Weight loss

Hi Bev,
Welcome to the other side.
Yep I agree about the damn binder. We all hate them. I'm counting the days
until I can burn mine.
Clear Skies,
Dave "24 days to binder freedom" in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

HEY Bev!! Great to hear you are doing SO well!!! No pain! You
rock! I hope your hip and back starts feeling better soon! You know
it will! It's just a matter of time, now. I will never get sick of
hearing how wonderful everyone's experience is. Thanks for sharing
how great everyone is. I'm so at peace because of you all...well,
it's a yipping kind of a peace...but it's peace. You know what I mean.
(Tracy...I bet your yippers getting revved up about now!!) . Have a
great week, Bev. Congratulations! You've MADE IT!!
Lisa
Oct 2 - 16 days til departure!!

Hey Groupies,
I was released about noon from the Hospital, and now I'm nestled
down in my room...It's Brrrrr cold here today, so it's a
great 'hunkering down' day.
I am doing very well, and having no pain today, except for my
ongoing Osteoarthritis pain in hip and lower back. I am amazed I am
doing so well, given my age (57) and Co Morbibs, but I left it to
Dr. M and God, and felt so many prayers, love and good wishes from
everywhere, including this wonderful group.
I cannot say enough good and positive things about my experience.
Dr. M is such a marvelous man, and never seemed to tire of my
endless questions! Durval was like a right hand..he did so much to
help me, and the people in the Hotel and Hospital are outstanding.
If I could "whine" about one thing, at this point, it would be this
blasted Binder!!! ARGGGG! But, I'm going to be a good girl and wear
it so, at the end of the 3 months I plan to have a BINDER BURNING
party.
I have met Dawn, Kate was arriving just as I was getting back to the
hotel, and I expect to meet her later this evening. Diane had a nice
visit after I got back today. She is too sweet.
I hope all of you in Florida are oput of harms way, and the rest of
you, dear friends, doing well.
Ciao,
Bev
On the other side now

I do have a question about instant messaging back with my family. I
have AOL and you can only use one screenname or person on each
account at a time. Meaning....If I'm on in Brazil...hooked into AOL
on my usual screenname wanting to chat with my daughter who is here
at home....she can't sign on while I'M signed on because we only have
the ONE account with 5 screennames. How does that work? Do I need

WOOOOHOOOO!!!! Kate's made it! I don't know anything about
computers....but I just wanted to say YAY...she's there...which I'm
thinking is probably the hardest part...just GETTING there! Or maybe
STAYING there when your homesick? Anyway, thanks for the update!
I'm sure she'll send us a note when she has some rest.
ugh....thinking about that long flight is giving me the YIPS!!!! You
have NO IDEA how much I SUCK at traveling! I'm the biggest weeny on
the PLANET! On a 4 hour trip to Houston...after about an hour, I'm
figiting and going CRAZY to get up and out of that CAR! "Are we
there yet?" is MY nagging question...not the kids! Maybe I should
get ahold of a serious sleeping pill and hopefully I could sleep most
of the way to Curitiba. Couse after I get my Bucky neck pillow, my
ear plugs and my face mask....I'd be embarrassed for people to see me
with all that slobber running down into my cleavage! Speaking of
cleavage...I'm gonna miss it. LOL!!! Get some rest Kate and check
in! Where in the world IIIISSSSSSS everybody??? Am I the only fuddy
duddy that also has NO LIFE??
Lisa
Oct. 2 - 16 days till departure!!

Hi Teresa!
I just got back from a 5-day trip with no email access. Please let
us know how things progress. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Mike Adams

Hi,

Hello veryone,
I've definitely come to the conclusion that I HATE soy! Why is it that
every thing that is high in protein has to be made from soy. Yuck yuck
YUCK!
Clear Skies,
Dave "suffering through a nasty soy based protein drink" in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs
Surgery Weight: 377lbs
Weight on September 6, 2004: 305lbs
Total Loss on September 6, 2004: -72bs

Thank Heaven it looks like Ivan may keep going west and we may be safe again.
Thank you everyone for your good thoughts. I love you all.
Deborah Powell
88 pounds gone

<LOL
Candy
06.03.03

<clip

Hey, I look like a sharpei. I could be nude and nobody would see anything
worth looking at
Can you imagine the look on Dr. M's face. HE is such a dignified man. ;- D
And oh my goodness, since most of us are women, poor Durval would pass out
from sheer horror. HEHEHAHAHAH

Diane,
You gals sound like you're having fun as well as surgery! Hope you
have a great trip home too.
Kate called from Atlanta and is having an "uneventful" trip so far.
Delta Airlines said that they would route her bag all the way to
Curitiba, but we'll see... I sure hope so.
Kate is looking forward to meeting all you folks on the American
floor.
Kathy P (Katie's mom)
BMI 58, 352.5 lbs at consult
Surgery: Dr. Kenneth Welker
(DS, Cholecystectomy, Toupet fundoplication, Umbilical hernia repair)
Nov 19th,'01
346 lbs size 32-34 day of surgery
Today, BMI 29.1, 175 lbs, size 14-18 (depending)
"The only thing different in sinners and saints.... is one is
forgiven and the other one ain't!"
Vipperman, Rudd and Worley--sung by George Jones

I do remember the exhausted. It does get better. Meanwhile try to
rest as much as you can. Anything that you don't have to get done
should wait for a few months. Get your strength back and give your
body the rest it needs.
I lost my weight from surgery completely differently than I had in
the last 100 diet losses. Odd that. I've heard it from others
too.
On the pills. I finally got myself those plastic pill minder
things. I love them. I have 3 of the 7 day from Walgreens. I
marked them Morning, Middday and Bedtime. I load them up once a
week. Works very well for me. They are stacked in a visible place
in my bathroom and that helps me remember the Midday one because it
sometimes try to slip past me.
Candy
06.03.03

Dear Ones,
I have had a nice time visiting family, so haven't been online, but I need
to shop before I go home to Japan, for what whey drinks and liquid vitamins
etc. I need. Can someone remind me really quick, what are the three things
or are there more we can take for foul stools and gas? Bean-o isn't working
for me...and yes, I am avoiding fats and sugars.
LindaD
8/9/2004 by Dr. M

Hi Konstantin,
At 9 weeks out I still get tired quicker than I would like. It does get
better though. I remember at 1 month out it took almost nothing to wear me
out and I am much better now. I still get some stinging in my incision area
if I over do it. This improves with time too. Most days I don't even
notice the incision (well except for the damn binder).
We all seem to lose weight in our face first. I remember when I was in
Brazil Doc M commented he could tell Mike was losing weight because he could
see Mike's collar bones. The first place I noticed my weight loss was my
feet and my face.
My bathroom times have finally settled to about 3-4 a day. For me its twice
in the morning (one before and one after my shower) again at 11am and then
once in the evening after dinner. So this improves with time too. At 1
month out I was probably going 10-15 times a day.
Everyone hates the damn binder. Doc M says to wear it for 3 months so that
is what I'm going to do, but I HATE the damn thing.
Here is a tip for counting your vitamins. Lay out all of them at the
beginning of the day. That way you can keep track of how many you have
taken and how many more you need.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

No suggestions, Deb. But if it will help, remember I love you. Hugs, Sherry
Nightsewer@... wrote:Well, this hurricane thing is getting the best of most
of us here in Florida.
We survived Charley, was pestered by Frances. They say three times is the
charm. There is no charm in Ivan. I have been here 50 years and this one
worries me. We are already rain swollen and cannot stand any more rain.
I have been quiet about the lump in my stomach since the fall on July 17th.
I have had a sonagram, X rays, CT scan and stool specimens taken. They have
ruled out a hernia, but think it is a hematoma. They also found a hemangioma
on my liver and a postivie results from blood in the stool. I now am suppose
to have a colonoscopy and an endoscopy.
When Charley came through they had to reschedule my test. Would you believe
they have schedule my test for Wednesday. I have now been worrying about
these last two test for two weeks. I can bet they are going to get cancelled
because of Ivan. This waiting game is not fun. Weather wise or test wise.
Question to Wendy and the others who are DS'ers who have had test after the
DS. You know the drill for colonoscopy. The phoshorus Soda routine. Being
that my intestines are so different, I know they want to have everything
cleaned out so they can see. But, I hate that Soda routine with a passion.
Do
I need to do anything different than that of a normal patient? The last
time this was done I passed out for a 20 min. Laid on the bathroom floor in the
middle of the night before hubby found me. I am just afraid that this might
be too strong for my stomach.
I tried to talk to the doctor about this but he just said that I should do
what the directions say. GOD HOW I HATE THAT PHOSHORUS SODA. Can I say that
enough. Any suggestions.
Deborah
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 8/28/04 192.0 Total Loss 68.5 Weekly loss/gain
2.0
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo

4 1/2 weeks out...
I am exhausted at the end of the day... everyday
I still feel minor pain from time to time in and around the incision area..
but Tylenol takes care of that..
I can walk around work but I look for the nearest chair .....
my face shows the weightl loss most prominently but itseems to work from top
down
I kinda am taking on the look of a fig. thinner on top larger as we go
down.... heh heh.
MY blood preasure has gone from 170 over 120 (with full medication) to 128
over 80.
I still go running to the bathroom early morning and evening (about 4 times
a day) .. I suggest the use of Cottennelle mosit wipes....
I sleep better and dont wake up 7 times a night.
I hate my binder ( damn back aches) but I don't want a hernia or a wide
ribbon scar so I will continue for the full time required to wear it.
I keep making the mistake of drinking to much water at once instead of
sipping a little over a long period. but I will adjust.
My wife Zhenya has been a Saint through this whole process.... I am so
lucky.
I must be patient and wait out the slight reoccuring pains (they fade
more and more every day)
And I have to learn to take these damn Citricals in the proper number... ( I
always seem to be off by one or two at the end of the day)
Konstantin
L. Stewart

Deb..........
i am SO sorry you are having to go through all this.
i have not had any of these tests post op so am no help at all there.
my son and his family say the same things you do re these blasted
hurricanes this year.
bet Carole has had enough of them too.
will certainly be praying for all of you.
and for you re the medical problems as well.
bless you sweetie.
joanne

Hello Everyone--Just an update to the group on those of us in
Curitiba. Brittany left for home yesterday; she saw Dr M on Thursday
and ..... drumroll please..... lost 20lbs!!!! Carmen and I had
breakfast and then walked over to the hospital to see Bev. She was
sleeping, so we left without visiting, but she looks great, was up in
the chair. I'm progressing nicely; adding more foods into my diet
without problem and gradually increasing my walking. Still can't
sleep on my side which is driving me nuts. I'm getting antsy to get
home; my friend Carmen is leaving today, my turn to leave is on Wed.
I have my appointment with Dr M on Monday; can't wait to see how much
I've lost. Dawn and her friend arrived yesterday morning; I believe
Kate will be arriving tomorrow. Right now we are all on the 12th
floor, so it's been very convenient for visiting and sharing the
American Boxes. (Speaking of which--for anyone coming down, a nice
addition to the box would be a measuring cup--for making the jello,
etc post op)
Diane
9/02/04

Hi Wendy,
Deep breaths!
Sorry to hear about your hernia. If it is not something Doc M can deal with
during your DS I'm sure its something that can be addressed a year down the
road.
Ulcers usually aren't a problem either. In fact often times Doc M is able
to remove many of them when he does the vertical gastroplasty. I have never
heard of anyone not getting to have the DS due to the results of the
endoscope in Brazil.
It will all work out for you Wendy.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

Well, this hurricane thing is getting the best of most of us here in Florida.
We survived Charley, was pestered by Frances. They say three times is the
charm. There is no charm in Ivan. I have been here 50 years and this one
worries me. We are already rain swollen and cannot stand any more rain.
I have been quiet about the lump in my stomach since the fall on July 17th.
I have had a sonagram, X rays, CT scan and stool specimens taken. They have
ruled out a hernia, but think it is a hematoma. They also found a hemangioma
on my liver and a postivie results from blood in the stool. I now am suppose
to have a colonoscopy and an endoscopy.
When Charley came through they had to reschedule my test. Would you believe
they have schedule my test for Wednesday. I have now been worrying about
these last two test for two weeks. I can bet they are going to get cancelled
because of Ivan. This waiting game is not fun. Weather wise or test wise.
Question to Wendy and the others who are DS'ers who have had test after the
DS. You know the drill for colonoscopy. The phoshorus Soda routine. Being
that my intestines are so different, I know they want to have everything
cleaned out so they can see. But, I hate that Soda routine with a passion.
Do
I need to do anything different than that of a normal patient? The last
time this was done I passed out for a 20 min. Laid on the bathroom floor in the
middle of the night before hubby found me. I am just afraid that this might
be too strong for my stomach.
I tried to talk to the doctor about this but he just said that I should do
what the directions say. GOD HOW I HATE THAT PHOSHORUS SODA. Can I say that
enough. Any suggestions.
Deborah

Good Luck to you Kate,
Your going to change your whole life now.... for the best...
God bless you and major good luck to yas.
Konstantin

Diane,
If this helps any, I didn't pay extra for expedited service and I received my
passport 3 weeks and 2 days after I applied for it. I don't know when
Arwen's application went in, but I'm thinking it had to be at least a week or
two
ago. So you should receive it in plenty of time if my experience is any
indication.
Janice
10/20/04
In a message dated 9/10/2004 6:58:16 PM Eastern Standard Time,
zinnia55@... writes:

WOOOHOOO KAte.... I hope u have a safe trip. Make sure someone keeps
us updated on how great ur doing...
AAAWWWWWWW I bet ur so excited!!!!! I cant wait!!So what day will u b
returning home?
I am arriving in Curitiba on 9/26/04
Well good luck sweetie! U will be in my thought and prayers
Hugggs Kisses
Wendy A.
18 days to go@@@@

Hi,
I'm leaving in the morning (Sat) and will be arriving in Curitiba on
Sunday morning. I look forward to seing those of you who will be
down there at the same time.
My mom, Kathy P. in Arlington,WA, who had her D.S. with Dr. Welker
in Nov. of 2001, has been a lurker here since the beginning of the

Hey u guys...
Of course I am FREAKIN OUT!!!!! I went to PCP today and got the
results of sum of my test, YIKES huge hernia....I had already emailed
DR. M days ago and told him I thought I might have one, but u know
him he just assured me that whatever we had to do we would.. My pcp
said I would be fine to go on with the surgery and just have them fix
the hernia when I went back for a tummy tuck.. So I was a little
relieved. Now Im just waiting on Dr. M's reply cause I faxed him all
of the results.
During this process being I dont have any money to just waste I had
decided to wait until my test were done to buy my airline ticket,
cause i found a place that can have my visa in 2-3 days..So now all
that is left is the endoscopsy WOOOHOOOO i have that done on tuesday
morning.. One thing I forgot to ask Dr. M is does he still perform
the DS if endoscopy shows ULCERS?
Ohhhh and listen to this... I love lil Dortha she has been so sweet
to me... Today i told her to email itenararies good through the 15th
and she emailed and said ok here they r!!!! But NO LINK WAS THERE!!!
lol and she will be on vacation all of next week....YIKES!!!!!
MY surgery date is set for the 28 th and I am STRESSING!!!!!!
People that r not having theirs until October have more done than
me...hehe
Thats why I havent been on here much,so much to do@@@@@@ I read all
of he post everynight but dont always reply....SORRY:( Things r so
crazee, it seems like when mommy decided to do sumthing for me
everything falls apart, its almost like they r trying to get me to
change my mind.. They act like they cant live without me for 1 day
let alone 2 weeks!!!Well there is all of my babbling!!! I love u guys
ty for the support!!
Good luck ladies in Brazil, u r in my thoughts and prayers
everyday..Kisses and Hugggsss to u girls!!!
Wendy A
18 Days to go!!!! wooohooooo YIIIPPPEEEE

i found the official site for u.s. passports, which is:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html
i emailed them requesting a status report on my
daughter's application, and asked them if i could get
expedited service after we've sent in the application.
good site, for those who need it. maybe it belongs in the
files?
diane

was ABRIGGS.
i found them online.

Carla.....
revisions are a bit more than "virgin" weight loss surgeries.
Dr M determines how much the diff will be based on what he will have
to do.
my best suggestion would be to email him and tell him about
yourself..........what you had done before, any co-morbs etc and see
what he says.
sometimes it takes a few days for a response but he will get back to
you.
hugs.
joanne

Well this is my first step into finding out about Brazil, Thanks to
Lisa Copper whom I chatted with in obesityhelper - I was able to find
this group. Has anyone had the Molina band and then went to Dr. M in
Brazil for the DS?? If so, would you please share if there was any
added costs to the surgery, feelings after surgery, and etc..
Thanks,
Carla

Hi Margie,
I believe you're right. It's a personal choice. But remember,
even when you're two years out you still have a smaller stomach and
things still don't work like they do in a normal person's anatomy.
I'd recommend at least breaking them in half to help along with
absorbtion and breakdown. We wont absorb everything from teh
vitamin anyway. Breaking it in half can help that a bit. Just a
thought. YMMV.
~~Andy in Bremerton, WA
Surgery, March 30,2004

Oh, you'll be fine...didn't you send it in a week or two ago...or
more that that, actually, didn't you? I just notices that I put at
the end of my name that it's 27 days till departure! That is SO
wrong...it's ummmm....18 DAYS TILL DEPARTURE!!!! And 22 DAYS TILL
MY BIG SWITCH!!! So, it's even closer than we thougth! As far as
the passport goes...are you expecting it any day now? I got mine
expedited, and they said it would be 14 days and I got it in 10 days
and that was even with the Labor Day holiday in the middle of that.
I got my tickets and then went to the Visa office yesterday and that
will be back by the 17th. So THAT is only taking 7 or 8 days.
You'll be fine.
Lisa
Oct. 2...18 DAYS TIL DEPARTURE!!

I check in periodically....and NOTHING is happening! Everybody must
be doing GREAT!
Lisa
Oct. 2
27 days til departure! ::::little bit of the yips creapin up on me::::

Hi Everyone!
Between Sherry's Hoppy Dance description and then
Andy's "clothes shopping w/ Omar the Tent maker"... which
he no longer needs!!! Way to go!! I laughed so
hard and long I woke up the cat! Sometimes a really
good laugh is a wonderful way to begin a day!
Thank you!! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Gloria in Windy Chicago
Surgery 12/9/03 292.5 lbs
09/09/04 ...202 lbs.
(Still cannot crack the onesies!!)
Goal weight for 5'10" is 160 lbs.
Learning is a Life-Long process which keeps us young
in heart and mind!

Carole it is so good to see you posting.
i think of you and what you have been through often.
continued best wishes.
joanne

I cut my citrical and centrum in half.
~~Andy

Ann.....
others on this list have had revisions from previous weight loss
surgeries.
Dr M is a gifted surgeon.
i would send him an email, tell him about you and see what he says.
sometimes it takes a few days for a response as he is not oly gifted
but busy.
best wishes.
joanne

I've heard of mini bypass, but I have no idea of a revision can be done. I'd
e-mail Dr. M at jbmarchesini@.... He can tell you.
Carole
annie30350 <annie30350@...
Hi,
Had the mini gastric bypass and want to know if it's possible to do
a revision to the DS?
Is anyone familiar with if this is possible?
Thanks. Ann

Thank you, Wendy. He's my heart. I don't know what kind of blessing my
retirement might be. I drive the poor man nuts! Even he admits it. <G
damn. Hugs, Sherry
Wendy Held <w.wendyh@...
didn't realize things have
continued to deteriorate. I hate to say it but your forced "retirement" is
probably a blessing in disguise. It sounds like you have a tough time of it
and thank goodness your diabetes is gone and you are better able to give him
the care...and devotion he requires. Life can be sad sometimes. W

Hi,
Had the mini gastric bypass and want to know if it's possible to do
a revision to the DS?
Is anyone familiar with if this is possible?
Thanks. Ann

Long tongs are good but this also goes to my suggestion that many people
have liked. I took my backscratcher and don't know how I lived without it.
I used it to scratch an itch on my leg so I wouldn't have to bend over. If
I dropped something on the floor I could reach and push it closer to me so
it was just below me. I probably found 10-15 uses for it a day. Even in
bed in the hospital if I couldn't reach something on the tray and didn't
want to move positions I could pull it within's arm's reach. I still use it
today but then it was the best thing I brought. W

Sherry..I knew Jim wasn't doing well but didn't realize things have
continued to deteriorate. I hate to say it but your forced "retirement" is
probably a blessing in disguise. It sounds like you have a tough time of it
and thank goodness your diabetes is gone and you are better able to give him
the care...and devotion he requires. Life can be sad sometimes. W

If you have a choice, Joanne, don't grow one of these things. Unless, of
course, you particularly like the 7 month pregnant look. <g
me today what I thought was wrong with me. I answered that I thought I had a
hernia, and he grinned and said, "or you're pregnant." Since he performed my
hysterectomy a number of years ago, he probably had an inkling that the hernia
diagnosis was correct! Hugs, Sherry
classsi_fied <bjrfromwa@...
i think i am growing one of those blasted things myself.
hugs to ya friend.
joanne
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 8/28/04 192.0 Total Loss 68.5 Weekly loss/gain
2.0
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo

I had the same thing and I am PREOP! I think the test is just
routine to rule it out. It is only a blood test anyhow, so you might
as well just for your own piece of mind.
Robin

Hey Nina!
my doctor had the same reaction. My hepatitis test came out negative but I still
go in every few weeks for bloodwork to make sure the enzymes are on a downward
trend. So far so good. I gave my doctor Dr. M's email address as well and they
communicated with each other.
Whether the hepititis test is absolutely necessary, I can't say, but it's a
normal reaction from your PCP.
Hope everything is going well otherwise!!
Michelle
ninabwright <ninabwright@...
I just got my first labs back and I have a question (okay, I will be
hearing from Dr. M I am sure, but I want to hear from y'all 'cause
I'm impatient.)
My liver enzymes are all elevated... which I thought was normal
during periods of rapid weight loss, and that it is no big deal.
But my pcp wants me to be tested for hepatitis. Is this really
necessary?
Nina Wright
Chelle

sorry to hear about the delay.
keeping you in my prayers.
joanne

Darlene,
I'm sorry they put off your test until Tuesday. I hate waiting. I know you
do too. I'll be thinking about you this weekend. Hang in there!
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/160/135-140?

I just got my first labs back and I have a question (okay, I will be
hearing from Dr. M I am sure, but I want to hear from y'all 'cause
I'm impatient.)
My liver enzymes are all elevated... which I thought was normal
during periods of rapid weight loss, and that it is no big deal.
But my pcp wants me to be tested for hepatitis. Is this really
necessary?
Nina Wright

Just wondering? do most cut their Citrical or Crush them?
How about your Centrums?
Konstantin

your excitement is obvious <g
i did not pay the hospital with a cc so can't answer that one.
Dr M is paid in actual cash....American dollars...as is Durval.
the hotel will take Visa or MC.
tips, cabbies etc should be in Reals.
internet access is not free.....the best rate for it depends on how
long you are going to be there.
i paid by the month and was very satisfied with the rate......under
$30 for the month as i recall.
i had my own laptop with me.
the hotel does also have computers available in the business
center....not sure of the rate that way....but i think it is an
hourly rate.
hugs.
joanne

I paid for my tests at the hospital with a credit card, but I did not
pay for the surgery with a CC. Talk to Dr. M and tell him you want to
pay with a CC and see what he says.
Dr. M and Durval want cash in US dollars. I left tips in Reals.
The hotel takes credit cards, so do the stores, the pharmacy and most
restaurants.
You can bring a laptop or you can use the computers at the Business
Center on the 2nd floor of the hotel. I have done both. They charge
you a few Reals per day. It is around $2.00 US.
Curitiba seems like a safe city. I had no problem walking around the
city and I never felt threatened. I understand why you hesitate to take
lots of money with you, but in the past 2 1/2 years, nobody has had any
trouble. Still, you should always be careful with how you carry your money.
Robin, your time is almost here.
Becca

Hi,
I am getting VERY excited. I leave for Curitiba in about 43 days!
I will be leaving St. Louis on the 22nd or 23rd (going to buy my
airline tickets this weekend YIPEEEEE!)
I know the Hospital takes credit cards or cash. If you pay by credit
card, how do you do it? Has anyone done it and how did it go? I
would rather use my credit card because if I do I get free interest
rate for now.
When you bring Cash to Dr M, does is have to be in actual CASH or can
you us travelers checks or money orders or bank drafts? If you take
CASH can it be in US dollars or does he want Reals? I am kind of
nervous about carrying that much cash around.
Does the Hotel take credit cards?
What about Durval? Does he want US cash or Reals?
I am assuming most restaraunts and tips for hotel people and cabs
should be in Reals?
Is the Hotel internet access free? Do they have computers to use or
must we bring a laptop? Do they charge by the hour?
That is all I can think of for now, but I am sure to come up with
more questions later.
Thanks everyone for the advice and support.
Robin G
10/26/04
240/240/???

well....my frigiin luck...test was rescheduled till Tue at 9am..
I then see the PAP Wed at 8:30 for the results. Its gonna be a long
weekend.....
Bev!!! Congrats.....and I cant wait to be on the other side myself!
still in a funk
Darlene in Tx

Thanks for letting is know, Angela.
Becca

thanks so much for letting us know.
please give her hugs and best wishes.
joanne

Hello all! My name is Angela and I am posting to let you know that
Bev (from Memphis) is out of surgery, she is doing very well and is
in recovery. Will keep you advised as I learn new info.

"Dry" A & D? How many grams?
You don't take extra iron?
How many grams Calcium do you take?

The binder did not bother me and I would have worn it every day, but I
could not get the binder on as tight as Durval or Dr. M. It was like I
was not wearing anything at all, so I thought, why wear it? I knew it
would not help me, because it was not tight enough.
Becca

Thats all....good luck with your testing, Darlene & best wishes on
your big SWITCH today, Bev!!!
Lisa
Oct 2

Hi Lisa,
Another tip if you really want to splurge.
Noise canceling headphones! Several companies sell these (Bose, Sony, etc).
The planes are very noisy, especially if you are unlucky enough to sit on
top of or behind the wing. After that 9 hour flight from Miami to SP I was
exhausted just from the noise. The noise canceling headphones would be
great, but they are pricy. If (when?) I go back to Brazil I will probably
buy a set.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

Lisa
All of the ideas are great. One thing Diane and I have joked about wishing we
had are like long tongs. After surgery you can't bend over. If your undies
fall, your soap, the channel changer, it can be hard to retrieve. I'm able to
use my toes for a lot of things but sometimes I really wish I had something to
pick up those things I can't get with my toes. Not sure what you'd call it but
you know what I mean.
Brittany
Lisa Cooper <lcooperett@...
Thank you all for the tips! I really DO feel much more comfortable.
I'll get those things to help me on the trip and a few things to keep
me busy and a jacket and a Bucky and I feel comfortable now that I'll
have myself together. I'm SO thankful for the tips about the neck
roll and the ear plugs. A little rest on the plane, I would imagine,
goes a LOOOONNNNGGGG way!
Lisa
Oct. 2

Hi Vicki,
Like you, I wish Doc M would provide more info about supplements. Your best
idea is to ask several people what they are doing on vitamins.
For water you need at least 64oz. Protein is the one I struggle with but
you iron aim for 70-100grams. I don't currently supplement iron (the liquid
iron I bought upsets my stomach). If your multivitamin has a good supply of
iron then you may not need more, but in general women need more iron than
men. Also women who are having regular periods will need more iron. DO NOT
take your calcium with your iron. One prevents the other from being
absorbed. You need to wait a couple of hours after taking your iron before
taking your calcium (or vice versa).
Most people recommend 1800-2000mg of Calcium a day. Many people also find
it necessary to take extra vitamin A and D (in the form of AD vitamins or
ADEK vitamins). My multi has a good amount of A and D so I don't take extra
yet. You also should take a good multivitamin at least twice a day.
Centrum is a good one if you can swallow pills.
Of course I haven't had my first post-op labs done yet, so all this may
change after that.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

Konstantin,
I have had spaghetti and pest and survived. I took beano with
the first bite, and some gas ex a while later. However, I had the
pesto about a month ago, so that would be at about 4 months out. It
wasn't a bad experience, and it TASTED SO DAMN GOOD. It was the
first real pasta I had had since surgery. I'm not counting the
spaghettios I ate for a bit early post op as pasta. =)
~~Andy in Bremerton, WA
Surgery: March 30, 2004

Wendy,
You, dramatic or theatrical? NEVER!! =)
Wink,
~~Andy

Becca,
I have tried the Unjury unflavored. I like it. It doens't mess
with the flavor of the foods much. Pending on what it is it
can "mute" it a bit, but it doesn't make it taste funky. I've put
it in soups, pudding, jello, protein shake made with adkins ice
cream, etc. It's good stuff and not bad price wise, but has to be
ordred off the net.
~~Andy in Bremerton, WA

Lisa,
As always, YMMV, but my personal opinion is that this would NOT
be worth the hassel. If you have Anna take you to the store,
Angelonis, if I remember right, you'll find plenty to eat. I had
surgery on Tuesday at 1:30 and was released from the hospital on
Friday at noon and was at the store with Anna and my Mom Friday at
3:00 to get stuff. Found sugar free pudding, soups, peanut butter
(which is REALLY hard to find, have Anna ask for you) light yogurts,
etc. The soup, though the "in hand" kind are bulky. and when
flying internationally they watch the weight on baggage very
carefully. Those few cans could the difference in paying for excess
baggage or not. You'll find all you need foodwise in Brazil.
Again, just my personal opinion.
~~Andy in Bremerton, WA
Surgery: March 30, 2004

Lisa,
It is my experience that "luxury" items vary great from person
to person. However, I'm an experienced traveler. I've been lucky
enough to accumulate over 75,000 frequent flier miles since 1999,
most of it being international flights. With that being said...here
are my reccomendations.
1. something to read. this helps distract me at the gate, on the
plane, wherever. A book, a magazine, whatever you like.
2. A neck pillow! I have one that wraps around the neck. It's a
Seattle based company product called "Bucky." It's full of
buckwheat husks. It's AMAZING and a 1000 times more comfortable
than those damn thin airline pillows. =) Treat yourself and get
one.
3. Portable electronic entertainment. This could be a gameboy, a CD
player, or if you have the luxury, a portable DVD player. I have
traveled with them all and found the most frequently used is the DVD
player. This will be great while you're in the hospital. I didn't
watch a lot of TV becuase I didn't find anything appealing, and I
wasn't up to reading, my mind was too fuzzy.
4. A laptop...I couldn't have lived without mine. I had several
games loaded on there. The net and chatting kept me busy while
recovering at the hotel too.
5. a sleeping mask...you know, the thing that covers your eyes. I
never travel without one. Though, any airline that has
international service and is worth their salt will give you one.
It's great for getting rid of the light and helping you sleep.
6. EAR PLUGS!! for the plane, especially.
Hope these help!
~~Andy, Bremerton, WA
Surgery, March 30, 2004

Kathy,
I wore my binder for the full three months. I wore it night and
day, and when I had it off I felt wierd! The only time I took it
off was to shower. I actually had two so that while one was being
laundered I didn't have to be without. Now that I don't have to
wear it anymore I forget what it was like to wear it. I know it
really bothers some people. But, I got used to it quickly and most
of the time would forget it was there.
~~Andy in Bremerton, WA
Surgery: March 30, 2004

Darlene,
You're in my thoughts right now. I realize it's tough, but it's
always better safe than sorry. I wish I could be of more help,
offer more comfort. Know that we are here for you, we all send our
positive thoughts your way, and that we wish you the best.
~~Andy, Bremerton, WA

I didn't say it was a 'sweet' experience for anyone else <lol
had the paint-peeling smells for a long time and can still
occasionally outdo my spouse. Actually for the first few months, I
think it was 10 or 11 months out, I didn't have much problem with
passing gas. I did get the hard belly swell but only got rid of it
with the impossible-to-describe-the-smell bowel movements. Ozium
and Medi-Aire were (and sometimes still are) my good friends.
Now I had very loose, almost diaharrea stools until almost a year
out. Since constipation was a constant issue with me pre-op, I
preferred it. I'm sure my eating habits contributed but as the
loose bowels didn't bother me I never felt that to be a problem.
In this particular instance, remember I did say a small amount. In
the first few months that was my mantra. I ate most anything I
wanted (after my protein) but sometimes only a few bites. Just
enough to enjoy the taste and not feel deprived. Oddly enough, and
contrary to pre-op, it worked. A few bites always made me quite
happy. Just the occasional rare treat that I knew would not come
along again caused any mental lashing of the teeth.
Candy
06.03.03

Wow 3 months out? and the Pesto didn't make you run for the WC or the gas
didn't make you swell like a balloon??
Konstantin
I get my C from Vita4Life vitamins and have not had any issue with
my levels.
Spaghetti and Pesto ... yes. I was able to eat this early on, maybe
2 or 3 months. As with all pasta the volume isn't large.
Candy
06.03.03

Actually it was funny. Originally she came with her husband and knew not a
word of English and I learned they had been in this country for years. I've
always been appalled at people who don't learn English since I come from an
immigrant family and know often the reason they don't learn it is lack of
time...they are working so hard to put food on the table they don't have
time. And I am a born teacher. My first degree is teaching Braille to
blind in special ed in the 60's. I tried to get her to talk to me and she
absolutely refused. So I started speaking Spanish. You have no idea how BAD
my Spanish is. I know nouns and verbs but can't string a sentence together
in proper form to save my life. I only talked Spanish to her. I garbled
her language so very badly ( and not on purpose I assure you) she couldn't
help but laugh at me. I continued with this until she got the point. Why be
embarrassed if you don't know it? That was a year ago. She went to work
for my daughter about 6 months ago and my daughter speaks Spanish in her
household. When I learned that Lisa spoke to her in Spanish I put my foot
down. Not only is Sylvia's English really getting fairly good but now I
have a new rule. She has to call me the Thursday night before she comes to
tell me what time she is coming. She is learning to talk on the phone in
English without my seeing her hand gestures. Little by little she is
reaching out. My next goal is to have her go to school Nov 1-2 for parent
teacher conferences. I know she wants to. We all do what we can. <g

I lived on Soup at Hand the first few weeks I was home. I still go for the
Chicken and Stars every once in a while if things don't sit right. They are
handy to have in stock. I bought a few a year ago that I still haven't used
although I'm sure I could now. There is a broccoli cream one and a pizza
one my volunteer "treated" me too but I was always afraid of them. W

Kathy, I noticed mine at about 3 months out. It was pretty small then
and was just to the right of my incision line. I was told it was from
a weakness in the abdominal wall at the incision line but not
anyone's fault. It continued to grow and then at about the 9th month
I couldn't bend over without terrible pain. Couldn't even turn
sideways. I just about had to stand on my head to put my pants on
because it hurt so much. Never mind being able to sit in a car or
anything else comfortably. I found that if I wore a girdle I could
sit long enough to ride in the car so at 11 months out I went to
Mexico for hernia repair. I was hoping it would wait for tummy tuck
but the pain just would NOT give me a break and I couldn't afford
another trip to Brazil so soon.
Dar
05/03
Hernia repair 04/04

I get my C from Vita4Life vitamins and have not had any issue with
my levels.
Spaghetti and Pesto ... yes. I was able to eat this early on, maybe
2 or 3 months. As with all pasta the volume isn't large.
Candy
06.03.03

Has anyone heard from Isha? We parted at the Sao Paulo airport and I
believe she had missed her flight while mine was cancelled due to
hurricane in Miami. I tried emailing her, but still no response.
Dr. M said he hadn't heard from her either.
Isha if you're home, please let me know how you're doing.
Vicki

I have looked in Dr. M's FAQ and in the File section here, but I
don't find anything stating how much water we're supposed to drink
daily. Dr. M said to take 1 or 2 Centrums daily, but didn't mention
how much extra calcium, protein, or iron I would need. Is this
determined by your first lab tests post op? Or is there some
guideline I haven't found yet? I am one of those people who prefer
the natural method of getting what my body needs. I don't like the
idea of protein powders and lots of extra pills. But if they're
necessary, I will take them.
Also, I've seen mentioned FitDay as a method of tracking your intake
of necessary water, vitamins, calories, etc. Any advise about this?
Thanks guys!
Vicki

I was wondering what everyone takes as a Vitamin C suppliment.
also in the food issue....
Has anyone done spaghetti and Pesto ...and survived ????
Konstantin

For what it's worth ...... my wheelchair pusher in SP airport on the way to
Curitiba told me they are referred to as "scooters" ........
Lori K
07/29/04
I requested a wheelchair from Varig and they IGNORED my

.
Becca, Have you tried Unjury.com They have protein powders but also
an unflavored one that you can put into soups and pudding. I recently
oredered some but haven't tried it yet. I will keep you updated.
Deidre

Hi Lisa,
I don't know what flavors are available but none of the 3 you listed would
be things I would recommend post-op. The tomato will be too acidy. The
cream soup will be find IF you don't become lactose intolerant. The potato
will be all carbs and that is going to cause lots of gas post-op.
I've been eating some beef soups, and chicken soups since they are a fairly
good source of protein. The Soup at Hand may work, but I don't think any of
those 3 flavors would.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

Hi Lisa,
A couple of books and/or magazines is a good idea, both for the trip and for
while you are in Brazil. You will find a very limited of TV in English.
There is a CD player in the room though.
Varig won't let you use CD players on the plane, but AA and United will
except for take off and landing.
There is TV in the hospital too, but yes it can be quite boring.
Some other things you might want to take...
Your own robe or gown. The hospital ones are pretty bad.
Comfortable shoes. You may be doing lots of walking.
A light jacket. I wish I had carried this with me, because it was freezing
in the SP Airport
A laptop. This is a great way to pass the time and if you have one with a
DVD player you can watch movies too.
A camera. Great for those vacation photos.
A neck pillow and earplugs for the plane. If I had had these I might have
been able to sleep on the plane
I'm sure some of the others will have suggestions for you too.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs (BMI 72.6)
Surgery Weight: 377lbs (BMI 60.8)
Weight on September 6: 305lbs (BMI 49.2)
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

WOW....can you BELIEVE it's FINALLY here!! I'll be thinking about
you in the morning and hope you have an uneventful surgery. What an
awesome day it sounds like you all had! Have a great BBQ tonight and
I look forward to hearing from Angela tomorrow!
Lisa
Oct. 2 (20 days til departure)

So what did you lift to cause this Hernia???
I never wore mine after I left Brazil. Not once.
Of course, I now have a nice hernia the size of a softball. I call it my
Alien Baby. Might have gotten this if I had worn the binder, might not
have. Who knows! If I had to do it all over again... I would have worn the
binder.
YMMV.
George in PA

Hi Bev,
I'll be praying for you tomorrow. I'm glad you have had some time to relax
and enjoy yourself before your surgery. Isn't Curitiba a lovely place? Enjoy
the BBQ and we'll look forward to hearing from Angela once you're switched!
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/160/135-140?

Oh Wow!
Did you lift something like way to heavy? How did you get the Hernia?
Konstantin
Ha, George. I didn't even wear my binder while in Brazil, and my hernia is
the size of a soccer ball! Any coincidence? Hugs, Sherry
George Leppla <gleppla1@...

Hi group,
Well, the BIG day has finally come! I check into the Hospital
tonight (Wed) and have surgery at 8AM , tomorrow. At this point, I
am not nervous, just excited to be 'on the other side'....
Today, Diane, Brittany, Carmen and I took the train trip to the Rain
Forest, and then on to the Atlantic Ocean. We had a wonderful day,
enjoyed the lovely weather, and had a great time. I think some of us
fell asleep in the van on the way back to the Hotel (like me!)...
Durval is coming to take us to BBQ, and then take me on to the
Hospital.
My Daughter, Angela, will be stopping in to let y'all know how
things went.
Ciao,
Bev
My BIG Day tomorrow!! Yippee

On the subject of food....I bought 3 flavors of those new soups that
Campbells has out that are called ummmmm...Soup At Hand I believe,
without going in there to look. It's all pureed to be liquid enough
that you can heat it in the microwave and drink it while on the go.
My daughter was with me at the store and she said, OH so and so's Mom
drinks those all the time...so I thought I'd give them a try. One is
Creamy tomato, one is something Potato and one is Cream of Broccoli.
I just had the broccoli one and it was pretty good! It had tiny
hunks of broccoli in it for consistancy, but it was very liquid.
Would these be okay for early post op? I guess the tomato one would
be to acidic. I read where people have trouble finding stuff to eat
while still over there....maybe it would be worthwhile to stick a few
cans in the suitcase??
Lisa
Oct. 2

I'm not only gonna burn mine...I'm gonna do a dance around the fire!
I have a rash all around my midsection from the damn thing. Baby
powder helps, though.
Question: how long do we continue to dress our incision? Mine is
dry and looks fine. I leave the binder off for an hour or so after I
shower and powder up.
Vicki

Hi Lisa:
I missed having a clock and a can opener. Also, I would bring a 2 or
3 cans of your favorite Campbell's soups (blender in American box if
needed) and some sugar free pudding. Those dry soup mixes just don't
compare to Campbells! I hope you are bringing a laptop. I used mine
to keep in touch with home instead of phone calls and to play games
and watch DVDs (which I also brought with me). There is a CD player
at the hotel. You'll need some type of entertainment for the
hospital, though. I got so restless and bored there that I was ready
to jump off the balcony!
Good luck!
Vicki

Hugs Deidre,
I'm usually online late nights after work or early mornings before
work. I've been having to pull some 12 hour days lately. I haven't
had much chat time and only had enough time online to spot check
messages in the group. Just enough time to play catch up on the
important stuff. :) I've been keepin up with you and Diane's
progress and yall are doing great so far. It seems like just weeks
ago you were making plans to go to Brazil. Time does fly by doesn't
it? :)
MB
Hopefully we can get together online soon and catch up with some
chatting!

My mind is going full force these days and I have another question....
What things do you all recommend taking for "luxury items" or
comfort. Like, CD players for the plane trip and a book or two.
What else? Anything that you WISHED you had while you were there and
can suggest we take with us?? Did I read a while back that there are
CD players in the hotel?? The hospital I imagine is pretty quiet and
boring, huh?? Thanks AGAIN!!
Lisa
Oct. 2
OH....one more thing...a light jacket...would that be sufficient?
If there's a file somewhere that I have forgotten about with all this
information in it....just point me in that direction. I need to go
back and look over all that stuff again.

Awwwwww...Darlene....I'm sure everything is okay. Maybe he's rushing
things along because he knows you are in a rush to get all this
testing done. Or maybe you are just being tested because you are
trying to stop smoking. You hang in there and don't crack up because
of this. Remember....99% of what you worry about never happens
anyway! Don't waste your energy worrying. I'll pray for you to have
peace about this and look forward to hearing from you on Friday to
let us know it was nothing.
Hugs....Lisa

Teresa,
You are in my prayers for a successful surgery tomorrow and complete
eradication of the cancer. Hang in there and know we are all thinking of
you.
Hugs,
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/160/135-140?

I'm so sorry to learn you're having such problems. I've prepared a special
place for you in my heart and will be thinking good thoughts for you all day
tomorrow. Hugs, Sherry
lunglady62 <lunglady62@...
what happened too me since I
came home. After we came stateside I developed a horrible staph
infection and my incision was draining so bad and was so painful
that my DR took a CT and too my surprise I found out I had renal
cancer on the right side, the DR said it is the size of a grapefruit
and has been there a while. How it was missed with all the preop
testing and the extensaive surgery is a mystery. I am now scheduled
for surgery tomorrow the 9th too remove the kidney and see how bad
it is. Kathy B I will call you when I get home next week. But the
good news is I have now lost 52lbs. I hope everyone is doing fine I
will check in when I am released from the hospital. Keep good
thoughts for me on thursday And Richard and lisa said hello. Teresa
Shepherd
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 8/28/04 192.0 Total Loss 68.5 Weekly loss/gain
2.0
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo

I wrote to Dr. C and Dr. M when I thought it was just a hernia and already
heard from Dr. C.....but now that I am not sure if it is a hernia it is a
new ball game. Right now it barely hurts since it is morning here and I
haven't eaten yet. It progresses as the day goes on and it's a shame that
by the time it hurts the worst the doctor's office is closed so I can't be
seen unless I go to an ER and I don't see it as one yet. I can't bear the
thought of sitting hours and constantly being pushed to the back of the
triage line. Hoping I can wait until the gastro can see me. We'll see what
happens. W

Hello Just checking in too let you know what happened too me since I
came home. After we came stateside I developed a horrible staph
infection and my incision was draining so bad and was so painful
that my DR took a CT and too my surprise I found out I had renal
cancer on the right side, the DR said it is the size of a grapefruit
and has been there a while. How it was missed with all the preop
testing and the extensaive surgery is a mystery. I am now scheduled
for surgery tomorrow the 9th too remove the kidney and see how bad
it is. Kathy B I will call you when I get home next week. But the
good news is I have now lost 52lbs. I hope everyone is doing fine I
will check in when I am released from the hospital. Keep good
thoughts for me on thursday And Richard and lisa said hello. Teresa
Shepherd

Wendy, you've had more than your share of drubbles, my Friend. I strongly urge
you to see a doctor ASAP. Hugs, Sherry
Wendy Held <w.wendyh@...
I decided about 4 weeks ago that it looked like I was going to end up with
an incisional hernia after all since I started feeling "lumps" under the
skin on the right hand side of my midsection. It seemed similar to the way
my hernia developed in 1997 after my RNY. For the past few weeks things
seemed to grow and become mildly uncomfortable but not bad. It changed 4-5
days ago to the point that it is getting worse every day. Since I wear a
pain patch and take Percocet for the knees and I still hurt I presume it
would be pretty bad without meds but it is livable the way it is now. I
plan on calling the doctor tomorrow but haven't yet decided whether I should
take the next appointment offered which could be a couple weeks away or be
absolutely insistent that I be seen ASAP. I have 2 other doctor's
appointments this week that were scheduled weeks ago and I really don't want
to cancel them if there is any way to avoid doing so.
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 8/28/04 192.0 Total Loss 68.5 Weekly loss/gain
2.0
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo

Darlene,
I can certainly understand your fears!! I wish your husband was close, too...
but for what it's worth, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My endoscopy turned up all kinds of problems I didn't know I had... but none of
those prevented my surgery. In your case, I'm sure if there is an underlying
condition causing the hyperkalemia you certainly want to know about it! I hope
it turns out to be something very simple to address.
Nina Wright
Stormy918 <stormy918@...
well well....I had my abdominal ultrsound last week. Only thing left
is my endoscopy...or so I thought. PCPs office just called and I now
have a CT tomorrow. I was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago with HYPERKALEMIA
but they couldnt find a reason for it.( my body does not excrete
potassium as it should). well......from the ultrasound it seems like
there is something goin on with my kidneys, hence the CT. Not only
that, I have an appt on Fri. with the PCP to go over the results.
This is all bein done FAST! and that is scarin the hell outta me. All
I ever wanted was to NOT be fat...Its weird..my hubby works overseas
and is never home lol and I can go thru most anything ...and
have..but right now I want him soooo bad. I dont have a good feelin
about this at all..and I'm mad! I want this surgery so bad!!! Good
thought and prayers right now would be greatly appreciated.
In a Funk!!!
Darlene in Texas

well well....I had my abdominal ultrsound last week. Only thing left
is my endoscopy...or so I thought. PCPs office just called and I now
have a CT tomorrow. I was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago with HYPERKALEMIA
but they couldnt find a reason for it.( my body does not excrete
potassium as it should). well......from the ultrasound it seems like
there is something goin on with my kidneys, hence the CT. Not only
that, I have an appt on Fri. with the PCP to go over the results.
This is all bein done FAST! and that is scarin the hell outta me. All
I ever wanted was to NOT be fat...Its weird..my hubby works overseas
and is never home lol and I can go thru most anything ...and
have..but right now I want him soooo bad. I dont have a good feelin
about this at all..and I'm mad! I want this surgery so bad!!! Good
thought and prayers right now would be greatly appreciated.
In a Funk!!!
Darlene in Texas

Hi Candy,
Maybe I could have it made into a silk tent?
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs
Surgery Weight: 377lbs
Weight on September 6: 305lbs
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

Hi Konstantin,
My damn binder gives me some back problems too. I think it has to do with
the way the binder changes my posture.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs
Surgery Weight: 377lbs
Weight on September 6: 305lbs
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

Hi Wendy,
I'm so sorry to hear you having more problems.
From what you are describing I'd get to the doc ASAP. Actually the first
thing I'd do is call Doc M and get his advice.
If you are having pain through all your pain meds (and your high pain
tolerance) then it must be pretty bad. That in addition to the eating
problems can not be a good thing.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs
Surgery Weight: 377lbs
Weight on September 6: 305lbs
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs

I wouldn't worry too much about eating fish 5 days out. Dr. Elariny, my
daughter's surgeon, wants all of his DS patients eating solid food from day one.
So, it's a question of different advice from different surgeons.
Carole
tootsiestella <dmsekula@...
Hey Vicki--good to hear from you!! We thought you would probably
have trouble getting back. We were both released on Saturday
afternoon and are doing well. If you read one of the other posts, we
got busted by Dr M for ordering the fish for dinner (4th and 5th
post op days); but it has gone down well. I'm progressing a little
faster with the food than Brittany; I'm having eggs, mashed potatoes,
fish--alll without problems. I'm thinking of packing myself a litte
care package for my trip home, especially after hearing what they
served you. We have been to the Japanese Garden a few times for our
exercise; tomorrow we are taking the train trip. Bev from Memphis is
here and having surgery on Thursday, so she and Carmen (my friend
from NYC who finally arrived Monday) will be going to the BBQ place
Wed night with Durval. Its turned hot here the last two days,
nothing like the first days when we arrived. The city is empty today-
-their national holiday--and everyone is at the beach. I wonder if
we will have fireworks tonight in celebration.
Take care, glad to hear you finally made it home and are progressing
so well.
Diane and Brittany
9/2 and 9/1

I don't time foods. I put something on the grill and since my computer is
in the kitchen I sit down and look at something. Instinctively I seem to
know when to get up to turn something over and when to get up and take it
off. I've been doing it for so long I don't watch a clock...I just do it.
I am a creature of habit and someday I'll open up that box but right now I
don't want to learn anything new....even something as simple as learning how
long it takes for something to cook. <g
I've been tempted to more and more lately. It is funny how we all love our
cast iron but find it is getting "heavier and heavier". We learned how to
cook when every house used cast iron I guess. W

I decided about 4 weeks ago that it looked like I was going to end up with
an incisional hernia after all since I started feeling "lumps" under the
skin on the right hand side of my midsection. It seemed similar to the way
my hernia developed in 1997 after my RNY. For the past few weeks things
seemed to grow and become mildly uncomfortable but not bad. It changed 4-5
days ago to the point that it is getting worse every day. Since I wear a
pain patch and take Percocet for the knees and I still hurt I presume it
would be pretty bad without meds but it is livable the way it is now. I
plan on calling the doctor tomorrow but haven't yet decided whether I should
take the next appointment offered which could be a couple weeks away or be
absolutely insistent that I be seen ASAP. I have 2 other doctor's
appointments this week that were scheduled weeks ago and I really don't want
to cancel them if there is any way to avoid doing so.
I've decided I'm not sure if I actually have a hernia, adhesions or scar
tissue or some type of obstruction. In the mornings I really don't hurt
badly at all but am just mildly uncomfortable. As the day progresses it
gets worse and worse and it is definitely worse when I eat. It seems I am
constantly eating before after 4-5 bites of food I cannot eat more because
there is a form of pressure. But I'm not full yet so after a while I am
hungry and eat a little more. I have no nausea, gas or any other symptoms
but the increasing pressure and discomfort. I can only take in an ounce
or two at a time. The upper right quadrant under my breast is the worst but
the whole right side of my stomach is tender and hurting. The left side has
no tenderness at all. Curious if people who have had adhesions or
obstructions recognize any of those symptoms or if indeed it is a hernia.
I plan on telling the doctor's nurse and letting her decide if I can wait
but still would love to know how insistent I should be. I really would love
not to have to go to the doctor until next week since for him I have to
arrange transportation rather than take myself and the County has a rule of
no more than 2 rides a week ( unless chemo or dialysis) and 3-4 days advance
warning. Budget cuts and all.....W

I keep getting stronger than normal back aches with my binder...
When I take my binder off its like its gone almost instantly...
anyone else ever have this problem?
Konstantin

Hey David, you should take that suit to get it altered. With the
amount of weight you are losing they should have plenty of
material. If you wait long enough you can maybe get two out of it
;-)
Candy
06.03.03
"David Shriver" <shriver@z...
<CLIP

David,
Just a thought...a B-complex deficiency can cause numbness and
tingling in extremities.
Kathy in MS
7/29/03

Just a reminder about the upcoming DFW DS support group meeting this
Saturday. See details below.
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/160/135-140?
Subject: September 11 North Texas DS Support Group Meeting
Our guest speaker this week will be Dr.John Rabkin(discussing the DS
procedure and Dr. Bill Hartman (will speak to us about life after WLS)
Please come and bring a friend and a snack.
September 11, 2004
11:00 - 1:00
2427 Carrick Street
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
972-277-3579 (wk)
Directions: Going north on I-35 take the Valley View Lane Exit,
turn right on the first street Carrick (besides the old Word of
Faith Church) Going south on I-35 take the Valley View Lane Exit,
turn left(go under the highway) Turn right on Denton Road, 2 block
south on the right. We are directly across from the D.A.R.T.
station and the new Dallas Stars Center that is currently under construction
See you then,
Ellen
-230

Hello everyone,
A new problem has cropped up in the past few days. I am getting numbness in
my arms. It's the tingling just like my arm has gone to sleep. Its not
bad, and it doesn't affect the use of my arms at all. It only happens in
certain positions, when I'm using the computer and especially when I'm
holding my trombone and tuba. I don't know if this is DS related or not.
But I am slightly concerned about it so I thought I'd mention it here.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in Ohio,
Brazil
July 6, 2004
Highest Weight: 450lbs
Surgery Weight: 377lbs
Weight on September 6: 305lbs
Total loss on September 6: -72lbs