Well... I am going to have a nice dinner with hubby ALONE and have a
drink lol maybe that will calm me down a little and realize I AM
GOING TO BRAZIL!!!!!! YIPPPEEEEE
I will be back on in a little while... U guys have a good night!!
huggggs
wendy A
Hey u... Well WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!! I am leaving tomorrow!!!!!YIPPPPEEEE
It all came together, now Im stressing with family issues and
starting to get scared... But I am very HAPPY!!!! WWOOOHOOOOO
YYYEAHHH YIPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! I feel as if I could do backflips
if i wasnt so freakin tired!!!lol All this has completly drained me!!
I did have one BIG PROBLEM!!!! I went to wire the $4500 and the bank
wouldnt do it.. One, they didnt know what they were doin and two. I
never knew u had to have an account, I thought u could just go with
the cash and they would wire it....So I have been trying to call Dr.
M on his cell phone and keep getting voice mail.... Do u think I
could just take it and pay the hospital when I get there? What do I
do? Today is friday so all banks r closed and western union i wasnt
sure of sooooooo I have that money here with me...
Anyways Im going!!! woooooohooooo I spoke to Dr. M earlier, b4 I knew
I was going to have the problem wiring and he was so sweet...... He
said "Im looking so foward to meeting u, and everything is fine and u
will be just fine"...Also he said we will be waiting for u!!! He is
so sweet... I cant wait!!!!
God bless everyone and all of u r in my thoughts and prayers!
huggggsss
kisssses
switchsister in 4 DAYS!!!!!!
departure at noon tomorrow!!!!!!!!yipppeeeeee
Kelly...the planes seem to always be full. Don't count on an empty seat. I
bit the bullet and paid for that extra seat and am so very glad I did. I
called to book the extra seat a few days after booking my single seat and
already the plane was full and we had to change flights slightly to get two
seats together. S.P. and Rio seem to be very popular destinations. W
Good question....and I was also wondering....at what "weightage" does
it start getting more comfortable or uncomfortable and you start
getting into your neighbors space?? I'm more hippy so I'm sure I'll
have a little booty hanging over, but I don't want to make my
neighbor uncomfortable. I'm NOT paying another $1000 to make my
neighbor comfortable...I don't care THAT much! I just wonder if I'm
gonna be like a sardine?
Lisa
Oct. 2
how important is it to book an extra seat on the plane?
I am traveling for about 20 hours- Do I hope and pray for the best or
suck it up and pay for the extra seat?
-Kelly
Hi Robin,
Hang in there. In 6 months you will have an entirely new life.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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,
I am doing a stretch of Night shifts over the next 2 weeks. So I am
tired AND cranky. I am awake at the moment but going to bed soon.
It takes a while to get my body on a night schedule, than a few days
to get back on the day schedule. YO YO!!!
Anyhow, I am so tired of being FAT!!!!! I know once I get this
weight off I will feel so much better. At work I look at all the
skinny nurses and am jealous! They talk about having to diet away 5
pounds and I am so jealous! I am tired of being out of breath when I
am doing an emergancy or running labs somewhere or just moving a
patient to a new room! I wish I had done this surgery 10 years ago!
Instead I stuggled with unsuccessful diet after diet! It took me a
long time to finally wake up and realize I was just spinning my
wheels. I totally believed in the idea that I might be one of the
lucky 5% who take it off and keep it off. WHAT AN IDIOT I WAS! Well
now I have gotten smarter after banging my head against that same
brick wall hundreds of times. I am driving myself NUTS waiting for
my day to get here!!! I still have a ton of stuff to do before I
leave, but I sure wish it would hurry the heck up and get here!
Well...I am getting sleepy and need to go to bed so I can get up and
work the night shift catching babies! I will be back later!
Robin G
Surgery date 10/26/04 and leaving in 28 days!!!
Hi Lisa,
I took my lap-top and packed it in my carry-on. No problems at all but they will
usually search your carry-on and make you open/turn on the lap-top.
As for my money.....I kept it in my pants pocket all the way. But then I was one
of the last lucky few that got to pay the hospital with a Cashiers Check so I
didn't have to worry about that cash. We really didn't have any problems at all.
Renee
Lisa Cooper <lcooperett@...
I am renting a laptop for the trip. How did ya'll carry it? Do you
carry your carry on luggage on the plane AND the laptop? And my
purse? That's gonna be a handful, isn't it? (and I'm TOTALLY
ignorant about traveling...I've been on a plane twice in my life and
I wasn't heavy then and I wasn't post op so how much I carried wasn't
an issue). I don't know how big the case is that it comes in, so I
don't know if you would pack it between your clothes in the suitcase
or keep it with you at all times. Please share any tips. Also, how
big can a carry on be? My carry on is probably going to be one of
those kinda square and oblong duffle bags. Any suggestions from you
seasoned travelers will be so appreciated!
One more thing....how did you all carry your cash around your neck?
Is there such a thing that you buy somewhere? I need to get one of
whatever it is. If I have all my money in my purse..I won't even
feel comfortable putting it in the floor between my legs and I hate
the thought of CLUTCHING my purse for so many hours!! The sooner I
can hand off that money to Dr. M and Durval...the better!!
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure!
I was able to TOLERATE the clear Isopure in the glass bottles. Didn't enjoy it,
but got it down with ease. Kind of like eating something you aren't
particularly fond of, but don't hate or gag on. This was the ONLY protein drink
that I could tolerate. Absolutely hated all the others, including the powdered
Isopure. Hugs, Sherry
DK <inailem@...
really taste good,
or are ya'll yankin' my chain? lol What flavors did you find to be
the best....and...what kind did you get; meal replacement, zero carb,
glass bottles......
help me!! I'm slipping on my protein!
DK
09/16/03
360/223/180???
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
For those of you that have used Isopure...does it really taste good,
or are ya'll yankin' my chain? lol What flavors did you find to be
the best....and...what kind did you get; meal replacement, zero carb,
glass bottles......
help me!! I'm slipping on my protein!
DK
09/16/03
360/223/180???
high speed at the hotel and i just left mt lap top
on............dial up at the hospital though.
hugs.
me
We have highspeed cable modem here at home so the internet just stays
on all the time. Is it the same way there at the hospital and in the
hotel? I told my husband that as long as I'm in the room and he
needs to contact me...to just instant message me and I'll be right
there. He's starting to get really worried about me being over there
by myself and him not be able to contact me whenever he wants to like
he does here. Am I right as far as what I told him? If I'm in the
room and the computer is turned up where I can here when he instant
messages me...it's just that easy right?
Lisa
Oct. 2
4 days till departure!
There is really only one soy product that doesn't taste like soy. That is
tempeh. Tempeh is a combination of soy and a selection of grains. It is injected
with a bacteria that ferments it, just like we do to produce cheese. It totally
changes the taste. It needs to be steamed for about 10 minutes to kill the
bacteria. Then it can be used to make all kinds of foods. We have a delivery
service here for food and they make wonderful tempeh enchiladas. I like to saute
it and serve it with wild mushroom gravy. The most diehard meat lover generally
loves this one.
Carole
David Shriver <shriver@...
Hi Everyone,
If you remember I was complaining a week or so ago about the nasty horrible
terrible awful taste of soy based products. Several of you recommended that
I try roasted soy nuts. Well I tried some last night... ewww yuck they
taste like soy. I hate soy!
Thanks for the suggestions though.
A note on protein....
Arby's has a low carb turkey, bacon, ranch wrap with only 14 grams of carbs
but 51 grams of protein. One will make 2 meals for me and they are pretty
good.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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
Carole....that sounds just
absolutely....well...ummmm....sickening!!! But I'm interested..tell
me more. Is it kind of like tofu consistancy? What does it taste
like when you saute' it? With the enchiladas, I guess it replaces
the meat? Does it taste like meat? Where do you buy Tempeh?
I wish I could learn to cook more with stuff like that...I would also
love to learn to cook incorporating tofu into alot of dishes! I want
my family to learn to eat in a different way than I grew up eating.
Course, it's hard to beat a good chicken fried steak with gravy and
mashed potatoes and fried okra dinner with coconut cream pie for
desert!
Lisa
Oct. 2
4 days till departure.
praying with you Wendy.
joanne
A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy 2 servings per
night, and a few more on weekends, I consume about 3,500 calories of
chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week.
Therefore, in the last 3-1/2 years, I have had chocolate caloric intake of
about 180 pounds, and I only weigh 165 pounds.
So... without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about 3 months
ago! I owe my life to chocolate!!
I was answering and lost this so hope this isn't twice ... anyway.
I packed mine in my luggage on the way out. No problem. Packed it
in my luggage on the way back. They brought my bag and laptop to
the loading ramp at the plane. When I claimed it was mine they had
me turn on the laptop and prove it was legit. Then they made me
carry it. I didn't bring my case because I thought packing it was
going to be so much easier. Bad plan. You will need to carry it
on.
I didn't bother with a purse. I have a smaller luggage bag that has
side pockets for tickets etc. I put my ID and everything I wanted
while on the plane in that. It has a shoulder strap so I could
shoulder or carry it. I kept my money in that also and it never
left my sight/side. I put it under the seat in front of me, between
my feet and carried it in front of my body when walking. Everything
was great until I had to lug that caseless laptop around ... grrrrr.
Candy
06.03.03
HI again... How is everyone? Good I hope.. I think about everyone
everyday.. Here lately it seems there is not enuff time in one day to
do everything I need to do...
I had no luck selling my car at the auction but after is was over a
couple came up and wanted me to follow them to take it to their son
to see... I am at this point willing to do anything.. So we met and
he fell in love with it and they will be calling between 9-10 in the
morning with their decision.. (FINGERS CROSSED)(TOES CROSSED) lol
I have tried to go through carmax but when ur car is older than a 96
they give nothing..... they told me $1200(NO NO NO) Also Lisa my
sister works at Crown Honda and has been talking to many dealers and
wholesalers and it just seems noone has time this week to talk to
me..Anyways I hope this other couple falls through..
I know what u mean about saying goodbye, I dread the moment to
walking away from my family at the airport..I will probably cry
forever when I leave...I try to be strong from them and insure them
everything is going to be ok... But sometimes even I wonder..But i
try to stay positive and keep all the reasons why I am doing this in
front of anything negative... I am scared but excited and I also have
had a strong peace about my decision from the start...Hang in there
Lisa we will come back healthier happier and will have so much to
look foward to knowing that we will be able to live to see our kids
grow and get married and not have to worry about dying young from
obesity..
hugggs and kisses
Wendy A
stressing
hoping
praying
9/28/04
I'd be happy to help you try it out this weekend. I've got an IT
husband too ;-) I live in AZ, where are you? Email me at candyiz
Hi Everyone,
If you remember I was complaining a week or so ago about the nasty horrible
terrible awful taste of soy based products. Several of you recommended that
I try roasted soy nuts. Well I tried some last night... ewww yuck they
taste like soy. I hate soy!
Thanks for the suggestions though.
A note on protein....
Arby's has a low carb turkey, bacon, ranch wrap with only 14 grams of carbs
but 51 grams of protein. One will make 2 meals for me and they are pretty
good.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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 Renee,
Thanks for asking. I haven't had any in 16 days now. My CAT scan didn't
show any stones, so I'm hoping I have them beat. I have seen a urologist,
but he really didn't have any advice except to drink more and avoid food
with oxalates.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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
In a message dated 9/23/2004 5:57:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
I told my closest friends when we were all out to lunch one day and
they hooted and hollared because they are my best friends and they
love WHATEVER I do...in fact, we are getting together this weekend
for one last pigout lunch! And then my Mom and 2 of my aunts that
also love me to pieces and are cheering me on! The rest of the
relatives can know after I get back...I just don't need any negative
before I go. I'll tell everybody when the question comes up...I have
nothing to hide and if they don't like what I do....screw em! (for
lack of better words! LOL)
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure! 9 days till the big switch!
Chelle,
I must say that this is completely ridulous and ABSURD not to mention
prejudice. Who is anyone to say that your weight loss doesnt count
towards anything or should count differently. We struggle with
weight loss after surgery but just with different challenges than the
average diet. We might not have to count "points" or fatgrams but we
have other challenges to "suffer" through such as supplements,
getting in protein not to mention potty-problems. Don't let anyone
let you feel like you took the easy way out.
Deidre
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHh! So THAT'S what the preop yips
feels like!!! I get it now! At least I'm glad to know that there IS
an explanation! And thank you, George....the way you put it IS a
good way to look at it. I'll try to be strong and keep that in the
forfront of my brain when I'm starting to cry again and I'll share it
with them when they take it so hard about my leaving. Thank
you...really!!
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure!!
I joined Curves the other day and during the intake, the manager asked me about
recent weight loss and I told her I had lost 80 pounds, she asked how, and I
said I had surgery in May. She told me that she was glad I came in because she
didn't know how to deal with an issue that was coming up in the club. . .
Apparently, the club is starting a promotion where you earn "Curves dollars" for
things like pounds and inches lost, how many times you work out in a month, etc.
and you can buy t-shirts and other promotional material with the reward dollars.
She said that some patrons said it wouldn't be fair if those who had surgery
were rated with the same criteria, and that she didn't know how to respond.
I told her that although the weight loss with surgery may be faster at first
than doing it "the old fashioned way" (1) working out and losing weight is
difficult regardless of how you're doing it; (2) that some people who have had
surgery have more difficulty than others in losing the weight; and (3) the
program is not a competition, it's for personal motivation and they shouldn't
worry about what anyone else has chosen to do to lose their weight.
(I really wanted to just tell her to tell them "Don't hate, congratulate!" to
borrow a pop-culture term)
Comments? Discussion?
Chelle
Hello Kelly!
I am one of Dr. M's patients from Chicago, IL. I also
went alone last December and it was truly fine. I did get
a chance to sightsee before surgery to Iguassu Falls.
During my hospital stay and for the pre-op tests, Durval
was there as well as some of the Americans who were
either "before surgery" or recuperating afterwards. You
won't have time to be 'lonely' esp as Dr. M visits at least
twice a day or more often! Relax...there are some other
'hurdles' in this run...being alone for a short time isn't
one of them and you will return 'switched' and on your
way to better health! When you are back in the hotel,
there are lots of things to do and as you walk and move
around you feel so much better -- walk to the Japanese
park, visit some of the shopping malls -- (outdoors then
as they are "reverse seasons" from us in the US) or take
the fun and famous train ride through the mountains
down to the Atlantic Ocean. Lots of great things to do
and soon you will be hugging Dr. M "good-bye" and
flying home! Also if you take a laptop computer, you
can send many e-mails -- even hook-up video links etc
and "be there" even from thousands of miles away!
I do hope these ideas help. I cherish every precious
moment I spent in Brazil and I am saving for Plastic Surg.
in about another year...maybe 'ASAP'???.
Your DS friend in Chicago, Gloria
DS 12/09/04...292.5 lbs/5'10"
Currently 202
Goal Wgt. 160
Learning is a Life-Long process which keeps us young
in heart and mind!
Wendy,
Do they have CarMax where you live? We have that here in Texas and
they will buy your car from you. They won't give you top dollar for
it, but if it is worth $3775 and you only need $2500 maybe it would
work.
Hang in there! I'm praying things work out for you. Sorry about your
grandma.
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/158/135-140?
Sorry to bother you all- but here's Kelly's silly question of the day...
What did you tell people about your surgery? I have only told a few people and I
can tell by their reactions that they
don't get it. Thin people rarely do- except for my dh who could eat anything and
stay 210 no matter what- he understands- Thank God for that! ; )
Anyway, did you tell "everyone" or just a few people? and if you told, what did
you say? Thanks for helping me continue to sort this one out! ; )
-Kelly
I was so excited I told everyone, even people I didn't know who were unfortunate
enough to get on the elevator with me. lol! I am trying to do better about
that, but on the days I've made it past another milestone, well... don't ask how
I'm doin' or you will be told! I do know that some people are NOT this way at
all, but oh, well, I've always erred on the side of sharing too much!
Anyhow, just yesterday I saw a great flash animation of what the DS entails, on
Dr. Husted's website. So if you are telling somebody who is interested in
knowing what the operation actually does to you, I'd send 'em there. It is
really good. I was wondering if I could download it onto my PDA so I can show
it to those unfortunates in the elevator!!
Nina
Kelly Lautenbach <klautenbach1@...
Sorry to bother you all- but here's Kelly's silly question of the day...
What did you tell people about your surgery? I have only told a few people and I
can tell by their reactions that they
don't get it. Thin people rarely do- except for my dh who could eat anything and
stay 210 no matter what- he understands- Thank God for that! ; )
Anyway, did you tell "everyone" or just a few people? and if you told, what did
you say? Thanks for helping me continue to sort this one out! ; )
-Kelly
do not put anything other than tourism......if you mention
the "rearranging" they want to see bank statements and all sorts of
things.
you are simply an American on vacation.
hugs.
joanne
I just wanted to share that I got my Bucky neck roll today and I also
ordered a matching eyemask that is SOOOOO nice! I don't know if it
will actually do any good on the plane because I've never tried to
sleep on a plane before, but it's SO soft and it has a kind of roll
on the inside down below at the bottom that lifts it off of your
eyes, and also blocks any light from coming in the bottom. My bucky
and my eyemask are red velvet....it comes with a bag to store it
in....AND it came with earplugs, so I store it all in the bag! I
love the Bucky and the eyemask! I got it from GoingInStyle.com for
any of you that don't have your neckroll yet.
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure
This morning...my husband told me about a dream he had where we were
back in high school and he was calling everybody and driving
everywhere trying to find me. Nobody knew where I was and he was so
desperate to find me! He never did. I'm leaving for Brazil Tuesday
and he's starting to get really upset already. I am, too, but I hold
back more than he does. I get upset everytime I put the babies to
bed and when I think about my leaving day and having to say bye to
everybody. He cried this morning while he was telling me that I am
his EVERYTHING and without me he has nothing. And he doesn't know
what he's going to do while I'm gone. We don't handle being apart
very well. My going away like this is HUGE!!! We don't even go out
to DINNER without the kids. Literally!! They go with us...or we
don't go. Brazil is BIG....I NEVER leave my kids! And that's not
bragging....it's a problem! I hear all the time that we need to
leave them and have dates and go do things on our own....I just
can't! He's my best friend and my rock and I ADORE him and I'm SOOO
greatful to my Mom and all the trouble she's going through to make
this possible for me. She rocks!! I cry just THINKING about saying
goodbye to all of my kids and my mom and my husband and it's still 5
more days away! Was it this hard for anyone else??? It seems like I
would welcome the alone time...but I'm dying inside!! I WANT to go
and I HAVE to go and do this...I'm being such a puss!!! woops sorry
I'm not looking for responses and I know everything you're gonna say
already...I am just needing to vent...that's all.
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure!
In a message dated 9/23/2004 6:57:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
saintsnsinners@... writes:
esopageal wrap that I had had. Non-weight loss
folks who have the "wrap" also can have this nausea.
Hi
I had the surgery for reflux, where they wrap the stomach up over the
esophagus, would that cause it too?
Jeannie
Hey girl... R u ready???? Wooohooo!!! I hope I can make this happen!
Ty for ur kind words and thoughts bout my grandma..I feel like I am
going to fall apart.... I want soooo bad to get this other money so I
an relax for a second, I feel like I am going crazzzeeeee!!!I have
worked so hard to come this far and I would hate if it all fell apart
at the at the last minute... Oh btw where did u rent a laptop and how
much did that cost? I was hoping to do that too but all my money is
trying to go toward the fee for Dr. M. But I think I will have like
$700 to take with me which will be really $2100 there in Brazil which
should be plenty... I WaNT TO SHOP TOO!!!! hehe Also where did u get
ur neck roll? I need one..... Ok well off to make more money.... Talk
o u later...huggggsss
wendy a
hoping
praying
stressing
9/28/04
Congratulations, Kelly! Yet ANOTHER person for the week after me, and still no
one during my week...or the week before me, for that matter. Guess I'll just
have to be on my own for a little while, unless there are other Americans who
just are not on this group.
Janice
10/20/04
mschmuck [ shmuk ] (plural schmucks) or shmuck [ shmuk ] (plural
shmucks)noun a taboo term for somebody who is regarded as being unworthy of
respect ( slang taboo insult )
[Late 19th century. From Yiddish shmok "penis," of unknown origin.]
Mst folks in Texas would just call em a d***head and go on......
Darlene in Tx
Hey u guys, ty for all the prayers for me and my grandma.. I went to
see her again last night and she is slowly getting worse. I know if I
do make it and am able to still leave sat. she probably will pass
while I'm gone so I am trying to spend as much time as possible with
her now. But thanks again for all ur prayers. U guys r great, I just
hate I have missed so much here cause things have been so hectic. I
was trying to catch up reading the post but WHHHHOOOOAAAAA there are
so many... I am reading reading....LOL
Well tonight at 700 I am trying my last option, I am taking my car to
a car auction and HOPE AND PRAY someone buys it....I have tried
everything else.....Looks like I wont know if I am going until the
last minute..LOL I even tried giving my keys title and car to ANYBODY
for the $2500 and the car is worth $3775... IM DESPERATE!!!!!!
Well everyone is in my thoughts and prayers ALWAYS and I wish
everyone the best and lots of hugggs and kisses from here in North
Carolina!!
WENDY A
HOPING
PRAYING
STRESSING
9/28/04
I have to list "further insight on intended trip, and as applicable, list
relationship to parties being visited"
Soooooooooooooooo, what do I put down?
I am going to relax and have "fun" while having my insides reconfigured at a
state of the art facility by my "friend" Dr. M? I just want to say the right
things! Thanks for the help! ; )
-Kelly
Hi Lisa,
Security in the US (TSA) requires that all laptops be carried on. I
was told that you could not pack the laptop in your chaeked luggage.
I went to the local AAA office and bought a "waist safe." it's a
stretchy belt with a thin zippered pouch that you wear under your
clothes. They also had the pouches you wear under your clothes
attached to a cord around your neck.
My recommendation would be to limit your carry-on to the bare
minimum, and check the rest. (although you may want to pack one
change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost or
delayed) I would consider buying a fanny pack and keeping essential
stuff in that (as well as in your hidden pouch) and if you need a
purse, pack it in your luggage until you arrive in Curitiba.
Mike Adams
Surgery 6/30/2004
Dr Marchesini
SW / CW / GW
450 / 361 / 250-210
Yes, our dog Groucho worships the ground I walk on. In the pictures
it looks like it took him 3 months to walk behind me.
Where is the info on it? In past messages? My mom will be in Italy
but maybe Mimi and I could come.
Tia
I got my computer microphone and plugged it in. How can I test it
I am renting a laptop for the trip. How did ya'll carry it? Do you
carry your carry on luggage on the plane AND the laptop? And my
purse? That's gonna be a handful, isn't it? (and I'm TOTALLY
ignorant about traveling...I've been on a plane twice in my life and
I wasn't heavy then and I wasn't post op so how much I carried wasn't
an issue). I don't know how big the case is that it comes in, so I
don't know if you would pack it between your clothes in the suitcase
or keep it with you at all times. Please share any tips. Also, how
big can a carry on be? My carry on is probably going to be one of
those kinda square and oblong duffle bags. Any suggestions from you
seasoned travelers will be so appreciated!
One more thing....how did you all carry your cash around your neck?
Is there such a thing that you buy somewhere? I need to get one of
whatever it is. If I have all my money in my purse..I won't even
feel comfortable putting it in the floor between my legs and I hate
the thought of CLUTCHING my purse for so many hours!! The sooner I
can hand off that money to Dr. M and Durval...the better!!
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure!
Kelly....congrats on your date! I KNOW how exciting and scary it is
to have a date. It's so REAL at that point! Now...apply for your
passport and I would suggest you expedite it since you are a little
over a month from surgery. Get your airline tickets, Dortha at All
About Travel is in the links. (I believe she is a Dr. M alumni, isn't
she?) Get your Visa going as soon as your passport gets back. Make
appts with your PCP to get the stuff done that you want to have done
here. Also, get your PCP to write a letter stating that you're of
sound mind and if or if not you are bipolar or depressed or have any
kind of eating disorder. That you are not alcoholic and ...I
actually have an email that he sent to me that I needed my PCP to
write a letter stating all those things. I could forward it to you
if you'd like. Order a binder. (I also made it a priority to order
the neck roll and earplugs and eye mask for the flights)....and shout
hurray!!!! Congrats!!!!
Lisa
Oct. 2
5 days till departure!!
WooHoo! I heard from Dr. M last night and I am scheduled to have my surgery on
October 28th! : )
Looks like we'll get to meet Darlene! : )
I am so excited- now is there a check list somewhere that tells me what all I
need to be doing? I am so scared of forgetting something!!!
-Kelly
David,
Have the Kidney Stones quited down lately??? Hope your getting some needed
relief.
Renee
Yankee?
I haven't heard that term in a a long time, I'm from Virginia
originally.
a "Shmuck" is a "yiddish" word that denotes a (how do I say this
delicately?) not so nice person...
Konstantin
That's the first time I've actually seen that word in writing and it
makes me wonder....what exactly IS a schmuck? It must be a northern
term or at least a yankee term...I'm not sure because I've never been
any further north than Arkansas. What IS a schmuck?? Not very nice
I assume. Here in Texas....we have fried okra and iced tea....in the
north...schmucks and rhubarb??
Hugs....Lisa (in TX)Oct. 2
OMG I'm leaving in 5 days! That's making my stomach sick and I'm
getting scared!
schmuck [ shmuk ] (plural schmucks) or shmuck [ shmuk ] (plural shmucks)noun a
taboo term for somebody who is regarded as being unworthy of respect ( slang
taboo insult )
[Late 19th century. From Yiddish shmok penis, of unknown origin.]
Okay... now we Texans know.
:)
Nina
Lisa Cooper <lcooperett@...
That's the first time I've actually seen that word in writing and it
makes me wonder....what exactly IS a schmuck? It must be a northern
term or at least a yankee term...I'm not sure because I've never been
any further north than Arkansas. What IS a schmuck?? Not very nice
I assume. Here in Texas....we have fried okra and iced tea....in the
north...schmucks and rhubarb??
Hugs....Lisa (in TX)Oct. 2
OMG I'm leaving in 5 days! That's making my stomach sick and I'm
getting scared!
Can't you post yet, girl??? Craig??? Ya'll doing okay??? POST!!!
Thinking of you. I'll be there Wednesday morning!
Lisa
Oct. 2
That's the first time I've actually seen that word in writing and it
makes me wonder....what exactly IS a schmuck? It must be a northern
term or at least a yankee term...I'm not sure because I've never been
any further north than Arkansas. What IS a schmuck?? Not very nice
I assume. Here in Texas....we have fried okra and iced tea....in the
north...schmucks and rhubarb??
Hugs....Lisa (in TX)Oct. 2
OMG I'm leaving in 5 days! That's making my stomach sick and I'm
getting scared!
That sounds very reasonable, also General anesthesia can stay in your
body for as long as 6 weeks to 3 months. A side effect of anesthesia
is Nausea because it puts that Vagus Nerve to sleep, as well as your
acid receptors in the stomach and mouth, all this stuff as well as
your hair folicles and your brain synapsis (which effect memory and
concentration) take a while to get over the anesthesia effects.
Wow! Lori,
Sorry for you having to deal with such a shmuck.
I personally am firghtened of Doctors who think they are God.
Konstantin
Jeannie,
Sorry folk, this is long ....
On my second post-op visit to my PCP (who's very supportive) she was
concerned that I still had a seroma and seemed to think there was an abcess
forming .... she suggested a consultation with a surgeon ........ I live in
Florida and this was after Charlie - before Frances ........
The female surgeon I had used on 3 previous occassions was unavailable so I
saw her male associate on the thursday after labor day, when Francis had
passed over.
By then there was a red, raised area at the top of the incision, with a
small bit of pus leaking. PCP had precribed Keflex that didn't seem to be
working.
I had brought my x-rays, written explanation of DS and Dr. M's credentials
...... this guy wouldn't look at any of it. He was brusk and critical .....
he made derisive comments about Dr M indicating that he had a scam going -
"taking money and sending patients home to never have to see them again"
...... all the time he was saying these things he was pushing, poking ,
prodding and sqeezing my incision .... it hurt! His nurse kept making those
"shame on you" tsk,tsk sounds. He packed lots of gauze into the seroma and
told me he would have to surgically repair the whole wound "open you up and
clean that mess out".
I left his office hurting, went to the surgery center for lab work and left
with a surgery date for the following Tuesday..... also was informed that he
would be using General Anethesia! ....... By then I had calmed down and
started thinking that I didn't want this guy touching me again ...... he is
a closed minded twerp.
That afternoon I bled through the dressing he had placed..... he had been
brutal.
The following day I had his nurse take the packing out ....... was informed
that the surgery had been postponed to Friday because Ivan was coming
through.
I knew I wasn't going to have it done, but I needed one thing from him - an
effective anti-biotic .... George had suggested Cipro ...... he gave me
Levaquin ........ two days later the redness was gone and the abcess was
draining pus ........ by the fourth day, the seroma had stopped and the
abcess was barely draining. I had cancelled the surgery. Today I am not
leaking from any opening, feel a lot better and am convinced that the little
twerp doctor would have been happy for me to have "complications" just so he
could prove himself right about the incompetence of foreign doctors.
I always preach to my mom about the inportance of taking charge of your own
health care and not letting doctors treat you with less than respect ......
I momentarilly forgot my own advise. I let the twerp treat me as though I
was an ignorant child.
We have all researched the choices of WLS and made informed, intellegent
decisions ....... if you don't feel support from any health care
professional - find another one who does respect your intelligence and is
willing to work toward your ultimate goal of getting healthy.
Lori K - today is my 8 week anniversary
07/29/04
Hi!
Just wondering if some/any/all of you who are experiencing nausea
underwent hiatal hernia repair at the time of your DS?
I had the same experience with horrible life invading nausea that
lasted over three months, and it was suggested to me that this was a
side effect of the esopageal wrap that I had had. Non-weight loss
folks who have the "wrap" also can have this nausea.
It seems to occur because the Vegus nerve that travels from the
brain, along the esophagus and on down, gets disturbed and it takes
it quite a while to calm down again.
I couldn't feel a desire to eat. I forced myself to do it like I
was on a job. At about 3.5 months the horrible effect was GONE and
I've had relatively smooth DS sailing ever since.
Kathy Petersen
Surgery Nov 19th,'01, Dr. Kenneth Welker
(Duodenal Switch, gallbladder removal, Toupet fundoplication,
umbilical hernia repair)
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
Thinking about you and your grandmother and wishing you well.
Lisa
Hi Robin,
The next time I see my PCP I'm going to ask for a prescription for the new
chewable prilosec. It isn't available OTC yet. I see him in 2 weeks for my
3 month labs.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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
Jeannie,
Sorry folk, this is long ....
On my second post-op visit to my PCP (who's very supportive) she was
concerned that I still had a seroma and seemed to think there was an abcess
forming .... she suggested a consultation with a surgeon ........ I live in
Florida and this was after Charlie - before Frances ........
The female surgeon I had used on 3 previous occassions was unavailable so I
saw her male associate on the thursday after labor day, when Francis had
passed over.
By then there was a red, raised area at the top of the incision, with a
small bit of pus leaking. PCP had precribed Keflex that didn't seem to be
working.
I had brought my x-rays, written explanation of DS and Dr. M's credentials
...... this guy wouldn't look at any of it. He was brusk and critical .....
he made derisive comments about Dr M indicating that he had a scam going -
"taking money and sending patients home to never have to see them again"
...... all the time he was saying these things he was pushing, poking ,
prodding and sqeezing my incision .... it hurt! His nurse kept making those
"shame on you" tsk,tsk sounds. He packed lots of gauze into the seroma and
told me he would have to surgically repair the whole wound "open you up and
clean that mess out".
I left his office hurting, went to the surgery center for lab work and left
with a surgery date for the following Tuesday..... also was informed that he
would be using General Anethesia! ....... By then I had calmed down and
started thinking that I didn't want this guy touching me again ...... he is
a closed minded twerp.
That afternoon I bled through the dressing he had placed..... he had been
brutal.
The following day I had his nurse take the packing out ....... was informed
that the surgery had been postponed to Friday because Ivan was coming
through.
I knew I wasn't going to have it done, but I needed one thing from him - an
effective anti-biotic .... George had suggested Cipro ...... he gave me
Levaquin ........ two days later the redness was gone and the abcess was
draining pus ........ by the fourth day, the seroma had stopped and the
abcess was barely draining. I had cancelled the surgery. Today I am not
leaking from any opening, feel a lot better and am convinced that the little
twerp doctor would have been happy for me to have "complications" just so he
could prove himself right about the incompetence of foreign doctors.
I always preach to my mom about the inportance of taking charge of your own
health care and not letting doctors treat you with less than respect ......
I momentarilly forgot my own advise. I let the twerp treat me as though I
was an ignorant child.
We have all researched the choices of WLS and made informed, intellegent
decisions ....... if you don't feel support from any health care
professional - find another one who does respect your intelligence and is
willing to work toward your ultimate goal of getting healthy.
Lori K - today is my 8 week anniversary
07/29/04
In a message dated 9/22/2004 6:18:03 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
bjrfromwa@... writes:
wishing you all the best.
joanne
Joanne
THank you, it helps so much to hear from you guys that have had the nausea
too. Now I feel like I might be a little bit "normal". Will hang in there.
Hugs
Jeannie
In a message dated 9/22/2004 10:56:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
jkrdrmom@... writes:
What about nexium? It is a really tiny pill about the size of a
small tictac. I can't even feel in on my tongue. It is a stomach
acid reducer. You do have to have a prescription.
Robin
I'll be talking to the doctor in the morning and now that I see other's have
had the same problem I think I will suggest something like Nexium and see if
that helps me.
Thanks EVERYONE that sent messages back to me on this.
Huugs
Jeannie
i had an incisional abscess that developed while i was still in the
hospital........Dr M opened it and it took about a month or so for
it to heal completely.
not atypical for me.......i have had surgeries where they had to
leave the whole incision open and had to pack it for weeks til it
healed "from the inside out".
in both cases i did eventually heal.
i had nausea but not daily.
over time we figured out it was usually related to either not taking
in enough water OR not eating often enough.
i had to eat something almost immediately on getting up..........but
could not face eating anything cooked that early........found that
about a quater cup of yogurt worked for me.
then i would hace "breakfast" about an hour or so later.
i did also have to get a scrip for the nausea and between that,
eating more often, & drinking more water it gradually ceased to be a
problem.
my suggestion would be to evaluate your eating/drinking
habits....modify if you are not drinking enough, eating often
enough.......many need "something" every hour to 2 hours at
first......and contact your PCP about a prescription.
wishing you all the best.
joanne
OMG Wendy...I'm SO happy to hear from you! I am so happy to hear
that you are still trying to make it. I will pray that this all
comes together for you...I know how much this means to you.
GIRL...I've been CRAZY wondering where you've been!
Everybody.....Wendy needs some prayers...lets pull this one out for
her! Did I tell you how happy I am to hear from you! I'm so sorry
about your grandmother!
Lisa
Oct. 2
I am almost 6 weeks postop and have suffered with nausea from day one. I am
still so sick with nausea that I can not function as a normal person on a
daily basis.
I also got a terrible infection in my incission and have had to pack a
couple holes for weeks now. The biggest hole in my chest was right under the
sternum and at it's biggest it was as big as a dime and 1/2" deep.
Has anyone else had any of these problems??
Jeannie
AWWWWW GEORGE!!! U should be really proud of urself!! U have
accomplished sooooo much, and I bet that felt GREAT not sticking out
in a crowd, I cant wait!!!! Keep up the good work and keep letting us
know of all ur little "NORMAL" findings, I am so happy for u!
WOOOHOOOO!!
hugs and kisses
Wendy A.
Something Mel posted about being "normal" really hit home with me.
In the course of my job, I usually have to fly from 4 to 6 times a year.
This past weekend I flew to Houston.
I didn't need a belt extender.
I didn't have to buy 2 seats or upgrade to first class to be comfortable.
The woman sitting in the seat next to mine didn't cringe in fear as I
approached my row.
I sat next to someone without any part of my body touching theirs or
encroaching on their space.
I did not need to ask my neighbor if I could put the armrest up.
I was able to get into the bathroom without having to turn sideways and
slide my belly along the door to get in.
I was able to bend over in the bathroom and tie my shoe.
I was able to put the tray down in front of me and use it.
All these things and nobody noticed me at all... because you see, to them, I
was just another normal person on an airplane. While I am still a large man,
I don't stick out in a crowd. I just blend in with the rest of the people.
Normal. That IS a wonderful word.
George in PA
This one brought me to tears- I can't wait to be there. Thanks George and
congrats on being so "normal" : )
-Kelly
I'm so sorry Lisa for not posting.. I have been so busy trying to
sell this car and had so many people wanting to buy but their credit
was bad or sumthing happened everytime... I have been wasting alot of
time showing the car to many people and then my mother n law was here
from thursday thru monday and decided to take all of us to the
beach.. her treat, so i couldnt turn that down... We really needed it
being i am stressing everyone out!!!Plus i came back to hear my
grandmother has stomach cancer and she is in very bad shape. I have
everything and i am packed but i am still $2500 short.....
i am suppose to leave in 3 days YIKES!!!!!!!
Soooo I am busy trying to make this happen.. I am doing all i know to
do..EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING!!!! Wish me luck!! I will be on tonight a
little so i can catch up, my email has 367 messages...LOL
I hope everyone is doing great.. All u guys r always in my prayers.
Much hugggsss!!!!!!
Wendy A.
9/28/04 i hope...
..now i get all notes in triplicate.
sighs.
diane
I guess, like everything else, symptoms of gallstones are as varied as those
that have them ..... my first few "attacks" were periods similar to a bad
stomach ache - I secretly thought I was developing an ulcer and even sent my
DH to the 24 hr wal-mart for Pepcid ........ I thought pepcid was a miracle
pill, but what was really happening ..... the attack subsided in 30-45
minutes because the stone had moved back into the bladder.
.... then one day on the way home from a weekend trip and after a wonderful
crock of onion soup and big platter of loaded nachos, The pain was so bad I
had severe chest pains and couldn't breath, was rushed to the ER and tested
for a heart attack ...... then a very toung doc suggested Gallblader ......
yup, the ultrsound showed stones and the surgery showed about 100 small
stones .... so tiny to cause so many problems!
Lori K - Gallbladderless since 1996
07/29/04
Kathy,
YouR second month resulted in a 13 lb weight loss ..... that's more than 3
lbs a week ..... a nice steady rate
At my post-op exam, I told Dr M I'd be happy with a 2 lb a week loss and
that's just about what's happening ......
Congratulations on your 2 month anniversary and your steady progress! .....
and yeah Whooohooo!
Lori K
07/29/04
Thanks Dave, so much good information!!
Robin G
Hi Kelly,
I had all of my tests except the endoscope done here in the US. The only
test you absolutely must have in the US is the pysch eval. The rest you can
do in Brazil. I chose to have them here because I had fears of getting to
Brazil only to find out I had something horribly wrong that would prevent me
from having my DS. It would have been far cheaper to have had them done in
Brazil though. In retrospect I would have had the blood work done here and
the x-ray, sonargram, and endoscopy done there. The sonargram here cost me
over $500 and in Brazil it would have only been $75.
If you are generally healthy then you would probably be ok having most of
your testing done in Brazil. Of course if you have medical insurance and it
will cover your tests you might as well have them done here.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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
There is a link to the weather in the Links section.
I checked the weather for October. The Mean temperature is 66 degrees,
Maximum temp is 77 degrees, Minimum temp is 60 degrees.
Becca
Deborah,
I left Curitiba on Sunday evening, and Dawn was doing well. I went to
her room to say goodbye, earlier in the day, but they may have gone
to the flea market. Durval told me she was doing fine.
Bev
Post Op
Kelly....I had the labwork done here at my PCP and also the EKG. My
insurance paid that part no big deal. Then he sent me to the
outpatient part of the hospital for the chest Xray and the abdominal
ultrasound which my insurance pays...but it turned into $500
deductible instead of a $25 copay....I said no thanks. Because of
that reason only, I'm having the endoscopy, the xray and the
ultrasound done in Brazil. It's ALL cheaper than the deductible at
the hospital. I'm only 4 working days away from departure day and I
am still hemmy-hawing around with the psych eval. Not sure what I'm
going to do there. Couldn't just my NEIGHBOR vouch that I'm of sound
mind and don't have an eating disorder? My neighbors know me better
than my doctor! I also have a hard time with going to a psychiatrist
and answering some questions for a few minutes and paying for him or
her to confirm that they know me and my problems. Am I the only one
with this feeling on the psych eval? That one's kicking my butt!
K...I'm done now.
Lisa
Oct. 2
Hi,
My DH likes to Golf, does anyone know if there are any good courses
in Curitiba? Gotta make the DH happy!
Also, how far away is Curitiba from a Beach? What kind of Beach is
it, eg.. is it sandy or rocky? It is suitable for swimming or
walking on? Are there alot of tourists?
I know we will be checking out the Flea Market and will take a Bus
tour. What else is there to do that is near Curitiba?
I will be tired, but I don't want to miss anything that would be a
real once in a lifetime kind of site.
I hear the Rain forest is good. Anyone seen it?
I hear the BBQ is very good, where is a good place that is near the
Hotel?
How far away is the Hospital and Doctors office from the Hotel?
Does the hotel have a swimming pool and Gym?
Do you have to Take Taxi's everywhere? or are somethings within
walking distance.
Also, I know the hospital does not have Airconditioning. Does the
Hotel? I HATE being hot, anyone else like that and did you survive
without being miserable.
Are there alot of Bugs or masquitos? Should I bring bug spray?
What will the weather be like the end of October? Will it be rainy
or really hot? Shorts weather or sweater weather?
Are all the TV channels in Portuegese?
Are there any games or fun stuff to do in the "American Box" I might
add some to it if not! What kind of things are in it? It is at the
Hotel right? Or is it at the Hospital?
Is Durval a Nurse of an assistant? Does he speak English well?
Does Dr M use a regular crew for his surgeries or are they always
different?
Is the hospital food fairly decent for family members, does it come
up to my room or do the family go to the cafateria? Is it free?
OK....I have asked enough for now! I will think of more later I am
sure.
Thanks
Robin G
10/26/04
which ones did you have done stateside and which did you have done in Brazil?
Thanks for helping me "evaluate" : )
BTW- I did a search on plane tickets and found some for "only" $500 from Miami
and I have a free ticket on Southwest that will get me there and home- $500 is
sounding "cheap" compared to the prices everyone was talking about this morning.
: )
-Kelly
Lisa,
For me, personally, there's no way I could have sat at a computer the
first few days..by that time, you're back at the Hotel anyway. It was
mostly the position of sitting, and bending over the computer, for
me. When I did get back online, I could only do a few e-mails at a
time and call it quits.
I'm sure Tracy is doing fine, and one of them will post on the board
soon. Just my 2 cents.
Bev
Post Op
I know that Dawn is at the hotel now. She must not have email. Can
anyone let me know how she is doing. If you see her tell her
Deborah Powell is thinking of her and wishing her well.
Thanks.
Deborah Powell
86 pounds lighter
1000 pounds happier
5 and ahalf weeks ago it was $100. US
Don't think its changed yet..
Konstantin
don't remember exactly Darlene.....but it was $100 to $125.
not bad at all.
joanne
I know I have seen it...just cant find it...How much is the endoscopy
in Brazil? Thats the last thing I need and I'm thinkin I might just
do it there...
48 and fat....but gonna be
50 and FABULOUS!!!! healthy too
Darlene in Tx
Just wanting to hear from someone that Tracy is switched and doing
great! Craig or Tracy??....waiting to hear. I've been thinking
about you guys all day!
You post ops...how long IS the whole process? When they take you out
of your room to the operating room until the time you go to recovery
and then the time you get back in your room? I'm guessing you won't
feel like getting online until the next day or even 3 days post,
right??
Lisa
Oct. 2
7 days till departure!
Are you freaking kidding me????!!!!!! Faster than WHAT? Isn't it
remarkable to you that people lose a hundred pounds and MORE in the
first YEAR!!! You've lost ALMOST HALF THAT....IN TWO MONTHS! A WOOO
HOOOOOO is DEFINITELY in order here! WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO
KATHY!!!! Tell whomever is beating up on you to cut it out! You are
doing SUPER!!!! Get a grip woman!
Lisa
Oct. 2
(Oh my gawd!) 7 days till departure! Major yip just now!
I'm gonna miss my babies so much!! ::::sniff sniff:::::
Ya know...it's probably a good thing I'll be there by myself post
op....I'm gonna have to work hard not to have a pitty party! I love
my family so!!!! Thinking out loud, sorry.
Today is my two month anniversary. I don't really think 'woohoos'
are in order. I have lost 43 pounds. Thirty of it I lost in the
first month. I just thought it would come off a little faster in
the first few months than this. I expected lower losses as time
progresses but not this soon.
I still can't eat too awfully much at a time. I have found that
chicken goes down easier than beef. I don't feel weak or nauseous
at all anymore. I started walking last week. That tires me a
little but I feel good mentally after.
Even though I try not to entertain the thought that maybe this won't
work for me, it keeps raising it's little head. You would think
that as little as I am able to eat and the fact that it almost
immediately comes out the other end, that you would just lose lots.
At least I know that whatever I lose will not come back, like with
other diets etc.
Kathy B in KC
7-21-04
-43
Yes...lots of indigestion, lots of nausea...lots of stomach problems in
general. I truly never thought about gall bladder since my stones never
showed up on ultra sound. I had all the classic symptoms but never knew.
But then I blamed my inability to breathe on being morbidly obese and never
thought I had true and serious medical problems beyond like CHF. I
absolutely bought into the fact that every illness I felt...and there were
many...was my obesity. Can't breathe? Lose weight? Sore running down
legs? Lose weight Can't walk....lose weight. I was my own worst enemy and
am supposedly extremely medically knowledgeable in diagnosing other people.
I sure blew it with me. I know everything was my fault and why even tell
doctors when they would tell me to lose weight. Until the day I called the
ambulance and spent 11 days dying in the hospital and realized what an idiot
I was. I bought into the mentality that everything was my fault and every
symptom was my fault. Everything I absolutely knew about diagnostics went
out the window as a bought into the prevailing attitudes about Wendy's
health. W
I don't know what the going rate is for airfare to Brazil, but I
know it was soooo much cheaper when going through a Brazilian
airline and ticket company. I know there are others, but I used
brol.com. My tickets were $750 round trip. I hope this information
is useful!
Morgan
05/04/04
172/135/110
I would have posted pics if I knew how to! Ehhh, I guess I'm just
kind of being lazy - I'm sure I have friends that have a digital
camera and are savy in this area. I do feel good, I'm just
impatient to be skinny skinny skinny! I just cannot imagine what
that would feel like - I hope one day I know! Anyway, I've been
meaning to ask you, are you able to eat all foods? Like, are their
any that make you sick? The only food that really makes me sick
consistently is ice cream. I even drink soda on occasion - not
often, I know it's bad. I get tempted though everytime I run into a
Guarana! Also, yesterday I started trying to use silicon strips
(Neosporen scar therapy) and I can't get them to stay on! Have you
tried these yet? I'm about out of my Contractubex and I still
wanted to use something. Let me know!
Lots of love - Morgan
Hi Wendy
When you had gallbladder issues, do you remember having any nausea?
I get nauseated at different times throughout the day lately. It is
very annoying and frustrating. Sometimes if I eat a little something
it helps. I never know when I will get it. I thought originally it
was all the vitamins and medicines I am taking, but I don't think so
anymore. It doesn't always happen after I take my meds. I know I
have reflux and I also take meds for depression. I hope it isn't any
of those because I HAVE to take those and being nauseated several
times a day is the pits.
Robin G
10/26/04 can't wait to get rid of my bumb gallbladder!!
You would have had to be stationed at Keflavik. That is the only base.
There is an American Embassy in Reykjavik but Icelanders are very strict
about where the Americans can go and are very proud of their hard won
independence from Denmark in 1944. I don't mean Americans can't go
anywhere. They can. But those are the only two facilities where they can
work. We lived in a suburb of Reykjavik called Hafnarfjordur for 2 years
with the other Embassy people and then when the girls were old enough to go
to school we moved onto the base into quarters for school. The base is 90%
Navy but also has some Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and even the usual
Marines at the gate, etc. We always laughed because we were civilians
living in Coast Guard housing working for the Navy Facility with Army and
Air Force neighbors. We called ourselves the Joint Chiefs of Staff. W
<<<Somehow, when you're living in a place, you never manage to do all the
sightseeing and travel you want to, or would if you were a tourist
People still laugh and make fun of me. I was born in NYC and grew up an
hour away. Spent many days a week in NYC all my growing up years either to
visit my aunt or a grandmother or my father's office and as I got older to
theatre or whatever. My dream was always to stay in a hotel in NY and not
at a relative's or girl friend's house. Plus I had done the Statue of
Liberty once as a school field trip but really not much else. SO......I
spent a week in NY for my honeymoon. All my friends in those days were
going to Florida or Bermuda or some romantic beach and I wanted to go to
Manhattan and go to museums and sightseeing and theatre and stay in a hotel
and I did. And we had a ball. I have a scrap book. The day after my
wedding I saw Richard Burton, Robert Goulet and Julie Andrews in the third
row of the orchestra and my ticket stub says $3.60. I also have a bunch of
menus which would make you sick. These are 1963 prices. And I finally got
to the top of the Empire State Building. W
Keflavik is actually where I would have been stationed had I gone there. It
would have been at a Naval Facility (NavFac Keflavik), usually a small place
attached to a larger base, and would have been in 1981. Once I found out that
Iceland was not actually a barren, icy place, I always wished I'd gone there.
My mother and all her family are from England, and with my father being
stationed in Europe for most of my life, we got to go there many times over the
years. So as much as I liked being in Wales, I would have liked to have
experienced somewhere different.
Janice
In Curitiba..... Who does the Hernia fixes (repairs or what)?
and How much does it cost? (time and money)
Konstantin
Kelly...many go alone. I was one of them. I lucked out the first week
cause there were plenty of Americans both in the hospital and in the hotel
already post op so I had a lot of company. By the end of my stay they had
all returned to the U.S. and it got lonely. But Durval and Dr. M and I also
had an internist were wonderful in working to pick up my spirits. Since I
was in the hospital much longer than usual for medical ( not surgical)
problems Dr. M insisted one day that a manicurist come to the hospital to do
my nails. Durval was a great entertainer. Another afternoon he got a van to
take me riding for a couple hours so at least I could see some of the city.
Well, I blew it and took the comment seriously because there are so many
misconceptions about Iceland. They were the best 4 years of our lives. My
husband was the civilian personnel officer at the NATO base in Keflavik,
Iceland and the only time in my life where I was a big fish in a little pond
instead of a little fish in a big pond. I met everyone from Prince Philip
to Nixon and Bobby Fischer ( the chess champion) and all sorts of other
people. It was an unbelievable experience and that is why my children are
so fluent in many languages. If you almost went there with the Navy tell me
the year and I'll tell you exactly what your experience would have been
like. Our career was 34 years of working for the Navy as civilians and we
moved from base to base all over the world. We retired from Alameda Naval
Air Station which sad to say is no longer. My daughter just came back from
her 20th high school reunion and what has happened to that town is such a
shame. W
Yes I do feel like a million - except for my big 'ol panni... but I
am planning on having that fixed by Dr. Cavalcanti next year ;)
And I know that if I look good at 138 you must look GREAT at 135 -
so post some pics so we can all see how fab you look!
hugs -
Andrea
I was wondering .. for those of you who went and had the PS done in Brazil
...
What was the Average cost?
Is there a ballpark cost posting anywhere?
How much time did it take.... (from Surgery to Airport)?
Konstantin
Diane, the best Dortha could do last January was $1130 from Portland, Oregon.
Hope Arwen's passport problems are solved quickly. Hugs, Sherry
zinnia55@... wrote:we ran into a problem with arwen's passport
application.
they needed more documentation. i sent it overnight
rush. hope it's what they require, or we'll be putting our
trip off for a few weeks.
btw, dortha was out of the office this last week, and larry
there found me tickets from washington state to curitiba
for $1078. that seems a little high--am i right?
regards,
diane
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
God bless you kiddo...........4 plane changes..WHEW!!!!!!!!
glad you are home....now rest and heal.
joanne
i paid mpre than that in Jan hon.
joanne
I'm new here Bev but welcome home! ; ) Glad you made it safe and sound- we'll be
seeing much "less" of you here soon! ; )
-Kelly
Hi Everyone,
Have any of you ever seen that episode on Golden Girls where Rose
wins an award and they all go to her hometown to accept it, Woman of
th Year, I think. Well, they have to endure a plane ride, train ride,
finally a ride on a donkey, just to get there?? Thats how I felt
today! As y'all know, who've been there, the trip down is bad enough,
but the trip home seemed to be endless, to me. I had 4 plane changes,
because my flight out of Curitiba was late...I was pretty miserable,
trying to get comfy and sleep. It didn't happen. I was sooo happy to
see my Sister, at the Airport in Memphis, I almost hoisted her up and
planted a big smooch on her. (in my dreams). ha
I had no bowel problems, but I took the meds Durval gave me, and did
fine. I kept drinking water and staying hydrated, as much as possible.
On the way to the Airport, Durval had a new CD, so he played it in
the van, and he was so funny dancing around in the front seat, making
me laugh. It was good to see him "cut loose" and enjoy his time.
NOw begins the rest of my life.
Several folks have asked the reason for my low blood count. Turns
out, I had bleeding ulcers. Doc M removed many of them when he cut
the portion of my stomach out that contained them. He cauterized the
others. I will work with my PCP to keep these under check...sure
don't want that to ever happen again.
It's good to be home and now I will take my shower and try to get
some much needed sleep.
Love,
Bev
we ran into a problem with arwen's passport application.
they needed more documentation. i sent it overnight
rush. hope it's what they require, or we'll be putting our
trip off for a few weeks.
btw, dortha was out of the office this last week, and larry
there found me tickets from washington state to curitiba
for $1078. that seems a little high--am i right?
regards,
diane
Hi Lisa,
You shouldn't need to dial a 1 first. Just dial all the numbers. I didn't
have any trouble. Normally I'd offer to fax them for you but my phone lines
have been down since last Thursday and the phone company doesn't know when
it will be working again.
Clear Skies,
Dave in Ohio
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch by Dr. Marchesini in
Curitiba, 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
I would love to meet you! ; ) Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll schedule me around
that time! ; )
-Kelly
Kelly!! hi I'm Darlene from Tx. My switch date is Oct 27 or 28....I
cant remember lol and my file isnt right here. If ya wanna try for
that I'd be glad to be your switch sister! I'm plannin on arrivin the
25th and leavin Nov 8 or 9.
Lisa!!! Hows the lil darlins? I do hope they are alot better.
48 and fat...but gonna be
50 and FABULOUS!!!! healthy too
Darlene in Tx
Dr M never said I had to fax him anything. I just said I would bring
all my medical records with me when I come. I did fill out a form he
sent me through email and I emailed it back but that is all.
Maybe you could just bring everything with you?
Robin G
Lisa - My husband is replying to this post since I don't drink
coffee. "It's dang good coffee" It is more like an expresso than our
blah coffee. He has drank more coffee in the last three days than I
have seen him drink in the last three months. Coffee, coffee,
everywhere. Creamer is available and the sweetener that Craig uses
here is Stevia - it doesn't get bitter when it gets hot. It's not
sugar, but an herb. You can get it in the US, too. I will see you
when you get here and the coffee is on and waiting (right by the
front door entrance at the Parthenon).
Tracy
I do not drink coffee, but they do have instant Cappuccino and some
other coffees in your room. They serve coffee downstairs in the lobby
but I did not try it.
As far as tap water, I used it when I made hot tea and soup. I had no
problem with it. They sell bottled water next door if you would prefer
to use that.
AFAIK, they only serve chamomile tea in the hospital after you have DS
surgery. Being away from caffeine for a few days may cause headaches.
Becca
Kelly, my surgery was in July and I went to Brazil alone, so did all of
the other American patients who were there. We may have gone to Brazil
alone, but we had each other. We also had the love and care of a great
doctor and the nurses, not to mention the wonderful hotel staff, who
will do just about anything to make you happy. People at the local
stores were warm and friendly. I felt very comfortable walking around
and shopping in Brazil. The people there are cordial, they will greet
you as they pass you on the sidewalk.
Never leave teenagers alone, I agree. Have you seen the movie "16
Candles"? LOL
Becca
I never got a response about the fax....do you just start dialing the
011 and then the other numbers? Should I dial 1 + the 011 and then
the other numbers? Why won't it fax? Maybe I could fax it to one of
you and you could fax it to Brazil for me? I'll send you a couple
bucks for the cost of the fax call. What do you think?
Lisa
Oct. 2
Leaving in 8 days!!
I was wondering today if they have coffee there like we do
here...just breakfast coffee. Or latte's and gourmet would be nice,
too. Should I take some creamer and Splenda for my coffee? Or is
that the kind of thing we stay away from if we aren't wanting to
drink too much of their water? Curious about that. I love my
morning coffee.
Lisa
Oct. 2
Leaving in 8 days!!
OH SURE!!! Tempt me! No way I can get ready that fast. My Visa is
not here and My DH has already made arrangements for time off.
But....The thought is sure tempting......UGH!!!
Robin G