Weight Loss Surgery Info

this was probably one series that would have gone on
and on..

Margie in Montana
397/279/160
Surgery Feb 27, 2006

ummmm... you DO know that these are not "real" people and that "Caree" and "Big"
and "Samantha" and "Smith Jared" are most likely happily married to other people
in real life and "Samantha" doesn't really have cancer and the baby is most
likely happily with it's biological parents... right????
Pat
"Mary B." <hunnybear713@...
Joanne,
Big has to be in it.. we have to know if he and Caree get married.. We have
to know if Samantha gets past the cancer and gets married to Smith Jared and
if the baby is adopted or not... to many things were left up in the air.
I wish they never took the show off but then HBO does that a lot.. lol
--
Mary in FL
LAP RNY 1/26/2007
317/296/170/140
BS/ SW/CW/GW

Mary, I am so happy you made it to FL safely and are back here with us now!
Here is the link for the clothes swap spin-off group:

Hi Joanne,
I actually did go through depression. I was on anti-depressants for about 8
months. I also went through a divorce too. That is one reason I moved to
FL.. to get away from my EX. He is still in KY.. and living with his beer
instead of me... oh well.
As many here will tell you, depression is a real problem with most after the
surgery and a lot of us needed meds to get through it. I took myself off
(with my doctors help) at 11 months. I told myself I needed to start
dealing with my problems without the help of pills and meds and I feel a lot
better without them. I still get emotional now and then but ride it out.
I feel sorry for the dog actually. He barks all the time to get attention
and I am the only one that plays with him. And yes, you are right about
being the pack leader.. he comes to me to play all the time now. I will
probably take him for another walk tonight after they get home.
How are things going with you?
--
Mary in FL
LAP RNY 1/26/2007
317/296/170/140
BS/ SW/CW/GW

Mary,
I am so glad to hear that things are doing so well for you. Don't
look for the men, let them look for you. Now you are so gorgeous,
this should happen at any time.
Before you take your winter clothes to Goodwill, don't forget about
our clothes swapping group. Someone else will have to give you the
link because I am not positive how to do that. I could learn, but by
then someone will have sent it to you. It's for this group only, so
you will know who will benefit from your gift.
Take care....and don't get a horrible sunburn from walking the dog.
Lizanne

Ally,
Did you finally do something to get this working, or did it just start
on its own? I don't mean "what took you so long", what I mean
is, "thank goodness that you could figure it out."
Lizanne

I haven't done a thing. They just started working. Don't get your hopes
up...I'm sure they'll be broken again tomorrow.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

I love this show so much. I cried when it went off the air, but it ended just
like I wanted it to. I can't wait for the movie. I'm so glad all of the
characters decided to come back for it.
My fiance bought me the full series special edition DVD set for motivation to
workout on our elliptical machine. :) I watch Sex and the City while I sweat.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hi Beth-
I'm glad to see you post again. I'm sorry that you're so frustrated. I know
that this process can be so difficult and mind numbing. I'm glad you're still
reading posts, though. We all have been where you are and know and understand
your frustration.
We're here for you whenever you need to vent.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

The weather would be good in March but I may not be able to go. My son turns 30
on March 29th and I can't miss that birthday. My 2 other childrens birthdays are
at the other end Feb 28th and march 2nd. (and mine is March 9th my poor husband
that has to do birthdays all month) so depending on what we are doing I may not
be able to come.
Debby
"Judy R." <losingforlife08@...
March is good because it would be off season (less expensive) and not
boiling in vegas. however I am not sure about my attendance cause I am hoping
for surgery and it looks like it will be february or early march. as we get
closer to getting the trip date I can be more positive of whether I can go. but
I definitely am up for a meet & greet.
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

I know huh? I had never even seen one in my life until I moved here and
the only ones I had seen before Sunday were so far in the sky that you
had to follow them in flight for a minute to be sure if it even was a
Bald one.
Thanks for asking, things are going somewhere but are not sure which
direction.
Joanne

Penny!!! Welcome back!!! Sorry about your puter probs... I hope they get
straightened out, we miss you when you are not here. Congratulations on the
weight loss... you are doing great!
Hey... know how to leave a casino with a small fortune?? Go there with a HUGE
fortune! hehehe (yeah I know... some things, and people, never change!)
Pat
Penny Drozd <pennyisnot@...
Hey everyone,
Brat computer is going out the window..I tell ya..it is the bane of my life. And
this new "Musiq" cell phone by Sprint is driving me nuts also. OK so it doesn't
take much to drive me nuts but I am missing the action. I have been so busy
anyway. What is going on? Is everyone ok. Who is having surgery..any
birthdays...I think Kay you wrote to me and that is gone but let me know if you
got your angel if not I will be. If I can ever get onto the computer that
is..May not want to take a chance with me. Last I was on I went to the
casino..won 40 cents...better than losing..but was sick and didn't make it to
the pool or spa and then there was kids..Now why do people take their kids to a
casino when there is nothing for the kids to do there. If it were Vegas or such
where you can do other things but this Indian Res is way out in the boonies and
no where or nothing for kids to do. Poor babies. anyway. my daughter Shawn flew
to Omaha to see her nephew and "that sister"..the one who
won't let me talk to my grandson. She got back at midnight last night in
pouring rain and horrid winds..I have now joined a yoga theraphy class where you
just lay there and they push and pull on your body and do a back knuckle massage
up the spine...oh feels so good. Since Christmas I have lost 6 lbs. down to 178
now. Size 14 clothes are starting to fit...whoopee. Eating nuts, cheese, milk
beans and ham and some protein bars in between. And feeling absolutely wonderful
and the hair loss has finally slowed down...
Granny Penny in San Diego
I will respond as long as the computer is working but if you don't hear from me
it's the computer AGAIN!!!

Lizanne-
I know that all of our surgeons are so different. Mine told me 60 grams of
protein for my weight when I had my surgery at almost 240 pounds. I'm sure my
nutritionist would tell me to have less now, but I haven't been to see her since
my surgery.
I'll find the menu and post it.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hooray, Lizanne! I hope that nasty plateau you were on is gone for a long
while!!
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

YW Lizanne, but I don't know what I did? But I DO know I forgot one
last question; where did you find these? At beauty supply stores or do
they still have wig stores?
Joanne

Ally,
I thought your menu was great. But there is only 60 gr and as I
remember, I am supposed to have 70 gr min. Since I am only getting
around 45 gr on a regular basis, 60 gr is much better than my track
record. I can't remember why I didn't follow your menu, I even have
the soy chips. It may be that I couldn't fit your 6 meals into my 4
meals. I know I am a dummy, but would you post it one more time.
BTW, I really like the soy chips.
Lizanne

All of you should come live in the south for a month in August where we have
that kind of heat with about 500% humidity.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

so hot you can't breathe! I just went on Labor Day Weekend and the heat
was horrible. have to stay inside to survive :)
Tell me about it, I used to die every summer in Phoenix until I escaped
and came up here. Now I can barely tolerate temps in the 90's and have
told my clients that when ever there is a heat advisory, I am
rescheduling them. I would hate to waste my money going there any time
after April 15th and before October 15th because I couldn't go see
anything outside.
Joanne
Seattle

I haven't heard a thing. I even posted her surgery in the calendar and
it never showed up here, right? No one saw it, did you? I wish I knew
how to contact her.
Lizanne

Hi Penny!
You are doing fantastic! And you slid right past me! *L* Good for
you!
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/182/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

kay's surgery was scheduled for 0800 EST today. Has anyone heard? i
offered to be her angel but she never contacted me. I don't know if
someone else is in contact with her family. Has anyone heard how it
went?
Debby

High season is usually May to September, also during holidays. May is so hot you
can't breathe! I just went on Labor Day Weekend and the heat was horrible. have
to stay inside to survive :)
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Hi,
I love watching this show. I never missed it on HBO and can't wait for the
movie to come out in May. I even do my best to watch it on TBS when ever
possible. :-)
--
Mary in FL
LAP RNY 1/26/2007
317/296/170/140
BS/ SW/CW/GW

The test is called "gastric emptying study". It's done to see how you digest
food. digesting too fast or too slow is not normal. so they give you the eggs
with radiation in it so they can see it traveling down. when i laid down on
table they put a camera over my stomach and the eggs showed up on the computer,
it then tracks the trip down. because i'm nauseous so often the dr. thinks I am
emptying too quickly. if you empty too slow the food tends to sit there and
that also makes you sick. so right now I don't know what it said. I do know i
was hungry way before the test was over, so I may be emptying too quickly. the
excessive acid may be burning off my food too fast. hence the possibility that
this is speeding up my weight loss cause the food isn't lasting in my system.
you can look up the test online, thats how I read about it, the hospital didn't
give me a clue about what the test was about. i'll let you know what they can
find out.
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Yes, a non-smoker. Congradulations you have the right outlook. I
won't make this long because we don't want to keep bringing the
subject up. Yeah Joanne!!
Lizanne

I bought a wig for myself before Christmas, it was 34.99. The two my
brother bought were 74.99 and 69.99, but since we bought two they
gave us a deal...with tax, if they are taxable, $117 and change. The
first one had combs within the wig, the other two don't. The cheaper
one is not as managable. Hairspray doesn't seem to hold it was
well. They all wash up about the same. I have not tried styling
them yet...that's my next experiment. The cheaper one is also
hotter, but it could be that the color is darker than the other two.
When my daughter returns from FL I plan to get her to take a picture
of me in the wig so you can compare to my "before" pictures. I was
thinking about posting a picture without the wig, showing that I am
bald as a "warning" to others. I may be too embarrassed and it may
not matter since who knows if anyone would ever look at the pic. I
remember when Lora posted a pic of her incision the first week after
surgery. I thought that took guts. It was informative though.
When buying a wig, you first look for the style. Most styles come in
a variety of colors. So find the style, then the color. The two my
brother bought are the same color, the one I bought myself is
darker. Actually, I let the shop owner talk me into that color. I
am very pale, have been since the surgery, and the dark color
accentuates that. I look nearly deathly. Yes, I do analyse
everthing about myself. The lighter color doesn't show that as much,
but I have always had very dark eyebrows. I am just trying to
say....try all different colors to find the right color for you.
This is a time of change for us, maybe what you thought was your best
color is a habit rather than reality.
I didn't think I would wear a wig either when I started this
journey. But then I became nearly bald. It's funny what we will do
when forced to make a decision. Then, as I mentioned before, my
brother told me I could get the hair transplants from my chin. That
was not funny, and I don't how he thought that might make me laugh.
At least I didn't think a poop was a tumor. Enough of that.
Enough wig talk. I just wanted to say thank you, Joanne, for
everything.
Lizanne

You can do it Joanne! I gave up cigarette cold turkey about 5 years ago. I
will never smoke again. My biggest thing was giving up coffee before the
surgery though. I was a 12 POT a day drinker. The Dr. said no coffee or no
surgery so I gave that up cold turkey too. I think the coffee was actually
harder than the smokes. But, if you really want something (like surgery) then
you will find that internal strength and pull through. :)
Lisa A
joanne <joanne1049@...
I have been a non-smoker for about 14.5 hours now. The little Nicotine
monster has been over to poke my brain multiple times last night and
today. But the strange calmness in my 'thinking' brain is impressive.
Of the last two times I quit, the first time, I would go outside and
yell every so often, that I wanted a cigarette. Then the last time I
quit I almost had a breakdown but I was talked thru by a WA state quit
assist volunteer or member.
The strangest thing yesterday, for most of the day, a giant Bald Eagle
came to rest in one of the huge Fir trees on the property. I am in the
south area of the city so seeing one here is not common at all. He sat
up there for hours as crows and seagulls both pestered him. I took out
binoculars and looked him right in the eye, never have studied one for
that long. So I will have to say that the Bald Eagle is my Shaman for
this stop smoking forever event. Live free or die, right?
Joanne
Seattle
Lisa
284/271/198/135

Hey everyone,
Brat computer is going out the window..I tell ya..it is the bane of my life. And
this new "Musiq" cell phone by Sprint is driving me nuts also. OK so it doesn't
take much to drive me nuts but I am missing the action. I have been so busy
anyway. What is going on? Is everyone ok. Who is having surgery..any
birthdays...I think Kay you wrote to me and that is gone but let me know if you
got your angel if not I will be. If I can ever get onto the computer that
is..May not want to take a chance with me. Last I was on I went to the
casino..won 40 cents...better than losing..but was sick and didn't make it to
the pool or spa and then there was kids..Now why do people take their kids to a
casino when there is nothing for the kids to do there. If it were Vegas or such
where you can do other things but this Indian Res is way out in the boonies and
no where or nothing for kids to do. Poor babies. anyway. my daughter Shawn flew
to Omaha to see her nephew and "that sister"..the one who won't let me talk to
my grandson. She got back at midnight last night in pouring rain and horrid
winds..I have now joined a yoga theraphy class where you just lay there and they
push and pull on your body and do a back knuckle massage up the spine...oh feels
so good. Since Christmas I have lost 6 lbs. down to 178 now. Size 14 clothes are
starting to fit...whoopee. Eating nuts, cheese, milk beans and ham and some
protein bars in between. And feeling absolutely wonderful and the hair loss has
finally slowed down...
Granny Penny in San Diego
I will respond as long as the computer is working but if you don't hear from me
it's the computer AGAIN!!!

Lizanne,
Are you really wearing a wig now? I was considering it (lost 1/2 my hair) but
they are so uncomfortable that I gave the one I got to my daughter for her dress
up stuff. I have just come to the conclusion that if it is all gonna fall out
that I will just purchase a couple of hats. The thought of a couple of
different wigs is fun though - a different Lisa for each day of the week. LOL!
Lisa A
joanne <joanne1049@...
I thought way back that someone had posted their daily meal plan and
it seemed very easy, very little food, but it all equalled at least
65 Gs of protien and I thought they were taking some cheese with them
or some nuts or both. Whoever you are, do you remember posting that?
Could you re-post it?
have decided that I will just
I have big wig questions; does it feel hot to wear? Or is it way less
hot than the Santa hat was? Do you ever worry about slippage or is
there a way you nail it down? Is it similar amount of hair to what
yours was or is all that is available big thick wigs? The reason I am
asking all this is my hair is thin as crap already and I can just see
losing it all regardless of the protien level after surgery. Also
when I have a particular hairy and shedding dog to blow dry, the fur
sometimes lights on my face so I will turn my power dryer nozzle on
myself because I can't stand fur on my face. I can just see blowing
my wig out the van window.... Then worse, having to go chase it down!
Joanne
Seattle
Lisa
284/271/198/135

I have been a non-smoker for about 14.5 hours now. The little Nicotine
monster has been over to poke my brain multiple times last night and
today. But the strange calmness in my 'thinking' brain is impressive.
Of the last two times I quit, the first time, I would go outside and
yell every so often, that I wanted a cigarette. Then the last time I
quit I almost had a breakdown but I was talked thru by a WA state quit
assist volunteer or member.
The strangest thing yesterday, for most of the day, a giant Bald Eagle
came to rest in one of the huge Fir trees on the property. I am in the
south area of the city so seeing one here is not common at all. He sat
up there for hours as crows and seagulls both pestered him. I took out
binoculars and looked him right in the eye, never have studied one for
that long. So I will have to say that the Bald Eagle is my Shaman for
this stop smoking forever event. Live free or die, right?
Joanne
Seattle

Hi MaryB. great to hear from you. glad you made it to FL safely. and your weight
is going so good. congratulations. the wonder of internet. you can move
anywhere and always be connected :)
welcome back!
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Is the off season winter or summer in Vegas? Do you know which months
exactly?
Joanne

March is good because it would be off season (less expensive) and not boiling in
vegas. however I am not sure about my attendance cause I am hoping for surgery
and it looks like it will be february or early march. as we get closer to
getting the trip date I can be more positive of whether I can go. but I
definitely am up for a meet & greet.
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Darlene,
I don't know enough to answer that question. It sounds like it might
help, if the iron helps, and you are eating more foods with iron in
them, then it would make sense that you should be able to stop taking
your iron supplements. But don't take my word for it.
Lizanne

Judy,
Did they warn you not to get close to infants for the rest of the
day? I had some radioactive test a while ago and was told to not
visit any infants for the rest of the day. It was a precaution for
the infant's sake.
I never heard of the test you are describing. Let us know the
outcome, and what it was supposed to show.
Sorry you are in such pain.
Lizanne

Hi there,
Lizanne, just got back from that very strange test. I don't know the outcome but
eating scrambled eggs with radiation for brunch isn't the nicest thing i've ever
had. had to lay still for almost 2 hours but the good thing is they put in a dvd
for me to watch :) technology is awesome.
within moments of eating the eggs i was in worse pain and nausea! half way
through I was starving. so upward and onward. i just emailed doctor and told her
that i picked up the meds but I want an explanation of what is going on.
anyways, I am home. feeling yucky but pretty good considering. :)
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Mary,
You made it, hurray!! My daughter and her boyfriend left for FL Keys
on Thurs and made it all the way down to Marathon from Maryland the
next day. She has been laying in the sun, but she is freezing her
tiny butt off. She has been to her knees in the water, but it's too
cold. And they are a lot further south than you.
Maybe some of the things you do will rub off on your sister and her
husband. When she sees how well you move around, and how good you
look, maybe she will try a little. OR she just may allow you to do
things for her.
Good luck on finding a male companion. I wish I was ready to try
that again. Right now I have enough trouble trying to keep an eye on
myself.
Welcome back,
Lizanne
Open RNY 8/17/07
251/186/125

No, I had not gone in and done that poll yet. The more I think about
it, I am feeling that we should all go to Vegas on Halloween weekend
and dress in fat suits for costumes and see what it's like to be
treated that way.
Joanne

Joanne,
The menus that have been posted either did not have enough protein OR
they had shakes. I have tried the shakes...bleck!! I tried using
muscle milk in my coffee at home in the evenings. The first time I
tried, I used about 3 oz. But it looked like it curdled when I put
it in. It shouldn't have, it was in date and chilled, which it
didn't have to be.
The next day in these posts I saw someone had made a mistake and said
to heat the hot choco for 20 MINUTES, then corrected themselves.
That's when it dawned on me that the protein curdled when I added it
to the hot coffee. So I decided to wait for the coffee to cool
before I added the muscle milk. That will never happen. So, I am
still short on protein.
Now the wig questions....you are supposed to wear a "doo" rag under
the wig. It's like a knee hi, but smaller and to cover your hair. I
must have a big head because all day I think my wig is slipping up my
head. It is actually the mini stocking slipping under the wig. Then
I tried a fabric headband, same problem. So I decided to use
hairspray on the top of my hair to hold it down so that it doesn't
sneak out at the top of my forehead. Then I pull the sides and back
toegther by using three combs. You know what I mean...those, usually
decorative, 10-tined combs the "senoritas" use. That's the only
decription I can think of.
There are two types of wigs that I have tried on...one has combs
attached to the inside, the other doesn't. The combs in the wig tend
to pull against my head all day and give me a headache, but the wig
stays in place better. The ones without the combs are stretchier
around your head. Both types have a hook on two sides and little
pockets so you can tighten the stretch around the outside of the wig.
I have a loaf head. This is the head shape that doesn't have much of
a bulge from the back of your neck to the top of the head. The wig
tends to slip "a little" up the back of my neck. But not so much
that hair shows. If I am particularly animated, this causes me to
tug on it frequently. The wig has a lot of vents. The hair is
attached to quarter inch strips with about a quarter inch gap
between. You cannot see through it though. There seems to be some
inch long hairs attached to these same strips that fan out to cover
the hairless areas.
It's still warm though. I think the Santa Hat may have been warmer
though. The one problem I have is the "sideburns". I have little
wispy hairs that form sideburns. Since the wig is behind my ears the
sideburns show. I am going to get my daughter to dye these a
siimilar color to my wig instead of the gray they are now. I have
stopped dying my hair because I don't want any more damage and
because no one sees it, except me.
The wigs generally are fuller than my hair was. I had fine hair,
with a little thinning on the top. I used minoxidil before surgery
to keep what I had. It seemed to work, then. The back of my head
was always full. The wigs sit farther down on your forehead and
my "bangs" are long and I push them to one side. They drove me nuts
until I decided to hair spray them. Now that is pretty much taken
care of.
Some answers for questions you didn't ask....they are easily washed.
Fill a sink with luke warm water and a mild shampoo. Swish the wig
around, rinse in the same manner, then roll in a towel to squeeze out
the excess water. It dries overnight. My wigs are not human hair.
Since they are not, you can't really style them. I was told that
while wet, do not comb, brush, put in hot rollers or cold, no hair
dryer. I was also told that once everything is dry, you MAY be able
to use plain old rollers to try to slightly change the style, but the
hair has a memory and will go back there after being washed.
So far, that is the extent of my wig knowledge. It's probably too
much info. but I wish I knew some of these things when I went
looking. Hope this helps.
Lizanne

I wasn't pushing for summer... I just mentioned air conditioning because
someone mentioned heat... if they mentioned cold I would have pointed out that
they have heat too. Anyway, it's really hard for me to commit to ANY month
right now because I don't know when my surgery will be, and I'm starting a new
job and don't know what will be happening with that yet. I think y'all need to
make plans without taking me into consideration, and then I'll see what I can
work out.
Pat
joanne <joanne1049@...
I keep saying March 28th for Vegas..... Pat keeps pushing for summer
cuz of air conditioning..... Far as I know this is the only date
offered up for either location so far. Maybe everybody should toss
dates out and see what response comes of it.
Joanne
Seattle

Hi everyone,
I wanted to let you know I made it to West Palm Beach, FL last weekend. It
took me 16 hours of driving at 80 mph but I made it. The roughest part of
the drive was in GA. I think I hit a monsoon.. boy did it come down. Then
the first week I was here, it got cold.. down in the 30's and 40's. Made me
think I was back in KY for a couple of days.. lol. It actually snowed in
Datona and Tallahasee if you can believe that.
But, I am alive and well and looking for a job now. I am doing good at
watching what I eat. I am actually down to 170 lbs as of this morning. It
is tough though.. my sister makes things that aren't good for you to eat.
She is heavy and doesn't really watch what she eats. She and her husband
both eat a lot.. even when I was heavy, I couldn't eat what they do. I help
her around the house and take things upstairs for her. Good exercise for
me. :-) I took her dog out for a walk yesterday and wore him out. Poor
thing is 10 yrs old and hasn't been out of the house in a while except for
the back yard. I also helped her wash her car which was a lot of bending.
She gave me a tae-bo video yesterday and I am going to do it later today or
tomorrow. It didn't look too difficult to do so hopefully will be able to
keep up. I asked her to do it with me but doubt she will. The video has
two phases.. part I and part II.
Anyway, not much else going on. Hope everyone had a good holiday season and
didn't eat too much. I haven't been able to keep up with the posting
though.. I haven't been online and had to delete a lot.
Also.. am on the look out for a new beau... nothing serious.. just someone
to have fun with... I haven't seen much around yet though lol.
I will do my best to keep up again... I have missed everyone!!!
--
Mary in FL
LAP RNY 1/26/2007
317/296/170/140
BS/ SW/CW/GW

there. ;)
That's One Vote March 28th, One Vote March 1st. The tribe has spoken,
Pat, you HAVE been eliminated.
OOOpps, wrong show..... Please everybody if you were to think about
going to Vegas, when would you go? Maybe it DOES need to be spread out
later so more people can plan and save and think about actually going
and showing up!
Joanne

Of course. Our surgeries were so close to each other, we'll just moosie
(sp) on down the loosing road slowly but surely together :o) Get on your
walking shoes!!! By the way, your numbers are looking good :o)
Edie
11/15/07
lap rny
302/292/252/150's
hw/sw/cw/goal

Beth,
when did you start the process with Kaiser?. I know it can take a long time.
I started the beginning of Jan 07. It seems like it took forever but now it's
finally happening. I hope your date comes soon.
Debby
Beth Street <beth_loveslife@...
AMEN to that Alex. Its hard enough to keep up with 8 digests of
messages a day without reading all the bad feelings stuff. I dont want anyone to
leave the group either , we just need to learn to let things roll off our
shoulders. I know that is especially hard if you are newly out of surgery and
feeling depressed to big with. I for one am very grateful for the information I
have learned on this group and have the knowledge I can come on here for answers
when things happen. I am now at the point where I don't want to read all the
emails and so I pick and choose . I too am depressed because I cant seem to get
my body to behave itself long enought to lose 10 lbs so I can have the surgery
and it hurts to see others dealing with Kaiser months after I started getting
their surgery but I am extremely happy for all of them because I know the
ramifications and consequences of not getting the surgery.
Beth
Still trying to patiently wait
and going to Neurologist today to see if he can help with the vertigo.

I thought way back that someone had posted their daily meal plan and
it seemed very easy, very little food, but it all equalled at least
65 Gs of protien and I thought they were taking some cheese with them
or some nuts or both. Whoever you are, do you remember posting that?
Could you re-post it?
have decided that I will just
I have big wig questions; does it feel hot to wear? Or is it way less
hot than the Santa hat was? Do you ever worry about slippage or is
there a way you nail it down? Is it similar amount of hair to what
yours was or is all that is available big thick wigs? The reason I am
asking all this is my hair is thin as crap already and I can just see
losing it all regardless of the protien level after surgery. Also
when I have a particular hairy and shedding dog to blow dry, the fur
sometimes lights on my face so I will turn my power dryer nozzle on
myself because I can't stand fur on my face. I can just see blowing
my wig out the van window.... Then worse, having to go chase it down!
Joanne
Seattle

Joanne,
Have you replied to the poll yet? There has been so many messages
lately that I think some of your members may have missed it. We are
looking for a month (first the month, then as we narrow things
down...the date) when most people would be able to attend either
meeting, east or west. When I looked at it this morning, May and
September seemed to be the favored months. I think I let it run about
10 days to catch everyone. You can vote for multiple months you are
available.
I will also do one concerning children. I know that that is a
question that is still up in the air and can affect whether some
people will want to attend or not. So....first a month, then a poll
on children welcome (yes or no), then we will narrrow down a date or
dates. It could be...AC in May children welcome, AND Sept in LV with
no children. That type of thing. We just need a consensus.
Lizanne
Open RNY 8/17/07
251/186/125

I like the first weekend in March for Vegas since I will already be there. ;) I
know that is short notice though. It is so hard to coordinate trips like this
with so many schedules and people to think about. :)
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Lora,
I am so happy to hear that sizes are changing downward for you!
That's good news!!
Jill
lap RNY 12-03-07
- 20.9 lbs.

Judy,
How can she possibly know it's gone? I know that even some week
germs take two courses of antibiotics. Well, you are good at being a
pest if need be. Don't let her assume anything.
Good luck with your test today. Will you know your outcome when you
leave?
Lizanne

Naomi,
I have been keeping one sporadically since some time in November. I
have never drunk more than 45 oz of fluids and only once has my
protein reached in the 70s. I rarely get more than 45 gr of
protein. It is VERY frustrating, but I have decided that I will just
remain bald for the rest of my life....OMG does this wig itch some
days.
Lizanne

I just burst out laughing and everyone is looking at me. WTG Joanne.
Lizanne

I think this probably explains why I can eat only 2 M&Ms to satify a
chocolate craving, but can't even be around cookies because the next
thing I know, I am eating one... and the wanting a second one!
Lora

Joanne,
You know sometimes I read a post and think....where did she say
that? I remember thinking that you never said that guy was someone
you knew, but it's easy to assume something like that since you were
the one to bring it up. And then if you had denied having it done to
you, it may have even looked like you were just saying that. It is
easy to misunderstand a message. If that happens, just take a deep
breath and realise it can easily be corrected. I like that you speak
up when you disagree. We need many different opinions. That's why
we are here, along with the support that can be offered.
Lizanne

Margie,
So remind me about your boyfriend. Is he a cowboy? Penny...where is
Penny lately, she said she lassooed a boyfriend once. I think that
was her terminology. Wasn't your sister the person who had a huge
party every year and the cowboys attended? I must be getting too old
to remember all this stuff.
Lizanne

Jill,
I'm with you. I would rather someone bring their whole family than
not come because of them. I believe...the more the merrier. I am so
far behind on posts, if I get caught up I will start a poll, if it
hasn't already been done.
Lizanne

Ally,
I had an IUD from the time I was 21 until I wanted my daughter. I
had the IUD removed on Dec 27 and 8 months and 3 days later, my
daughter was born. The usual time you can get pregnant is the first
month it's inserted and the month it is removed. That's why they
usually do the insertion and removal during your period. I had the
IUD re-inserted a couple months after I had Shelly, and used it until
I went through menopause. I just loved it.
Lizanne

I have not heard from her, and I was just wondering about her the other day.
I've also been wondering about Cat. Has anyone heard from her? I keep meaning
to e-mail her, but I always seem to run out of time in my day!
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Lora,
I could not see the first one, my security, probably, wouldn't let it
show up. The second one...the midievil one is gorgeous and would
work for us after the surgery. The third one, OMG is just beautiful,
but I would worry about the excess tummy skin for me. It is just
beautiful, but fitted. I wonder if a body shaper would help. Am I
being too mean? I don't mean to be, I am just thinking what I might
look like with any excess skin from weight loss.
Lizanne

Lisa A,
I am so glad you are back!!
I am a carbophobic. I try to eat NO refined carbs. I do one bad
thing and that is sugar in my tea. I tried to wean myself from that
this weekend by using a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of Splenda.
I drank almost nothing those 2 days, so I am back to plain sugar in
my decaf tea.
I am afraid of bread, rice, pasta, and sweets. I know that once I
start, I will not be able to stop. I go to restaurants and ask for
sauce, and to leave the pasta in the kitchen. I have never had a
problem. I eat out at least twice a week. This weekend I even went
to Hardees. They have burgers wrapped in lettuce. Is was difficult
to eat, so I used a knife and fork. Carbs scare me.
But, if you want to get back on track, try going back to the basics.
Some of the members are just ending their 5 day pouch test. The link
is in the "link" section of this group. It's good you realised you
were headed down the wrong road so quickly and are ready to take
charge. Good luck!!
Lizanne
Open RNY 8/17/07
251/186/125

I know Cathy was having some problems after her gallbladder surgery.
Has anyone heard from her?
Lizanne

Why do I feel this sudden need to go take a bath?? And use Brillo?????
Pat
joanne <joanne1049@...
Well Duhhhh, I figured you just get them shipped in for those *special*
parties, you know.
Joanne
Seattle

wellllllllll... someone (I don't remember who) posted that when they responded
to posts (I don't remember how) that the original was automatically deleted.
Must not have been from the website.... but when this topic came up before,
they said they didn't deliberately delete the original post, it just happened.
Pat
Lora <cicerogirl@...

Now that I am done with Christmas break and back to work since being off from
December 21, I am going to begin the 5 day pouch test. For anyone who has done
this, how did you feel? How did it go? Have a great day everyone!
Theresa
ddrei_glas <ddrei_glas@...
posted yesterday afternoon.....
:-)

Naomi,
I keep one - but I was getting so frustrated that I stopped a little while
ago. I feel like no matter how hard I try I am not making my goals. So, I tend
to try to eat exactly the same things all the time to get as close as possible.
My nut suggested keeping one - it is not a requirement, but I highly suggest
that people do it. I think getting into the habit - even before surgery is
really helpful. I think it really brings into perspective everything you are
doing. Record every bite. Before surgery you will see the patterns you need to
change, and post surgery it is a great tool to keep you on track.
I need to get back to mine now that carbs play a role in my diet again. I
need to ensure that I am getting my protein before my yummy crackers!
Lisa A
Naomi <nsmoschgat@...
I am 8 months out from my surgery. I have appt's every 3 months for 2
years with my surgeon. When I go my nut sees me also and she requires
me to keep a food and drink journal of at least 1 day per month between
appointments, she wants random days and she wants me to try to make it
a natural day. I am shocked how far I moved from getting my 60 or
more protein and my 64 oz of liquid. Does anyone else have to keep a
journal of intake at that far out? Now that I am actually doing it, I
am shocked. I need to up my liquids and my protein. Naomi
Lisa
284/271/198/135

I am 8 months out from my surgery. I have appt's every 3 months for 2
years with my surgeon. When I go my nut sees me also and she requires
me to keep a food and drink journal of at least 1 day per month between
appointments, she wants random days and she wants me to try to make it
a natural day. I am shocked how far I moved from getting my 60 or
more protein and my 64 oz of liquid. Does anyone else have to keep a
journal of intake at that far out? Now that I am actually doing it, I
am shocked. I need to up my liquids and my protein. Naomi

Hey Alex! How are you? Pat was trying desperately to get you to post
a bit ago. You didn't take the bait!
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/182/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

AMEN to that Alex. Its hard enough to keep up with 8 digests of messages a day
without reading all the bad feelings stuff. I dont want anyone to leave the
group either , we just need to learn to let things roll off our shoulders. I
know that is especially hard if you are newly out of surgery and feeling
depressed to big with. I for one am very grateful for the information I have
learned on this group and have the knowledge I can come on here for answers when
things happen. I am now at the point where I don't want to read all the emails
and so I pick and choose . I too am depressed because I cant seem to get my body
to behave itself long enought to lose 10 lbs so I can have the surgery and it
hurts to see others dealing with Kaiser months after I started getting their
surgery but I am extremely happy for all of them because I know the
ramifications and consequences of not getting the surgery.
Beth
Still trying to patiently wait
and going to Neurologist today to see if he can help with the vertigo.

I watch it. . and like it. . there is a lot of shows that i enjoy watching LOL
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130

it
food
From the point of view of a working single mother (Mind you all I am
speaking about MYSELF here) They are two different animals. Any food
that my son could grab and prepare and eat quickly on school days was
almost like a God-send. Much easier than driving off to a fast food
restaurant and sitting in line in the drivethru. We just didn't have
the luxury of having that much extra time. Or Money for that matter.
Guilt? Oh heck ya! But it was a battle over bedtime every night.
Joanne

You'd think.

Hi Alex, how are you? yes, it's been a bad weekend on here. very frustrating.
how are you? how's it going?
Judy --- NEW YEAR, NEW US!
"Everything Is Easier With Friends"
"Be Blessed In All Your Steps"
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
262

Pat 0913 <pat.0913@...
American Idol is on!)
la,la,la,la, I can't hear you, I can't hear you, la,la,la,la!
I swear I don't even know who you are anymore!
NOBODY has Never watched that!!! Nobody!
Joanne

with that said. . i am going to go join my hubby in the hot tub since it snowed
today . .:-D....
nite all. .
Sharon xoxo

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies can we all just get along. No wonder all the
guys split.
Alex

Not a problem Jill . i just think that feelings have been hurt and i dont want
to see that happen .. i know for a fact that everyone in this group has a good
heart .. and has the best intentions ...sometimes things get misunderstood. .
and its best to just let it go ..
Sharon xoxo

Well Duhhhh, I figured you just get them shipped in for those *special*
parties, you know.
Joanne
Seattle

See, to me, pre-made, aka processed foods, *are* fast food! Whether it
comes through a window or out of the freezer case, it's all fast food
to me.
Jill
lap RNY 12-03-07
- 14.4 lbs.

You're right, Sharon. I didn't see this until after I just posted a new
message.
I don't want to be part of the problem, and I need some time to let my
Type A settle down a bit. I'm going to take a break for a while. Sorry
for adding to the mess.
Jill
lap RNY 12-3-07
- 14.4 lbs.

I'm closer to AC, and have never been there, but I *love* Vegas.
Like someone else said, lots to do besides gamble. My participation
either place (or a different place altogether) depends on timing,
cost, my job situation, etc... so I'll just wait to see what
everyone comes up with!
Lora

Interesting, Lora. I've got some V-8 that I could take them with.
I'll give that a try. Thanks for the tip!
Heading off to put the V-8 in the fridge to chill . . . .
Jill
lap RNY 12-03-07
- 20.9 lbs.

I thought we had tried to put this topic to rest. . am i wrong?
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130

This too, WAY more complicated a reply for the simple guesses that I
made at troubleshooting.
I was talking about "BEING RIGHT OUT OF SURGERY" NOT FOREVER.
If the mothers in this group can NOT stock their homes with food for
their own children does this mean that all WLS mothers need to shovel
nothing but fast food down the throats of their children thereby
guaranteeing that the kid will also grow up and line up for the same
surgery because they don't want to see food stocked in the house??
Now there's common sense and then there's just Not Thinking about the
post and it's contents. IF people would read it through, Twice if you
have to, then post about it, two things might happen, a lot less
posts back and forth over the same hashed out topic and a lot less

LMFAO! I never heard that one before! How true that will be....
Joanne

Yeah well don't ever work at one after owning your own business for 5
years. You would then understand the true meaning of the words "Going
Postal"
Joanne

Your a funny girl :o)
e

to Mi.?
swings by AL on
drive like him :)
Oh no, that wasn't my idea, I was flying on SWA and they had those
one way fares and the cheapest way to get to Detroit on the time line
that I had to fly on was run down thru PHX, then back up to MI.
10th, that
that anymore.
You had three seasons? I only had two! 3 months of winter and 9
months of hell-heat.
Our
My big saying when I moved up here was that for 17 years I prayed for
rain and now all my prayers are being answered! HA!
Joanne
Seattle

I like how you think!!
Pat
debra hill <debbyk9009@...
I'd rather walk down and have the mule carry me UP!
Debby
Pat 0913 <pat.0913@...
When we all get skinny we can take the mule ride down into the canyon!!! I heard
they hardly ever fall off the edge :)
Pat
joanne <joanne1049@...
never been there.
Wouldn't it be awesome to rent a tour bus and all load down there
together for the day or something? It all sounds great but looks like I
am not going to last this group long enough to ever see this trip ever
come to life.

I went to pet smart and bought a large size crate. I figure it's
better to go to big than too small. The medium just looked too
small. Fortunately I'm a stay at home mom, so Lucy won't be crated
much. I just want to use the crate until we get to know her
tendancies. Ocassionally I have to run an errand and at first I
would like to crate her until I figure out her behaviors. I'll
probably crate her at night for a little bit too in the beginning.
Thanks for the advice. I couldn't measure her because she doesn't
come home until We. and I want to have the crate ready for her. I am
going to try baby gates too, they are definately preferable to the
crate.
We are so excited. The girls even made "Welcome Lucy" signs. Guess
they figure our dog will be wonder dog and can read. LOL!
sheggy/Shannon

Thanks Jill,
I hope I can do as well as you did getting my water and exercise in.
Especially with all the health problems your husband had in your immediate
post-op period. You are an inspiration.
debby
Jill <jsplds@...
Debby,
Congrats on surpassing your goal!! I knew you could do it!!! WOOHOO!!
Jill
lap RNY 12-03-07
- 14.4 lbs.
Debby wrote:
On a happy note, my appt went great. I was 4.5 pounds
under my pre-surgery goal yeaaaa! and Judy was brave enough to go out
in the storm. We had a great visit at lunch. My surgery is scheduled
for 11am on 1/14 so even the storm can't dampen my great day.

Don't be silly... I am not anywhere near Tijuana!!
Pat
joanne <joanne1049@...
canyon!!! I heard they hardly ever fall off the edge :)
Hey! We're not riding any of your Tijuana Donkeys now setlle down! It's
just one trick after another!
Joanne

I'd rather walk down and have the mule carry me UP!
Debby
Pat 0913 <pat.0913@...
When we all get skinny we can take the mule ride down into the
canyon!!! I heard they hardly ever fall off the edge :)
Pat
joanne <joanne1049@...
never been there.
Wouldn't it be awesome to rent a tour bus and all load down there
together for the day or something? It all sounds great but looks like I
am not going to last this group long enough to ever see this trip ever
come to life.

Hi Lora!
Up your water... definitely. I had that happen to me as well but
once I upped the water, the pain/achiness went away. I attributed
to be a kidney stone in my right kidney, so once you up the water,
the pain goes away. I don't know if this is the case with you or
not, but upping your water can never hurt you.
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/182/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

canyon!!! I heard they hardly ever fall off the edge :)
Hey! We're not riding any of your Tijuana Donkeys now setlle down! It's
just one trick after another!
Joanne

Vegas would be easier and less expensive for me. Plus Vegas has a lot to do
besides gamble which would be good for me.
Debby
Pat 0913 <pat.0913@...
Lucky for me! I love Vegas (got married there) and it's easy to get
to! :))
Pat
joanne <joanne1049@...
That's kinda why I said we get everybody west of the Mississippi,
Because Vegas is fairly centrally located in the west for all the rest
of us.
Joanne
flight for me that it wouldn't interfere with work, or take half the
weekend in the airport or on planes. If I was going to AC I would want
to make a long weekend of it because of the flight time.

All I can tell you, Joanne, is that we are all different. I can't make you
stay. I can only ask you to not let things get personal. If you have an issue
with something that I say or take the wrong way then I encourage you to have an
open dialogue with me about it.
We're all different, and what it all boils down to at the end of the day is that
I created this group so people would have a place for support. Things like this
detract away from the atmosphere of support, and frankly they wear me down. I
want everyone to feel like they belong here and that they are appreciated, but I
learned a long time ago that it's impossible to make everyone happy all the
time.
For my part I am sorry if I offended you or hurt your feelings in any way. I am
an open, honest and sometimes overly blunt person, but I'm me and that's all I
can be.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/184/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

YES! The biggest mistake on crates is on sizing! They don't need a
gigantic one but they will not do well stuffed in a small one either.
Measure the dog from butt to front toenails while she is lying down.
Make sure the crate extends beyond this measurement. Next stand her
up or make her sit, then hold her face pointing towards the ceiling
and measure from floor to nose tip so she has enough room to stretch
after waking but before you get home to let her out. Finally, they
can turn around without a whole body length of room so as long as you
get the length and height big enough, the side to side width
measurement should take care of itself.
Next, it's not fair to leave her crated for marathon lengths of time
and you should look at 8 hours as a marathon. If she will honor baby
gates, I prefer those myself but if she just hops over them or pushes
them over, then of course you would have to have the crate. My dogs
stay gated in the kitchen while I am at work because one of them is
part beaver and part billy goat so I can't deal with that kind of
destruction. If yours must be crated 8 hours or more, you should try
to find a pet sitter that can let her out for a break and little walk
at about the midpoint of her day.
Joanne

LOL well i wouldnt go as far as to say it was Wilma Flintstone size LOL but its
also a Marqui cut and it has 3 channels of diamons on ea side of Marqui. . i
didnt pick it out either. . he did. . i about died when he gave it to me .. LOL
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130

Lora,
It could very well be a kidney infection . .i have had both . .Kidney infection
and Kidney stones. . You will have a lot of cramping in the kidney area. . a
heating pad might help the discomfort but in actuality, you need to be seen
where they can do a urinalysis to determine if you have an infection. . and to
not get too personal. . a lot of women get bladder and kidney infections after
recent sex .. the urethra is right there .. so bugs can enter it easily during
sex. . I would go see my PCP tomorrow and get a test done. . as soon as you get
on the antibiotics you will feel so much better. . and if you can drink some
cranberry juice ..that would help also. . Cranberry juice is good for the
bladder. Hope that helped a little.
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130

Dawn, I can't help myself, after 26 years the stuff just falls out of
me with no control! But seriously, when you are ready to think about a
new puppy, post me some breeds you may be considering and I will give
you a rundown of what I know about that particular breed in my dog
brain bank. BTW, do NOT get a pug if your husband can't take shedding!
Also, hounds just want to work and play and run so a beagle is not
neccesarily a good house dog if they can't get excessive exercise,
whereas some dogs don't wig out if they don't get exercised a lot.
(See? It's falling out again!)
Joanne

Shenise. . I really dont think she meant to be that confrontational and i do
believe we have all tried to put it behind us . . I would hate that you felt you
had to leave this group .. You have to do what you have to do . . but we dont
want you to go. . and remember this one thing also . .When our hormones are
raging due to sudden wt loss after surgery . . we perseve things differently..
i know i did and had a few tantroms ON LINE IN THE GROUP before i decided to ask
my doctor for help. . Please take a deep breath and think about not leaving just
yet. . let the dust settle and we are all human and sometimes it easy to read
into what someone posts w/o that person really meaning to hurt or put down .. I
dont think Joanne was trying to hurt you .. I honestly dont and we will miss you
dearly if you go..
Just my thoughts. . (((((Shenise)))))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130

always flop upside down because of gravity and the wt. .LOL
Sharon, you complainin cuz the old man gave you a rock the size of
Wilma Flintstone's??? LOL
a necklace. .
I don't know about doing that, it turned out to be bad luck for Carrie
Bradshaw. Although maybe she just really never loved Aiden like she did
Big and that is totally understandable. Yet at the same time, she broke
Aiden's heart TWICE. That's a No-no to do to a guy who is THAT hot! Or
any guy who was so sweet to her really.
Joanne

LMAO!!!! thats a good one Shannon LOL
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130

I'm not sure what's going on... it's happened a couple fo times since
surgery, but it has always faded away, so I didn't worry about it...
but the past 2 days I have had pain on one side of my back in the area
that I *think* my kidney is in. If I move a certain way (e.g., if I
stand up!), especially after I've been to the bathroom, it hurts. I
though maybe it was muscualr, but I had a deep muscle massage
yesterday (oooh, it hurts so good...), and there was no pain in that
area when he was working on me. I know I'm not getting in all my
fluids -- 48 is about all I can manage most days, and some days it is
much less -- and I imagine that's hard on the kidneys... but I know
nothing ABOUT kidneys.
Anyway, I'm feelng kinda crappy. Going to go lay/lie down (take your
pick) again.
Lora

Thank you Jill. . its a nice feeling :)
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW173**GW125-130