commit to and follow a healthy clean eating plan. Commit to and follow an exercise program. And most importantly commit to treating yourself respectfully. Actively engage in caring for your body: treat it like the most precious gift you have ever owned.