Hi Kate,
If you fly Varig into and out of Sao Paulo you will never need to reclaim
your baggage. I checked in my baggage in Cincinnati and it was waiting for
my in Curitiba. If you don't fly Varig into Sao Paulo then you will need to
claim your baggage there and move it to your new gate.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: kate [mailto:fkmcfarland@...]
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 4:02 PM
Hello everyone,
I saw my PCP today as a follow up from my last episode of kidney stones. He
tells me that I have calcium stones. He recommended that I reduce my
calcium supplements from 1600 a day to 1000 a day. My PCP knows nothing
about the DS other than what I have told him. So my question is, should I
reduce my calcium? I'd always read that as a DS post-op I should be getting
1500-2000 a day. Is there anything to calcium supplements causing kidney
stones?
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
51 days post op
-48 pounds
Konstantin, did they ever find your luggage?
Becca
In Sao Paulo reclaim your bagage and then go through customs...and then
check it in again. and retreive it in Curitiba.
Konstantin
She is worried that when i transfer flights, that my baggage wont be
transferred to the appropriate plane. I say that the baggage gets
transferred and I don't have to do it myself... Can anyone give us
the low-down on this?
thanks, Kate
You will go to baggage claim and get your luggage, then you will go
through customs. Now, get on the elevator and go upstairs and check in
at the airline and get your boarding pass for your next flight. I have
been to both airports in Sao Paulo, they do not charge for luggage carts.
You can go to the desk and ask one of the airline employees, just to be
sure.
Becca
She is worried that when i transfer flights, that my baggage wont be
transferred to the appropriate plane. I say that the baggage gets
transferred and I don't have to do it myself... Can anyone give us
the low-down on this?
thanks, Kate
I remember the posts but not the content.....
What do any of you suggest as the order to take me vitamins in?
And one more if anyone is in rememberance....
Calcium!
How much does the body absorb at a time? (like in an hour?)
Konstantin
Hi Robin,
Be patient. Your day is right around the corner and will be here before you know
it. I remember starting everything in March 2003 and my surgery was in July 2003
but the time really flew by. I had all the same feelings that you have and I
think everyone goes through it (George calls it a case of the Yipes!!!!) but you
will do fine and Dr. M will take great care of you.
Your 2 weeks in Brazil will seem more like 2 days.
On September 1, I'll be 14 months post-op and I seems like only yesterday I was
meeting Dr. M in person and changing my life forever.
Good luck!
Renee
-102
saipanmom <jkrdrmom@...
I am trying to wait patiently for Oct 24th, but I feel like a kid
waiting for christmas!!!
I have 58 days left until I leave St. Louis for Curitiba. I feel
like I am in limbo here. I don't know what to do with myself. This
might be as bad as when I was pregnant waiting to go into labor! It
feels like it might as well be 9 months away.
I don't know if I have ever been so excited AND so nervous about
anything in my life. I am scared something will happen to keep me
from going, I am scared the plane will crash AFTER the surgery and my
glorious new gift will be taken from me. I am afraid I will die
during surgery also, but that still is not enough to keep me from
doing it. I am so excited to start a new chapter in my life.
Hopefully a better one than the last few chapters.
I wish I could just go to sleep for the next 58 days and than wake up
in time to leave. Time is just going to drag by for me.
Oh well......I will just have to wait it out.
Robin
switching on October 26th at 1:30 p.m.
Dave,
Thank you!
Dawn
I am trying to wait patiently for Oct 24th, but I feel like a kid
waiting for christmas!!!
I have 58 days left until I leave St. Louis for Curitiba. I feel
like I am in limbo here. I don't know what to do with myself. This
might be as bad as when I was pregnant waiting to go into labor! It
feels like it might as well be 9 months away.
I don't know if I have ever been so excited AND so nervous about
anything in my life. I am scared something will happen to keep me
from going, I am scared the plane will crash AFTER the surgery and my
glorious new gift will be taken from me. I am afraid I will die
during surgery also, but that still is not enough to keep me from
doing it. I am so excited to start a new chapter in my life.
Hopefully a better one than the last few chapters.
I wish I could just go to sleep for the next 58 days and than wake up
in time to leave. Time is just going to drag by for me.
Oh well......I will just have to wait it out.
Robin
switching on October 26th at 1:30 p.m.
Hi Dawn,
Done
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: phairplu@... [mailto:phairplu@...]
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 7:37 AM
This is a pet peeve of mine. Banks seldom do wire transfers any more so
sometimes when they are asked to do them they get a bug up their ass and
make people jump through hoops. It is none of their business how the
hospital wants it routed. This is the correct information:
BANK: SANTANDER C. HISPANO INTL.
BANK ADDRESS: 1401 BRICKELL AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA. (zip is 33131)
ABA: 066 010 597
SWIFT: BDERUS3M
BENEFICIARY: DELWIN S/A
BENEFICIARY ADDRESS: CHARLOTE AND SHIRLEY STREETS, 3RD FLOOR, NASSAU -
BAHAMAS
A/C 115010247
CLIENT # 31242
That is everything they need to know. Just tell them to fill out the form
and send it and if they give you a hard time, take your money to another
bank and see if you get better service there. When I wired money to Brazil
the bank clerk had the nerve to ask me why I was doing that. I told her it
wasn't any of her business... and it isn't. (Can you tell that sometimes
banks annoy me?<vbg
BTW - the Swift number you found on an old post is outdated... use the one
above.
George in PA
Hi Everyone
I tried wiring the $4500 to the hospital yesterday but my bank had
issues. I took the wiring portion of the FAQ with me but we still
didn't get it sent. I know the bank is in Miami but she wasn't sure
about the beneficiary portion where it says "nasssau-bahamas." She
also said to verify that the swift was correct. I was going through
the old group's archives and found a post from Mike that said his
bank used 'Swift:MRMDV533'... now I'm really confused. Did anyone
else have this problem? If so, how did you get it resolved?
Thanks
Brittany
Dave and Kate,
Thanks Dave, I needed the chuckle ; ). I have confirmed with Dr. M. that
although he does indeed have two hands, he would prefer to operate on us at
separate times.
Kate, I will be going at 10:30AM on the 14th. I apologize for the confusion.
But I am glad to have a switch sister and I look forward to meeting you!
Dave, since you have the "all powerful moderator muscle" could you please
remove my calendar entry so that I may make the correction to my surgical time?
Thank you,
Dawn
"Tracy Williams" wrote: Do we need an electrical adapter?
The current is the same as here, but the wall outlets do not always
have a grounded connection (three prong) Often, the wall outlets are
only two prong.
Adapter for telephone outlet to hook up my laptop?
You do not hook up your laptop to the telephone at the hotel. The
hotel has an ethernet connection (broadband, like cable or DSL)
If your laptop is a newer one, it probably has an ethernet
connection. If it is older, you will need an ethernet PC card. The
hotel does have a limited supply of the PC cards, and they will help
you hook up your computer and provide the ethernet cable.
In the hospital, it is possible to hook up to a dialup connection.
(telephone) David Shriver did use the Hospital internet access, and
he can probably answer questions about that.
Mike Adams
The current is the same as in the USA
Is there an electrical adapter in the American boxes or do we need to
bring our own? Or do we even need one? Also, do we need an adapter
for the telephone outlet to hook up my laptop? If the boxes don't
have these things, I will bring them and then leave them when I come
back home.
Thanks
Tracy (in TX)
MY Wife went with me to Curitiba ..She is 1 1/2 years out of Siberia.
Her current name is Yevgenia B Stewart BUT her passport said Evgeniya
Bouldayeva Sooooooo ... she got her Visa as Evgeniya Bouldayeva ..and all was
cool....
Gosh, I am having a panic attack! I just read on one of the web sites
that my passport must have my current legal name. I have never had it
changed from getting married 5 years ago. I only read that on one
site. None of the others about passports/visas had that written. Does
anyone know if this is true? I can take proof of my name change -
marriage license - -- I have been pushing my husband about his
passport and it is here and in order. Now, I may be the one to have
to do a RUSH, RUSH, RUSH, EXPENSIVE, EXPENSIVE, EXPENSIVE trick with
my passport & visa. Can anyone advise me?
Thanks
Tracy (in TX)
Is there an electrical adapter in the American boxes or do we need to
bring our own? Or do we even need one? Also, do we need an adapter
for the telephone outlet to hook up my laptop? If the boxes don't
have these things, I will bring them and then leave them when I come
back home.
Thanks
Tracy (in TX)
Gosh, I am having a panic attack! I just read on one of the web sites
that my passport must have my current legal name. I have never had it
changed from getting married 5 years ago. I only read that on one
site. None of the others about passports/visas had that written. Does
anyone know if this is true? I can take proof of my name change -
marriage license - -- I have been pushing my husband about his
passport and it is here and in order. Now, I may be the one to have
to do a RUSH, RUSH, RUSH, EXPENSIVE, EXPENSIVE, EXPENSIVE trick with
my passport & visa. Can anyone advise me?
Thanks
Tracy (in TX)
Hi Kon
Glad to see you home.......neat being full on the baby food huh........Hug Jenna
for us here in Brazil..
Jeannie and Kate
-
Konstantin,
Welcome home! I'm sure you're happy to be back in your own bed, and
your own environment. I hope you have a good, and complete recovery.
Bev (Memphis)
Surgery date 9/9
I arrived in Curitiba on the 5th of August, with a 3 hour window .. so I
decided I was covered with plenty of time. However, there was only one window
working on Americans ( out of 7 working on residents) and there was about 300
Americans in line.
I got a bit perturbed when 13 Mexican nationals were escorted to the
front of the line and the processing of Americans stopped so immigration
officials could give full attention to them.
Because of the single window procedure ...several peeps missed their
connected flights. Fortunately for me the flight to Curitiba was delayed due
to morning fog. So when I got there Durval had already left.... Which I also
found odd since my plane was only 30 minutes late.
I took a taxi to the Hotel and checked in in the early afternnon....
Durval called to appologise and told me where to go and eat Barbecue... I
was so tired I decided to do room service instead.
on Sunday DUrval came and picked me up and took me to the Endoscopy
tech. They pilled me and gave me a shot but the effect of the meds were so
slow ... I gagged through the whole test .. and then only felt relaxed about
two minutes after the test ended.
On Sunday night Dr Marchesini visited me and was suprised that all my
bagage was lost and he told Durval to take me to a certain store in Downtown
Curitiba.. catering to larger sized men...... He did and I bought 4 quick
outfits ...(sweat shirts and pants etc.)
ON Monday ... I met with Dr M in his office and he told me I would
have a 65 cm common channel and I was to be his 1:30 afternoon patient.
The next day It happened ....
I was a big big sissy through the whole thing .... I was in pain the
whole time.... Whining alll the time. My wife was there helping me the whole
time... doing things for me I could never have even imagined her EVER hel
ping me do..... (God I love this gal)
My biggest whine was I was so so so so thirsty the whole time but
apparently I was the only one its been a major problem with.
I passed gas on my second day (like a rocket I might add) and on
friday Dr M had me do the Leak test and also had tea sent to me. Some how I
found every reason available to whine and cry etc. And odd enough I felt a
lot
of pain for the whole rst of my stay.... Dr Marchesini says I am just
extrememly sesitive so I feel all pain intensly. ( well .. my first two EX
wives
may argue the point about me being so sensitive. Heh heh)
My best News and I also made Dr Marchesini write down my weight loss
in his own hand ..... It was 35.2 pounds... NOt a record but up there.
Also Dr M told me I was his 362 DS patient and his 141 or 142nd
American patient.
I am still feeling pain..... (I'm sensitive .. Damnit!) but I can say I
have been better and better about 15% to 20 % on average daily.
NO major Diaharea but still I go about 3 times a day. at the most
Unlikely times.
Oh yes... Durval was supposed to meet me at 5:30 to get me to the
Airport on time .... but never showed.... after a half an hour of waiting and
repeatedly calling his cell We left for the Airport.
I must say though that he tapped me up at 4:00 very very well to avoid
my Seroma from leaking everywhere.
OKay.... I have joined our exclusive club now.... and never knew I
could get full on a jar of baby food.
But This Damn Seroma is annoying me to literally "No-End"
Konstantin
Dr. M must have changed his schedule. It used to be one person at 8:30 and
another at 1:30. I was the morning person thank goodness cause I would have
hated to go until afternoon without food in my stomach. W
Hi Konstantin,
Welcome home and welcome to the other side.
Seromas can last a few days or a few weeks. Most people find they are gone
by 4 to 6 weeks. My own incision finally dried up right about 1 month out.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: kstew111@... [mailto:kstew111@...]
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 5:10 PM
Finally.... I'm home.....
need to shower and sleep......
One question though......
HOw long is this damn Seroma going to be ?
Konstantin
I feel it is between you and your grandmother, and you sister should stay out of
it. Don't know when people are going to realise that as adults we should be
allowed to make our own decisions, just like you would let your sis do her own
thing.
Jeannie
Hi Kate,
Doc M does have 2 hands. He'll operate on one of you with the right hand,
and the other with the left hand! This is the way he keeps his prices down.
:-)
But seriously, Doc M usually does one surgery at 1:30 and another about
3:30. He sometimes does one early in the morning though. I'm sure you are
not both scheduled for the same time. If you are Doc M will change it of
course.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: kate [mailto:fkmcfarland@...]
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 12:06 AM
Kate,
I look forward to meeting you as well.
Dawn
I had to have most of my testing done before I went to Brazil because my
medical status was questionable. Dr. M was worried about my traveling all
the way to Brazil and him denying me surgery. I needed releases from my
cardiologist and pulmonologist as well as my internist so I had most of my
testing done here and more tests than 99% of the others have had including
an angiogram after a stress test. I did have the endoscopy in Brazil
because that wasn't dependent upon surgery. It is more so Dr. M can picture
our insides and make a plan for his surgery and I was a revision so he had
even more need to know what my insides looked like. If you are 100% healthy
and are sure the tests are routine they can be done in Brazil. Especially
if you are uninsured and trying to save money. But..if there is the
slightest doubt that a result could affect a surgical decision then it is
better to have most of the tests done here. W
Dawn,
Thanks. I'm sure it will all work out just fine. I look forward to
seeing you down there : )
Kate
Oh, Natalie!! I am so excited for you! I haven't received the results from my
blood work yet... maybe by tomorrow when we have lunch!
I think I know what you mean by the roller coaster ride... I had a similar "oh,
wow" experience when I got on the plane this month... not only no extension
belt, but about eight inches to spare on the regular seat belt! Not to mention
increased comfort!! :)
I don't think I'll be able to keep up with you by my four month anniversary...
I'd have to lose 11 pounds in the next two weeks... I seem to be kinda
(temporarily I'm sure) "stuck" again at 69 lbs!
Congratulations!! See ya tomorrow (where?).
Nina
Natalie <nataliekoe@...
Hi! I thought I would do a quick update for anyone who is
interested. I have lost 80 pounds in 4 months. I went to an
amusement park with my kids ( I have three :
was able to fit on a roller coaster that has a deep fitted seat that
I have NEVER been able to ride in my lifetime or atleast the roller
coasters life. I was so happy about being able to fit in the seat
and so was my son. We had a blast. I am doing really well and my
cholesterol level was checked a month ago and (drum roll please) it
was 105. I am an OB/GYN nurse and have never seen a level that low.
I was thrilled. Does anyone else have any info on their cholesterol
levels after DS. I am just curious. Hope everyone is doing well. I
am so happy I found Dr. M he has given me a new life!
Natalie
Kate,
That does seem like a scheduling conflict. I will e-mail Dr. M, I am sure he
will clear it up.
Thanks,
Dawn
Hi u guys... GUESS WHAT? Dr.M finally emailed with confirmation on
the date!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!! Sept. 28th it is.....
I'm so happy!!!Now the stress begins being on a deadline for the
money.. Oh also anyone that wants to know, Dr.M said the hotel
accepts mastercard and visa the bank just has to verify the
international transaction, u have to check with them first. I also
applied for a loan with patient financial services and they denied
me, im so worried my car wont sell in time....
My main problem is my grandma is willing to pay the intial 4500 to
the hospital, but she doesnt know the whole story... I havent told
her about having it done out of the country... I have to tell her and
i am so scared she will change her mind about helping me...She is
going to flip to find out she wont be there to see me after surgery ,
shes always been there when i have had anything done.. Now my sister
is all on my butt cause i didnt tell her to begin with insteading of
waiting to see if she would help, then telling her...But my thing is
i was trying to get a feel of how he felt about the surgery and then
if she said ok, then i would tell her but mind u that is b4 any money
is actually paid....But my sis says im wrong for doing it like that
and now she is telling my grandma she doesnt think the surgery is a
good idea....But i know my grandma, i felt like if i said hey mawmaw
i have been researching about weight loss surgery in Brazil, will u
help me a little, her answer would have been flat noooooo...Now i
have her comfortable with the surgery and convinced that i really
need this so now i can work on the brazil issue... U guys think im
being selfish and mean? My sis made me feel real bad....ty hugggss
wendy in nc
Hey Wendy, and everyone.....did you get all your testing done before
you requested the surgery date? I was just looking over the FAQ page
and noticed that it says AFTER you have had all your testing done,
request the surgery date. I filled out the questionnaire and told
him a little about myself and sent all of THAT to him when I
requested a date. I still haven't heard from him so I was wondering
if it's because I didn't send him my testing results, also. When did
you send the request?
Thanks....Lisa in TX
I'm glad you're doing so well Natalie. My cholesterol was 108 at
last check. Great huh?
Amanda
Hi Dawn,
I just noticed that we are both apparently scheduled for surgery at
1:30 PM on Tuesday September 14th. How does that even work? I assume
Dr Marchesini is performing your surgery as well as mine...? Seems a
little confusing/weird. Any thoughts?
Kate
Hi! I thought I would do a quick update for anyone who is
interested. I have lost 80 pounds in 4 months. I went to an
amusement park with my kids ( I have three :
was able to fit on a roller coaster that has a deep fitted seat that
I have NEVER been able to ride in my lifetime or atleast the roller
coasters life. I was so happy about being able to fit in the seat
and so was my son. We had a blast. I am doing really well and my
cholesterol level was checked a month ago and (drum roll please) it
was 105. I am an OB/GYN nurse and have never seen a level that low.
I was thrilled. Does anyone else have any info on their cholesterol
levels after DS. I am just curious. Hope everyone is doing well. I
am so happy I found Dr. M he has given me a new life!
Natalie
Hi Kate,
I fixed it for you.
Clear Skies,
Dave "flexing his moderator muscles" in Ohio
_____
From: kate [mailto:fkmcfarland@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:15 PM
i accidently added one thing three times (on September 12th) and I
accidently posted my surgery date as 9/13, when it's really 9/14.
I looked for an edit button, but all icould find was one that
said "add" (hence the multiple posts...)
Help?!
Calendar yet?????
it is the last item on the list there to your left if you are
reading from the board.
it makes it a lot easier to keep track of who will be in Curitiba if
you do post the dates there. a lot of folks find it reassuring.
blessings.
joanne
Hey Dawn,
I will be there, during your surgery time. Mine is 9/9...Is anyone
coming with you? Where do you live? I'm looking forward to meeting
you and knowing another American will be there, too!
Bev (Memphis)
Surgery date 9/9
I have just uploaded my pre-surgery pictures. My surgery date is 9-
14. Is anyone else going to be there then?
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
What a beautiful family you have!
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: river4262004 [mailto:phairplu@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 7:33 PM
great! thanks!
diane
Hi Arwen,
I am 40 years old (will be 41 and thinner on December 23rd YIPEE!) I
live in St. Louis Missouri. I am married with 5 kids ages 5-21
years. I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse in a High risk unit and love
my job. I have been overweight all my adult life.
Robin G
switching October 26th at 1:30
YIPEEE!!! I am going to be switched at 1:30 that day. It is so fun to
know that I will have a switch twin. I can't wait to meet you and
your mom.
Robin G
Switching on October 26th YIHAAA!!!
I never even knew it was there (I am little SLOOOWWWW sometimes!) My
info is updated for October.
Robin
Kathy, I just had a revision. My first weight loss surgery was a VBG,
then two years ago, Dr. M attempted to do a DS on me, as best he could,
considering I already had a VBG, which really made it impossible for him
to carve my stomach into the shape he wanted. My common channel was
100cm, which, as it turns out, was too long for me.
Two years and two months later, Dr. M did another revision (7/28/04).
This time, he put a mesh ring around my stomach. He stapled the mesh
ring to my stomach, affixing it in place with sutures all the way around
my stomach. This will keep it from moving around. My stomach above the
mesh ring is 5 ounces. He shortened my common channel to 65cm.
My revision was almost 4 weeks ago and I have lost 21 pounds.
Kathy, are you a revision from a DS?
BTW, Dr. M told me he has used this mesh ring on a few revisions in this
Linda,
safe trip home.
i am sure the folks that come after you will appreciate the work in
organizing the boxes.
my Mom did that too while i was in the hospital....there were even
some opened packages of things like soup mix that had of course
spilled part of their contents into the box so she got rid of that
type thing.
all in all when she was finished it was all in nice shape and it was
much easier for folks to find things......course that was back in
Jan.
hugs.
joanne
Linda
I hope you have a quick and comfortable trip home. The trip home was the worst
for me. Very uncomfortable and squished. Couldn't sleep. Dr. M. forgot (and i
did too) to give me the medicine that will stop your bowels from functioning. I
was on pins and needles the whole trip worrying about that.
Once home, you can really relax and begin to heal in your own environment!
Kathy B in Kc
I have been shopping around to find some insurance, now that I again have an
income. I was hoping to find something like a credit union that extends
cheap health insurance to it's members or something, anyone know one? My job
doesn't offer insurance so that's the only way I could get on a group plan. The
purpose of my getting health insurance is purely to have a revision, but
after looking around for doctors ANYWHERE who will do revisions the only thing
I've found is one's that either try to talk you out of it, make you jump lots
of hurdles, etc, (in California) and haven't really gotten anywhere with them,
or mostly they simply WON'T DO REVISIONS! Isn't that strange? I can't
help remembering Dr. M's comment that "it's a very simple procedure" when we
discussed my getting a revision with him. What are they afraid of? Perhaps
it's all about fear of adhesions from the previous surgery, ya think? I've
heard other's talk about that a bit.
By the way, in my last note I asked "do you think I could lose 50 lbs
(from 230) or more with a revision?" I did not get any answer from anyone. I
am clear that we aren't doctor's but was just looking for opinions from this
group. I guess I'm simply looking for support and encouragement. I'd hate
to think I'd blown my chance to ever be a normal sized person.
Gosh I wish I'd been stricter with my diet when I was in my first few
months post op! I sure hope you who are going to get your DS learn from my
mistake. The small stomach gets larger pretty quickly compared to how much
most of us need to lose and tho at 16 months post op I can still only eat a
very
small meal before I'm very full, and I absolutely HATED the tiny stomach and
got very frustrated at having to stop eating after only a few bites, I now
really appreciate the opportunity for weight loss it was for me. I wish I'd
been more low fat and low carb in my eating for that first few precious
months. Perhaps it would have helped, but I don't really know. Perhaps I was
just
doomed to lose only 50 lbs no matter what I did. I know it's goofy of me to
worry about a revision that's a long way off, since I have no savings and
haven't paid off the relatives for the first DS, but every time I see how big I
still am I think about it.
Kathy 1949
George-
I tried Diet V-8 Splans Tropical today and LOVED it!
Also forgot to mention the Vita-J drink.
Those are good!
Margie
"Linda Donan" wrote:...from now on there is also a...container that
holds donated clothes and large items--like the blender, to which I
have donated a Dale binder...
Uhhh... Does the blender really need a binder?
Sorry Linda, I couldn't resist. <vbg
All kidding aside, Thanks for all your generosity and hard work. I
am sure the new patients will appreciate it.
I wish you a good trip home, and I hope your recovery is swift.
Mike Adams
I usually travel with my own electric wheelchair but was advised against it
for the trip to Curitiba since I was not going to be walking long distances
while in Brazil and so much of the city is cobblestoned.
When I originnally bought the tickets I told Dortha that
I'd be needing a wheelchair both ways and it was noted in the computer. It's
a good idea to remind the ticket agent of your beed for one and also tell
the flight attendant about 1 hour before landing. The chair and pusher were
waiting for me at each location ..... well worth a tip for the pusher and
even got to spend the 5 hour layover in Sau Paulo in a VIP lounge.
One thing to note ....... ask for an oversize chair as most of the chairs
are quite small ..... sometimes they can just remove the arms.
The request for the wheelchair usually needs no explanation but keep in mind
that Dr. Marchesini provides you with a letter to the air carrier explaning
that you recently had surgery.
Hope this helps, Lori K
Hi Diane,
Doc M prefers that you wire the money to the hospital a few days before
coming to Brazil. If you need to do something different then you'll
have to make arrangements with him about it.
You pay his fee and Durval's fee when you have your first appointment in
his office.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Dear Folks,
This will be my last email for awhile. I fly in a few hours. I just want
to say thanks to everyone who were encouraging and sympathetic to me through
this process. I am giving the American boxes into the keeping of Katie in
Room 603, because she was kind enough to split the price of another
container for "the boxes". There are now 1 plastic box with blue lid full
of books and magazines to which I have donated Before and After (which talks
about wls and protein shakes), one clear plastic box of assorted things (to
which I have donated several face-cloths, one plastic case with three
drawers (green drawer is medical supplies to which I have donated several
shampoos packets--there is shampoo dispenser at the hotel, but none at the
hospital; yellow drawer is first week post op foods-teas, soups, jello mixes
note the brown packets are jello just out of the boxes; third blue drawer
is pre-op food or for people who want to push the boundaries such as canned
meat; and from now on there is also a large blue laundry basket like
container that holds donated clothes and large items--like the blender, to
which I have donated a Dale binder, and some dish detergent, for people who
don't want to wait for the cleaning lady to wash their dishes for them at
the hotel.)
I haven't had any complications and hope that will last until I tune in here
again for a 3 month update. I talked to Konstantine who has had ongoing
pain and a seroma but is just so happy to report that he has lost since the
10th-I believe he said-35 pounds!! Envy! I guess the bigger you are the
harder your weight falls!
One last note for pre-op folks on a tight budget. Never eat in the hotel,
it's pricey, walk one block to the right and cross the street, right next
door to a laundry is the all-u-want buffet where the hotel bellboys eat.
Pile your plate put it on the scale and I still bet you the yummy dark bean
dip that your meal will be under 10R. Katie's post op plate of mashable
stuff yesterday was less than 2R. And know that you need to bring proof
that you have made reservations both pre and post hospital on the internet
for 89R or they will charge you 130R, the Dr. M. rate. Janet had to unpack
her bags and come up with the print-out from the internet as proof before
they would give in and give her the lower cost as she checked out. Another
reminder, check-out is noon, and they didn't charge Mrs. Sakurai extra for
being 1/2 hour late, but Dr. C kept Janet waiting to get her stitches out so
that she was about an hour late, and they charged her a whole day extra.
Sigh.
And pre-op folks not on a budget--the jewels and gold jewelry are a steal in
Brazil. As are the leather goods.
Luck and love to everyone, sayonara,
Linda D
The only thing you should pay in advance is wiring the money to the
hospital. Pay Durval and Dr. M when you get there. I used a credit card
for the hotel and got my bill at home with the rate changed from Reals to
Dollars. W
do i have to pay anything in advance, or can i settle all
expenses when i arrive?
diane
Dortha requested a wheelchair for my return flight to the states. It
was through the airlines and they are to have it ready for me. Does
this mean that I get to 'go to the head of the class?' Lori, if you
made your own ticket reservations, call the airline and request that
they have a wheelchair available for your use. If you booked through
an agent, let them take care of it. We have a whole lot of stuff to
learn, don't we.?
God Bless,
Tracy (in TX)
lori--bring a chair with you? get one for the trip home
how?
diane
On 23 Aug 2004 at 21:41, Lori Kowalski wrote:
As far as customs
Wendy.....
did you see my reply re doing a balance transfer from your Visa or
MC to Discover.........leaving the room on the other card to use it
if possible??
hugs.
joanne
Diane....
a lot of people carry in excess of $10,000.....just well
hidden...and undeclared.
additionally....since there will be 2 of you that would be a total
of $20,000 allowed.
i did pay my hotel bill with a CC.
hugs.
joanne
Hi Wendy,
If you must pay for the hospital with a credit card then you need to discuss
that with Doc M. He prefers you to wire the money to the hospital. But if
you are using a CC he would be the one who could tell you which ones they
take, and how much extra you will have to pay.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: wendy [mailto:sexydragon420@...]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 10:15 PM
If you have bad knees or legs be careful initially. When I returned home my
knees were really bad but I was determined to walk every day. I worked with
my physical therapist and would push my wheel chair instead of my walker.
That way when I got tired I could sit and rest and walk some more and I was
very proud of the fact that I was pushing and each day I went further. From
August 20th
( when I returned) until October 10th I walked every day for only 10 or 15
minutes but managed to go further each time. 3X a week with a PT and the
other days alone. On October 10th my knee went, I couldn't get out of my
desk chair and it took 3 paramedics to help me to the ambulance and the ER.
I haven't walked 10 minutes since although I am now using primarily a walker
and a cane and haven't used the wheel chair in nearly 3 months. For those
who can walk....do it...but if your body fights you there is a reason and
find other ways to increase your circulation or do something slightly
aerobic. I found that as I lost weight my inclination was to become more
active because my body wanted to....but that very activity damaged my knees.
I could walk much more at 410 lbs than I can do now at 258. I now live with
pain patches and Percocet and had neither of them until 6 months ago. Be
sensible when adding exercise to your post op regime if exercise was not
part of your pre op one. W
Good luck on u 2's surgery tomorrow.. U all will be in my thoughts
and prayers during ur journey...
Earlier i posted about discover credit card, In Dr.M FAQ it states
that the hospital accepts most credit cards for the initial $4500
hospital fee...So does this mean only visa???? I know Dr. M takes
cash only. Wendy in N.C (hopefully switched on Sept.28th)
Hi Diane
Yep the flea market is where you want to go. You'll find all those things
and much more. Even if you don't find just what you want its fun to go and
watch the street performers. Go early though.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: zinnia55@... [mailto:zinnia55@...]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 5:10 PM
thankyou becca that was so sweet !!!
i think we are having surg on the same day?? your picture is so cute
how old are u and where do u live??
its about 7:55 pm cst...anyone wanna chat? I think I'll lurk around
the "room" for a bit
Darlene in Tx
i don't know what you plan to pay with a credit card........but for
those things that you are able to..........
a suggestion....
since Discover is where you have "space" but nobody in Brazil
accepts it.....and since taking cash advances usually means an
interest rate about 2 1/2 to 3 times as high as it would be
otherwise.............why not call them and find out THE BEST
balance transfer rate they would give you on your Discover
card........then do a balance transfer from your Visa or MC so that
you will have "space" on that card.
best wishes.
joanne
Arwen, I am so happy to hear that you have a surgery date.... Oct 26th!
Good for you. I saw your pics, I have to say you are a lovely young
woman. I know Freddy loves you just the way you are, and why not, you
are beautiful. I also know it is hard to love yourself when you are
overweight, plus you worry about your health in the future.
Gosh, October 26th will be here before we know it.
Becca
hi everyone i just found out im going to have my switch on oct 26th i
am sooo excited i can hardly contain myself I beleive robyn is the
same day??? let me know, id love to chat . it is all seeming realer
by the minute.. I cant even really imigine how my life is going to
change.. my guy freddy says he loves me fat and hell love skinny. he
is already planning the things well do togher he said that he had
just accepted that there were things i could not do but that is all
going to change hes talking about watter parks,rollerskating,and a
long life togher. my boys are teenagers so there intrest level is
well like teenagers but i know they love me pluss i have the
BEST MOM IN THE WHOLE WORLD love arwen
Hi Diane,
Sorry but no travelers checks either. You may find a few places that will
take them but most places wont.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: zinnia55@... [mailto:zinnia55@...]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 5:14 PM
prayers and lots of good thoughts for yall! God Bless and we will see ya
thinner!
48 and fab....but gonna be
50 and FABULOUS!!! health too
Darlene in Tx
As you know my plateau lasted 8 weeks and but didn't want to scare her. But
I lost 51 pounds in Brazil and since I went there floating away with edema
and CHF that isn't surprising. Half that 51 was simply fluid. Then I lost
23 in one day in October after that 8 week plateau and I thought I would
continue to see those numbers. No way......but while we all lose
differently most of us hit that first plateau about the same time. W
Lisa....yes it definitely is better to go with someone. Everyone who went
with someone is extremely glad they did. They had companionship and help.
But many of us have gone without someone. It may not be the best solution
and Dr. M prefers people bring someone because he likes us to have that
support..but for many of us it is the ONLY way to have the surgery. My
adult daughters couldn't leave work and family. My friends had obligations.
So...I was well taken care of by Durval, other Americans, Dr M and my AT&T
telephone card which kept getting more minutes added to it. Don't feel
badly that you are going alone. Just be glad you are going. That is the
bottom line. W
Cynthia....Dr. M doesn't do Plastic Surgery. Dr. Marchesini does the DS.
If you mean Dr. Fabio at MedNet his address is:
Vicki,
How exciting, you're already there!! I can't wait to get down there
and be switched over. I have been doing things everyday to be ready
to go, so I can rest the day before I leave. I hate being so tired
just before leaving on a trip, so I'm being as organized as possible.
I've had endoscopies before, and don't remember anything
either...Whatever they use is very effective.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Isha tomorrow. I know
you're going to do fine; you're in wonderful hands. Dr. M & God! WHat
a team! Let us know how you are doing, and Isha, as soon as you feel
up to it.
Hugs
Bev
Surgery Date 9/9 **SOON**
Kathy B.....more people than not hit a plateau their 3rd or 4th week. And it
tends to be a longish one as our body adjusts. But often that is when we
lose inches. Don't get discouraged. If your plateau lasts longer than you
think it should....just get out the tape measure and you'll feel better.
And by the time you despair that you are the one who the DS won't work for
and you are doing everything wrong.....the scale will show another loss.
Trust me. First you need a little agony and mental anguish. <g
know that I am giggling for you and not at you. I am so glad I past those
first few months. W
Lisa...I avoided Chinese for the longest time because I worried. Maybe I
could have eaten it sooner. I don't know but now I eat Chinese food and
have no problems..especially things like beef and broccoli, sweet & sour
chicken or some of the other stuff with tons of goodies in them. Then tend
to eat more fried rice than white rice because white rice would probably
fill me up quicker even after one year but you'll eventually be able to eat
more than you even dream of when it comes to choices....just not as much at
one time. W
i plan on taking cash, but also, what about travelers'
checks? i'll be dealing with a lot of money for two
surgeries.
diane
what about the flea market? anyone go?
i want unusual things--arts, crafts, jewelry, textiles, old
stuff.
ideas, anyone?
diane
Just wanted everyone to know that Isha and I are here in Brazil and
scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Isha will have hers at 11:00 and I
will have mine at 1:30.
We have gone out to a couple of very nice restaurants....the BBQ
place where music was too loud but food was great and to the Italian
restaurant today for lunch. It, too, had excellent food and very
nice waiters.
My plane trip was simply awful. I would advise a sleeping pill for
that long leg of the trip. You really NEED to sleep then because
you won't get much sleep the rest of the way. I also would advise
against heavy carryon luggage. I could barely lift mine and get it
in the overhead bin...luckily I found kind men who helped me. AND
get off that plane as quickly as you can when you arrive in Sao
Paulo and head for the immigration lines as fast as you possibly
can....the lines are unbelievable with all airline arrivals coming
in and ALL of you have to wait in line.
I also want to say that the endoscope is nothing whatsoever to be
concerned about. I had the needle in my hand and the doc asked me
if the needle hurt....then i was in the hallway with my purse in
hand and my papers. I remember nothing whatsoever between those
times even though Durval told me he gave me my purse and papers and
walked me to the chair. He and Isha thought it was very funny that
I can't remember. Durval also gave me a receipt from where I paid
for the tests and I didn't remember. As we were walking along, I
asked him if he had the receipt and he said he had given it to me.
I couldn't believe it when I found it folded in my purse! Isha
tells me that I asked her the same question 4 times...I don't
remember. LOL
I will go to meet Linda next door and check out the American boxes
in a little while.
Wish us luck here in Brazil!
Vicki
Wendy.I think Lisa is shootin for Oct 5 and I'm hopin for Oct 12-13...maybe we
can do a bit of shiftin and all be there together
Darlene in Tx
Hi Cynthia,
Dr Marchesini does not do plastic surgery. He mainly does WLS (especially
the DS). However he has worked with and recommends Dr. Cavalcanti. Doc C's
clinic is also in Curitiba and is only about a block from Doc M's office.
Hi u guys.. How is everyone? Good I hope. I have been real busy the
last couple of days trying to come up with these funds....Thats why u
guys havent heard my mouth!!! Miss me? I mised u...
-Does anyone know if they consider Discover a major credit card in
Brazil?
I thought about paying that $4500 with the Discover EVEN THOUGH I GET
CHARGED AN EXTRA 5%, right now it seems like my only option. My
grandmother decided to help me, and Discover is the only one not
maxed..
_I emailed Dr.M on the 18th and still no reply. He threw out a date
of Sept 28th and I told him I'd let him know last week and I did but
still no actual confirmation:( I know he is busy and I am very
patient I only emailed once...Just waiting ,waiting...
I hope I don't have to move it to Oct. for lack of being able to
sell my car, that would suck....
_I remember reading somewhere, who is going in Sept? More in likely I
will be alone....I'm not looking foward to that..
My hubby has started trippin... i thought he was ok with everything
in the beginning but it seems like now that things are coming
together, he is saying things like"what am i going to do while ur
gone"? or "what if u die"? "I think its too dangerous"?... "How will
i get to u if sumthing happens"? geeezzzzz he faked it in the
beginning, i thought we were the only ones that did that...lol lol lol
well u guys have a good day and god bless... wendy a.
Dr. M keeps most of his patients in the hosptial until they can do for
themselves. There are a couple of things you have to do, before he will
let you leave the hospital. You have to produce gas, you need to have a
bowel movement and then they will give you a leak test (do not wear an
underwire bra when you have your leak test or you will have to remove
it). Once you have gas and you have a bowel movement, then you can begin
sipping water, drinking chamomile tea, chicken/beef broth and eating
Jello. BTW, the broth at the hospital this time tasted pretty good. A
couple of years ago, it was not very tasty. I hope it tastes good while
you are there.
The only reason I got out of the hospital so soon, was because I had gas
and a bowel movement on the day after surgery. Usually this takes a
couple of days. I had a common channel of 100cm before my revision, so
I believe this is why I had gas and a BM so soon. Like I said, this
usually takes 2-3 days, so be patient, rest and focus on getting well.
There will be other Americans there, so you will not be alone for very
long. While you are in the hotel, tell Durval to let you know when any
Americans arrive, then you can call their rooms and introduce yourself.
Kathy called me as soon as I got to my room, and I was so tickled to
meet her. She and I bothered Lori in the hospital so much, Lori never
did get any rest.
Becca
Poor Lori, she was in so much pain from her arthritis, she was
miserable. I could tell her back was killing her, and I had never seen
her look so pale. Once she was in the hotel, and she could sleep in the
recliner, she finally began to get some rest.
Some day, I hope she can forgive me. I kept dragging her all over the
place, she was probably ready to kill me. Lucky for me, there were no
sharp knives in the room.
We travel together about 4 times a year, but we had never been through
anything like this, before. Maybe some day we will go get our boobs
lifted. Ahhh, something else we can experience together. LOL
Becca
Thanks for sharing that information with us, Linda. I did not realize
Curitiba had so many interesting places to visit. Choosing which places
to visit would be difficult. Now I will have to go back just to take the
tour.<g
Becca
Hi Lisa,
Anything made in Brazil is very cheap. Anything that has to be imported is
very expensive. I bought several leather coats while there. I paid about
$100 (US) each for coats that would have been $300-$500 here. Jewelry and
crafts are also very cheap. If there is something specific you want, ask
Anna. She will know where to go to get it and where to find good prices.
Also there is an antiques fair on Saturday (weather permitting). Mom
collects Hummels and was able to buy one worth a couple hundred dollars for
under 50 (US). On Sunday there is a flea market that runs from 9-2. You'll
find every kind of craft imaginable and all for very good prices.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: Lisa Cooper [mailto:lcooperett@...]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 11:22 AM
Hi, all. Several months ago I had been a member of a group that
discussed PS done by Dr. M. I lost my internet connection since then
and have to visit our local library to check email. I cannot find
the group now. Would someone kindly point me in the right direction
or if there is another group that discusses same? I had WLS in
October 2003 and am now gearing up for PS to handle all the loose
skin and muscle separation from the weight loss. Please help.
Thanks!
Cynthia
"Lisa Cooper" wrote: I'm sitting here eating some ABSOLUTELY
INCREDIBLE leftover Chinese food!
Lisa, Please let me clarify:
If you are asking the question "Will I EVER be able to eat Chinese
food after the DS?"
The answer is Yes.
Please remember that some people posting here are new post-ops, Some
are further along, and some had their surgery over a year ago.
While the rate at which individuals re-introduce certain foods
varies, most DS post-ops will be able to eat a varied diet much as
they did before the surgery. Whether they will CHOOSE to eat the
same foods they did before surgery is another matter.
I am now almost 8 weeks post-op. I just had boiled shrimp for lunch.
Last night I had baby back ribs with BBQ sauce. (the sauce was spicy
and contained a lot of sugar, like sesame chicken) Last night was an
exception, because I am CHOOSING to limit my carbs during the first
18 months to 2 years.
Certain carbs give me gas, and some foods give me loose stools, I am
still experimenting to determine which foods affect me in those
ways. I have found that I can take gas-X and it will help to control
the gassy foods, and increasing fiber helps with those foods that
seem to give me loose stools, but the bottom line is:
At 8 weeks I CAN eat anything I want! I may choose not to eat
certain foods, and the foods I choose not to eat may be different
from the foods someone else may choose not to eat.
I hope this helps
Mike Adams
7.5 weeks post-op
451 / 376 / 250-210
Start/Current/Goal
Hi Lisa,
The great thing about the DS is you really don't have to give up anything.
Oh sure it may be a while before you can deal with some foods, but
eventually you should be able to eat Chinese. In fact just a few days ago I
went to a Chinese place. It was my first restaurant experience post op. I
ate 1 spring roll, a few salty and spicy shrimp, and a tiny bit of Mongolian
chicken. It all agreed with me and I'm only 7 weeks post-op.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: Lisa Cooper [mailto:lcooperett@...]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 12:06 PM
Thank you, Dawn for helping me to understand about the malabsorbtion
that we experience post op. I understand now, why we have to up the
protein. I also completely understand (surprisingly) the whole deal
with the carbs from my years of low carbing. I lost a lot of weight
low-carbing and felt like a million bucks low carbing....obviously, I
couldn't keep it off, but I have a strong respect for a low carb
lifestyle and completely believe in the benefits of eating low carb
and getting your carbs from fruits and veggies. My kids eat pretty
low carb, still, and they all tell me that when I cook them a good
egg and bacon breakfast, that they stay awake throughout the day much
better and they aren't starving before lunch. They are proof, when
they admit that when they don't have donuts or cereal for breakfast,
that they feel much better and do better in school. Ramblin on
again....
Lisa in TX
Lisa,
Lacotose intolerance is on a person by person basis. Some people are just
more susceptible to it, you won't know yourself until you get there. Some
people are fine after a few weeks, some after a few months, and some can never
have
milk again. Some people develop lactose intolerance as they age whether they
have surgery or not.
Protein malnutrition is one of the major concerns with BPDDS patients. The
malabsorbative factor of the surgery means most simply (forgive me if it is too
simplified, but that is the only way I understand it) that our bodies cannot
absorb the same amount of protein from smaller amounts of food than we were
able to prior to surgery. Thus, the amount of protein required is raised to
ensure that our body gets enough. Protein is essential to keep the machine that
is your body running.
Too many carbs often results in people having gas. Although your digestive
system is more "intact" after BPDDS than with any other surgery, you are still
bypassing most of the absorbtion factors in your digestive process. Thus more
"complex" foods such as carbohydrates have less time to be mixed with the
"digestive juices" that help them break down. Many people develop trouble
breaking down complex carbohydrates (the more steps needed to process a food,
the
more "complex" it is, for example an apple has carbs, but they are not as bad
for you as a donut).
Also, another reason to limit the carb intake is because complex carbs are
very filling and are almost across the board high in calories. Complex carbs
turn into sugar in the body which causes a reaction in the body to produce extra
insulin to counteract the influx of sugar and this causes spikes in sugar
levels and can cause issues with hypoglycemia and/or diabetes. This is a major
reason that people feel tired an hour or so after they eat. There are studies
which show that complex carbs are habit forming. These are the foods that
people refer to as "comfort foods".
I am not promoting the complete elimination of carbs. I believe that people
can cut carbs too much which causes crankiness and hunger. Nevertheless,
complex carbs such as donuts or cookies should be replaced with "simpler carbs"
found in fruits and vegetables. There are many low-carb snacks on the market
that are very tasty and help me to not feel "deprived" as I strive to change my
eating habits.
I hope all of this helps. It comes from many books and medical journals that
I can give you a list of if you are interested...
Dawn
surgery date 9/14/04
I'm sitting here eating some ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE leftover Chinese
food! This place was named one of the top 10 best Chinese restaurants
in the entire Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex! It's THAT good! Okay...calm
down......I'm wondering if this is something that I won't ever be
able to eat again after surgery? Sesame chicken, lo mein, and
Mongolian Beef...isn't good Chinese food cooked with a lot of grease
and sugars. AND it's spicy? Are spicy foods going to be a problem?
Just wondering.....I'd rather be skinny than to get to eat Chinese
food, but oh my goodness, it's good!! Very small servings later on???
Needing to go finish my laundry and get OFF of the dang computer!
Lisa in TX
Why in the world would this surgery all of a sudden make a person
lactose intollerant? Since the actual stomach funcion is not really
altered, why does that happen? Same thing with eating too many
carbs? Why does that make you sick? And why do we need to eat so
many protein grams? Is that how many protein grams we ALL need to be
eating weather we've had WLS or not? Sometimes when I'm laying awake
at 4 o'clock in the morning, I just think about things. I'm so
consumed with this whole process!!! Thanks for your answers....
Lisa in TX
I am wondering what some of the gotta-have bargains are in Brazil?
Is there anything that is WAAAYYY cheaper than you can by it here so
you just HAVE to get it or get several of them to bring home?? Cheap
Christmas gifts? I hear leather is kinda cheap in Brazil but I
haven't heard anyone talk about buying a leather coat, so maybe I
just dreamed it. I'm curious to hear some great bargain stories!
Lisa in Texas
Becca....I think I'm with ya on this one! I am definitely a bounce
back kind of a person and I will do everything to be out of the bed
and walking and whatever it takes to recover as fast as safely
possible. I'm one that feels like I don't have time to be laying
around or sitting around. The world is flying by and I'm missing
it. That's the main reason I'm having this surgery. I don't have
any co-m's, just the fact that it takes me too long to get out of the
floor when I'm playing with my kids and I get sweaty and hot when I'm
just doing the laundry. I HATE being down, so HOPEFULLY, I'll be
able to bounce back and get on with my life as usual as fast as
safely possible. Because, like you, I don't have an health problems
(thank God), maybe I'll be one of the fortunate ones that bounces
back really quickly! The day after surgery, I'll be eating my words
thinking "what have I done?!"
Hi,
I finally figured out how to put my picture on here. It isn't a very
good one, but it is me! I will try to get a better one on later.
Robin Green
surgery date 10-26-04 YIPEEE!!!!
::::sniff sniff::::: I want a switch buddy. I just read where Dave
is emphasizing again how important it is to have a support person
there and there's just no way. I hope I don't regret not taking
someone, but I'm actually kinda looking forward to having some time
alone. Yet, all the way in BRAZIL, it may be a VERY LONELY kind of
alone that I am not expecting...so who knows. I guess if I'm forced
to do for myself in the hotel, maybe that counts for getting up and
around a little faster, huh? Anyway, I hope somebody ends up having
surgery that week of Oct. 5th. By the way, I did NOT hear from Dr. M
this weekend and I sent him my email request for a surgery date last
Thursday. I sent it to jbmarchesini@.... Is that the
correct address?
Thanks for all the well wishes for my husband coming around. He did
admit that it's all because he's afraid of something bad happening
and messing up our world! I have to understand that, but why in the
heck can't a man just say when you first bring it up that he's scared
instead of going through all the crap and tears that had to lead UP
to that point over several days time!! Geeze!! That comment "BE A
MAN!" should actually be "BE A WOMAN!"
Congrats Robin on all the great news. With your entire family
supporting you, your husband will definitely come around.
I think I got the file to upload correctly. Check it out, and if there are
any questions, let me know and I'll try to correct it. When I didn't write
anything it probably meant, I didn't know.
Duh,
Linda
I told you it would be Sunday. I know how he works. Tomorrow he will see
patients in the office and Tues/Wed will be operating on Americans. Someone
else ( Robin??) is also being switched on the 26th so Arwin has a switch
sister. Or is it Lisa C.? Saw all the pictures from you at Altamont to the
current one you already sent me. W
I forgot to post...when i was doing this experminting stuff, one of
the drinks i made that was pretty good(well in my opion) was seltzer
water or club soda and watermelon juice...i have a juicer, so i can
juice anything...it was refreshing, not to sweet, but with a kick to
it, like a coke.i also liked pear juice with the soda water....but
not as much as the watermelon
this is sooooo exciting! we heard from dr. m this
evening--and arwen's switch date is october 26th. her
date with destiny. she doesn't even know it yet--it's 1:00
am here and i just got the email.
this is soooooooo great!
by the way, i added an album for her--her before
pictures. the start of her journey. her album is called
'arwen's journey'. mine is 'diane's saga.' so it's your
mother and daughter team, and all is well tonight in the
wee hours here in eastern washington state.
diane
I've always heard get 80-100 grams of protein and another DS
nutritionist said only 50-75 carbs a day at the most.
Amanda
Hi everyone,
I've posted occassionally to the old group but now that I'm 3-1/2 weeks post-op
I'll tell the tale.
George and Becca are good friends and when Becca mentioned, early this year,
that she was going to Brazil for surgery and perhaps I'd consider going also, I
started to think seriously about the pros & cons.
I've seen George's transformation first hand and am amazed - not just his
emergence into hunkdom but the health advantages and how free he now is to enjoy
so much more.
I needed some major changes to improve my quality of life also. I researched,
printed, studied all forms of WLS and agreed that DS was the best way to go.
My surgery was 07/29/04 early a.m., just a few hours after Becca's. I was
admitted the night before and was able to see Becca briefly in her room. She
looked great even with an oxygen assist.
I spent 5 days in the hospital, going to the hotel on Monday p.m.. Becca greated
me with a large bowl of jello. She was able to leave the hospital after just 2
days and looked great.
I felt like a big wimp - no energy, quite sore and needing the recliner.
The recliner was a Godsend. I've slept in a recliner for over 3 years because of
degenerative arthritis and could not get comfortable in the hospital bed or
chair.
Becca helped get me moving ..... my energy was so low and my mobility (on my
best pre-surgery days) is very compromised ...... we went to the stores, Dr.
appointments and even up to the roof for a wonderful view of the city ........
and she introduced me to Ana.
Becca left on Thursday the 5th and I extended my stay till the 9th. I was the
only American there for a day and then Linda, Konstantin and his wife arrived.
Determined to see some of the city, I arranged with Ana, a trip to the Ave of
the Flowers .... Linda and her companion came along also. I did more sitting
than shopping but enjoyed the trip.
Ana stopped at a Canadian company where I got 618 Reals for $200. ..... a good
rate.
Sunday was a trip to the flea market .... it was quite cool and I was able to
shop longer than before.
Dr Marchesini visited the hotel that evening and I saw him again in his office
the next morning.
I passed Durval with Konstantin on the way to his endoscopy and reminded Durval
of my 2:00 departure for the airport.
Now Durval had been great in the hospital - cleaning my oopses, because I
couldn't move fast enough to the potty and he had checked on me every day at the
hotel but he dropped the ball on that last Monday. I was packed, ready and
waiting at 1:30. Durval had told me he'd pick me up at 2:00 for my 4:00 flight.
At 2:20 I called him .... he said he'd be there .... at 2:30 I called him back
and he said something about the airport I couldn't understand.
I decided to wait downstairs and when I got there Ana just arriving. Durval had
gone to the airport to pick someone up but had forgotten to take me. As it
turned out Ana checked me in, got them to check my second crutch as luggage
(they wanted to charge me $75.00), arranged for a wheelchair and stayed with me
for a while. I highly recommend using her when you're leaving.
Since I've been home my energy is slowly returning ..... the soreness is
diminishing and the small seroma continues to drain.
My PCP was pleasantly surprised to see how good the surgery scar looks, how
great I'm doing - she even hugged me.
As you can see my tale is typical ..... except for one thing........
My pre-surgery weight was 202 - BMI 34.75...... and I had no co-morbidities, but
a family history of females up to 400 lbs.
Why the surgery? ....... and why did Dr. Marchesini agree to do the DS?
I have End-stage Arthritis in both feet, degenerative in both knees, one hip,
one shoulder, both hands/elbows/wrists and in the spine, exacerbated by Spinal
Stenosis and involving several verterbrae and discs.
I've also lost 2 inches of height in less than 10 years .... I 'm 57...... no
Osteoporosis yet.
If I can lose 70-80 lbs it will allieviate the strain on my less than adequate
joints and perhaps I'll be able to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine.
Dr. Marchesini agreed, after first suggesting a Fobi Pouch. I rejected the pouch
and the Dr decided to go with a 100 cm common channel.
I have confidence this will help
I'll end the rambling for now .... post some tips later.
Lori K - Venice Florida, barely kissed by Charley
D was like that if you know who she is. Her surgery was the day after mine.
Two days later she struggled down the hall to visit me pushing an IV. But
two days beyond that she and Amber were running all over Curitiba and every
time they visited me in the hospital I would be amazed at how much they had
done. They bought souvenirs for my grandsons, they went to Wal-Mart, they
went here and they went there. I've had many surgeries and this one was
different for me obviously because of my medical status but
still.....sometimes people really bounce back quickly. You just can't plan
on it. It's one of those things you don't know until the time comes. And
luckily our bodies carry enough vitamins and nutrition to get us through the
first couple months because it was a good 2-3 months until I consistently
got in 60 grams of protein and had a vitamin schedule down pat that worked
for me. Now everything is automatic and easy but the first 12 weeks
everything is a learning process. That is why I get so angry at people who
say this is the easy way out. W
Sorry Dave, what a bummer. You can still have your spuds mashed, though. Just
use yogurt in place of the milk. Mayo works well, too, and adds a nice tang.
Or use both.
I'd be careful of smashed spuds outside of your home, though.
By the way, you WILL LEARN. Problem is, by the time you learn milk won't bother
you any more! Ain't life grand? Hugs, Sherry
river <shriver@...
Hi everyone,
Ok I'm an idiot. You'd think after living for 30 years I would be smarted,
but oh no, I'm still stupid.
Last night I ate some mashed potatoes. Do you know what they put in mashed
potatoes? Yep that's right, MILK. And what's the one thing that makes me
really sick? Milk of course. Gah I'll never learn. :-)
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 8/21/04 196.0 Total Loss 64.5 Weekly loss/gain
0.4
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo
Just read that Robin is having surgery October 26th and leaving October 24th
so you may have your switch buddy. W
Thanks, let me know when you are going. I could always use a buddy!
Robin.
PS I lived on an Island in the S. Pacific in 2001 for 6 months. The
Island of SAIPAN. It is near Guam and that is why I use that name.
I got it when I lived there so family could email me.
That sounds so wonderful. Congratulations. I am also going on Oct.
24th to have my surgery. I wish my DH was as happy and understanding
as yours. Good Luck!!!
Robin
Hi Robin,
Congratulations! It sounds like you had a great day. I know all of us
post-ops remember how excited we were when we got a date from Doc M. Its
great that your family is being so supportive. Hopefully your husband will
come around eventually. He is of course welcome to come here to the group
and ask questions and hear our stories (if you think it would help).
I'm often the lone voice on this but. please please please take someone with
you to Brazil. Doc M prefers his patients have a support person. You will
have a much easier and more enjoyable time if you can take someone with
you.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
_____
From: saipanmom [mailto:jkrdrmom@...]
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2004 8:16 PM