Weight loss

folks, because of all the controversy and harsh words
flying around about this issue, i've decided to post my
original account of what happened to me in spain. this
was posted in the dr. b support group last year, shortly
after my ds. the melee as a result of this was the cause
of my leaving that group--though dr. b was my surgeon,
i found no support there.
please note that i have not disparaged dr. baltasar in
any way--though a lot of his more strident supporters
feel differently.
frankly, now, i'm pleased to be taking my daughter to dr.
marchesini in brazil for her ds. it will be an eye-opener
to compare the two experiences.
diane

Ok. Normally wouldn't bore you all with this stuff but since I
don't think it would be happening without my DS you might want to
know.
I started going to college a few months back. Online. I've gotten
straight A's (brag moment) and don't have a clue what I'm going to
do with a degree but I will be able to say I have one <lol
I've been working in a job that is pretty isolated. I sit at a
computer all day and do most of my communicating by email. This has
been just fine with me and I pushed to get here, and away from other
people. I am feeling so much better and so much stronger, mentally
and emotionally, since my DS 16 months ago that I decided to make a
move. I put out some feelers and got a job offer that I'm really
excited about. I've been with the same company (diff jobs) for 20
years. I was looking outside the company. My company heard about
it and offered me this new exciting and stimulating job. They gave
me a raise that I didn't even ask for. I start Nov 1. Part of the
reason they really wanted me was because of my 'people skills'
<lol
years.
To add to this, the job I took (I did have some other options) is
about 35 miles from where I live. We are going to sell the house
that I really love because the commute would be so extensive and
would cause issues with the family life (getting to kids games,
school functions etc.). SO, I'm packing and cleaning and getting my
house (that I really love <sniff
So between training my replacement, keeping up my current job,
taking care of getting the house ready for sale, checking into the
housing market across town AND getting school under control ... I've
been a bit behind in here. A bit ironic considering the DS and this
group are what gave me these opportunities!
Blessings to all,
Candy
06.03.03
P.S. I've been maintaining within the same 3lbs or so since 1/04.
Sometime in the last couple weeks I dropped about 4 extra pounds and
my measurements for 10/3 were all smaller! Whoo hoo!!!

Thanks for the good wishes! I've been a bit absent so just saw
this. Yes, like is altogether much more wonderful now :)
Candy
06.03.03

I am no DS expert yet, but I do know you can have many different
kinds of hernias, some visable and some not. Though what you
describe sounds a lot like a pulled muscle. I think right now you
are probably more likely to get an incisional hernia, or a herniated
bowel. I am not sure about that though. I hope it is just the
pulled muscle. Keep watching it and see what it does. If it gets
more painful you should probably have it checked. If it is a pulled
muscle it will of course get better over the next few days.
Robin G

I used to be such a positive person! I am going to just try to go
with the flow!
Thanks
Robin

"saipanmom" wrote: Actually, the lady I was talking about had DS
surgery in August
Robin:
I would suggest you ask Renee herself on the AMOS forum the details
of the procedure her doctor is recommending. You may also want to
ask her which procedure she had. On her Profile page, she writes:
May 26 2004 - "Felt like I have been kicked in the teeth. just got a
call from Dr Deveney's office telling me that they and the hospital
will no longer take my insurance Tri care prime.. so I have been
referred to another surgeon. Dr Patterson.. though I think I might
have my urgery done by her associate.. who I have heard is also very
good.. there are far more hoops to jump through.. but I will do what
I have to do.. the bad thing is that I will have to have RNY no DS..
but that is okay.. they are both effective for weightloss (sigh) I
am still bummed"
Later, she says she has been able to go back to Dr Deveney, but she
does not say that the procedure has been changed back to the DS. It
is possible that she set up her profile showing the DS as her
procedure of choice, and never changed it.
Strictures are very common in RnY patients, and Dr. Deveney does do
both the DS and the RnY, according to his AMOS profile.
I'm not saying that it is impossible for DS patients to need such a
procedure, but like George, I have not heard of it.
Mike Adams
Surgery 6/30/2004
Dr Marchesini
SW / CW / GW
450 / 355 / 250-210

I been thinking....
I went to Safeway on Monday and grabbed my shopping basket... I
picked up a bunch of cans of Beef stew and hash and what ever... and I headed
for the checkout.... just before I got there I noticed that i felt a pulling
on my left side (like pulling a muscle) .... I am right handed..
when I got home I was a bit aware of it.
Now its Friday and it feels like a pulled muscle...
I probed all over the area with my hands, my fingers and I feel
no lumps or nots or protrusions... everything on the left feels just like the
right....
Does anyone think this is just a pulled muscle or more?
Can a person get a hernia with out a protrusion?
Am I once more worrying to much?
Konstantin

Robin....I spent last Tuesday at the hospital in radiology having an upper
GI and small bowel studies which took forever cause it was one of these
things where they take pictures every 30 minutes until the barium reaches
the colon and since I have some kind of obstruction it took twice as long as
usual. We still don't have the report so I don't have any answers but don't
worry. Insurance will pay. The gastro uses the correct diagnostic codes
for the test and they don't question why I need those codes. Even when I
have bloodwork they used the malabsorption code. Insurance doesn't ask why
I have malabsorption. If you ever have problems post DS in this country
just make sure your doctor codes things acceptable to insurance. Don't
think so much. <g

Hi George,
Actually, the lady I was talking about had DS surgery in August
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-
forums/DS/postdetail/8965.html?vc=0
above is the url (i hope it works) she is on the DS board at
obesityhelp.com
She said it was a narrowing somewhere that had to be stretched open.
There is a whole group of people over there that have had DS
surgery. I mainly talk to them. I was just worried about what
happened to her happening to me sometime down the road. I was
wondering if this has happened to anyone here.
Sorry, if I wasn't clear in my original post.
Robin G

Yes... it is fairly common for people who have the RNY operation. You are
not having that, you are having the DS. Way different.
In the RNY, the majority of the stomach is removed and a small opening
(called a stoma) is created between the stomach "pouch" and the intestine.
Sometimes this stoma gets too narrow and doesn't allow food to pass out of
the stomach and then they have to go in and dilate it.
In the DS, you will have a fully functioning stomach... it will just be
smaller than your original.
I suggest that if you are doing continueing research, you look at websites
that talk about the DS operation such as http://www.duodenalswitch.com/ If
you read other groups that talk about other types of weight loss surgery,
you are going to get information that will not pertain to you.
George in PA
What if I get home from Brazil

Lori..just a word that you might want to investigate. Many of the protein
powders lose their potency after 30-40 minutes of being mixed and they all
basically say in the small print not to store it for several days like you
have been doing. Please make sure you are getting the full benefit of the
protein if it is pre made 4-5 days in a row. Also, most people believe
that our bodies only absorb about 30 protein grams at a time and drinking 50
at once is overkill. Since you say you spread it out you probably aren't
getting more than 30 at a time but as your stomach increases its capacity
there wouldn't be that much benefit in drinking it all at once.. We have
never fully proved if there is merit to the 30 at a time but I know that I
follow it just to be sure. I also use a product that says 60 grams with 2
scoops. I use Isopure Dutch Chocolate. What I do is use a fraction less
than one scoop in 8 oz. of Soy milk and that way I know I am sticking to the
30 gram limit. If as your stomach increases you eat 20-30 grams 3-4 times a
day you will have met your limit for the day. I am concerned though about
your saying you make enough for 5 days. I truly do not believe you are
getting sufficient protein after the first day. I'll be interested to see
what others have to say. W

I was reading the OH website and a ladie there had DS surgery and has
to go back to be scoped. She was not too clear on the exact problem,
but she has been unable to keep things down. There is a narrowing
somewhere inside that has to be widened to allow food to pass
through. Is this a common thing????? What if I get home from Brazil
and a few weeks down the line have something like that? I am scared
now! If something like that happened, I bet my insurance company
would not pay since it is realated to WLS complication. It could
cost thousands of dollars to treat and nobody in ST. Louis is a DS
doc. What would I do? Would I have to fly all the way back to
Brazil to get it treated? Do you think another DS surgeon in the US
would treat it? Would it be something a general surgeon could handle
without messing up my DS? My DH would blow his top! I can't even
immagine how angry he would be! It would be catastrophic to our
finances if I had a bad complication and insurance would not cover
it. Has anyone here had a complication that needed to be fixed after
they got home? What did you do? Did insurance cover it? My anxiety
levels are rising!!!! YIP YIP YIP!!!! I am hoping that this type of
complication is rare and I am just making a mountain out of a mole
hill! Any advise is welcome!
Next question.... Anyone here have Gout? My brothers all have had
it. I had 2 episodes of what I think was gout about 4 years ago. My
big toe got all swollen, red and I could barely stand to have
anything touch it. It took several weeks to finally go totally
away. Both times, it hurt to walk or do anything. I read on the OH
board and was reminded that Gout is often caused by excessive
protein! Has anyone here had Gout exaserbated by DS surgery post
operatively? I am just curious about that. If so, how do you treat
it and do you still take in all the protein you need?
Robin G
10/26/04 and having a big time YIP moment!

That was funny. One night I was watching the Food channel and they were judging
hot sauce (in Ft. Worth). Even some of the native Texas judges were reacting
like judge #3. When I was younger I didn't mind really hot anything, although I
really never saw the point of it. When I ate very hot anything, the heat was all
I could taste. There was no other flavor. So I started eating less hot and all
the other flavors of the food came through. It was a good compromise, although I
never would have admitted it as a kid. Trying to be macho I guess.
Carole
saipanmom <jkrdrmom@...
I read this on Obesityhelp.com
Subject: Chili Cook Off :
If you can read the whole story without tears of laughter running down
your cheeks, then there's no hope for you.
They actually have a Chili cook-off about the time the rodeo comes to
town. It takes up a major portion of the parking lot at the Astrodome.
The notes are from an inexperienced chili taster named Frank, who was
visiting Texas from the East Coast:
Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili
cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I
happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions
to
the Budweiser truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other
two judges (Native Texans) that the Chili wouldn't be all that spicy
and, besides, they told me "I could have free beer during the tasting,
so I accepted."
Here are the scorecards from the event:
Chili # 1 Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
Judge # 1 A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 A nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild
Judge # 3 (Frank) Holy shit, what the hell is this stuff? You could
remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the
flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
Chili # 2 Arthur's Afterburner Chili
Judge # 1 - Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 - Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken
seriously. Judge # 3 - Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not
sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two
people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush
in
more beer when they saw the look on my face.
Chili # 3 Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans.
Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels
like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now.
Get
me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my
backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting ####-faced from
all of the beer.
Chili # 4 Bubba's Black Magic
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge
# 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or
other
mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was
unable
to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the
barmaid,
was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB. bitch is
starting to look HOT-just like this nuclear waste I'm eating. Is chili
an aphrodisiac?
Chili # 5 Linda's Legal Lip Remover
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground,
adding
considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must
admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead
and I
can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed
the paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that
her
chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding
by
pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning
my
lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to
stop
screaming. Screw those rednecks.
Chili # 6 Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of
spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and
garlic. Superb. Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe
filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I #### myself when I farted and
I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to
stand behind me except that #### Sally. She must be kinkier than I
thought. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my ass with a snow
cone.
Chili # 7 Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned
peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of
chili peppers at the last moment. I should take note that I am worried
about Judge number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is
cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I
wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world
sounds
like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili,
which
slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like #### to
match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed
me. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful. Screw it, I'm
not
getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through
the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
Chili # 8 Tommy's Toe-Nail Curling Chili
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too
bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balance chili. Neither mild
nor
hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge number 3 passed
out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not
sure
if he's going to make it. Poor dude, wonder how he'd have reacted to
really hot chili.

That is good! I am going even if I am in a full body cast!
I can't wait to meet him! He is going to be my favorite person EVER
when this is over.
Robin G

Robin....a couple of people have shown up in Curitiba with a cold or
respiratory problem and Dr. M. treated them for a couple of days and
rescheduled the surgery when they were safe to have the surgery. Sherry
showed up with a broken ankle and he called an orthopedist. I showed up on
Coumadin and he called in a cardiologist to get me off it pre op. Dr. M.
has a recipe for absolutely every contingency. W

I read this on Obesityhelp.com
Subject: Chili Cook Off :
If you can read the whole story without tears of laughter running down
your cheeks, then there's no hope for you.
They actually have a Chili cook-off about the time the rodeo comes to
town. It takes up a major portion of the parking lot at the Astrodome.
The notes are from an inexperienced chili taster named Frank, who was
visiting Texas from the East Coast:
Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili
cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I
happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions
to
the Budweiser truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other
two judges (Native Texans) that the Chili wouldn't be all that spicy
and, besides, they told me "I could have free beer during the tasting,
so I accepted."
Here are the scorecards from the event:
Chili # 1 Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
Judge # 1 A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 A nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild
Judge # 3 (Frank) Holy shit, what the hell is this stuff? You could
remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the
flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
Chili # 2 Arthur's Afterburner Chili
Judge # 1 - Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 - Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken
seriously. Judge # 3 - Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not
sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two
people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush
in
more beer when they saw the look on my face.
Chili # 3 Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans.
Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels
like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now.
Get
me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my
backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting ####-faced from
all of the beer.
Chili # 4 Bubba's Black Magic
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge
# 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or
other
mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was
unable
to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the
barmaid,
was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB. bitch is
starting to look HOT-just like this nuclear waste I'm eating. Is chili
an aphrodisiac?
Chili # 5 Linda's Legal Lip Remover
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground,
adding
considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must
admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead
and I
can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed
the paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that
her
chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding
by
pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning
my
lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to
stop
screaming. Screw those rednecks.
Chili # 6 Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of
spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and
garlic. Superb. Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe
filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I #### myself when I farted and
I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to
stand behind me except that #### Sally. She must be kinkier than I
thought. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my ass with a snow
cone.
Chili # 7 Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned
peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of
chili peppers at the last moment. I should take note that I am worried
about Judge number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is
cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I
wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world
sounds
like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili,
which
slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like #### to
match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed
me. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful. Screw it, I'm
not
getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through
the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
Chili # 8 Tommy's Toe-Nail Curling Chili
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too
bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balance chili. Neither mild
nor
hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge number 3 passed
out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not
sure
if he's going to make it. Poor dude, wonder how he'd have reacted to
really hot chili.

Hey!!! Who let the aliens in?????????? I told you I was going
nuts!
Robin G
Their coming to take me away...........

Hi,
I had a visit with my PCP today. I went to ask about my postop care
and to get advise on restless legs and some headaches I have been
having.
Anyhow, she is VERY impressed with all my research on the surgery.
She was all for it to begin with, though originally when I first saw
her about it, I was looking in RNY because I though my insurance
company would pay and that is what all the surgeons do in my area.
She used to work with some Bariatric Surgeons during her residency in
California and is very knowledgable about RNY.
They have this new computer system at the Docs office and all the
docs carry around these lap tops from patient to patient. They are
linked to the internet on top of having all the patient records on
them. She was able to look up Dr M in some medical search engine and
it brought up a couple of dozen references to Dr M. I was so
impressed and so was she. He has published several papers in
reputable medical journals, so that set her mind at ease about me
going to him. We found tons of stuff about him and NOTHING was
negative. I am so happy about that. I know he is a wonderful doc
and a great person and now I have proof from my own PCP.
I am even more excited now! I can't believe this is going to happen.
I am worried about catching something from one of my kids or at work
though. My daughter has a cough, last week my kids had a virus or
some sort. I am just scared to death I am going to catch something
or have an accident or some other problem that will prevent my
surgery. I noticed my throat is feeling a bit itchy! YIKES!!! What
if I get a cough or a cold?
Boy of BOY!!! What if an asteroid hits the earth! What if I get
kidnapped by aliens? What if Dr M gets taken by aliens? What if my
airplane gets lost on the way to Brazil? I DON't WANT TO BE FAT
FOREVER!!!! I am going to be really ticked off If aliens come before
my surgery! If Dr M gets taken, they are in for REAL trouble. Rambo
Robin will have to get mean!
I am looking into locking myself in a plastic bubble for the next 15
days so I don't catch anything. Or maybe just a rubber room :-)
Robin G
I am going NUTS! I am IN the twilight zone on the brink of madness!

... Health & fitness Date Sexy Fitness Singles in Your City. Register
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Just a reminder that the North Texas DS Support Group meeting is this
Saturday. Please see notice and directions below. Hope those of you in the
area can make it!
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/151/135-140?
Please join us for the North Texas DS Supp.ort Group Meeting Saturday, Oct
9, 2004.
Bring a snack to share & a friend.
Ellen
Oct 9, 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 new Star's Center) 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
Ellen from TX
Surgery by Dr. Rabkin
May 9, 2001
-205 lbs.

Doing the Hoppy Dance in your honor, Wendy. Hugs, Sherry
wendy <sexydragon420@...
Hey u guys, I just got back from Dr. M's office.. READY? I lost
17 lbs in 9 days!!!!! YIPPPEEEE!!!
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 9/25/04 189.2 Total Loss 71.3 Weekly loss/gain
2.2
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo

I attend a monthly support group here in Lakeland, Florida. Have been going
to it for two years now. Most of them are RNY and bands. NO DS. They just
can't understand that I have never thrown up and have no diarehha. They also
stare when I eat. I always feel like I hit the jack pot with this surgery
when I listen to them complain about all their ills. I am just so lucky to
have had Dr. M and DS.
I found a bi-monthly DS group here in Orlando and boy do we take over a
resturant when we meet. I just love to go.
Dawn, I too only like water if it is icy cold. And I am glad you are doing
so well. I never did the low fat thing, and now I pretty much don't even
think about what I am eating except to get in my protein daily.
Deborah Powell

AH Wendy,
I am sooooo jealous, you have made it to the losers club! I want to
get in sooooo badly. I will be there soon! I am very excited and
nervous and anxious and happy and fidgetty and jittery and....Did I
say I was exited!
Robin G
leaving for curitiba in 15 days!!!!

Hey....I am also a moderator and have never used my superpowers. I say it
is OK. Post away and make me feel powerful. <g

I don't think this list is nearly as "ad" conscious as the big ds list. I'd love
to have the info and have it as part of the archives, personally! ; )
I vote tell us! ;)
-kelly

First of all, this is not SPAM. I do not sell this product nor do I
benefit from it's sale.
I have found a wonderful bathroom spray. I have tried countless
different ones. NONE of them work!!! I can't tell you how much
money I have blown on this and that. I have found one that works
perfectly and would like to share the info on it with you, just in
case you are having the same problem that I was having.
I came across this product through my grandaughter. Everytime she
comes to spend the night with me, she sees I have a different
spray. She told me that her mom (my ex-daughter-in-law) had her
gall bladder taken out last year and she had some bathroom issues.
She works for a chemical company (I never knew what kind of
chemicals she handled). My grandaughter told me that I needed to
try this bathroom spray that they have at their house that her mom
gets from work.
I called her mom and talked to her about my problem. She told me
that she has lots of WLS clients that order this spray and even
funeral homes. She says that sometimes funeral homes get a 'body'
that is pretty smelly. They use a special spray to get rid of the
odor.
Anyway, I bought a bottle (it is not aerosole). One spray in the
middle of the room and NO MORE ODOR. She also sent me a small purse
size bottle that I can fill and carry with me. Believe me, this
stuff is a miracle and it will last a long time!!
If anyone is interested, I will be happy to give you her name and
phone # (I don't know if it okay to post is here). She told me that
they are supposed to sell everything in case lots but since she has
so many weight loss customers, they have allowed her to break up a
case.
Just email me for her phone number and/or if it is okay I will post
it here.
Kathy B in KC
7-21-04

I still drink soda, but not as much and I can't chug it like I used to (even a
small sip makes me feel like I'm going to burst!). Funny, but without the
chugging, the thrill just isn't there like it used to be. I guess that's not a
bad thing.
saipanmom <jkrdrmom@...
Everyone at the meeting I was at talked about them NOT being able to
drink soda pop. I assume since you do, that DS patients CAN drink
soda? I am just curious. I do like to drink an occational fresca or
diet pepsi
Robin G

Robin G.,
I am glad that this group exists so that you could have a safe forum to vent
and release some of what you are feeling. We have all been there and I
support and have nothing but high hopes for you. I know that your surgery will
go
well and once you start to feel better after recovery you will know that it is
all worth it!
Dawn
post op 9/14/04

I had a pre-arranged time when my family would call me every night with a
later "back-up" time. That way I didn't worry about the calling cards or the
hotel phone charges, etc. Before I left home I arranged with my long distance
carrier to ensure that calls to Brazil would be covered at the lowest possible
cost. We paid $4.00 for set up for the month and $.29 a minute. It made
things much easier for me.
Dawn

Thanks for the info!
Robin G

Hi again Robin,
Yes DS patients can drink soda eventually. Doc M told me that I should be
able to handle it by 6 months.
Pre-op I averaged a gallon of soda every day. I miss it so much. I have
had a few sips of soda since surgery just to get the taste. My problem is
that I hate diet sodas. I'd rather not have it at all if I have to drink
diet. So even though I might be able to handle the carbonation I know all
the sugar would give me huge amounts of gas. So I'm living the soda free
life.
Overall it's a small price to pay. If you like diet soda then you will be
able to drink it eventually.
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 Robin,
You can start walking right after surgery. By the time you get home you can
start doing other cardio things like swimming. You are going to want to
avoid any high impact things (like jogging) for the first 3 months or so.
You could start doing weight training as soon as you feel up to it, but you
want to avoid any abdominal wall exercises. You should ask Doc M when you
can start doing abdominal exercise but certainly not for the first 3 months.
I drank gatoraid and crystal light while I was in the hotel. The reason was
that I couldn't stand just plain water. So I was mainly drinking gatoraid
cut with water (1:4). These days I mainly drink water but I do still have
some crystal light or light lemon aid.
I have used the scar treatments. I've used both the pads and the gels. I
don't know if they helped or not, but my scar hasn't keloided or spread very
much.
Hi,
I went to a support meeting tonight sponsored by a hospital here that
does a lot of WLS. It was very interesting to meet other WLS
patients. Of course they were all RNY or lap patients. There were
NO other DS patients there. That is probably because nobody in
Missouri does that surgery. Anyhow, I felt kind of like a black cat
in a crowd of white cats. It was still interesting though, I talked
to alot of people and the guest speaker talked about fitness
exercising etc... I is odd hearing about the dumping syndrom and the
fact that they have to drink so many protein shakes for so long after
surgery.
Anyhow, How long after surgery can we starting exercising? I know we
can walk right away, but I want to do weights and more cardio etc...
Also what about stomach exercises?
Why does everyone drink Gatoraid or propel? I HATE that stuff, do I
have to drink it or can I just stick to water?
Has anyone used the scar covers that are supposed to lessen the
severity of scar tissue? I saw some today and was just wondering. I
think you wear them for 12 weeks or so.
Thanks to everyone for the advise about my YIPS! and my crazy
nerves. I am feeling a little better today! Still Yiping to some
degree, but I will survive!
Robin G
Leaving in 16 days for my switch!!
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

try diluting the carbonated part of the beverage if it
bothers you.
at a year post-op, i like club soda and diet peach
snapple--half and half. a good, refreshing drink, and the
carbonation is diluted enough that it doesn't bother me.

The first 3 months I avoided soda completely. But I missed it so. I then
slowly tested myself with things like diet Sprite and 7 Up since they had no
caffeine in them so I could count it towards my liquid. It didn't bother me
so occasionally I started drinking diet Pepsi but I had a personal rule I
wouldn't drink it until I had had at least 60-70 oz. of non caffeinated
liquid. Once I was far enough out ( about 6-7) months I stopped having a
rule because by then certain habits were ingrained and I knew that the soda
wouldn't stop me from drinking my water. I drink at least one diet Pepsi a
day now and occasionally I go to a second and I have no problems at all.
Some people are bothered by carbonation and some people start out by
drinking flat soda initially. Like everything else YMMV and test yourself
to see how your body will react. The one rule I followed for absolutely
everything was the same as when I introduced each of my new babies to a new
food. One new thing at a time so if the tummy gets upset you know what
causes it and you can avoid it for a few weeks and then try it again. If
you have 2-3 new things and a Pepsi all at once and you had gas that night
you wouldn't have the faintest idea what caused it. W

In a message dated 10/6/2004 9:26:16 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
jkrdrmom@... writes:
am just curious. I do like to drink an occational fresca or
diet pepsi
I sip on a coke every day. With the nausea that I had that was the only
thing I could get down and it settled my stomach. I was a big Pepsi drinker
before surgery, but it is way too sweet for me now.

Everyone at the meeting I was at talked about them NOT being able to
drink soda pop. I assume since you do, that DS patients CAN drink
soda? I am just curious. I do like to drink an occational fresca or
diet pepsi
Robin G

<<< Why does everyone drink Gatoraid or propel? I HATE that stuff, do I
have to drink it or can I just stick to water?
Most people drink that stuff because they don't like water. I will only
drink water and diet Pepsi now that I am far enough out. Do not ever feel
you must drink non water drinks. Water is the best there is and all these
other flavored liquids are primarily for people who either are pushing
liquids or they are looking for the electrolytes that some of those drinks
have. I get my nutrition and things elsewhere. Water drinkers unite!!! I
hate those drinks too and have never even had a Crystal Lite and dislike
coffee and tea as well. I do get caffeine in my diet Pepsi so it isn't that
I avoid it. I just don't like the taste of most drinks.
BTW...you will find that being the only DS person in a RNY room is really
funny. We all had the same original goal and of course we have things in
common. But our surgeries and life styles become so very different. W

I am!! Ijust got my date from Dr M tonight and will be going alone!
I will be leaving on Nov 7th (i hope) and my surgery is on
Wednesday, November 10! I am so excited i could bust!!! Now i just
have to figure out who to go to for a Psych evaluation cause my
doctor said "**&^!!NO!!!!)" LOL!
Kimberly

I am taking Zinc and Biotin, both have been known to encourage hair
and nail grown and health. I am still preop and will continue to
take them after I get home. I am Hoping that they help, but I won't
know until later. They can't hurt!
Robin G
10/26/04

Hi,
I went to a support meeting tonight sponsored by a hospital here that
does a lot of WLS. It was very interesting to meet other WLS
patients. Of course they were all RNY or lap patients. There were
NO other DS patients there. That is probably because nobody in
Missouri does that surgery. Anyhow, I felt kind of like a black cat
in a crowd of white cats. It was still interesting though, I talked
to alot of people and the guest speaker talked about fitness
exercising etc... I is odd hearing about the dumping syndrom and the
fact that they have to drink so many protein shakes for so long after
surgery.
Anyhow, How long after surgery can we starting exercising? I know we
can walk right away, but I want to do weights and more cardio etc...
Also what about stomach exercises?
Why does everyone drink Gatoraid or propel? I HATE that stuff, do I
have to drink it or can I just stick to water?
Has anyone used the scar covers that are supposed to lessen the
severity of scar tissue? I saw some today and was just wondering. I
think you wear them for 12 weeks or so.
Thanks to everyone for the advise about my YIPS! and my crazy
nerves. I am feeling a little better today! Still Yiping to some
degree, but I will survive!
Robin G
Leaving in 16 days for my switch!!

I don't leave till the 11th! : )
-Kelly

Is anyone else going to be in Curitiba on or around November 9th?

I don't know how to put anything on the home page or even post a picture. I
cheat and have people do it for me. <g
frequently use it. I wish I could take credit for it because it is so very
true and captures the essences of the yips. W

I think it's different for everyone but for me it begain about 4 months out and
was pretty obvious until about 9 months. Slowed down after 9 months and remains
thin today.
kstew111@... wrote:I am so curious... when should I expect for my hair loss
to begin? and is
intense in everyone? or is it diferent for each person?
Also is there any vitamins I should start taking that can either minimize
the loss ??
Konstantin

I am amazed at how expensive the phone calls are now. I guess I really did
not talk all that much from the hotel. My sister bought one calling card
to call Brazil from the US and then handed out the 800 number and pin to my
Grandparents and Husband. This worked great because she had lots of
minutes and had not used them all. Just an idea to share the pin number
and card with the rest of your family so you get your moneys worth.
Tkae care,
Natalie
280/187/150 OK I finally put my weight signature on there.

Welcome home Tracy!
Renee
-105
Tracy Williams <casacraigtracy@...
Hello all! It is good to be home! I just wanted to let everyone know
that I have arrived home, continue to recouperate and will see my PMD
later in the week. A seroma erupted before I came home YUK! and
continues to drain. (By the way, I think the best bandage is a
Depends or Kotex). Back pain, weakness & some nausea continue.
Yesterday I took phenergan for the nausea and today it seems much
better. It is rainy & gray here today - great recouperation
weather... I love it!!

Hi Dawn,
Welcom back! Sounds like getting better each day. Congrats on your weight loss.
Renee
-105
"Dawn M. Chapman" <phairplu@...
Hello All,
I am happy to say that I am back home and recovering well. My
surgery was on September 14. I did not bring a laptop with me to
Curitiba and this is the first day that I have started e-mailing
again. I guess I just wanted to take a break from the computer since
I use it so much for work and everything else. Anyway, now that I am
on "the other side: I will share my surgical experience.
The surgery went great and without complications. I did however have
a cough which started after the long plane trip. Unfortuneately the
cough made the first few days of recovery pretty difficult, but Dr. M
gave me prescriptions to get rid of the cough and all was well after
a few days.
On the second day post op I had the experience that most have
reported of "what did I do this to myself for?" but after that it got
better.
I had surgery on Tuesday and was released on Friday. Boy was I glad
to get out of the hospital! Although it was wonderful and the nurses
were excellent, I will take being out of a hospital bed any day! By
the way reports of all the good looking physical therapists and
others are all true!
Now that I am home I have started a regimen that includes a lot of
walking and this is the best thing that is making me feel stronger
every day. I am able to eat almost all of the protein I need, I am
taking my supplements and I am able to drink plenty of water and
gatorade.
Advice to those about to go through this or just starting to recover,
it sounds cliche, but each day it does get better and yes, eventually
you will be able to stay off the toilet! ; )
By the way, my weight on day of surgery was 266.4 and my weight as of
10/5/04 is 243 for a total loss so far of 23.4 lbs.
Dawn

Hi Deborah,
I can only eat the dark portion of Rock Cornish Game hen. I too gag when I eat
chicken breast. I never have really enjoyed it though. I don't think it has much
flavor. Love dark meat though. I hate turkey breast. It is about as interesting
as sawdust. My daughter's coming down for Thanksgiving and with just the two of
us, it wouldn't make any sense to cook a whole turkey. So I'm making duck
breast. Haven't tried duck since the surgery but it sure sounds good to me.
Carole
Nightsewer@... wrote:
I am so glad that you are finally switched. It really does get better every
day.
For those of you still using the Kotex and tape for your stitches, I found
that I could usually use one tiny little piece of paper tape to hold everything
in place while I wrapped the whole she bang in my binder. I have very thin
and sensitive skin and after just 4 days my skin was in shreds. Bleeding and
eveything. Being able to keep everything in place with the binder was a
blessing.
I am now down 90 pounds and I eat pretty much everything and anything I want.
Sometimes to much, I think, but I don't have any bad repercussions. Except
chicken breast for some reason. Tried some yesterday and it still makes me
gag. I has to be the texture.
Deborah Powell
90 lbs lighter
a million pounds happier

My daughter told me it was very expensive when she called me from the US. I
guess it's lots cheaper for the call to originate in Brazil.
Carole
Natalie Koehler <nataliekoe@...
Lisa,
Glad to hear you are doing well. I just thought I would let you know that when
I was in Brazil calling from the hotel was only a couple of dollars at most 4-5
US dollars per conversation. I was wondering if you were getting quoted reals
and not dollars. If it is dollars I am amazed at how much the price went up. I
called directly from the hotel to have my family call me back and for the two
weeks I was there I only spent 40 dollars and somtimes I talked 20-30 minutes on
the phone.
Take care,
Natalie

Sounds like you have the major yips girl! I am right behind you- I just keep
trying to fill my head with all the positive things that will result from going
through all of this. And, yep, I'm making a list of them to read back to myself
over the next months while I am getting back to my new normal! ; ) We'll be ok-
if the dh gets out of hand I'll bop him for you! LOL! ; )
See you in a few weeks! : ) Yeah for us!
-kelly

Oh Robin.....you know what? If you only have your passport, visa
and money. You REALLY don't HAVE to have anything more than that.
Pack your essentials like a few changes of clothes and underwear and
some toiletries. The few things that have been mentioned to make it
more comfortable or convenient really....and you're done! Chill
out! You are going to freak yourself right into an anxiety problem
or illness. You're doing just fine and ONE day is plenty enough to
do what you need to do to get ready. I TOTALLY know how you feel
and I TOTALLY know exactly every emotion you are going through and I
TOTALLY know that EVERYTHING I worried about was for nothing! If
you forget some little something....you can just buy it here!
Cheaper at THAT! Hang in there, honey and get some rest.
Lisa
5 days post op

You are now living at the intersection of
Wendy, I like that and it is soooooooo true. You should put that on
the home page for this group <g
Deidre

Yup...Robin....you've got the yips and you've got them bad. Look at Lisa.
Her husband came around and she is switched and so far so good. You have
your role model. Keep venting here when you need to and then try to turn
off the brain. Thinking in the middle of the night will be the ruination of
every one of us here. I can't wait until you are on the other side of the
fence reassuring the next bunch of newbies who haven't even shown up here
yet. You'll do fine. Remember my famous quote that I did not originate. I
stole it cause I love it so much. You are now living at the intersection of
excitement and terror....and it is a crazy place to be. <g

I was just looking on my schedule and noted the I have 16 days left
before I leave!!!! I am working most of that! I have only 5 days
off of work until I leave. YIKES!!
I feel like I have a million things to do and I don't know where to
start. I feel like I am forgetting something very important.
I have my airline tickets, my passport and visa. I have the money
for the surgery and the hospital.
OH!!!! I need to wire the money to the hospital!!!!!! If I am
leaving on the 22nd and having surgery on the 26th, do you think it
is OK to wire the money on the 18th (monday) I have that day off! Or
should I try to do it earlier like on the 14th (thursday)!
I think I need an anxiety pill! I don't have any though. I have
zoloft and buspar, they are not doing the trick right now. I am
getting very nervous about the flight AND being in a forign country.
I we sure there are no really dangerous terrorists in Brazil? Maybe
they are all going there the same week I am going. Maybe on the same
flight YIKES! I worry about some strange rare complication happening
to me and than DH will be really really angry if it keeps me from
going back to work after we get home. I worry about getting sick
before I leave and it preventing me from going! My gallbladder kicks
up from time to time to remind me it is just a ticking time bomb. My
kids spent all last week exchanging some virus where they ran a temp
and were achy and tired. I don't need that! I worry that Dr. M will
to the endoscopy and find some crazy illness/disease that will make
surgery impossible, than DH will be really really mad that we had to
go all the way down there for nothing! I NEED/WANT that surgery
soooo badly!I am so tired of being sick and tired all the time. I am
tired having back and knee pain from this weight! I am tired of not
feeling comfortable physically doing things. I am tired of all my
fat lady clothes! I am tired of having to wear the XXL and XXXL
scrubs at work! I am tired of not being able to physically keep up
with the skinny nurses at work! I am tired of having no self esteem
where my body is concerned. I am tired of being afraid of food and
diets! I am tired of worrying about what my DH thinks! I am tired
of be tired!
UGH! I am not sleeping well from all this stuff bugging my mind! On
top of that I am tired of Politics, money and housework that needs to
be done! If I hear about another POLL or bill or dirty bathroom, I
am going to screem. I don't even want to KNOW who wins the election,
or how much money I am going to lose by taking time off work or how
bad the house looks. My mind is going nuts from all this thinking
and worrying and anxiety!
OK! I got all that off my chest now! I can go back to bed. Or maybe
I will just read a book for a while. I am glad I whined for a while,
I feel a tiny bit better now. Though I still have a million things
to do and only 5 days off work to do it!
Robin G
Leaving in 16 days for my surgery on 10/26/04 Hoping that maybe Dr M
can find the crazy button in my brain and TURN IT OFF!!!

I am so curious... when should I expect for my hair loss to begin? and is
intense in everyone? or is it diferent for each person?
Also is there any vitamins I should start taking that can either minimize
the loss ??
Konstantin

Hey Natalie! I am talking about US dollars! It was $60 the first
day...but I obviously went overboard! It came up at like almost 200
Reals when I paid the bill after one night before I went to the
hospital! I figured out then, that I would have to call home and
have them call me right back. I guess that's the way it has to be
done. It works...I just thought there was a way to call from the
hotel, too.
Lisa
4 days post op

Lisa,
Glad to hear you are doing well. I just thought I would let you know that when
I was in Brazil calling from the hotel was only a couple of dollars at most 4-5
US dollars per conversation. I was wondering if you were getting quoted reals
and not dollars. If it is dollars I am amazed at how much the price went up. I
called directly from the hotel to have my family call me back and for the two
weeks I was there I only spent 40 dollars and somtimes I talked 20-30 minutes on
the phone.
Take care,
Natalie

I am so glad that you are finally switched. It really does get better every
day.
For those of you still using the Kotex and tape for your stitches, I found
that I could usually use one tiny little piece of paper tape to hold everything
in place while I wrapped the whole she bang in my binder. I have very thin
and sensitive skin and after just 4 days my skin was in shreds. Bleeding and
eveything. Being able to keep everything in place with the binder was a
blessing.
I am now down 90 pounds and I eat pretty much everything and anything I want.
Sometimes to much, I think, but I don't have any bad repercussions. Except
chicken breast for some reason. Tried some yesterday and it still makes me
gag. I has to be the texture.
Deborah Powell
90 lbs lighter
a million pounds happier

Bring hand/body lotion! Hospitals and airplanes are very dry!
Robin G

Bummer! we'll keep hoping and praying that it'll work out- sorry it's been such
a PIA : (
-Kelly

Becca's post suggesting a calling card just reminded me to ask
this. I got the calling card from Bigzoo.com and it has worked
WONDERFULLY!! From home calling here!! Since I have a local access
number to bigzoo in Dallas....I have to pick up the phone here in
the hotel, dial Brazil's long distance code from the hotel just to
put me into the making-a-long-distance-call mode, which already
hooks me into the hotels ridiculous rates to then call a local
Dallas number to get plugged in to my calling card rate. That
doesn't help from here! From HOME....we've talked for hours on
$20! From here...I keep having to call them and say call me back
real quick! The first day I was just making a few calls from the
hotel phone and racked up $60 bucks worth of phone charges in ONE
AFTERNOON! What am I doing wrong??
Lisa
4 days post op

Carole....Just curious...You said that Dr. M lets you do everything
in the book....what types of things are those...just a few. Curious.
Lisa
4 days post op

why would the request to San Fran have to be in writing hon??
my step dad adopted all of us kids when he and my Mom got
married...........when i was getting my new passport i just called
them, told them what i needed....paid on the phone by credit card,
paid extra for overnight service and they got them to me the next
day.
you might want to go ahead and do that so she has them anyway....
i am praying for you 2 on this kiddo.
hugs.
joanne

Great news, Kelly!! I felt such a load off, too, when my PCP was so
happy and on board!
The first things that pop into my head is the bucky head pillow for
resting on the plane. Your binder you need to go ahead and order.
I'm really enjoying snuggling in here about this time at night (it's
almost 9pm here) and watching a good dvd on my laptop...especially
grownup ones that I never get to watch because of all the small kids
at my house). The next group that comes needs to bring some cooking
spray! They don't have it here! We keep wanting to scramble an egg
and there's no cooking spray so you either do it without or you use
cooking oil! Ewe! So, some cooking spray needs to be added to the
American boxes. Ummmmm.....something else.......Some of those
Ziploc containers that you can use to store leftovers...like cheap
tupperware...really needs to be added to the american boxes too. If
you order soup...it last 3 days and you don't have anything to store
it in. I'm sorry I keep getting sidetracked. I'll send you another
post when I think of the other thing that I thought you could bring
for comfort or necessity...i can't remember.
Lisa
4 days post STILL in Brazil and STILL going poo...right on
schedule!!

well, i guess there's no getting around it. we're going to
have to pospone our trip to brazil. we spoke to the
passport office in seattle this morning, and they put us
off for another 48 hours. arwen's documentation still
has to be reviewed by a supervisor. sheesh.
we still don't know if the application will be approved at
all yet--they mentioned that we might have to request
certified copies of her adoption petition and decree from
san francisco. that has to be done in writing, and who
knows how long that could take.
we're hoping they have enough and she'll get it
approved. if so, we'll now aim for going down by the
second week of november--about five weeks from now.
i won't notify the docs until i have something concrete to
tell them--but i sure hope they'll both have openings for
us at that time--dr. c for my plastic work and dr. m for
arwen's ds.
this is so disappointing to arwen. me, i'm older and a
little more stoic about it. i can wait. for her, she's so
excited and has her heart set on getting her ds as soon
as possible.
i hope other americans are there when we go. IF we get
to go.
diane

Kelly, it sounds like you have a great doctor who you can depend on to
help you. That is wonderful.
The 3 most important things I took with me, was a laptop, a pre-paid
phone card, chapstick, Cream of Chicken Soup and Jello. Wait, that was
5 things. I also wrote down my phone numbers on a piece of paper. I
put my list of phone numbers on the bedside table in the hospital, when
I came out of surgery, the phone numbers were there. Durval was able to
call home for me, without me having to tell him the phone numbers.
Plus, if there was a problem, he would already have my phone numbers
ready.
What I should have taken with me, but I didn't, was Aleve or Tylenol
(Dr. M said I could take it). I was out of the hospital in 2 days, and
I thought I should take something for pain at night, so it would not
wake me up, just in case I had any pain. As soon as I checked back into
the hotel, Kathy and I walked to the pharmacy and we bought some Aleve
(Naprosyn). Make sure the doctor OK's anything you take.
Gosh Kelly, you will be there in no time.
Becca

I went to my Doctor today and took her all of the info on Dr. M and my surgery-
she was so impressed and excited- she's going to read up and study the DS and
she said she'll do whatever she needs to do to help take care of me post-op!
Whew! Thanks God for such a neat Doctor- love her! Also went and had my psych
evaluation done today and found out I am not crazy- guess that's good too! : )
The plane tickets are bought. I've got my passport and I'll be overnighting my
visa stuff tomorrow. What am I missing? What kind of items would you recommend
or did you wish that you had while you were there? I know I'll want my laptop
but are there any other suggestions? Thanks! I am not feeling quite as yippy
today after talking to my Doctor- having her be enthusiastic was just what I
needed. She gave me a big hug and told me how excited she was for me- it meant
the world to me. Now to get ready to go! Yeah! ; )
Please help me make a list! I'm desperate for guidelines! : )
-kelly

Hey Tracy,
Glad you made it home okay. I, too, had a pesky seroma erupt several
weeks ago and since then, everything has been a trickle, drainage
wise, but now I have welts on my tummy from the sheer volumn of tape
I've used over the past few weeks. Guess my skin is very sensitive to
tape.
I am coming up on my one month post op on the 9th. It's gone by so
fast! I am excited about getting on with my life.
Take it easy, don't push yourself, and delegate!!!
Hugs,
Bev
Post Op

Hello all! It is good to be home! I just wanted to let everyone know
that I have arrived home, continue to recouperate and will see my PMD
later in the week. A seroma erupted before I came home YUK! and
continues to drain. (By the way, I think the best bandage is a
Depends or Kotex). Back pain, weakness & some nausea continue.
Yesterday I took phenergan for the nausea and today it seems much
better. It is rainy & gray here today - great recouperation
weather... I love it!!

Great update, Dawn!! And a great post for us VERY NEW post ops to
see how wonderful you are doing! Walking sounds like a good idea
for a quicker recovery. I walked the hall this morning just while
waiting for Wendy to go down for breakfast (pfhhh! if that's what
you call it 4 days postop) and it really gets the sore out! I ate
that chicken soup all day yesterday and I wonder if the little fat
in it caused the diarrhea so much last night. Anyway....so good to
hear from you. Congrats on the weight lost so far! That's
awesome! How in the world are you eating enough to get in all your
proteins so quickly? I read where some of the people much farther
post op have a struggle getting all the proteins in. That reminds
me of a question I've been wondering and never thought to post. How
do you all keep up so strictly with the protein grams that you take
in?? Do you have a system of some sort? Is it easy to do mentally
or what? Do share. Great news on doing so well, Dawn! I hope to
follow in your footsteps!
Lisa
4 days post op

Sowwy.... I am two days late, but Happy Belated Birthday
CANDY!!!! :)) October 3rd!! I know your Birthday's are much happier
since your DS.
Hugs,
MB

Hello All,
I am happy to say that I am back home and recovering well. My
surgery was on September 14. I did not bring a laptop with me to
Curitiba and this is the first day that I have started e-mailing
again. I guess I just wanted to take a break from the computer since
I use it so much for work and everything else. Anyway, now that I am
on "the other side: I will share my surgical experience.
The surgery went great and without complications. I did however have
a cough which started after the long plane trip. Unfortuneately the
cough made the first few days of recovery pretty difficult, but Dr. M
gave me prescriptions to get rid of the cough and all was well after
a few days.
On the second day post op I had the experience that most have
reported of "what did I do this to myself for?" but after that it got
better.
I had surgery on Tuesday and was released on Friday. Boy was I glad
to get out of the hospital! Although it was wonderful and the nurses
were excellent, I will take being out of a hospital bed any day! By
the way reports of all the good looking physical therapists and
others are all true!
Now that I am home I have started a regimen that includes a lot of
walking and this is the best thing that is making me feel stronger
every day. I am able to eat almost all of the protein I need, I am
taking my supplements and I am able to drink plenty of water and
gatorade.
Advice to those about to go through this or just starting to recover,
it sounds cliche, but each day it does get better and yes, eventually
you will be able to stay off the toilet! ; )
By the way, my weight on day of surgery was 266.4 and my weight as of
10/5/04 is 243 for a total loss so far of 23.4 lbs.
Dawn

I was doing a little research about supplements, mainly iron, and I
thought I would post this for the rest of you.
Hope it helps you understand. It helped me. Deidre
<<<< Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the
body, as well as to your developing baby. Getting all the iron you
need from food can be difficult, particularly because it isn't always
absorbed well.
An iron supplement is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but for
some, it causes stomach upset. If this is the case, then take it with
food, or half an hour after a meal.
There are certain foods that will inhibit iron absorption so you
should avoid taking the supplement with any of them, even though it
usually takes large amounts of the offending food to interfere. Some
of the basic foods that will do this are: oxalic acid found in
spinach and phosphates found primarily in milk, dairy products and
egg whites. Also many sodas, phytates in beans and tannins in tea and
coffee can interfere with iron absorption.
Vitamin C will enhance the absorption of iron many fold. However, for
it to do so, it must be taken simultaneously with the iron. Both
vitamin C and iron must be present together in the intestine for the
positive effect to occur. That is why it is a good idea to drink
orange juice with your iron fortified cereal in the morning or to eat
broccoli with your meat.
For maximum absorption of your iron supplement, the ideal way to take
it is on an empty stomach, swallowed down with a glass of vitamin C-
rich juice, such as orange juice -- or a vitamin C-enriched juice of
any variety

I was freaked, too! Mostly because, I was taking birth control pills to
prevent Aunt Flo from coming. It did not work, she came anyway. This
is how I know G*d is not a woman. She would have never done this to us!
You mentioned bathroom issues in your last post. I had diarrhea for 3-4
days then it disappeared. It was gone before I flew home, thank
goodness. I have not had diarrhea since.
You mentioned enchilada dinners and biscuits in another post. You can
not eat very much now, your stomach is swollen. The swelling will go
down and you will be able to eat more food. Not for the next few weeks,
though. I will can eat enchiladas but I avoid biscuits, muffins,
donuts, etc. The gas is incredible!
How are you feeling, Lisa?
Becca

Diane.......
when i sent off for new passports and our visas for Mom and i.....i
used the expediting service i mentioned before......i overnighted
all the data and payment to them and paid for everything to be
overnighted back.
grand total from the day i sent for them til i had them back in had
was 6 days.........and that was getting both the passports then the
visas.
do not lose hope.
hugs.
joanne

You are so lucky. 14 months post op with 2 BP meds plus a BP patch mine is
still about 160 or so over 85/90 or so but it spikes over 200 whenever I
walk just a couple hundred feet and drops back down 20 minutes or so after I
have sat down and rested. I'm one of the few that my BP worsened after the
DS and I am sure it is connected to my edema/fluid problems. W

Hi Wendy A,
Glad you were able to get some sleep. What did Dr. M. say about the chest
pain? Hope he was able to reassure you. It will get better, I promise. Those
first days are the roughest. Glad you and Lisa are together in the hotel
now. I was so glad when other Americans showed up at the hotel.
Take care and keep us posted.
Hugs,
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/154/135-140?

Actually most women start their period right after surgery. That
was general knowledge on the boards before I went, so I was
prepared. Obviously hasn't been much about it recently since you
didn't know. :(
Candy
06.03.03

Does the trama of surgery sometimes make a woman start bleeding,
like a period, when it's not time for the period?? I'm a little
freaked!
Lisa
3 days post op

Hi Kelly,
You're laptop will have to have a modem or a modem card to use internet at
the hospital. Once you get to your room ask Durval to get someone to hook
it up for you. A tech will come and take care of everything. No you won't
need your own dial up account, the hospital takes care of that.
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 didn't see you on the calendar! I am SOOOOOOOOOO sorry! I would love to see
you there too!
-Kelly

I would love a list too. I am scheduled for surgery on 11/9/04 Janie
Kelly Lautenbach <klautenbach1@...
do" as you prepare for surgery for the files? Or does someone have one? I am
terrified of forgetting something- and I am a list kind of girl! Anyone? : )
-Kelly

Oh my gosh..Wendy got it first and it looked so good, I had to order
it! It is a beautiful rosey color from just a tad of tomoatoes and
it has chunks of chicken in it and a few julienned carrots and some
very small slices of zuccinni with the peal on so the green color
looks like a spice. It came with parmesian cheese and it melted
when added. It is absolutely wonderful!! It looks like some
peoples version of tortilla soup.
Lisa
3 days post op

Hey David....I don't remember the breakdown on the prices for the
dental work. But I do know that the teeth whitening is $250 US
dollars because they get the whitening stuff from the US. The total
price for my 4 veneers (sp?), cleaning, whitening and 2 root canals
is $990 US dollars. And as far as spending the money on the airline
tickets to change to come home....is actually less than it would be
for me to stay and pay the hotel and food and phone and whatever
other expenses I would incur if I stayed the 5 extra days. The
dentists, by the way, are women and they are absolutely GORGEOUS!
Just in case any of you guys wanted to know that!
Lisa
3 days post op

What were the prices on the Root Canals or other things ya had
done? Maybe since one is there to get some Dental work done as
well. Myself Id rather spend the extra 3 days ther then spend the
$100 to change the airline tickets around. But i do understand
getting back to love ones and the dog come high on the pecking order
of things!
Anyone Have ideas of the cost of plastic surgury and lipo in
Curitiba? Just planning ahead to the NEXT visit!
David/WI

I seem to be full of questions today! Sorry- I think the pre-op, getting ready
to go yips are starting up! ; )
I know how internet at the hotel works- read all about it! : ) What about at the
hospital? I know it's not high speed, but do I need a dial up account like AOL
or what do I need? I don't know if I can survive without internet access since
it will be a godsend in terms of talking with my teenagers- and yep, I still
like them and I still talk to them even if they are obnoxious teenagers!LOL! ; )
Thanks for being patient through my barrage of questions! I am just a nervous
puddle and I need to occupy my thoughts with the details of my trip, for now! :
)
-Kelly

put together a list of "things to do" as you prepare for surgery for the files?
Or does someone have one? I am terrified of forgetting something- and I am a
list kind of girl! Anyone? : )
-Kelly

WoW! There are quite a few of us in Curitiba at the same time at the end of
October! I'm so excited to get to meet robin, Janice and Darlene! How cool is
that- : )
-Kelly
20 more days till I leave- 24 days till I'm switched! : )

Wow, Lisa! I'm exhausted just reading your post. But I'm thrilled
to hear you're doing so well and that you get to go home to your
family early.
Janice
10/20/04

Yeah Lisa! ; ) You are sounding quite chipper! Good for you- can't believe you
get to go home early- that's great news!
I have my Psych evaluation tomorrow to find out that I am indeed certifiable,
the visa documents are mailing today and then I just have to figure out the
"convenience" items I can't live without! LOL : )
Can't wait to be switched too!
-kelly
Leaving in 20 days! ARGH! That's soon!

Hi guys!!! I just got back to the hotel today! Ummmmm...what is
today....3 days post op. I'm feeling really good...just real sore.
I guess that's normal, right? I haven't taken any pain meds or
anything other than antibiotic since yesterday morning. I HATE the
afterfeelings of painmeds and the woosy feelings of any drugs
actually, so I think it has helped me to feel more myself, just
saying NO to drugs! LOL I am SOOOO determined to get home to my
kids and my big man that I (like Becca said) by golly just get up
and DO IT!!!! It's so mental! Not talking about Wendy because she
is on meds and anxiety medicines and such, so that doesn't count.
She has a whole other set of emotions to struggle through than I
do. Dr. M said this morning that I look like I haven't even HAD
surgery! (Amazing what a little makeup and showers will do)! He
said that I'm doing so well and my breathing and walking and taking
a shower everyday and just doing well in general, that I can go home
on FRIDAY instead of next Tuesday!! OH MY GAWD!!! That is SOO
awesome!! Now, we need to get Wendy out of here on Thursday,
too!!! Can you believe THIS!!! I went to Ana's cousin the dentist
on Thursday (the same day I checked into the hospital) to get looked
at for some veneers (whatever they are called, where you have a
chipped tooth built up and a couple of small teeth made bigger so
they will all look the same?)...anyway, two of the small teeth that
I needed to have covered and made bigger are starting to turn
tannish, so she did 2 root canals just 2 hours before I admitted
into the hospital!!! I was supposed to go back to her to finish
packing the rootcanals, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening and the
veneers....on Wed, Thurs, and Fri. morning! NOW, we are having to
cram all of that into the next TWO days before I have to leave!
This morning, I had so much time on my hands that I was just sick
and on the verge of tears when I talked to my Mom or my husband and
heard the babies in the background....NOW....I'm having to HURRY up
and get it all in before I have to leave! I hate to have to miss
the flea market...but oh well! My daughter even told me that my
dog, Buffy, stays in her cage all sad the entire time. All day!
They have to physically get her out of her little kennel thing to
take her outside and make her eat. Even the DOG is in mourning!
Isn't that CUTE!! She's a maltese and they tend to favor one family
member and she of course chose me since I'm "the Mom", and she's
under my feet every step I take! She's mourning my bein