Interested in gout

hi vicky, have you decided your appeal strategy yet? don't give up.
lori h.

thanx a million for the reply. i've heard this from a number of moms.
hehehe about the leftover twin;-)
btw, do you belong to an in-person support group? many times they'll
have a clothing exchange. i have my fingers crossed that you'll get
your date soon. & then clothes will start falling off ya.
lori h.

I appreciate everyone that has taken the time to respond here, and especially
to those of you single/w/out people who've written me privately.
I promise to get back with all of you shortly. It's really nice to know that
there are other singles out there that feel like I do.
Sometimes I think I'm just being bitter, but when I see I'm truly not alone
in how I feel about this, I feel alot better :)
Hugs to all!
Kimmie

A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders (heck I wish all my
weight was gone!) I saw my PCP today for a check up and to discuss the
surgery. Even though he is against the surgery and all the negitives
to go along with it he said yes. I was shocked! He doesnt
phyciologally agree with the method. He has seen a few people and the
outcome was negitive! He would like to see me start the diet sooner
than my surgery date. This way he could see for himself if I would be
a good canidate. BTW I dont like this guy and he can go bugger off
for all I care! Next step is to get insurance to approve it. Now even
though he said yes to it could he change his mind and say no? Because
the surgeon has the yes and will submit it can he back down and say no
to me? I guess I am getting paranoid about it. What do you all think?
I am very excited and releived. Now I just got to show him that i
can do this! On a better note my weight stayed the same from three
months ago when I last got weighed (292lbs). My blood pressure was
the bests it has ever been at 122/88. It used to be like 150/190. So
there is my good news. Any advice for me?
Heidi

I replied I just wanted to make sure that you read it,
I am sorry again, and I don't expect every one to forgive me although
most of them have, I just wanted to tell you personally that I acted
like a spioled child and I sorry. Good luck to you in the future

Hiya Wolfie,
Nioxin is a haircare product similar to Rogaine. It was made to stop
hairloss and also promote hair regrowth. I believe Nioxin is
actually geared more toward women than Rogaine is. Yeah, our hair
will grow back given time, and not every solution works for everyone,
but with the success I've had with Nioxin I wish I had known about it
Waaaayyyyy earlier post-op.
As you say...
"skinny wishes"
Toi

I need some help. I have looked everywhere nd I cant find the Sugar
free tang. Please let me know where you guys bought it
ALso besides Crystal Light what else do some of you drink? I am sick
of Crystal Light. Does anyone drink diet sodas?
Vanessa

I have an idea
I have met some pretty wonderful people in this group and I have a few plans
for next year with a couple of new post-op's and a pre-op that next year
during either the summer break or the Christmas break (our kids are all in
school)
that to celebrate our weightloss that we will all meet up for a weeks vacation
at Disney World in Florida. I know that Christopher has the cruise yearly
but what about those of us who are truly kids at heart what about DISNEY LOL.
All our familles could get together so we will not only have the love and
support from them but from each other in the happiest place on earth. Just
think of
all the goals we would meet together:
1. Riding in a plane with no seat belt extenders LOL
2. No fear at the turnstiles to enter the parks
3. No doubts about fitting into a rollercoaster seat harness
4. Saving money on food all us post-op's can just share a meal LOL hahaha
5. Going wild in Pleasure Island with slinky outfits LOL
6. Having all the energy in the world to chase Mickey down in the Parks and
much, much more :o)
We could all start saving and book whatever resort we choose by December
2003, so we can all stay close together and have an enormous amount of fun. Let
me know what ya think. I will be in Disney next year hope to see yall there
:O)
Lori Anne
pre-op Lap RNY
8/25/03

Krystal, Good Luck tomorrow my prayers are with you and you will do
fine. What hospital will you be in?
If you need anything let me know
Vanessa

Thanks a lot.Where are you on your journey?

Where do you all chat from? I tried on the chat link and couldn't get
it to do any thing..

is anyone gonna chat i will be there

Hello,
I am have a question about dumping. I lost the paperwork the doctor gave me on
it.. What is it and do you have any sick feeling when it happens and what causes
it.
Thanks for any help.
Lynn

I posted a long time ago. But had no insurance then. I finally got on my
husband's insurance. It is Private Healthcare Systems. I have no clue yet if
they cover the surgery but going to fight to have it done. I really am
desperate. I live in Plantation, Florida and married to Spider AKA Richard and
we
have one daughter Aviva Hannah who is 2 1/2 (check out the link for pics of her
in my sig).
I am diabetic and on insulin. I know my BMI is at least 47. So think I
would qualify it is just to find a surgeon that is on my insurance. And to do
all
the testing and to get approved. Anyone else have PCS or know of it? I
really need some HELP.
Dori
mom to Aviva Hannah 1/2/01 aka TORNADO AVIVA
<A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/thecousleyfamily"

Hey everyone, I have 10 days to go (yippee) and my surgeon mentioned
that it seems to help shrink the liver before surgery by losing
weight ex. even 10 pounds helps. Well with 10 days to go, I need to
do it. I had only a salad with grilled chicken for lunch and nothing
tonight and I'm drinking a ton of water. I really think I can do it,
but need some tips from my weight loss friends. Any ideas???
Thanks!
Beth

ppl's systems react differently to the shock of the
surg & the rapid wl. it comes back, mercifully!
lori h.
OKAY Lori, I'm holding you to this!! I am losing my hair in handfuls!!
Fortunately, I have lots of hair to spare...BUT it is getting annoying! Not to
mention clogging all my drains...LOL They tell me this too will pass...so I am
waiting.
BTW, I have been doing the Nioxin shampoos and the Zinc.
Chrissy
OpenRNY 02/19/03
310/225

In a message dated 7/7/2003 10:09:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
imptress@... writes:
Hi Diana,
I Have the PHCS under Principal. I will call them tomorrow and hear what
they say. I hope it is good news.
Dori
mom to Aviva Hannah 1/2/01 aka TORNADO AVIVA
<A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/thecousleyfamily"

In a message dated 7/7/2003 10:11:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
Grimmlah1@... writes:
Thanks Lori Anne.
Dori
mom to Aviva Hannah 1/2/01 aka TORNADO AVIVA
<A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/thecousleyfamily"

In a message dated 7/7/2003 9:16:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
reev7056@... writes:
Thanks Trish!
Dori
mom to Aviva Hannah 1/2/01 aka TORNADO AVIVA
<A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/thecousleyfamily"

I'm not sure specifically on those, but i will tell you I had a steak
quesadilla from taco bueno today for dinner and lunch (and by that I mean one
slice
of the 4 for each meal). The flour tortilla, you just have to be careful with.
If you start feeling full, either stop, or open up and eat the insides
out...thats usually what I do. I usually just take a couple of bites of the
whole
thing to get the effect, and then focus on the meatie stuff :) Today I ate
the flour tortilla and all... settled okay. Just finished eating. Hope this
helps :)
chrissy
open rny 02/19/03
310/225

I haven't seen anyone mention freezing the protein drinks and eating them
frozen. Is there a reason that it shouldn't be done? Whenever I have used
Slim Fast or any other weight loss drink, I have frozen them to make them
palatable and to force me to take longer to consume them. I am using them
right now because I must lose 20 pounds before surgery. (I have already
lost 16, Yeaaaaaaah!) I have a tentative surgery date of September 17,
pending insurance approval. All the other tests are done and my surgeon
thinks I am a good candidate for this surgery.
Regards,
RVnMama Pat
277/261/120

EXCELLENT job on the weight loss in such a short time! Im still 15 lbs from
the century mark... but looking forward to it!
Chrissy
OpenRNY 02/19/03
310/225

Hi all,
I would like to find a book to read up on the subject of Bariatric
surgery. Someone mentioned a book before but I don't remember what it
was.
I went to a couple of book stores and they don't have anything in
stock. Does anyone have a used one that I could buy from them?
Thanks!
Mark

I fit into a pair of size 18 pants today ... pre-op I was in a 22! ~grins and
dances~ I'm so excited!
Just thought I would share!
Diana

unfortunately, there's one particular OA acquaintance(MO) who is
either not happy i underwent wls or that i'm not heavy anymore, maybe
both? i know OA doesn't endorse or reject any particular "cause" but
by the way they were swarming around a girl who shared she was
considering wls, hmmm.
lori h.
14 grateful months out

Dear Lori Anne,
You're welcome about the vitamins. Looks like you did well there. (I buy
enough for a year at a time because it's so cheap and the expiration dates
are very long). As for the protein shake, only you will know if it's right
for you or not when you drink it. We all like different things, and what
you like as a pre-op most likely will change once you are post-op, so you'll
have to wait to figure that one out. As for the fajitas, my surgeon likes
that optimally (prefers it to other bread-type stuff) as long as you can
tolerate it. I don't think you'll be giving up much sweetie. The best of
the rest of your life is about to happen to you... just go for it!
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

WELL ALL,
I JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO TO ALL THE NEW COMERS TO ALL THE GROUPS, IF I
MISSED ANY OF YOUR EMAILS PLEASE EXCUSES ME IVE BEEN TIRED THIS WEEK, AND
MISSED ALOT, BUT I CONGRATULATE ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE AHD THIS SURGERY AND I WISH
ALL OF YOU THAT ARE LOOKING INTO HAVING THIS DONE GOOD LUCK AND ILL BE PRAYING
FOR ALL OF YOU.
MY BIG ADVICE FOR ALL IF YOUR GOING FOR THIS GO BUY YOURSELF A "BABY'S
PLATE, FORK, SPOON AND A SIPPER CUP" AND START EATING AND DRINKING WITH THOSE TO
LEARN HOW TO EAT AND HOW MUCH AND LEARN HOW TO "CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW"
AT LEAST 20 TO 30 TIMES EACH BITE YOU WANT YOUR FOOD DOWN TO WATER BEFORE
SWALLOWING IT.
WELL ALL IF YOU NEED ME JUST EMAIL BUT PLEASE GIVE ME TIME BE GLAD TO ANSWER
ANYTHING I COULD. HOPE TO HERE FROM ALL OF YOU SOON.
YOUR FRIEND IN SURGERY
CHRISTOPHER CARROLL
MICCO FLORIDA
FROM OVER 760 TO UNDER 300
WHAT A NEW LIFE I HAVE
AND YOU ALL WILL HAVE IT SOON TOO

Anyone getting the urge to go shopping??? I have this shopping bug in me I
guess, although I have been rather calm about it. I guess I should explain a
little about me. My family and I moved oversea's when I was 10 and so we only
had the px to shop at then when I moved back to go to college I started gaining
weight and size 16 weren't sold in regular stores. So now for the first time in
my life I am able to shop in regular stores which has been a total thrill to me.
Crazey I know. But I am a gap aholic for my boys I think there clothes are so
cute, well for the first time in my life I was able to go in and fit in there
clothes. I am now a size 16/18 and wear there xxl shirts. But now I want to
shop all the time. Which is stupid I know. I am only 2 months out and will
continue to drop. I need to learn self control. I think I am focusing my binge
eating into shopping. Anyone ealse having these urges?
Mel

Hello Sweet People
I have another question how do you post-op's do with Fajita Wraps? I love
these types of wraps because you can fill it with tuna or chicken breast strips
and it does not have all the calories of regular bread. Does this type of
food "stick" inside the pouch and cause problems? If so I will give up my love
of this but if it is digestible I will love to keep it. Fajita wraps are
especially handy in the summertime.
Any info you can share on this will be greatly appreciated
Thanks Guys
Lori Anne
pre-op Lap RNY
8/25/03

Hello Everybody
I pray that everyone is doing ok today and that all those getting ready for
surgery are in the best of spirits. My re-birthday will be taking place on
8/25/03 and I am more than excited. Ok this is a run down of all the things
that
I bought today to prepare me for after surgery down the months.
1. Designer Whey Protein Supplement - French Vanilla Flavor from GNC for 2.1
pounds of product at a cost of $18.99 minus my GNC gold discount of 20%
2. Calcimate 400 - Calcium Citrate- 400 mg with Vitamin D - 200 IU
3. PURITAN'S PRIDE B12 (2500MCG) SUBLINGUAL (50 Lozenges), Quantity=3 (1 +
2 Free) = $9.30 for 3 Items
4. PURITAN'S PRIDE ZINC (25MG) (100 Tablets), Quantity=3 (1 + 2 Free) = $2.95
for 3 Item(s)
5. PURITAN'S PRIDE BIOTIN (300MCG) (100 Tablets), Quantity=3 (1 + 2 Free) =
$3.30 for 3 Items
I am going to go out and buy the Flintstone Complete Vitamins for right after
surgery when I am home.
Thanks Deb for the great vitamin website Puritans Pride.
Please let me know if I got the right vitamins in the right strengths ok
thanks guys :O) Oh and please let me know if I got the right Designer Whey
Flavor
LOL
Lori Anne
pre-op Lap RNY
8/25/03

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday July 7, 2003
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

I'm thinking of having wls, I would like to here from some who have gone to
Bariatric Treatment Centers. There is a BTC Hospital near here and I know they
take our insurance
I want to hear the "good and bad!" Thank you Mer
Bridget Northam <bridgetnortham@...
Hey Valerie,
I can understand your disapointment. I haven't had the surgery yet
but I sure expect to lose alot more than 70 pounds! (I'm 340 now so
70 pounds wouldn't even be that noticeable on me) I agree with even
one else though that 70 pounds is a great start even if you haven't
lost during the past year! I say you should get back in the
saddle. Did you keep a eating journal of back when you were
losing? You might want to go back and look at it. Also, did you
belong to a support group that helped you lose right after your
surgery? You might want to check back into that, it helps to be
accountable to someone! Here's my most important piece of advice -
DON'T expect to change things overnight - work on it one day at a
time. This is a way of life - not another diet. Start making a
journal of what you eat everyday and if you use that to keep track
and cut back on the size of your meals or even reduce the size of
one meal a day and I bet you'll see a difference.
Keep us posted!
Take care,
Bridget N.

Dear Vicky,
I have two words for you... Walter Lindstrom. He's an attorney out of
California, but he's also a WLS person himself and he specializes in getting
the denials overturned. Look him up at his website: obesitylaw.com and
drop him a note. He's licensed in every state (I think) and doesn't even
have to come to where you are. It's all done through the mail and I've
heard he's very successful and very reasonable... Good luck with this.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

I used the hospital provided socks, they have the non slip sole on the bottom,
were very comfy and not too tight or hot...felt fine, as a matter of fact with
my morphine pump clickin away all the time...I FELT TERRIFIC! My daughter said
I was happy (high) as a ummmmm kite....lol. I remember saying something to her,
and she would start rolling in laughter, I was enjoying myself completely. No
housework, no going to work, just taking care of me felt so good.
My hospital uses something called "foot pumps" and they wrap around the foot,
blow up like an air mattress and then deflate, increasing your circulation. They
worked great and I wasnt the least bit uncomfortable, as a matter of a fact it
was like getting a foot massage about every other minute, so I liked them alot!
Angie
SoCalif
lap RNY 05/29
280/236/?

hey all im in a real good mood i just called the urg and well no
date yet and he doesnt have one not for this month so it looks like
i will be starting school here and being made fun of is going to be
the story of my life again congrats to everyone whose date is this
month i wish you the best of luck and hope everything goes good
well i need to go i need to figure something out
toodles
sarah

in a word, blaaaaaah! it's like a cough syrup & it's made by a
pharmaceutical company, www.llorenspharm.com
lori h.

Hello,
My name is Lynn from El Dorado, AR. I had my surgery on June 23, 2003. When I
weighed at the doctor office for my pre-op I was at 281. My post-op appointment
is July 17. I have been reading the e-mails that come in and they have made me
feel great. I finally felt hungry and it scared me I thought I did something
wrong to the surgery part of my stomach.. I have not had any vomitting or felt
sick to my stomach. Even right after my surgery. I have felt great..But if I
do over do it I get very tired. I just hope I don't over do it...
My insurance didn't pay for my operation. But my husband said when I decided I
wanted to have this surgery he would pay for it.. Now we got some great news his
company is going to pay half of the cost of the surgery.. YEAH!!
Thanks for listening,
Lynn

I am proud to say that it has now been just over 1 full year since I
have picked up a cigarette! Yea Me!!!!
How I did it...
I knew the first step was to get rid of the nic addiction so, feeling
that it would be easier to rid my body of that without feeling
neglected from my oral habit I cut straws into 20 cigarette lengths
and put them into an old, empty cig package. I carried this package
of straws around with me just as I would my regular cigs and even
went out to the smoking tent with them. I would pull out a straw
(since they are the same circumfrance as my smokes were) and inhale
and blow back out just as I did while smoking, only now it was clean
air instead of all the garbage I was getting from my cigarettes.
When I hopped into my car on the way to or from work I would do the
same thing, and after dinner I would go out back and, yep... same
thing. After a while the nicotine levels reduced in my body and my
cravings for the substance subsided and I was able to eventually get
rid of the oral habit and toss out my pack of phony cigs.
I can't say it has been a breeze and there are still times, like at a
road block, or late evenings, that I would love to pull out a smoke
and get that feeling (disgusting that it can actually be a great
feeling, isn't it?) again, but I'm able to get past it and I feel
even better each time I "just say no!" I smell better, my clothes
smell better, and my new car has never had a puff of smoke blown in
it.
Hope you all find success and not only will you be big losers after
surgery, but you can proudly proclaim to be great big quitters too.
*smiles*
Toi

Dear Steve,
I so relate to you and all you are now doing with your daughter. I'm doing
stuff now for the first time with Zoe that I had to depend on others to do
for years. I'm so looking forward to getting my wedgie... ROFLMAO! We're
doing Orlando in November (1-8) this year and I'm so much smaller now, I'm
definitely gonna get my butt onto some rides with her. Isn't this an
awesome trip? Keep it up, man, you're doing great!
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

What a hairloss blessing! I have been one to consume more than my
surgeon's advised daily amount of protein and have been obsessive
about taking my vitamins and a 5 month's post op I STILL began losing
my hair. I was getting handfulls of hair when I showered and then
another handfull when I combed my hair out. My hair floated around
me all day and ended up drifting into our food, plants, and places
too personal to mention (don't ask me how), lol.
I went to my salon begging for help since my scalp (if I pulled my
hair back)was starting to show and my hairline was beginning to look
like my dads. They hooked me up with some Nioxin and after only the
second use the hairloss dropped WAY down. No after only 3 weeks of
use I lose less hair than I did pre-op and my hairline is growing
back.
WHEW!!!
In all honesty I never tried the biotin supplements that others use
to prevent hairloss so I couldn't tell you how well these work. Its
worth a try. I just know that Nioxin was my hair saver and if I had
it to do all over again I would have started using is a lot earlier
post-op to PREVENT the hairloss in the first place.
Blessings,
Toi

Hi, everyone!
My name is Diana and I just joined the group. It's great to have a place that
offers information, support, advice, "been there, done that" knowledge, "been
there, doing that" knowledge, and all that jazz.
I'm a little over two weeks post-op from a lap RNY procedure. At my last pre-op
appointment I weighed 244 (June 11th) and at five days post-op I was at 235.
I'm starting to fall in love with my body again. It's been so long since I
could say that but this morning I was so psyched. My belly's smaller, my hips
are smaller, my face looks slimmer ... and it's only been two weeks. I'm
excited and giddy and looking forward to all that's in store down the road.
A little bit about me ... I'm a single mom to one little boy (Jordan who is 3).
We live in the New Orleans, Louisiana area. I work full time for an engineering
company. I love to read, I dabble in writing a little bit, and I like playing
softball.
I look forward to sharing this experience with you all too! Thanks for offering
such a resource. I'm happy to be here.
Diana+

Hi Valorie,
Your post really distressed me and I can understand your distress. Our
surgery dates were only one day apart. Before I can answer you though, I
need to know a few things. You mention sizes, but not weights. I was 386
prior to surgery and I'm 5'9" tall. What have you been doing to enhance
your weightloss? Are you trying to follow your surgeon's plan anymore? I'm
not being judgemental in the slightest when I say this, but either you are a
lot closer to your goal weight than I was (i.e. you started out much smaller
than me) which would mean that you would lose a lot less than me or you've
decided to jeopardize your chances to reach your goal by setting yourself up
to fail at this.
Are you getting in enough protein? Are you drinking the fluids? Taking
vitamins and supplements? If you are not doing what is stressed by our
doctors, you cannot hope to have but minimal success with this. The
resection of your stomach is a tool to be used. They operated on our
stomachs, not our brains. You need to change your way of thinking about
food and how you deal with your issues that make you eat.
This is the time during which you should be doing everything in your power
to learn to eat properly and healthy. I understand the frustration of
eating when depressed, hurt, angry, happy, etc. I was a mood eater. I have
had radical surgery to change those old patterns. I cannot allow myself to
get back into that mode because I've had friends who've had this surgery and
gained back all their weight plus because they didn't adjust to the new
lifestyle. If I had no plan to readjust myself, I would never have
considered this surgery. Why go through all of this and add malabsorption
etc., to my list of previous problems?
My suggestion is to get more involved in support, both online and off. Get
friends that can be sounding boards for you instead of turning to the food
and the sweets. Go back to basics (i.e. the way you dealt with food when
you first had the surgery). Go back to liquids and soft foods for a week or
so and just start all over again. I've heard that this type of plan can
jumpstart a weightloss again. I wish you the best of luck. I hope you
don't take anything I've said the wrong way. I'm just reacting out of
concern for you and I hope things get better for you quickly, that you're
able to motivate yourself and get yourself started again. The longer you
get away from your surgery date, the harder it will be to lose the weight
(that's why it's called the "honeymoon" period). But it can be done. Get
started. Good luck to you.
Dear Adrienne,
So glad to see you post your apologies all around. We are a very supportive
group and, given time, you'll get more answers to any questions you ask than
you'd probably want anyway. Where are you from? (I think I remember
Michigan for some reason, but don't know why). Stick around. Your surgery
date will be here quickly and if you think you've got questions now, just
wait! Be well and hang in there.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

Hi, All. I haven't read or posted for a while now. This group is
s-o-o-o busy. I hope everyone is well.
Here's a few questions: I am 9 months post-op now. Does anyone know
how many grams of carbohydrates we should be taking in per day? I've
heard anywhere from 30 to 120 grams.
Has anyone taken 5-HTP to help with the cravings? Does it work?
Finally, any suggestions for exercise for a person constantly on the
go? I work two jobs (7:15 - 4:45 and 6:00 until 1 or 2). Any spare
time I get, I try to SLEEP!
Jan
RNY 9/25/02
319/194/hopefully 165

...i don't possess!!!
by chance, i came across a book on philosophy that list the "virtues",
hehe.
they are: politeness, fidelity, prudence, temperance, courage,
justice, generosity, compassion, mercy, gratitude, humility,
simplicity, tolerance, purity hehehehe, gentleness, good faith,
humor, & love.
dayyyyumm, what a tall order!!
lori h.
14 human months post-op

i did a bunch of stuff:zinc, biotin, prot supps esp proteinex,
shampoos...
though, the more people i meet, it's almost seems like the luck of the
draw, because the baldies claim they "did everything thing right".
perhaps different ppl's systems react differently to the shock of the
surg & the rapid wl. it comes back, mercifully!
lori h.

Wow, what a 2 months it has been. Isn't it crazy, the stuff we go through in
that initial 2 months. The last 2 weeks have been the easiest of the whole
the journey so far. For those who want to read my earlier entries, you can
click on the links below and they will take you there. It is a fairly
accurate accounting of my journey from pre-op and approval to today :) I
have not got the words to describe how I feel today as opposed to 2 months
ago. First I am *drum roll* 43 pounds light, yep you heard me.....43 pounds
gone from my life, that I don't miss at all. Second, I am fitting into
clothes that haven't fit me for 5 years. Third, I feel like I have gotten
back in touch with myself, something I know that has been missing. I was
reading some journals I found last night, all the way back to 1999 and it is
amazing how often I said I was going to get my weight under control. You
could tell when I would lose my battle because my journaling (or as I call
it conversation with myself) would either refocus on some guy or just drop
off. The most telling was I had a journal I called conversation with God
that I just quit writing in and I picked it back up last night. To say this
has affected me in every aspect of my life would be an understatement. I
won't tell you it has all been easy, it has not. There were days where I was
like, what did I do. Speaking to most post-ops that is pretty normal. There
are days I have to make myself do the right thing, take my vitamins, take my
calcium, and get in my protein. There are still days I wish I could have a
hamburger, but those times pass, and I have noticed don't get me down like
they used too. So I want to thank my Dr...Dr D, you are great :) I want to
thank his staff, which is amazing; the after care is really what is making
this journey amazing. I want to thank my parents, who made this journey
possible and supported me all the way. I want to thank my online support
groups...ya'll are amazing :) I want to think all the people at BSC Dallas,
it is the other post-op patients that give me inspiration (both pre and
post, because one reminds me and the other inspires me). Most of all thank
you God for both giving me the courage to go through with it and the
guidance and patience as my post-op journey as begun. See ya'll next time :)
On My Way-
Felicia (Flea)
Surgery date: May 6, 2003
http://www.inthemoments.com
Starting: 274 Current 231 -43 lbs

Hi,
I would appreciate any words of wisdom or advise from any one who
has had this surgery. My surgery is at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow and my
prep is just no food or drink from midnight on. I will be packing my
bag for the hospital tonight. All prayers would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks
Wendy

I can't find the original message but I have advice for yeast
infections:
I suffer really badly (at 350 lbs) as you said "where skin meets
skin" - I suffer mostly under the breasts and on the under side of my
ginormous belly :).
Here's what I found to help:
1. Cold compress. Take a face cloth and dip it in cold water, wring
it out and use it as a compress on the affected areas;
2. Keep the area clean at all times.
3. When all else fails use Cortizone cream! I don't like the
ointment and the goldbond I find makes it sting and worse but the
cortizone (which you can but over the counter) sometimes does the job.
Hope it helps just a little :)
Vicky
(My mantra until I get approval from my insurance is I HATE NHP!) ;)

Hey Everybody It's Chris D.!
Sure have missed chating with all of you but I've been having lots of
fun and new experiences on my Yukon and Alaska Vacation. We have
completed the land portion and boarded the cruise ship today. It's
truly a floating city.
The trip has been wonderful. I am definitely enjoying it much more
than I would have if I still had the 116+ lbs on me. I am able to do
whatever I want and go walking for hours around towns etc. While I
still get tired I am at least able to do it and enjoy it. However,
getting exercise is costing me lost of money in clothing souveniors.
Now that I can buy things that fit it's kind of dangerous for me to
shop. My wardrobe is going to have Yukon and Alaska plastered all
over it for the next 6 months, till I shrink out of it. I didn't
think I lost any weight on the trip but I realized yesterday I must
be losing more inches as the jeans I put on today are getting much
baggier and I even dried them in the dryer before I left. Also the
pair of new dockers I put on last night actually fit nice and are how
they should look. Was afraid I would bust the side seams just a few
weeks ago. So even if no lbs go away at least inches are. I also
noticed my knees look much better - not like they are carrying extra
saddle bags. I figure it's from all the walking. Good incentive to
keep it up when I get home!
Gotta run cause internet time via satellite is quite expensive and I
have so many people to catch up with. I'll check back in soon, so
update me on what's been going on. I don't have enough money in my
piggly bank to read all of the messages/threads I have missed. LOL
Take Care, Chris D.
P.S. I look pretty darn good in my new swimming suit too. Managed
to find one the day before I left that really covers many sins. MY
KIND OF SUIT!!!

Hey all :)
I need help PLEASE?!?
Has anyone had to go to a 2nd appeal (I have been denied the
authorizaton for surgery 2ce now by my insurance - Neighborhood
Health Partnerships - based on the fact that I have no recent diet
history)?
Should I go to the appeal by myself or should I hire a lawyer to do
my talking for me?
Any advice on the process is GREATLY appreciated and it's cool. I
can wait - I won't have a fit if nobody answers me within 10 minutes
(I'll give you 2 hours ... hehehe) :o)
Thanks all!!!
Vicky Goldstein
Ft Lauderdale Fl
Supposed to have surgery 7/8/03 but postponed until insurance gets
off their a**

Hi Everyone!
I have just found this group and am sitting here crying as I type. What a
awesome resource, educational, and tremendously uplifting place this is! I am
in the beginning stages of wls. I have my first appt with the surgeon on 29
July. Wish me Luck! I have the excited, nervous, can't-wait-till-the-date,
scared-out-of-my-mind kind of emotions going on right now. Reading all of your
messages is helping me soooooo much! You are all angels!
Love to all
Linda

I feel the same way as I read every evening and never post. This is a very good
supportive group and I too appreciate all the effort some take to respond and
give advice. I sometimes feel selfish because I lurk so much and never
contribute. Thanks to those who do contribute their experiences to help us all.
Shirley
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 06 Jul 2003 21:34:01 -0000
From: "ellingel" <ellingel@...
Subject: Thank you
Because I've seen some lately post that they don't think this is a
supportive group, I wanted to give my opinion. I don't have time to
post much, and I feel bad that I have never responded to a single
person. However, I read every single post on this board. I suspect
I am only one of many who faithfully read the advice all of you take
the time to post each day. I did post a question once, and received
several responses. I feel like this is a very supportive board, and
would never describe it as one of cliques (sp???). I just want to
thank all of the regular posters who fill this board with information
that is so helpful to those that gobble up all the helpful hints!!
Lisa

And there are alot of pretty good over the counter treatments for yeast
infections, can find them at your local walmart. That Gold Bond is a good idea,
if at all possible keep the area dry and cool (yeast loves a warm moist area to
grow in).
Think I would check into Tea Tree Oil also...read up on it via websites...and
Eucalyptus Oil is another must in my medicine cabinet. Both can be found at
just about any drug store or pharmacy.
Take care!
Angie
So Calif
280/240/?
lap RNY 05/29

I tried to put a link on but it didn't work. here it is again.
http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?
N=S1054679322&NoStatic=1

I am up by Pasadena in Monrovia....so a bit far for us to go on walks together.
Love that area though went fishing out that way one summer...had a fun time on
the small motor boat. Wish I was closer!
Angie
So Calif

Well, I don't have a medical degree, but I know the time I went to the
emergency room (with nailpolish) the pulse ox could not get a reading of my
oxygen
level (which actually turned out well b/c of that they got me back
IMMEDIATELY..hehe) but they took off the nailpolish on that finger so they could
get a
reading and it was actually normal. I didn't have any nailpolish on at thetime
of my surgery, but, in the hospital they had a hard time keeping my oxygen
levels up and tested with the pulse ox like every hour. When i was finally
conscious enough, the oxygen tube up my nose was driving me crazy so i pulled it
out.... next time they came around with that pulse ox...it read at like 82..some
low number....so back it went LOL
It sounds like Gina was told the same information from during her surgery
prep, so it may just depend on the equipment the hospital uses. Maybe you have
some top of the line equipment! hehe :)
Chrissy

WOOHOO...congratulations girl! You are on your way! I wish you a speedy
recovery and wonderful lifelong health and skinny wishes. Are you having the
open or lap procedure? Sorry about what your going to be experiencing
tomorrow..although I am sure it will be worth it! (i was lucky enough I didn't
have
this step...i just wasn't allowed to eat 2 days prior to surgery--nuthin to
clean
out) Please post as soon as you are able to let us know how everything has
gone! My thoughts are with you this week!
Chrissy
OpenRNY 02/19/03
310/225

I am waiting for my insurance to get approved. I am not a patient
person, and I swear time just got longer with each day I wait. I
never knew time would slow as an adult this much. I am anxious, and
once I committed myself to doing this all I can do is think about
it. I got so bored I started to learn some html, and programed my
obesityhelp.com profile. If anyone wants to see it the link is below.
TAlk to you all soon :)
http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?
N=S1054679322&NoStatic=1

Hi I am Jody I just had my RNY on 7/4/03. I had in Mexico because I
am a self pay. I am feeling pretty good. I know that now the hard
work begins. I am open to all input. Thanks -- Jody

Brenda,
I don't have to do the fleet prep. However since I've not been
feeling well since friday it sounds like I have already done it on
my own, if you know what I mean. It has been a pretty ugly two days.
I am starting to feel better,& I don't think it should interfere
with the surgery. I've waited so long to have it done I would hate
to have it put off.
My prayers are with you. Email me when you get home & we can support
each other. You can never have too much support.
gwisaac1@...
Wendy
--

since you are in fact contrite, then i have to offer my own
apology. i was trying to protect the family.
lori h.

Hi Wendy,
My surgery is Tuesday morning also.....best wishes and prayers to you!
Slainte,
Lynn

Hi Wendy,
We have the same date... I am so glad to have a partner that I can
compare notes with. I am nervous but excited. How abourt you?
I'm all packed just have to do the fleet prep tomorrow do you?
If so I wil be where you will be tomorrow too..LOL
I HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AS WELL.
Please keep my e-mail address and write me when you can and I will do
the same.
C U ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!!!
BRENDA

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that God willing my surgery will be
Tuesday afternoon. I am so excited and nervous at the same time.
I can't wait to be a "LOSER" and on the other side.
I want to thank you all for all the great infromation and support you
all have been during my pre-op stage. I couldn't have come this far
without you. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.
I will be offline for 5-7 days but as soon as I can get back on I
will send my update.
For all you guys having surgery this month as well, I will be praying
for you and a quick recovery.
Please if you all would say a special prayer for me I would appeciate
it. God is good and I know he answers prayers as he has answered my
weight loss prayer and I am on my way.
Tomorrow is "PooP" day so I will only be online checking my messages
as the throne will be seat for the day.... so please write me. I need
real support this last day.
Please I need any and all advise for the hospital now. Again, just
to make sure I have done everything?
ON MY WAY JULY 8TH, TUESDAY
Thanks again, I love you guys,
Brenda

For all of you , please except my apology..I am very sorry for
attacking you all like I did. I was so depressed, and whiny that day,
I just wanted some one to talk to me. An not realizing that it may
take a while for others to respond.I was so like a child..No excuses
for what I did..I am so very sorry..I am on anti depression medicine
and sometimes it seems as not to work for me..I am sorry ..Please
forgive me..

The pig tails and lipgloss is an EXCELLENT idea! I had very long hair at the
time of the surgery and I wish I had thought of that. I woke up with some of
my hair caught in the tape which was adhered to my neck for the central line,
and gunk in it..bleh. course you can't wear any thing into surgery...but
wish i had thought of doing that afterwards to keep it out of my way. I looked
so awful after my surgery. I hadn't planned on telling anyone i was even
having it..but I had a co-worker/friend with a big mouth, and before I went
seemed
everyone knew. But I had very few visitors My two closest friends (one of
which had surgery 2 wks prior to me for a tummy tuck, lipo and breast
reduction---she didn't qualify for a gastric), my brother, my sis-in-law brought
my
neice and nephew up there about 2 of 3 days after my surgery..and then of course
my mom and dad. I think they're friend stopped in once too, but it was kind of
a blur. Anyways, I say the pigtails are an excellent idea...I wish now I had
been better prepared and handled it better..LOL But it was my first surgery,
and I didn't have this wonderful site to help me prepare.... but alas, we all
struggle through I suppose. Best of luck to you!!!
Chrissy
Open RNY 02/19/03
310/225

In a message dated 7/6/2003 6:34:38 PM Central Standard Time,

i need someone to talk to badly, i will be coming up on
my 1 year surgery sept. 4 2002. i have lost 70 lb (ONLY)
i say only because i have not lost anything since jan.
2002. i may have lost in inches, i was a size 24/26 before
surgery, now i am a 18/20 depending on the material. the
problem is i should know how to eat by now, but i find
myself reverting back to old eating habits of sweets
and most of the time i eat out of being bored i know
that i am not hunry, i have problems with eating meats
if i eat meat it weighs on my stomach all days and i am
miserable. anyway i need somone to talk to. i did not
do thru the process of having myself cut opened to lose
only 70 lbs

Dear Confused (sorry, you didn't sign your name).
Coral Calcium is calcium carbonate in disguise and ignore all the hype. The
FDA is waging a huge campaign against it... it's been marketed as being (of
all things) a cure for cancer, etc., but it's just plain old carbonate.
After surgery we don't absorb the carbonate which is what viactiv is. If
you're really having a hard time with the Citrical, try the liquid or a
different chewable, but, unfortunately, citrate is the most absorbable form
for us.
Dear Shannon,
You can see how you're doing with your levels every three months when your
blood tests are drawn. (If they're not being drawn, they should be!). Ask
your doctor(s) to give you a copy of the results so that you can follow your
trends. We have to be very proactive in our health now and that's the way
to stay on top of things. I take B-12 sublingually every other day right
now. You don't want to be come deficient in B-12 no matter what. You can
cause irreversible neurological problems if you do. If you don't want the
shots (I HATE shots! I'm a big baby!), find a palatable sublingual b-12. I
highly recommend the 2500 mcg. from puritanspride.com -- they are having a
buy one get two free sale right now, so if you buy one bottle of 100 it's
$17.25, but you're actually getting 300 for $17.25 and the taste is awesome.
Find vitamins and supplements you can live with because this is the rest of
your life we're talking about here. Good luck to you and don't fall down on
the vitamins part of this plan...
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

Because I've seen some lately post that they don't think this is a
supportive group, I wanted to give my opinion. I don't have time to
post much, and I feel bad that I have never responded to a single
person. However, I read every single post on this board. I suspect
I am only one of many who faithfully read the advice all of you take
the time to post each day. I did post a question once, and received
several responses. I feel like this is a very supportive board, and
would never describe it as one of cliques (sp???). I just want to
thank all of the regular posters who fill this board with information
that is so helpful to those that gobble up all the helpful hints!!
Lisa

No problem rerouting the message honey... just sorry I did it with the
digest attached to the bottom! If anyone is going to respond to Caroline's
topic of competition among friends, please remember to cut off the bottom of
the letter... just 'cause I suffer from CRAFT (Can't Remember A Friggin'
Thing!) doesn't mean that you have to catch it from me! ROFLMAO! Apologies
again for leaving the digest attached.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

Post op, I didn't need socks. of course, I am the type that absolutely HATES
anything on my feet, and my shoes are the first thing off when I step inside!
However, I had those stupid TED hose on and the thingees around my legs that
blow up and deflate, to keep you from getting blood clots...so my feet were
covered the ENTIRE time...grrr and nthing I could do about it..hehe... In fact,
they were the first thing that came off the day of my discharge...never so
happy! I still have them though, and would be happy to share *grin*
Chrissy
Open RNY 02/19/03
310/225

[Unable to display image][Unable to display image]HERE ARE MY PICTURES LIKE THIS
AND AS AN ATTACHMENT IF SOMEONE CAN PUT THEM

You go girl! Anything that is going to make you feel better, then I say go
for it! :) Personally, I was a big wuss, and dreaded walking. I looked at
that nurse like she was crazy when she told me to walk..LOL Plus the walker
they
had was designed for someone who weighs 800lbs (which did give me the instant
feeling of being small..lol) but balancing on that thing was not easy...same
with the wheelchair, ahd to have pillows to sit me up
But i say, if you have the oomph to put on makeup, and it makes you feel
better, by all means girl... diva it up!!! Can't wait to welcome you to this
side
of things..you will do great!!
Chrissy

hi guys, i post about this from time to time, sorry if it's not
new. it's very important to clear any herbs or even OTC meds with
your surgeon. when i was in the "prep" room, the anesthesiologist
sent the patient next to me home after hearing he was on valerian
root. TG, i was only on centrum & folic acid, but he asked me more
than once.
lori h.

I keep reading various things on what calcium supplement to take.
First I was told calcium citrate only, then I read some people take
Vivactiv (calcium carbonate), and most recently read where Coral
Calcium is the only true absorable calcium. I'm almost 6 weeks post-
op and having a hard time chewing the Twin-Lab calcium citrate wafers
and the Citracal Plus was horrible. I'm thinking about going
straight to the Vivactiv, but don't want to cause myself problems in
the long run by being hardheaded. Anyone long-term postie have any
information for a newbie?

hilaaaarious brian!! for the record, ms. judgemental criticizer was
removed from the group. this is a SUPPORT GROUP, 'nuff said.
lori h.

Cindy,
I replied to your post, and it didnt show up as a reply or something,
I really dont know what happened. Anyway, read post number 21820.
Thanks,
Beth

My surgery was moved up to July 17...only 11 days away! I am so
excited...and nervous....and excited! I just know I am going to be
a wreck by next week. Tomorrow I have my pre-op appointments.
Tonight, DH and I will sit and write any final questions for the
surgeon. I want to make good use of the time I have with him
tomorrow. The pre-op is really going to make this seem so real. I
have worked on this for so long that I can't believe it is actually
about to happen!
I really appreciate the thread on what to bring. I need to get some
slippers/slip on shoes and a robe. I kinda hate to buy a new robe
knowing it will be too big soon. Maybe I can find a cheap one
somewhere. Gotta find my portable CD player. And the camera--
GREAT idea! And I already got my lip balm! Gheez, I'm rambling,
huh?
-Gina in CA

Caroline sent this to me personally but meant for it to go to the group for
additional feedback, so please read and comment:
Subject: How to deal with friends who "compete" and Deb WAS Re: Caroline
Hi Deb :)
Thank you so so so much sweetie :) I feel so blessed to have met you
in these groups, and you are such an inspiration to me! Yes, slow
and steady :) but there's no race, too :) I guess we will each lose
in our own time. The problem with my friend is that she seems to
think this is a competition. And when I told her I was down 50 lbs
since two months ago (which I am realizing is pretty good), she
boasted that she lost that much as of 3 weeks ago. I think it is the
boasting that got to me. Also, she and I had planned to support each
other through our surgeries, etc., but when she found out that I was
having surgery only 3 days after seeing the surgeon (we have the
same surgeon btw) and would have to cancel a planned garage sale,
she blew up at me saying I was not thinking of anyone else but
myself. Since that time, things have really been different between
us. She really seems to be changing and having this holyier than
though attitude, etc. Have you ever experienced this from another
friend who also had WLS? Any ideas as to how to handle this? I
don't want to lose her as a friend, but honestly speaking, I am not
sure I like the "new" her. Terrific info about the exercise - I will
be sure to remember this!
Sending hugs,
Caroline
Lap RNY 5/2/03
367/314/150
PS: I'll email you in a moment with my address, and thank you so
again :)
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

Hi Cindy,
After 5 weeks, I was allowed to eat anything except bread, red
meat, and rice, and of course sugar. I couldnt eat anything that
would be like gooey, tortillas and stuff like that. They said to eat
either something crunchy or something soft, try not to mix them up.
After eight weeks, I could add everything else, except sugar of
course. I am supposed to eat mainly protein, but I can occasionally
eat other things. When I try to eat other things, especially bread,
it is very hard to eat, so I dont try very often. I remember how you
feel about being tired of eating the soft stuff, wanting more, but
just stick with it, soon it will be over. I think most of us are the
same in that even though we want some things, we are scared not to
eat them. Being scared for me is enough to keep me away from what Im
not supposed to eat. I have been doing very good, in that I havent
thrown up at all. I was worried about that, that I would eat the
wrong thing or eat too much and then get sick, but it hasnt
happened. Good luck to you, you will do just fine.
Beth

A friend of mine suffers terribly from yeast infections where skin meets
skin. Before you do anything to clear it up, take photos and take them
every time it recurs. If your camera allows it, date stamp them. This will
help you down the road when you are building a case for reconstructive
surgery (always think of it as reconstructive, not plastic/cosmetic
surgery). Then, go to your doctor and have diflucan prescribed. Make them
keep accurate notes of when and how often this was prescribed for this
problem. You're setting yourself up now for that future date when you may
want to have excess skin removed.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

In a message dated 7/5/2003 10:55:34 PM Central Standard Time,

yall are great lol i was just gonna ask what i need to bring to the
dr i get the phone call on mom( or what they said) and ssurg will be
soon agghhh im soooooo nervous and excited and i cant wait
i am sooo happy and all of you make it sooo help ful so heres a
special rose for you just to say thanks
@---
lol
thanks sarah

As most of you know, I am having my gall bladder removed on July 11th.. and I
know I need to be on a bland diet afterwards, but I am worried about how I
will get my protein in. I know I will probably meet with a nutritionist at the
hospital post op but I was wondering if you all had any ideas?
Thanks
Natasha Gittings
lap rny 11/19/02
340/239/150-160

All I know is for me, using aspartame over a length of time makes my ears
ring...I use splenda or nothing at all.
Angie
So Calif

I would have to agree! I had some cheapie kind from GNC and it was horrible.
I would have given anything for some carmex!! My mom finally found some
chapstick medicated...but it still waasn't the same! I had open, so my list
would differ from someone with a lap procedure, but I woudl recommend:
LIP BALM
your own pillow
your own blanket (I brought a fleece one, its lighter weight and warmer)
CD player/radio/music
slip on slippers
and a nightgown/robe or snap up mumu (i only used these to go home fromthe
hospital in...i had too many tubes to consider during the stay, although i
brought extras)
I really didn't need anything else. I stayed pretty doped up and there
wasn't anything I really wanted/needed but to sleep. I hear people bring books
or
something to work on, but I can tell you I didn't feel like doing anything! I
wouldn't even raise up enough to put a pillow under my head util the last
day. But, those who have lap, I understand their healing is a bit easier and
may
find the energy/gumption to do other activities!
I wore PJ pants around the house when I got home (I love them, plus the loose
elastic band made a great place to tuck the drain tube..hehe)
Hope this helps!
Chrissy
Open RNY 02/19/03
310/225

My incision lines are healing very well, and when the staples were taken out ten
days post op --four of the five were completely healed over and one had a small
pea sized scab on it. I am very fair skinned caucasian, and one scar (the one
with the scab) is still kind of a light colored red, the rest are a very light
pinkish. I think it helped, I still kind of baby the scars with extra lotions
and ointments vs what I put on the rest of my body. I believe whole heartedly
in the benefits of Vitamin C, and since your skin is pourous (meaning that
whatever you put on your skin, some of it goes into your body and you ingest
it.. kind of like a pill you swallow) thought that the Vitamin C was a good idea
all the way around.
Jason Herbal Products also has some really good natural products for the skin if
you cant find the straight liquid Vit C in your area.
Take care everyone, love this group!
Angie
So Calif

way to go on the outing!! you're participating fully in life, hats
off to ya! you're proof positive about the wonderful, miraculous
transformation, wls!
lori h.

Hi Beth,
Thanks so much for the information on the scars and cravings. It was funny you
mentioned the craving for tacos....I have the same! Tacos were always a
weakness for me and I have thought about driving thru and picking one up. I am
afraid and didn't even try.
What do you eat now? My doctor has me on Pro-Complex twice a day and some
foods, ie, mashed potatoes, eggs, cream soups, and refried beans. I am getting
pretty tired of those.
Cindy

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday July 7, 2003
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 1 day, 22 hours, 4 minutes.
Notes:

See I thought I'd come back to this group and post a message, because
before no one would respond, and again nobody
responds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You all only respond to your regulars,
thats pretty sad and selfish.....This is not the group that it claims
to be....I just posted a message that said Newbie/Back again and yet
you all are only respond yo your regulars, no welcome or anything...I
thought I was going to come here and get support but in all honesty I
get rejection, something I've already dealt with all my life..So
thats to this so called support group I'm right back where I started..
Thanks for NOTHING...AGAIN...

My surgery date is July the 14th, any advice on what kinds of protein
drinks to buy before my surgery? Any advice on eating? Will my
appetite come back? That is what I'm scared of, to gain weight
again..I am now 255, and 34 years old..

Hey all you posties, how about another list of all t he things we will need
to take with us to the hospital? Thanks WOLFIE

Dear Ami,
I understand you completely. From the day of my surgery I have not been
hungry. I wrote about this early on and spoke about it in my local support
groups. I've been told, don't worry about it, it will change. Well, I'm
now in my 10th month and it hasn't changed yet. I'm still not hungry. I do
what I need to so that I meet my daily goals, but I certainly can't say I'm
hungry. For the most part, I eat by the clock. I don't mind though. I'm
grateful not to be tormented by my old foods (I was a fast food junkie and a
sweetaholic). Mark, as for the rack of ribs, I find that 2 or 3 baby backs
definitely satisfy me now...
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

I JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO, AND HOPED EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY TODAY.
KEEP SMILING EVERYONE :)
YOUR FRIEND IN SURGERY
CHRISTOPHER CARROLL

Hi everyone :)
I uploaded my 2 month post-op photos to the group today :) I am so
excited as I am starting to see a difference in my before and after
photos :)
:) Caroline
www.tinyurl.com/bkld

Hi everyone :)
I am so sorry if I have been "out of touch" recently. While life has
been busy trying to pull things together in regards to Alan's mom's
house in PA, I've been doing well with my weight loss. I had the gastric
bypass surgery 2 months and 2 days ago, and so far am 51 lbs lighter :)
If you are interested, you can read more about my progress on the
webpage I developed at www.tinyurl.com/bkld. I am also attaching a
photo of the new me (so far :) here :)
Sending many smiles :)
Caroline
2 months post-op and -51 lbs!
PS: Happy 4th of July!
<http://hotbar.com/scripts/utils/bcLogo.asp
Caroline Ann Martin, M.A.
Artist
MILDSTONES CREATIONS
Helping to heal, comfort & renew hope...
Caroline@...
www.MILDSTONESCREATIONS.com <http://www.mildstonescreations.com/
<http://hotbar.com/accounts/services/bcards/GetLatestCard.asp?card_Data=
267431,751594263,4
<http://hotbar.com/accounts/services/bcards/Contact.Vcf?card_Data=267431
,751594263,4
_____
<http://promos.hotbar.com/promos/promodll.dll?RunPromo&El=bc%3bhotbar%5f
element%3bst%3b&SG=&RAND=4305

I totally agree with ~ami~! As a new post op, I didn't crave anything. i
could watch the commercials on TV and think, ooh that looks good.. but never had
a desire to go and eat it. I was also never really hungry, and had to eat
according to the clock basically. And my doctor told me, I only needed 1-3
meals a day, so most of the time I ate 1 meal a day. I agree it is a little
unsettling...when food is something that is such a big part of your
life...suddenly
you have to find something to fill all that time you spent eating. Although,
food will still be the focus of your life in the beginning because you have
to focus on how much water your drinking, what kinds of food you can have, how
can you be more creative with it...etc... but as you get further downthe road,
eating regular foods, it becomes less of an issue. Now, I usually eat
whatever I want, a few bites and i'm satisfied. So far it works for me. I
haven't
really had to worry about carbs or fat or any of that, just focus on protein
first. So I guess I haven't really had any "cravings'..although I am starting
to experience hunger now, and I do sometimes fight the habit to eat just b/c
its that time, or I feel bored or something. Some days I do, but I try to
fight that...no one is perfect. I do the best that I can. Good luck to you in
your journey!
Chrissy
Open RNY 02/19/03
310/227

I have a wedding to go to in August and I am in need of a nice dress to wear.
I am currently a 22/24 and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of
where I could find a nice outfit? What stores or catalogs have nice things in
this size range?
Thanks!
Natasha Gittings
lap rny 11/19/02
340/239/150-160

hi family. due to modem probs, di is "disconnected" for the time
being. she's definitely here in spirit, & i might print out some
posts to show her. i'll keep y'all posted, she's been keepin' busy
taking care of business & is as empowered as ever.
lori h.

here goes my simplistic, unsophisticated explanation of why some of
us do not experience hunger. some research on the hormone "ghrelin"
came about around the time of my wls, april 2002. go to any search
engine & type it in. in my humble experience there was zero
appetite till about 5 months out. academic rarionales are somewhat
ok, but i find that faith & positivity take me further.
lori h.

you can do it lori anne;we're rootin' for ya!!
lori h.

Okay, maybe it's just me, hopefully not though. Since I am two weeks
post-op I thought I had a handle on how my body reacted to
everything but now I'm not so sure. Every morning for the past week
I am nauseaous when I wake up and it takes me about 3 hours to get
over it. It's like being pregnant and having morning sickness
without the vomiting (sorry to be graphic but...you know what I
mean). I try drinking my water to see if that helps and it tastes
like copper in my mouth and I can't stand it. I am NOT allowed any
solid food. This has happened every morning for the past week and
I'm literally sick about it. What do you suggest?
Tanya in Tx
Lap RNY 6/20/03

Hi all.
I am new to this group.
I saw a posting about Carnie Wilson. I found this great website
where they interview Carnie before and after her sugery and they even
SHOW THE ENTIRE surgery online. I really like the website and I
found watching the surgery to be very very interesting and
educational so I thought I would share it with all of you.
The web address is:
http://www.spotlighthealth.com/morbid_obesity/carnies_story/index_cs.h
tml
Have a happy, healthy and safe 4th of July weekend :)
Vicky Goldstein

Hello Everyone!
I am also post-op and wondering about what to put on my scar. I still have
several types left and want to start applying whatever will help as soon as
they are all gone. Any advise?
This new side of life is very interesting. I haven't had any complications. I
have never thrown up or anything. The worse thing is, as I call them, air
pockets when I swallow to quick or swallow to much air. I am still hungry from
time to time and find myself wishing I could just drive thru Jack-in-the-box one
more time for a diet coke and taco. I don't, but the desire is sure there. In
reality, I am not hungry at all pyshically, just mentally. The mental side of
this is definitely the problem to over come....for me anyway.
Even at 2 1/2 weeks post op I would do this again in a heart beat. The weight
is coming off and I feel great! To anyone out there that is pre-op.....It is a
great feeling!
Cindy
Post-Op
Open RNY
6-17-2003
280/258

<A
HREF="http://www.msnbc.com/news/934824.asp?0cv=CB20"
34824.asp?0cv=CB20</A
That is a neat place, and my only comment on that, is ABOUT TIME! I've
always thought people should be catering to us, not shaming us! After all, WE
contribute significantly to just about every industry. We have just as much
money, sometimes more, as the "average" person, and are just as willing to spend
it...we are charged more for things as it is..so we are willing to pay more for
the nicer things as well. However, I dont think I liked the author of this
story... I get the feeling he is not as understanding as the hotel owners.....
"displaying 5XL polo shirts as big as tablecloths, and enormous matching
mango-colored sweat pants, bearing the resortâs logo: âLive Large, Live
Free.â It
is next to an ice cream freezer. Around the corner, even the little male and
female figures on the bathroom doors look like the Michelin Man."
(enormous-table cloths-the michelin man.... is THAT really necessary???)

Dear Ann,
I hear you loud and clear. I'm married too and had little, if any, support
so far on this journey. Thankfully I don't need his support (emotionally).
My husband is a bit different than yours, though the end result is the same.
My husband has been diagnosed with bi-polar, regular depression, OCD,
anxiety disorder, etc., etc. He's on several meds to help him. He's been
retired from his state job at 46 due to mental disabilities... the list goes
on and on. Anyway, he can only think about himself for the most part, so,
when I had my surgery, I counted on my sister to take my daughter to live
with her while I was in the hospital, then she came and stayed with us when
I was recovering. I went through my surgery(s) alone too. Ya know what?
It's certainly made me feel stronger (emotionally) and self-confident. I
know who I can and can't count on. I know I'm strong enough to do what
needs to be done for my daughter and myself.
So far, we're still together, but who knows what the future will bring? I
already feel like a single parent. To his positive, he's a good guy and
really wants to do better, but the chemical thing that goes on in his body
is just sometimes uncontrollable for him... my daughter adores him so it's
really a tough decision. As I said, I feel for ya, girl. Hang tough and do
the best you can for yourself.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

Hi Beth,
At about six months out, I had six mini m&ms. Whatever I do, I do in small
quantities. The first thing I had that made me dump, though, was right in
the very beginning and it was that Carnation Instant Breakfast crap.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/237/160?
BMI 60/35/24?
-149
-69.5"
Angel to Bill (8/14/03), Debbie (waiting for a date) Ilene (6/26/03), Roy
(7/29/03) and Ro

http://www.msnbc.com/news/934824.asp?0cv=CB20

I have a question about drinking alcohol. I never have been a
drinker anyway, so I dont know why I am asking this, but when if at
all can you drink alcohol after wls?
Beth
open rny
4/29/03
266/226/140

Thanks Deb,
I havent eaten any sugar at all at this point, Im so scared of the
dumping, so I havent ventured off at all. I know you said you very
rarely eat sugar, but can you remember the first time you did and
what did you eat?
Beth

I've been reading everybody's letters for a couple days now. I've
been thinking of having this surgery done for several months, and
just got up enough courage to talk to my primary care physician last
month. I now have an appt. with a surgeon August 15. I have soooo
many questions. You all have answered lots of them already. You're a
good group. But I have more. For instance:
Will I ever be able to drink carbonated beverages afterward?
I thought the nurse (or insurance lady would call the first appt.
that I have with the surgeon, and I would know if I qualify or not---
right then. But as I read in this group, it takes weeks before you
know. Is that normal?
If food isn't readily absorbed after eating, letting food pass
quickly through, then how does medicine break down and get absorbed?
I thought since I would have such a small stomach after the surgery,
that I would NEVER have trouble with my appetite again. And yet I
read that later your appetite "can possibly" still get out of
control, and maybe even lead to gaining a substantial amount of
weight back. True or false?
Does chocolate, ice cream, etc. become a "sweet" memory? Are they
totally taboo?
For that matter, how about spicy foods or acidy foods like tomatoes
and citrus?
I've got a lot more questions. But right now, with it being so late,
my brain is tired and is going to sleep without me. I keep bouncing
back and forth on whether I ought to go through with the surgery
(should I be accepted)or not. Any help and suggestions sure would be
appreciated.
Thanks,
Charlotte

I had gastric bypass a year ago and it has changed my life.Went on a cruise
recently with my family and thought how fun it would be to organize a cruise
for people interested in gastric bypass, lap banding,any wls surgery,both pre
ops and post ops.
So I came home from the cruise and started organizing a wls surgery
cruise.My friend is a legitimate travel agent and she put together a reasonably
priced package.There are already 30 people booked and because of that they have
extended the date for a deposit to July 14th.People from all over are coming on
this cruise so we can learn from each other, and have fun being with people who
truly understand us.
I am sending along info for you all to read,hope you will join us.
Ellen Faulkner
July 24,2002
240/153/130
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DAY PORTS OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
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Monday Port of Miami, Florida 9:00 AM
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· Prices do not include port charges of $89.00 and taxes of $28.45.
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NOTE: This offering subject to errors or withdrawal without notice

Thats awesome that you have great people around you who love you just the way
you are! I would just explain to them your reasons for wanting to do this,
or for considering it...ultimately it is up to you. As for the vomiting, that
was my biggest thing too because i HATE to throw up. However, post op,you
have not stomach acid (which burns coming up) and you can eat very little, so it
is over fast. I usually just throw up in the sink and then go on my way... if
it happens. I don't get sick much anymore. Its not anything to be scared
of! Its not like feeling sick the rest of the day or anything..hehe
chrissy
post op 02/19/03
310/230

I can get the sublingual b-12 from our walmart
chrissy