Weight Loss Surgery Info

Pat, please pace yourself. I don't want you to regret pushing yourself so
hard this soon. Slow down, you just had major surgery. Naomi
"pat.0913" <pat.0913@...
work today. I had intended to only
stay 3 or 4 hours, but I ended up staying 7 because I feel pretty
good. Hubby drove me because I didn't want to deal with the seatbelt
just yet (when he drives I hold it off my tummy). He is going to drive
me again tomorrow. I will probably just stay about 6 hours because I
want to go see my dad and bring him his birthday gifts. I am thinking
I will most likely go full time next week.
Pat

Hi Tracy-
I knew you weren't crazy. I hope that finding the article can help you in some
way with your disability case.
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/167/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hi Pat!
You're not even a week out. You say nothing makes you hurt, etc
etc... but please don't push it! You're going to find out all too
soon what makes you hurt, sick, nauseous, etc. Don't test your
luck! Just sit and have your soup and leave it at that. When you're
a few weeks out, THEN test it... okay?
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/178/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

That's fantastic, Ally!! Congratulations!!
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/178/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hi Pat!
I'm so glad you're feeling so well, but please be very careful. If
there's a day that you're feeling a bit tired, listen to your body and
take a rest. The last thing you want to do is go backwards, especially
when you've been so blessed with feeling this good.
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/178/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

Congrats Ally! Isn't it great just being fat. :)
Lisa A
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
I didn't realize this morning when I was writing my 7 month update
post that I've crossed the threshold into "overweight". We'll list that under
the "Good" heading!! ;)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/167/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

I am really going to be put to the test Saturday. Tomorrow is my dad's
87th birthday, and on Saturday I am going to cook him(and hubby)one of
his favorite dinners.. Short ribs with mashed potatos and gravy and
brussels sprouts sauteed in butter with carrots and leeks... plus a
salad and some kind of desert. I will probaby sit at the table and
have soup. I am thinking that it won't bother me because it's
something I really want to do for my dad...it will make him happy, and
who knows how many more birthdays he will have, if any? He has no clue
that I won't be able to eat it.. or he would tell me not to cook it.
On the other hand.. I have to fight the feeling that NOTHING is
bothering me. Nothing makes me nauseous, nothing makes me hurt, no
side effects, nothing... it's as if I didn't even have the surgery...
so, I am praying that I don't find myself thinking... I can have just a
taste.....
Pat

I didn't realize this morning when I was writing my 7 month update post that
I've crossed the threshold into "overweight". We'll list that under the "Good"
heading!! ;)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/167/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

well I did it... I went back to work today. I had intended to only
stay 3 or 4 hours, but I ended up staying 7 because I feel pretty
good. Hubby drove me because I didn't want to deal with the seatbelt
just yet (when he drives I hold it off my tummy). He is going to drive
me again tomorrow. I will probably just stay about 6 hours because I
want to go see my dad and bring him his birthday gifts. I am thinking
I will most likely go full time next week.
Pat

Congratulations on joining the century club Jeannie!!!
Trust that everything else will work out. I think most of us have been in
tough situations, and survived them... when I left my first husband I didn't
even have a job, and quickly got in over my head in debt. I wouldn't even
answer my phone because it was always a bill collector. Things just have a way
of working out, and they will for you too.
Pat
Jeannie <jmartino_leclerc@...
Thanks everyone.
Yes, it's a bittersweet day. I woke up this morning 101.5 pounds less
than a year ago. I am very grateful for that. I'm grateful that I
could go to the gym and run 1.5 miles, and do my evil legs/abs workout.
I am trying hard to re-group, not panic, and get out those resumes. I
have my one year check-up on Thursday, going to beg the surgeon to
give me a script for atavan to save me the $$ of having to see my PCP.
I still have ins until 2/29, so I might as well use it.
Hanging in there... Hey, I guess I just joined the Century Club!!
Jeannie
Lap RNy 2/12/07
244/143.5/think I'm there

Welcome to the group, Colleen! We're happy you're here. :)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/154/130
HW/SW/CW/GW
www.myspace.com/allisonmarie22

How great that you finally have what may be an answer! I'm
currently fighting a phantom pain in the left kidney area that no
one can account for (but it comes and goes... and is not as serious
as yours), so I know what you mean about starting to think you're
crazy (or -- more likely -- fearing that the DOCTOR thinks you are!)!
Lora

Was this YOUR surgeon? Just curious. Naomi
Lora <cicerogirl@...
a licensed professional
counselor who is currently seeing clients part-time as I work up to
having enough clients to do counseling full-time and quit my other
job (the job that's ending next month...). Anyway, today, I was told
by someone in the office of one of the local bariatric surgeons that
she was "sure" that he would not consider including me on the list
of area counselors for people who are candidates for, or have
already had, WLS... because I have had RNY myself!
WTH?!? In addition to my own experience with RNY and my clinical
training in treating emotional issues AND eating disorders, my
specialty is sexual trauma (an issue found in much higher
percentages among overweight women, and a specialty I had started
before my own experience) and I have spent a considerable amount of
time researching the types of emotional, psychological, and social
issues faced by people who choose WLS and lose a large amount of
weight in a relatively short period of time. Yet, because I had a
weight problem myself, and chose to have the surgery to avoid the
plethora of medical issues that were knocking on my door, I am
somehow disqualified from even being considered as a referral for
his clients!
I don't get it. I was told that he would not even sit down with me
for a few minutes to talk to me about my credentials, my counseling
approach, etc. -- and that he (or the woman I was talking to... I
don't actually know which) felt that their pateints would be better
served by counselors who had never had weight issues themselves.
How the hell do THEY know whether or not the other counselors ever
had weight problems?!?
I'm stunned... and angry. If they had said they wouldn't add me to
their list because they didn't know anything about me, at least
maybe I could have talked with them and given them some references.
The more I think about it, I wonder if it's because I had another
(possibly rival) surgeon do my surgery...?
Am I the only one who thinks that having spent part of my life obese
and having finally opted for WLS might actually be an advantage when
counseling someone considering or who has had WLS?!?!?
I did NOT need this today...
Lora

WOW Lora!! That is so retarded!! I would have loved to have a
counselor who had the surgery to talk to or do my psych eval. As I see
it, that sounds like discrimination, don't you think? That is so
crazy!! Maybe it is because he wasn't your surgeon. I hope you find
some others who will use you.
~Tracy
298/132/150

Hello,
As a lot of you know, I have had this severe back pain for over 2
years now and it isn't getting any better. I was reading the Jan 08
issue of Self magazine and there is an article in it called, "When
Pain Takes Over" Did anyone else read it? I was absolutely floored
when I read it. It sounds exactly like me and the pain was in the same
place. The woman said the pain was on the left side under the bra
area. That is exactly where mine is. I have never seen anything else
where someone had the exact same thing!! It is a damaged nerve! So,
you see you guys, I'm NOT crazy afterall. LOL
I took the article out, it had some good info that I thought sounded
like it could help my disability case. If anyone else read the
article, let me know what you think. I am going to bring it to the
doctor on Thursday too.
Finally, I see someone with my same problem.
~Tracy
298/132/150

For thsoe of you who don't know, I am a licensed professional
counselor who is currently seeing clients part-time as I work up to
having enough clients to do counseling full-time and quit my other
job (the job that's ending next month...). Anyway, today, I was told
by someone in the office of one of the local bariatric surgeons that
she was "sure" that he would not consider including me on the list
of area counselors for people who are candidates for, or have
already had, WLS... because I have had RNY myself!
WTH?!? In addition to my own experience with RNY and my clinical
training in treating emotional issues AND eating disorders, my
specialty is sexual trauma (an issue found in much higher
percentages among overweight women, and a specialty I had started
before my own experience) and I have spent a considerable amount of
time researching the types of emotional, psychological, and social
issues faced by people who choose WLS and lose a large amount of
weight in a relatively short period of time. Yet, because I had a
weight problem myself, and chose to have the surgery to avoid the
plethora of medical issues that were knocking on my door, I am
somehow disqualified from even being considered as a referral for
his clients!
I don't get it. I was told that he would not even sit down with me
for a few minutes to talk to me about my credentials, my counseling
approach, etc. -- and that he (or the woman I was talking to... I
don't actually know which) felt that their pateints would be better
served by counselors who had never had weight issues themselves.
How the hell do THEY know whether or not the other counselors ever
had weight problems?!?
I'm stunned... and angry. If they had said they wouldn't add me to
their list because they didn't know anything about me, at least
maybe I could have talked with them and given them some references.
The more I think about it, I wonder if it's because I had another
(possibly rival) surgeon do my surgery...?
Am I the only one who thinks that having spent part of my life obese
and having finally opted for WLS might actually be an advantage when
counseling someone considering or who has had WLS?!?!?
I did NOT need this today...
Lora

I appreciate the recommendation, Ally!
Jill
-25.1

Also, usually a hernia will disappear when you're on your back...
everything falls back into the body cavity where it belongs.
Lora

Jeannie, good thinking. One of the times when we were jobless (actually I had
a crappy job and my dh was jobless) we were about to lose our coverage and I
begged my dr for 3 months scrips for every drug I could think of. It helped
tide us over. I am sure there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Naomi
Lora <cicerogirl@...
rather exclusive club, you
know... we don't let JUST ANYONE in.)
You sound like you could use a hug... so consider yourself hugged!
I know things seem very bleak right now (very understandably so),
but I just know that things will work out in time. In the meantime,
we're here to help however we can.
Lora

Naomi,
Welcome to the club. No, maybe not. The way I knew was that if I
would lay flat on my bed, and then use my abdominal muscles to sit
up, the bulge would grow bigger. When I stopped using those muscles,
the bulge reduced in size. Is it near an incision? There are also
umbilical hernias. They act the same, but are close to your belly
button. Sometimes coughing makes them bulge too. Maybe this could
be an advantage if you need a tummy tuck, but don't get too excited
because I don't know if all insurance companies work the same. I
hope I am lucky enough to have a TT covered by insurance when fixing
my hernia. Thursday I have an appointment with the Plastic Surgeon.
At that time I will show her my papers from my plan to see if this
can be worded in the right way that I can get it covered.
Here's hoping for the best.
Lizanne

Pauleen,
That is onederful!! Welcome to this side of healthy!
Tiffanie in PA/GA
277/165/155
RNY 8/1/2007
--- On Mon, 6/23/08, Pauleen McCollum <mcco2lum@...
From: Pauleen McCollum <mcco2lum@...
Subject: [WLS Friendship & Support] I'm in onderland!

So...unzip them and wear a tunic top or sweater. That's all I can
suggest. The other option is to forget the jeans until the surgery.
My waistband hurts too, but my alien is from the waist up, so it's
easier than yours. I just unbutton and flip the button under so it
doesn't stick out and ruin the line of my top. Me...giving fashion
advise....hahahahaha.
Lizanne

Pat,
Warm things are easier to sip than cold, in general. Cold fluids
seem to keep me and a few others from drinking more than a few sips
at a time without feeling icky full. Warm seems to settle in
easier.
Isn't it scary after surgery? There are so many things to be
concerned about. You never think it's this confusing when you are
pre-op. You know the rules; you know that everyone is different; you
just don't know how confusing things are.
The liquids leave your pouch quickly. They won't stretch your pouch
because they flow out as fast as you can take them in. Don't worry
about OD'ing on fluids, worry about solids.
I am so amazed how well things are going for you. And so glad.
Lizanne
251/177/125

Thanks so much to all who responded to my question about being full.
It makes me feel so much better to be given this kind of insight
before surgery. Thanks!
Cindy - NC
pre op 5'4" around 296 - Surgery date: March 6, 2008

Lora-
Have you tried using your binder underneath the jeans or maybe a snug girdle??
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/167/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hopefully someone (Naomi?) will have a suggestion... I am having
trouble wearing jeans lately because my "alien" pushes out against the
waistband and from the waist to about 3 inches below the waist.
Unless the jeans are completely baggy (like clown-pants baggy!) in the
rear and thighs, they hurt to wear. If it was just the waist, I could
just leave them unbuttoned, but it's the area right below the waist
too. (I didn't wear jeans for most of the year before surgery because
they were all too tight, so I love that I can wear them again, but
short of putting in a mini maternity panel, they are too uncomfortable
to wear for more than a couple of hours.)
Lora

New Member Questionnaire
Welcome new member! We are so glad you are here. So we can get to know you
better please copy the information below and paste it into a new message board
post. Then simply answer the questions and post!
Again, welcome! Weâre glad youâre here, and look forward to getting to know
you better!
1. Name:Â Christina
2. City and State:Â West Sacramento, CA
3. E-mail Address: ccordova75@...
4. Are you: Considering Surgery, Pre-Op or Post-Op:Â Pre Surgery
5. Date of WLS:Â not assigned yet
6. Surgeonâs Name and Location:Â Kaiser South SFO
7. Type of Surgery:Â Gastric Bypass
8. Highest Pre-Surgery Weight: 350
9. Insurance or Self-Pay:Â Insurance
10. What is the name of the insurance company that covered your WLS (if
applicable):Â Kaiser
11. How did you hear about this group?:Â Was sent an Invite
12. Birthdate:Â 8/28/75
13. Occupation:Â clerical, billing clerk
14. Married or Single (if married what is your spouseâs name?):Â Married for
16 years, Husband is Nando
15. Do you have children? If so, what are their names? I have a 14 yr old son,
Luis, and a 8 yr old daughter, Angelica
16. Hobbies: Reading, camping, swimming
17. Anything else you would like to share with other members:Â I would love to
chat with anyone, trying to learn as much as possible!
 ~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/154/130
HW/SW/CW/GW
www.myspace.com/allisonmarie22

Ally,
It's good to reflect on how far we have come in such a relatively
short period of time. Sunday I will be 6 months post op. I have
lost 74 lbs and just want that last one to come off so I can have
lost 75 lbs in 6 months. I will be proud of that. So proud that I
want to have a mineral wrap when I reach that NUMBER, but I can't
afford it. I asked my daughter if she would like to reward me, she
just gave me that look.
But in reality I should be proud of making through this mess and
coming out the other side better off. There are and have been some
issues. Mine are different than yours Ally, but you know that we
will be the winners here. Just because I am bald and have a kickball
sitting on my abdomen so that no clothes fit properly is NO BIG
DEAL! We are healthier, mostly happier and have found a wonderful
group of people to share the good, the bad and the ugly with, without
fear. Now, that's really cool.
I wish we could see what the future brings. How healthy we will be
both in body and mind. But we will just have to muddle through.
With support like we have here, there should be no problem of
eventually reaching our goals...no matter what they are.
Congratulations, Ally, for doing such a good job and reminding us of
our wonderful accomplishments.
Lizanne
251/177/125

Just a little hint for hemming jeans. Notch out the bulky area in the seam
before you try to hem them. It makes a neater hem and is way easier to sew.
Naomi

Ally,
You are anything BUT UGLY... we are all experiencing the saggy skin . i do
believe it comes w/ the territory . .but i feel better in clothes now . .i felt
before that the size couldnt be big enough to hide my hips and tummy .. i havent
worn sleeveless in years and not sure summer will allow me to but i want to . .
I hope you dont find out anything bad when you go to the Gastro Doc. . i cant
believe you throw up so often this late in the game tho. . I havent had a bout
of that for months. . you must have a very sensitive stomach . .and a strong gag
reflex. . Your weight loss is amazing and you will be such a beautiful bride. .
:))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW168**GW125-130

Hey Guys-
Well, here I am...7 months after my RNY. Here's a quick rundown of my
experience so far.
The Good
I've lost 84 pounds (Exactly 70 since surgery...14 before surgery). Hooray! :)
I wear a size 14 pants...some size 12 but they're snug. I haven't been able to
do that since high school, so yay!
I wear a size medium in shirts.
I wear a size 7 in undies...those are getting baggy though.
I'm more comfortable with my body.
I'm 100% more self confident than I was 7 months ago.
I allow myself (via being more self confident) to do things now I never would've
done as a very overweight person.
I can shop for hours without my back hurting.
Speaking of shopping...it's fun again!
Men flirt with me now, which is fun.
I'm going to be a "normal" size bride in April instead of a marshmallow creme
puff.
My blood pressure is normal.
I actually have to tighten the seatbelt strap on airplane seatbelts now, and the
arm rest in the middle is not blocked by my butt.
I'm more assertive at my job, and I don't allow people there to walk all over me
anymore.
I've been fortunate enough to moderate this group, meet so many wonderful
people, and share my experiences with those going down this same path.
Sex is fun again! Wooo!
The Bad
Depression sucks. Although I feel it is getting better, I believe that I've
still got a long way to go to overcome it.
Can I just say that I miss food and leave it at that?
I'm tired a lot. Not sure if that will go away with time, but I'm hopeful it
will.
Obsessing every minute of every day about protein, water and vitamins is
annoying, but a part of the deal I agreed upon.
This may sound ungrateful, but I'm going to say it anyway. People who knew me
before surgery that just won't let it go. For example, coworkers that see me
every single day and feel like they need to tell me every day that I'm smaller
and I look fabulous. I appreciate the compliment, but sometimes it makes me feel
like a spectacle.
Nausea and vomiting. I'm nauseated, on average, once a day, and I throw up 2-4
times a week. I possibly have a stricture. I'll find out more on this at my
gastro appointment on Thursday.
Spending money on clothes because I have no choice (job requires nice clothes
and all that), and then putting them on 2 weeks later and they're too big. I
swear this sounds like a good thing, but when you're struggling to make ends
meet and you have to have nice clothes that fit well, trust me when I say it's
not.
Not being able to color my hair for the last 3 months...root city! I'm
terrified that if I color it then it will fall out more. I haven't had a
horrible problem with hair loss, but I'm trying not to tempt fate.
The Ugly
Loose, saggy skin...Everywhere!
Boobies that are halfway to my bellybutton...gross.
I think that about sums it up. I'll take the good with the bad AND the ugly. :)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/167/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hi Jill-
I do use the gold infusers. They work like a charm. I'm addicted to this
store. I love their roobios tea blends and drink them all the time. Roobios is
a very fine tea...if you don't have just the right infuser it will seep right
through...annoying.
Anyway, yes I use the gold infusers and I love Teavana. They have the best
selection of teas I've found anywhere.
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Hope they fit ok . .enjoy them :))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW148**GW125-130

LOL thats funny .. I dont think i have ever been called a "little blondie" LOL
I hope you can use them ...I wore gowns for a couple of days after surgery,
when i was home just cuz they were more comfy. . i did get dressed when i went
out to do my WALK WALK WALK!!! LOL
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW148**GW125-130

I vote for no caffeine. My surgeon recommends no caffeine.
Naomi, do you want us to send you a check for the postage, or what?
If we send you the self-addressed,pre-paid envelopes, that might be
lots easier on you.
Jill
-25.1

Jeannie,
Happy Surgiversary! This is a day to celebrate how much progress you've
made!
I hope today is a good day for you.
Jill
-25.1

Please let me know anything you want changed or if you have a better
idea let me know. I weighted 24 tea bags and they weighed app 5
ounces. 5 ounces will ship first class in an envelope for $1.48
postage. (I hope I figured everything out right!) If we get 13 sign
ups and each person mails 24 bags and I divide them among the 12 people
that didn't send them we will each get 2 bags of 12 varieties. I have
envelopes so that will save people mailing me an envelope. Hopefully
13 people will sign up and it will be easy on my little used "thinking
cap"
Now for the FINE PRINT!!! Please email me with your name and address
no later than Feb 20 and I will make a list of the people that want to
participate. Any suggestions and I will gladly add them. I think
getting 13 to participate should be easy. Also, someone had a decaf
only suggestion, I personally drink reg or decaf, so please let me know
what ya'll think!!!! nsmoschgat@...

I luckily love to sew, so my knit pants have gone from a stretched 3x to a not
stretched 1x and they have been hemmed and hemmed again. I have even cut apart
some of my blouses and put them back together again!!!! Hemming is pretty easy
and if you don't sew you can cut them and used that double sided tape that they
sell at Walmart and Joanne's to make an iron on hem. It works really well! My
dr also has a clothes exchange in the back room. Just some suggestions, I know
I won't spend any money on clothes until my size settles down. My kids did buy
a few items at Christmas before I actually realized my clothes were getting too
big because they felt I needed them!!!!

Sharon,
I've been collecting clothing from freecycle, but I don't seem to
have the right size. I'm so used to knit pants that the other day I
put on some pull on cotton pants and I just couldn't stand how they
felt. Knit is just so forgiving when you're big. I haven't worn
jeans in YEARS! I still have these HUGE thighs so my pants look
baggie from the knees down and in the stomach, but I have to wear
them a little big so my legs don't look like sausages. LOL!
Yeah, money is tight. We are in the very low income bracket
according to Fairfax County. ANd of course our car broke down
yesterday. I've been hitting all the food banks and get to stand in
line for over an hour again this Saturday to get more food. It's
rough, but it all works out and God does provide. It's always been
that way for us because if I go to work, there's no one to take care
of my two autistic kids and we loose their SSI (disability money).
The more my hubbie makes, the less we get in SSI. It's a system that
doesn't really work very well, but we are grateful to have at least
that.
OH WELL! It could be worse--I hate when people say that to me even
though I believe it, that and, God doesn't give you any more than you
can handle, Oh and my favorite, everything happens for a reason (even
though I live by this, I can't stand it when people tell me that.
LOL)
Sheggy/Shannon

Hi Rebecca!
It's so good to see you!! Congratulations on such a great weight
loss so far. You're really doing great!
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/178/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

Becca! It's great to see you posting again.. congratulations on the incredible
weight loss!
You aren't the only one to lose most of your hair from not getting enough
protein... hopefully your words will sink in and I will keep on top of that!
I'm still working on finding stuff that doesn't taste nasty...
Can't wait to see the pics of your journey!
Pat
luv2bjessesgirl <luv2bjessesgirl@...
Hi everyone. Been out of the loop for QUITE some time now. We moved
in December and I have been at my moms house since then. For all
those of you who don't remember, and for the newbies, here's a little
about me.
My name is Rebecca and I am 27 yrs old. I just moved from Chicago
back to Mississippi until May. My husband is in the Navy and in May
we will be moving to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I am a Mary Kay
consultant and a Pampered Chef consultant. Not really great at the
Pampered Chef thing cause I can't cook water! But Mary Kay works
pretty well!
On September 17th, 2007 I had gastric bypass surgery. The morning of
my surgery I weighed 281 pounds. I now weight 197 pounds. In 4.5
months I have lost 84 lbs and I feel great. I am doing much better
on my fluid intake, though my protein is lacking. For those of you
who have just had the surgery or are about to have it, DRINK YOUR
PROTEIN. I am practically bald now. I had to cut my hair up to my
neck just to salvage what little bit was left. I am now trying to
suck down the protein bullets. Since I have moved from the area
where my surgery was done, I am not able to meet with the nutrtionist
anymore. I wonder how much protein I need now. When I weighed 281, I
needed 69 grams a day. Does anyone have any idea how much I need at
197lbs?
I am happier than I have been in such a long time. I have had no
complications as of yet, and I have never dumped that I know of.
Well, there is this one problem I seem to be having with a urinary
tract infection from hell that won't go away....but that could be
from not drinking enough. I can eat anything I want, but I have
found that I don't want the crap that I used to eat. And I don't eat
a lot of junk. My guilty pleasure, however, is nacho chips. I don't
like sweets anymore, though I can eat them if I put something else on
my stomach first. One thing I wish I would not have gone back to
doing post surgery is drinking soda. I do like diet pepsi ALOT.
I have gotten off prevacid since my surgery and I am about to try
life without zoloft. I have gone from a size 28 to a 16. It feels
wonderful!!!
Good luck to anyone considering the surgery and I am here if anyone
needs me. Hi again to all my old friends...and sorry I have not been
active in so long. Ally was a life saver for me after my surgery as
was everyone else on this board. I will post pics as well so you can
all see my wonderful bod!! :)
Ta Ta,
Becca

Hi everyone. Been out of the loop for QUITE some time now. We moved
in December and I have been at my moms house since then. For all
those of you who don't remember, and for the newbies, here's a little
about me.
My name is Rebecca and I am 27 yrs old. I just moved from Chicago
back to Mississippi until May. My husband is in the Navy and in May
we will be moving to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I am a Mary Kay
consultant and a Pampered Chef consultant. Not really great at the
Pampered Chef thing cause I can't cook water! But Mary Kay works
pretty well!
On September 17th, 2007 I had gastric bypass surgery. The morning of
my surgery I weighed 281 pounds. I now weight 197 pounds. In 4.5
months I have lost 84 lbs and I feel great. I am doing much better
on my fluid intake, though my protein is lacking. For those of you
who have just had the surgery or are about to have it, DRINK YOUR
PROTEIN. I am practically bald now. I had to cut my hair up to my
neck just to salvage what little bit was left. I am now trying to
suck down the protein bullets. Since I have moved from the area
where my surgery was done, I am not able to meet with the nutrtionist
anymore. I wonder how much protein I need now. When I weighed 281, I
needed 69 grams a day. Does anyone have any idea how much I need at
197lbs?
I am happier than I have been in such a long time. I have had no
complications as of yet, and I have never dumped that I know of.
Well, there is this one problem I seem to be having with a urinary
tract infection from hell that won't go away....but that could be
from not drinking enough. I can eat anything I want, but I have
found that I don't want the crap that I used to eat. And I don't eat
a lot of junk. My guilty pleasure, however, is nacho chips. I don't
like sweets anymore, though I can eat them if I put something else on
my stomach first. One thing I wish I would not have gone back to
doing post surgery is drinking soda. I do like diet pepsi ALOT.
I have gotten off prevacid since my surgery and I am about to try
life without zoloft. I have gone from a size 28 to a 16. It feels
wonderful!!!
Good luck to anyone considering the surgery and I am here if anyone
needs me. Hi again to all my old friends...and sorry I have not been
active in so long. Ally was a life saver for me after my surgery as
was everyone else on this board. I will post pics as well so you can
all see my wonderful bod!! :)
Ta Ta,
Becca

Thanks Bonnie, I have been in so much pain for so long, that what's another
pain! I am so looking forward to the day after surgery, just want to get it over
with. the waiting, the diet, the fear, the anxiety, messing with my mind. I
can't even tell you how hungry I am right now! I decided to try and atkins it
for at least this week starting last night to try and drop a few pounds because
I am freaked about my weight going over goal. so of course I am hungry, even
though I've eaten twice today :) oh well, it's almost over. I hate to say this
but the fact that I am getting 1 month off work, is enough to make me want
anything cut open :) I'm tired of working.
There is a woman in my support group who had her surgery on Monday, was let out
on Tuesday and was at group last night. walking very slowly and in pain, but
she's known as our drama queen so some folks are thinking she crawled in to
meeting for sympathy! she had the laprny and also hernia repair. this woman has
been waiting and going through process for 4 years, I joined group in october
2007 and all she does is complain and complain about the program, how long she's
waiting and etc (she happens to work for Kaiser, so go figure) I truly think it
was her attitude that was holding her back. you catch more flies with honey :)
anyway she's done, now we get to hear her griping about how she's feeling and
not losing weight. GRRRR!
theres another woman in group 6 weeks out, sick sick, nauseaus (sp?) can't eat
doesn't want to know about food, has already gotten sick, dumped, etc. BUT she
said I WOULD DO IT AGAIN, No Regrets! go figure (no names to protect the
innocent LOL)
I am very happy to hear your hubby is doing well. 83 lbs WOOHOO! awesome. when
you can post pics of yourself and your cakes. I LOVE LOVE those cakes. My
daughter's dream is to be a pastry chef, we love watching Ace of Cakes! I'm
trying to figure out how to get her a special cake for her baby shower, she
would just die if she saw that at her shower :)
sorry was rambling, home relaxing typing away. tata for now.

Judy -- 25 DAYS TO A NEW LIFE!!!
262/234
HW/CW
MY WLS BLOG: http://judywlsjourney.blogspot.com/
JUDY'S JOURNEY
http://www.myspace.com/nynativecagirl

Pat,
I havent tried unjury. . and i bought beneprotein but havent tried it LOL so im
not much help :(( sorry
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW168**GW125-130

It is amazing what others see. For your family and friends who saw you at the
beginning, and see you now they see you have lost "a-lot" of weight so to them
you should be near your goal. I remember a woman I worked with had lost 75
pounds and was no where near her goal. She started at over 300. I never would
have guessed. (she is of course 5'8") She now weighs around 125 and looks
wonderful! It is amazing. But when she was around 150, I thought she was
done. But now here is the other side of the coin. I saw a woman who was
clearly "overweight" her daughter was at the office trying to tell her to tell
the doctor that she shouldn't lose any more weight. This woman looked like she
could lose another 50 or so pounds, but she had started at over 500. Yes I said
500 pounds. I was SHOCKED! So to her daughter, she looked great and was at
goal weight. So it is all in the matter of perception. Now the other thing you
have to be
careful of is the sabotage syndrome. Those are the ones who are still obese,
but for what ever reason won't take the steps that everyone here has done to
become healthy. They will try to sabotage your weight lose. Some because they
are Jealous and do not want you to look better than them and others because
misery LOVES Company. So ladies, don't let ANYONE tell you what is best for you
or what weight is best for you. That is your decision and yours alone!!!
Take care! Happy 4th!
Maria
--- On Wed, 7/2/08, lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
From: lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Subject: [WLS Friendship & Support] Friends saying STOP

Thanks for the info. Tell her dad we are anxious to hear about her!!
Sharon Buffo <septsweety@...
today right after Susan came out of surgery and was going into recovery .. He
said her surgery took about 3 hrs. . She came thru fine but i dont know anything
else. . she did tell me that the hosp where she had the surgery didnt want her
to bring valuables like cell phones. . Kaiser Richmond is not in the greatest of
cities LOL Just wanted to update everyone. . if i hear anymore before she posts
thats she is home, i will let you know. . :))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW168**GW125-130
--
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Yeah, Susan! Welcome to the Loser's Lounge!
Dawn in PA
Lap RNY 06/27/07
305/278/178/140
HW/SW/CW/GW

Susan's Dad called me today right after Susan came out of surgery and was going
into recovery .. He said her surgery took about 3 hrs. . She came thru fine but
i dont know anything else. . she did tell me that the hosp where she had the
surgery didnt want her to bring valuables like cell phones. . Kaiser Richmond is
not in the greatest of cities LOL Just wanted to update everyone. . if i hear
anymore before she posts thats she is home, i will let you know. . :))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW168**GW125-130
--
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It has removed 3904 spam emails to date.
Paying users do not have this message in their emails.
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Welcome to the group Christina!!! Chat away girlfriend. . we are a very chatty
group :))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW148**GW125-130

Lisa B, my pre-surgery shopping list was very short. You probably won't be
eating or drinking much for the first 2 weeks after surg. I bought boxes of
low sodium chicken and beef broth, sf popsicles (lots of them), sf jello, and
skim milk. I use a vanilla whey powder mix from Walmart ( a giant jar for
about $13. I had a can of low fat refried beans, some grated cheese and some
instant mashed potatoes, and some crystal light. I lived on that for the
first month. I also sipped a fair amount of tea. The quantitiy of
everything is so small it will last what seems like forever!! I am sure more
people will tell you what they ate and drank. I actually used my protein
bullets, lots of sf popsicles and water because for the 1st month everything
tasted awful! Naomi
Lisa <lisi410@...
My surgery is Tues, the 18th... and I'm trying to get my "grocery
list" knocked out so I don't have to worry about it afterwards.
I'm looking at protein... and I see lots of whey protein and soy
protein... is this what I need? or am I missing something?
Also... I saw that Walgreen's (online at least) carries vitamins,
proteins bars, etc, specifically formulated for post bariatric surgery
patients. Has anyone tried them? do they carry them in stores (I
don't want to go only to waste my time because it's an "online only
product".)
Fill me in, would ya?
Thanks in advance... you guys are GREAT.

Will you have some time post-op where you are only on liquids, or does
your surgeon want you starting on soft foods right away?
For soft foods, you can try eggs (good protein, but some people have a
hard time with them immediately post-op), cottage cheese (small curd
is easiest), sugar free pudding and no-sugar added applesauce (both
are good for mixing protein powder into or crushing vitamins/pills
into if necessary, SF popsicles will help you stay hydrated if you are
having trouble drinking enough (some do, some don't), and low-fat
cream soups can also be good. Fat free refried beans with a little
cheddar cheese is good early on, too (with or without a small dab on
FF sour cream). I also had some no-sugar-added apple juice but some
surgeons don't include fruit juice in the early diet because they
don't want you to get used to the high carbs and calories in juice
(most people tolerate natural fruit sugars ok, but not all). I also
used the protien bullets early on to be sure I got a reasonable amount
of protein in. Hope that helps.
Lora

... Because I'm totally blanking out!!
My surgery is Tues, the 18th... and I'm trying to get my "grocery
list" knocked out so I don't have to worry about it afterwards.
I'm looking at protein... and I see lots of whey protein and soy
protein... is this what I need? or am I missing something?
Also... I saw that Walgreen's (online at least) carries vitamins,
proteins bars, etc, specifically formulated for post bariatric surgery
patients. Has anyone tried them? do they carry them in stores (I
don't want to go only to waste my time because it's an "online only
product".)
Fill me in, would ya?
Thanks in advance... you guys are GREAT.

I had heard that the benefiber had significantly fewer grams of
protein (so I didn't bother trying it), but I am SOLD on the Unjury.
Even when my pouch is feeling queasy, the Unjury doesn't bother it at
all. If you like the Unjury, it can't hurt to get some and switch off
between that and something else.
Lora

LOL Sharon if they don't fit now they will in a few weeks, I HOPE!

Judy*******2 WEEKS*******
262/231
HW/CW
MY WLS BLOG: http://judywlsjourney.blogspot.com/

I just tried my one and only sample of unflavored unjury in some cream
of chicken soup... and it was wonderful. I couldn't even tell it was
there! I have not tried the beneprotein yet, and am hoping that
someone has tried both and can tell me if they are the same.
I'm not sure whether I should go online and order the unjury, or send
hubby to Walmart for some beneprotein.
Pat

Oh no Colleen, I'm sorry to hear you have been through such a horrible time..
Stay here! if you feel down, unstable, not sure what to do come online and talk
to someone. because of the time differences you can always find someone online.
it only gets a little slow around 9-10 pm and then it picks up, do you have
friends you can call. you are on my time zone so if you ever get in a tough
place you can call me 510-229-9275. I haven't had surgery YET (2 weeks to go)
but I can give you an ear and encouragement. take care

Judy*******2 WEEKS*******
262/231
HW/CW
MY WLS BLOG: http://judywlsjourney.blogspot.com/

Jeannie,
On the upside, you found out what kind of person he is *before* he moved in
with you!
Everytime I have ever lost a job in my life, I have always ended up better
off, in a better job, making more money. This could turn out to be a wonderful
opportunity for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed and keep you in my prayers as
you look for something else... hopefully this will all turn out to be a blessing
in disguise.
Pat
Jeannie <jmartino_leclerc@...
Unbelievable.... I'm just waiting for something else to go wrong.
At 1:00 we had a company-wide meeting. We are bankrupt. We got paid
through the end of today, but that's it.
So, I call BF and tell him. He says "let me take you to lunch." We
start discussing life, and I asked him "Finances aside, are you still
planning to move in in March?" "No." Short story-He is a wimp and
not man enough to actually do something that might turn out to be
permanent. So, we are through. I am too old to screw around with an
idiot for a few more years.
Now I am worried about paying my bills on the house I bought in June.
And, I am back to square one, relationship-wise. Honestly, I'll be
over "him" in a few days, I kind of saw it coming. I'm too upset to
even think about eating, so I'll just suck down protein shakes and
spend lots of time at the gym. Maybe I'll drop that last pound to
join the Century Club, maybe I'll meet a cute guy.
Right now I'm just going to cry. The man has shitty timing. He
should have just lied to me today.

This sounds really good, and it is a complete meal!
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Cheesecake
Prep Time:
15 minTotal Time:
4 hr 15 minMakes:
8 servings
1 HONEY MAID Honey Graham, crushed (about 3 Tbsp.)
2/3 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Sugar Free Low
Calorie Gelatin
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1 container (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Fat Free Cream Cheese
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping
1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple 1 OR 2 medium kiwi, peeled, sliced
SPRINKLE crumbs onto bottom of 8- or 9-inch springform pan or 9-inch
pie plate sprayed with cooking spray.
STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 2 min.
until gelatin is completely dissolved. Cool 5 min. Pour into blender
container. Add cheeses; cover. Blend on medium speed until well
blended, occasionally scraping down side of blender container; pour
into large bowl. Add whipped topping; stir gently until well blended.
Pour into prepared pan; smooth top with spatula.
REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until set. Remove side of pan. Top with fruit
just before serving. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.
Calories 110, Total fat 2 g, Saturated fat 1.5 g, Cholesterol
10 mg, Sodium 300 mg, Carbohydrate 14 g, Dietary fiber 1 g,
Sugars 7 g, Protein 9 g, Vitamin A 15 %DV, Vitamin C 20 %DV,
Calcium 15 %DV, Iron 2 %DV
Lisa A
284/271/175/135

Oh, Jeannie, I'm SO sorry about the job... AND that your idiot
didn't have enough sense to know that this was NOT the time to tell
you he had changed his mind about moving in. (On the other hand,
even though it made for a REALLY bad day today, at least you know
where you stand, right?) I *completely* understand about being
single and worried about paying the mortgage (although at least I
got about 45 days notice that my job will be ending)... it's kind of
scary, isn't it?
We're here if you need to vent (and feel free to e-mail me privately
if you want to commiserate about being single with a mortgage, no
job, and a jackass of a boyfriend!).
Do something nice for yourself tonight, if you can. A hot bubble
bath or something else soothing/comforting...
Lora

Hi Colleen,
Wow!! You have accomplished so much! I"ll pray that whatever is
causing the water problem is easily solved.
We're here to listen, trust me I have whined like a pro on here. :-)
Jeannie

Unbelievable.... I'm just waiting for something else to go wrong.
At 1:00 we had a company-wide meeting. We are bankrupt. We got paid
through the end of today, but that's it.
So, I call BF and tell him. He says "let me take you to lunch." We
start discussing life, and I asked him "Finances aside, are you still
planning to move in in March?" "No." Short story-He is a wimp and
not man enough to actually do something that might turn out to be
permanent. So, we are through. I am too old to screw around with an
idiot for a few more years.
Now I am worried about paying my bills on the house I bought in June.
And, I am back to square one, relationship-wise. Honestly, I'll be
over "him" in a few days, I kind of saw it coming. I'm too upset to
even think about eating, so I'll just suck down protein shakes and
spend lots of time at the gym. Maybe I'll drop that last pound to
join the Century Club, maybe I'll meet a cute guy.
Right now I'm just going to cry. The man has shitty timing. He
should have just lied to me today.

Ally,
I try and eat every 2-3 hours. Many times for me I am doing it because I need
to, not because I want to. I would be very happy with 2 meals and a snack but
that is not enough food.
I agree that not everyone will feel the way that I do...I also agree that we
are probably more of the minority. Also am prepared for that to stop one day.
So, I will continue to follow my food diary and whether or not I am hungry!
Lisa A
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
I have heard a couple of people say over the last few days that they
never feel hungry. I just want to give the other side of that coin so that
people going into surgery don't have the idea that no one ever feels hungry
after this surgery.
I'm hungry frequently. If I go more than 3 hours during the day without eating I
get extremely hungry and feel like my blood sugar is in my shoes (no, I'm not
diabetic). I didn't feel hungry for about 3 weeks after surger. Ever since then
I've been hungry every day.
My surgeon says it's ok for me to eat every 2-3 hours, so that's what I do, so
I'm never walking around miserable because I'm hungry and can't eat.
I just didn't want all the pre-ops wondering about this to think that there was
a 100% chance they would never feel hungry again. Those who don't feel hungry
are lucky. :)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

You're not the only one, Ally, and I'm glad you brought it up
becasue I think that there ARE a lot of people who "hear" that
you're never hungry again after this surgery.
I have just recently started to feel hungry again (I'm just under 6
months out). The first 3-4 months I was not EVER hungry and
frequently had to force myself to eat. Then, about a month ago, I
started noticing that I would get hungry if I got busy and didn't
eat (and didn't drink much) for about 6 hours. The last couple of
weeks I have noticed that unless I keep my pouch FULL of liquid I
get hungry... so the hunger is tied directly to food (or lack
thereof). The only good thing I can think of is that I know if I
have missed my protein snack! I was hoping the hunger would not
return so quickly. I guess as long as it only takes a small amount
of food to eliminate the hunger, it's ok, but I worry that
eventually that might not be the case...
Lora

I have heard a couple of people say over the last few days that they never feel
hungry. I just want to give the other side of that coin so that people going
into surgery don't have the idea that no one ever feels hungry after this
surgery.
I'm hungry frequently. If I go more than 3 hours during the day without eating
I get extremely hungry and feel like my blood sugar is in my shoes (no, I'm not
diabetic). I didn't feel hungry for about 3 weeks after surger. Ever since
then I've been hungry every day.
My surgeon says it's ok for me to eat every 2-3 hours, so that's what I do, so
I'm never walking around miserable because I'm hungry and can't eat.
I just didn't want all the pre-ops wondering about this to think that there was
a 100% chance they would never feel hungry again. Those who don't feel hungry
are lucky. :)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Pauleen, my dr keeps his patients 3 days, but I stayed 4 because I couldn't get
in enough liquids. If it was up to me I would go sooner than later and I
wouldn't worry about getting everything done. I don't know how old your kids
are, but sometimes they come through when you least expect it!!!! Good luck
with your decision, I am sure things will work out for you. Naomi
Pauleen McCollum <mcco2lum@...
wait patiently for March 18th. I paid my out of pocket expenses today, and I
finish my pre-op nutrition classes on Thursday. My insurance approved me for 3
days in the hospital. Most people with Lap RNY go home after two from what the
surgeon tells me. I'm thinking of staying that extra day because I know I won't
get much help at home. My husband is off the week of surgery, but I don't see
him doing everything around here. My kids are even less help than he is. I
wonder if it's in my best interest to wait for his vacation to have my surgery.
I want it done sooner. He could schedule another week and give up the one he
has. He thought the kids were on spring break that week. I like the idea of
having two weeks to recover before I have to start taking the kids to school
again. I waited through a six month medically managed weight loss plan, so I
think I can wait another month. I'm eager to get the
surgery over with and start living my new life.
Pauleen

All I have to do is wait patiently for March 18th. I paid my out of pocket
expenses today, and I finish my pre-op nutrition classes on Thursday. My
insurance approved me for 3 days in the hospital. Most people with Lap RNY go
home after two from what the surgeon tells me. I'm thinking of staying that
extra day because I know I won't get much help at home. My husband is off the
week of surgery, but I don't see him doing everything around here. My kids are
even less help than he is. I wonder if it's in my best interest to wait for his
vacation to have my surgery. I want it done sooner. He could schedule another
week and give up the one he has. He thought the kids were on spring break that
week. I like the idea of having two weeks to recover before I have to start
taking the kids to school again. I waited through a six month medically managed
weight loss plan, so I think I can wait another month. I'm eager to get the
surgery over with and start living my new life.
Pauleen

It would be better to do it like the fabric exchange... that way you only mail
one envelope out, and get one back... works out to way less postage.
Pat
Jill <jsplds@...
I guess we could do it like the Christmas card list. If you want to
participate, put your name and mailing address on the list, and when
the list is complete, mail your tea bags to each person on the list.
I think I mis-named the idea, 'cause with a round robin type of
exchange, you take out what's coming to you, and put in what you're
sending on to all the others on the list, then mail it to the next
person, who removes what's theirs from the package, adds their stuff
in and sends it to the next name on the list, and around and around
it goes.
What do you think folks? Direct mail to those who want to
participate? It would take a regular postage stamp. Put your tea
bag(s) inside of a small zipper bag (to keep it fresh and to keep the
contents somewhat intact in case the post office mangles it!). Put
that into an envelope and off it goes. Anybody else have a better
idea?
Jill
- 23.7

Yay for Amy! Keeping walking girl, it will get easier! Your cabana boy is
waiting for you with a yummy protein shake.
Kim
Ejoying the losing side
Lap RNY 04/30/08
SW/CW/GW
322/260/150

What a great idea!! I'm in.
Edie

Low-Fat Tropical Dream Cheesecake
Prep Time:
15 minTotal Time:
4 hr 15 minMakes:
8 servings
1 HONEY MAID Honey Graham, crushed (about 3 Tbsp.)
2/3 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Sugar Free Low
Calorie Gelatin
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1 container (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Fat Free Cream Cheese
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping
1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple 1 OR 2 medium kiwi, peeled, sliced
SPRINKLE crumbs onto bottom of 8- or 9-inch springform pan or 9-inch
pie plate sprayed with cooking spray.
STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 2 min.
until gelatin is completely dissolved. Cool 5 min. Pour into blender
container. Add cheeses; cover. Blend on medium speed until well
blended, occasionally scraping down side of blender container; pour
into large bowl. Add whipped topping; stir gently until well blended.
Pour into prepared pan; smooth top with spatula.
REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until set. Remove side of pan. Top with fruit
just before serving. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.
Calories 110, Total fat 2 g, Saturated fat 1.5 g, Cholesterol
10 mg, Sodium 300 mg, Carbohydrate 14 g, Dietary fiber 1 g,
Sugars 7 g, Protein 9 g, Vitamin A 15 %DV, Vitamin C 20 %DV,
Calcium 15 %DV, Iron 2 %DV

Welcome to the group Christina. You have come to a great group for
friendship and support. This is an awsome group. If you have any
questions, just ask, we have some very helpful people here.
Kim
Ejoying the losing side
Lap RNY 04/30/08
SW/CW/GW
322/260/150

Lora,
I'm sorry you're hernia is causing you so much pain. Hopefully the binder
will help. If not the one you have how about a back brace. They are not as long
but go all the way around you. I wonder if plastic surgeons use the pain ball.
Debby
Lora <cicerogirl@...
I have noticed a fairly steady increase in the amount of pain from
my hernia (it used to only hurt when the dog jumped on me or when I
tried to do abdominal exercises or sit up from laying flat... now it
seems to ache a lot). I'm not saure how realistic it is going to be
to wait until August to have it fixed and have the PS at the same
time.
I simply cannot face the idea of TWO more major surgeries, though.
I cannot even tell you -- especially after having so much trouble
with the RNY incision -- how that thought overwhelms me. The only
thing I know to do, though, is to significantly increase the amount
of exercise I am getting in order to increase the amount of weight I
am losing each week... so maybe I can still combine the surgeries
earlier than August. I bought a recumbent bike and put it together
this weekend, but can only use it for about 15 min at a time because
of a problem with needing replacment parts in order to attach the
back rest properly (so for now, the back rest is just propped up
behind the seat... not providing any support, just cushioning my
back from the metal frame... and making me sit at a somewhat odd
angle).
One night this week I will also try cutting off the lower part of
one of the binders they gave me after surgery to see if wearing that
when I'm at home helps with the pain.
Just feeling "bummed" because it aches a lot today and I didn;t even
do anything yesterday that should make it hurt.
Lora

I guess we could do it like the Christmas card list. If you want to
participate, put your name and mailing address on the list, and when
the list is complete, mail your tea bags to each person on the list.
I think I mis-named the idea, 'cause with a round robin type of
exchange, you take out what's coming to you, and put in what you're
sending on to all the others on the list, then mail it to the next
person, who removes what's theirs from the package, adds their stuff
in and sends it to the next name on the list, and around and around
it goes.
What do you think folks? Direct mail to those who want to
participate? It would take a regular postage stamp. Put your tea
bag(s) inside of a small zipper bag (to keep it fresh and to keep the
contents somewhat intact in case the post office mangles it!). Put
that into an envelope and off it goes. Anybody else have a better
idea?
Jill
- 23.7

hey there. i have an odd question. i thought i heard we can drink too much
water. is that true? I drink 72 ozs a day, everyday. I've always been a pee'r so
that much water doesn't make me go any different :)~
- so because it is extremely hot I am now drinking even more than that. I drank
my 72 ozs and I want to fill er up again but because I've been sweating so much
I don't think I'm peeing enough, which is totally crazy for me, i mean i pee so
much all day and night i was put on detrol (gotta go gotta go pills) but didn't
like them.
SO can i keep drinking to my hearts content, or there is a limit and i will
retain????

Judy*******14 DAYS*******
262/231
HW/CW
MY WLS BLOG: http://judywlsjourney.blogspot.com/

Yeah, Pat, I got it . . . I should have known you'd be way ahead of
me on that one!! LOL!
Jill
- 23.7

Lora,
A binder of some sort really helps. I am with you, I don't know if I
will be able to hold out until I lose a lot more weight. I was
thinking even a scarf wrapped tightly around might help. I just
can't figure how I will hide the knot under my clothes at work.
Also, ocassionally I need a deep breath which a non-stretchy binder
won't allow.
I do wear the life preserver backward at my water aerobics class, and
I do NO exercises specifically for abs. I am having no problems
there. But when I use the treadmill, I must be doing something
because I ache afterwards in the hernia area.
I wonder if one of those body shapers would help. I have one I
bought before my high school reunion, but it was way too tight. It
was $50 at Macy's (way more than I would ever spend on clothing in
general) but I needed a smooth line for the outfit I was wearing. I
have never worn it. If I remember, I will try using it tommorow on
the treadmill. I'll let you know if there is an improvement.
Lizanne

Hey everyone-
Update-Food is staying down so that is a good thing. I have a question, since I
didn't get get a list of things I should or shouldn't eat yet. (I have a
doctor's appointment on Monday so I will get one then) What about yogurt?
Pureed pasta, sauce and meatballs? meat, Tuna, Mayo (light mayo)? Soups? It
is so hard to figure it out on your own!
Thanks AGAIN for listen to my babble!
Maria
--- On Wed, 7/2/08, lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
From: lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Subject: [WLS Friendship & Support] Re: MARIA CALLED-Another Loser in the Group

NEVER underestimate how BIG a difference a LITTLE bit of sugar can
make! Just a coupleof grams of sugar was the difference between me
NOT dumping on the pumpkin pie filling at Thanksgiving and dumping
on a different pie filling at Christmas!
Lora

ok, I got some Dannon yogurt with no added sugar, and a 4oz container
has 7 sugars. The Yoplait has 14 sugars in 6oz. There is *barely* a
difference between the two... only 1.76 sugars. I doubt that could
make much difference.
I ate some peach yogurt, and it had little pieces of peaches in it,
which I chewed to nothing... will be interesting to see if that gives
me any problems this early on. So far, so good....
Pat

I have noticed a fairly steady increase in the amount of pain from
my hernia (it used to only hurt when the dog jumped on me or when I
tried to do abdominal exercises or sit up from laying flat... now it
seems to ache a lot). I'm not saure how realistic it is going to be
to wait until August to have it fixed and have the PS at the same
time.
I simply cannot face the idea of TWO more major surgeries, though.
I cannot even tell you -- especially after having so much trouble
with the RNY incision -- how that thought overwhelms me. The only
thing I know to do, though, is to significantly increase the amount
of exercise I am getting in order to increase the amount of weight I
am losing each week... so maybe I can still combine the surgeries
earlier than August. I bought a recumbent bike and put it together
this weekend, but can only use it for about 15 min at a time because
of a problem with needing replacment parts in order to attach the
back rest properly (so for now, the back rest is just propped up
behind the seat... not providing any support, just cushioning my
back from the metal frame... and making me sit at a somewhat odd
angle).
One night this week I will also try cutting off the lower part of
one of the binders they gave me after surgery to see if wearing that
when I'm at home helps with the pain.
Just feeling "bummed" because it aches a lot today and I didn;t even
do anything yesterday that should make it hurt.
Lora

I wondered when you said it had not gone down at ALL... but the good
thing is that you're not having any pain even without it! (I cannot
even imagine that... I had SO much pain for SO long because of my
incision issues after the open surgery!)
Lora

Well the dressing had come off my pain ball, and I couldn't shower with
it like that, so I went to the surgical clinic and pushed my way to the
front of the line. The dang thing was as full when they removed it as
it was when they put it in!! I have been dragging that thing around
and sleeping with it for nothing!! On the up side, I have barely had
any pain at all, even without the meds. It sucks for people who need
it that they could be given a defective one though.
Pat

New research suggests that the reddish-blue, purple-y color of some
fruits and veggies may help prevent obesity. The same study found that
ingesting the EXTRACT of those foods could be more effective than
actually eating the entire fruit.
***Hey! Do you wanna get ahead in the workplace? Check out WORKS. Our
pal, author Nicole Williams, runs this AWESOME, sassy brand that helps
women achieve their career goals. Check out her site -- and sign up
for her weekly e-newsletter, too.
***Good news! Our friends Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy have re-launched
their website, and it's got lots of FANTASTIC new features, including
an application that helps you track your calorie intake and calorie-
burning. VERY COOL!

Lizanne, all input is welcome. and I do agree with what you're saying about
working on us first. I won't say anything to anyone I meet unless it goes
somewhere :)
thanks
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Judy,
I think this is so hard for us to figure out during this time in our
lives. I mentioned on here that I changed my pictures on one of the
sites where I haven't really joined yet, just setting things up...and
I received a bunch of emails right away. That sounded wonderful, but
I am not sure that I am reaqdy to find someone right now. I need to
take care of myself. I realise that having a partner is part of
taking care of myself, but to me concentrating on reaching a lifelong
goal is so demanding that I an scared of the thoughts of having to
manage a new relationship too. I know this is not what you are
asking.
I have posted the same pictures on my profile as I have posted here
(except for the before pics...no way). But I also have to deal with
the wig thing. I am so ambivalent about what to do myself. So, I
guess I didn't answer your question at all and I will be looking to
see what everyone else has to say.
I THINK if I were you I would be quiet about the upcoming surgery
until you actually have a real discussion with this guy. What if he
is so negative you wished you never said anything? After you get to
know him better, then you can test the waters. JMO
Lizanne
251/178/125

Thanks Jeannie! I love those board shorts. I will do that and a tankini halter
top.
Lisa A
Jeannie <jmartino_leclerc@...
I just checked out Speedo's site. They have all sorts of cute swim
shorts for women. (not cheap, though.)
www.speedousa.com
Jeannie
Lisa A
284/271/175/135

I'm more of a flubbo girl, not a speedo type.
Lizanne

I just checked out Speedo's site. They have all sorts of cute swim
shorts for women. (not cheap, though.)
www.speedousa.com
Jeannie

Kim,
They say it's the little things in life that we cherish, but losing
62 lbs is not a little thing. Be as proud of yourself and your
accomplishments as your son. No matter how often they say it (or
don't say anything) the compliments from your own family are always
the best. Keep up the great work!!
Lizanne

That is such a cute idea!! Sounds like fun. How would you do it? I'm
in!!! Naomi

Thanks Ally. It helps a lot. I'm not thrilled about injections, but I'm pretty
sure I can handle it.
Pauleen
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
Hi Pauleen-
I spoke to my pharmacist friend and he said the Geoden can be opened up.
However, the concern is with your absorption. The half life of the medication is
about 24 hours, meaning that it takes that long for the drug to break down and
be fully absorbed by your body. Since your absorption rate will now be altered
by the surgery he said that he highly recommends that you discuss the injection
option with your doctor.
I hope this helps. :)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

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7:50 PM

Well, I maxed out on the Motrin so Dr. Sudan wanted me to try
Oxycodone again with an increased level of Tylenol and it worked!!!
I slept from 12-4 nicely but woke up in pain and also had to go pee,
LOL!
Night time seems so much worse, I had to ask my Nurse Susan to help
me out of bed because I was so weak, most likely from the lack of
sleep and all the movement yesterday.
Also, had another shot of Lovenox in my tummy - I am amazed that it
doesn't hurt at all, she placed it on the lower fatty part of my
stomach and I swear I never felt it.
Bill came yesterday in the morning and brought me a beautiful potted
Purple Flowering Clemantis on a trellis, I've had several comments on
it. He stayed until 11:30 last night and we had a quiet evening
together, I took a little catnap while he was here but it was nice to
have some company.
The person who had surgery before me (who delayed my surgery by 3
hours) is in the room next to me and seems to be having hard time,
poor guy.
I think I am going home today, I am sure that I will be more
comfortable there overall. Well, need to run.
Amy
Loser-Loser-Loser

Hi Pauleen-
I spoke to my pharmacist friend and he said the Geoden can be opened up.
However, the concern is with your absorption. The half life of the medication
is about 24 hours, meaning that it takes that long for the drug to break down
and be fully absorbed by your body. Since your absorption rate will now be
altered by the surgery he said that he highly recommends that you discuss the
injection option with your doctor.
I hope this helps. :)
~Ally~
Atlanta, GA
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/174/130
HW/SW/CW/GW

Speaking of your "friend"... this topic hasn't come up for a while, but for most
women that still have cycles, the surgery triggers it and most get a visit while
in the hospital, even when not due!! The surgery messes with your hormones.

Pat
--- On Wed, 7/9/08, Judy R. <losingforlife08@...
From: Judy R. <losingforlife08@...
Subject: Re: Re: [WLS Friendship & Support] Sharon/package

Judy,
I think this is so hard for us to figure out during this time in our
lives. I mentioned on here that I changed my pictures on one of the
sites where I haven't really joined yet, just setting things up...and
I received a bunch of emails right away. That sounded wonderful, but
I am not sure that I am reaqdy to find someone right now. I need to
take care of myself. I realise that having a partner is part of
taking care of myself, but to me concentrating on reaching a lifelong
goal is so demanding that I an scared of the thoughts of having to
manage a new relationship too. I know this is not what you are
asking.
I have posted the same pictures on my profile as I have posted here
(except for the before pics...no way). But I also have to deal with
the wig thing. I am so ambivalent about what to do myself. So, I
guess I didn't answer your question at all and I will be looking to
see what everyone else has to say.
I THINK if I were you I would be quiet about the upcoming surgery
until you actually have a real discussion with this guy. What if he
is so negative you wished you never said anything? After you get to
know him better, then you can test the waters. JMO
Lizanne
251/178/125

ummm... give me a min... I'll think of a reason.... LOL
Did you get the email with my addy?
Pat
Jill <jsplds@...
Hey, we could have a round robin tea bag exchange so that whoever
wants to participate could try a bunch of different ones! Why should
you have all the fun all by yourself?????
Jill
- 23.7

Amy, I am so happy to hear that you are off the Motrin! I don't care what your
dr said, it was dangerous for you! I think you will find that your pain levels
will improve fairly quickly and you won't need to take anything for it.

Pat
--- On Thu, 7/10/08, the_sander_family <the_sander_family@...
From: the_sander_family <the_sander_family@...
Subject: [WLS Friendship & Support] Meds Changed

Hey, we could have a round robin tea bag exchange so that whoever
wants to participate could try a bunch of different ones! Why should
you have all the fun all by yourself?????
Jill
- 23.7

Just a bag or two to see if I like it is enough... don't want to waste any if I
don't care for it. If I like it, I can buy some. Thanks Sharon!
Pat
Sharon Buffo <septsweety@...
I can send a box of my Chammomile Mango .. its very light and
soothing. . you want me to Pat . . just say the word. . :))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tastes!"
Lap RNY 7/30/07
HW242**SW232**CW168**GW125-130

Sheggy,
You are looking so good! What a difference from your before pics!!
Jill
- 23.7

OKIE DOKIE. . i will send you some tea Pat. . :))
~*Sharon XOXO*~
"THIN feels better than FAT tast