I have been fortunate enough to get through 2 months without having
anything come back up, without foamies, adn without a dumping episode
(yay me!), although I do sometimes have problems with alternating
between constipation and diarrhea.
So I have a question... when one dumps, how quickly after eating the
offending food does this happen? The info book I got from the surgeon
mentions symptoms and causes, but not timing.
Lora
Good idea, Shannon! I'll get together my list and post it tomorrow.
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/???/130 I am on a hiatus from my scale addiction for 1 month beginning 10/24/07
HW/SW/CW/GW
This is what I got from a DR in Mexico...............Stella
We only do the RNY. The DS is only performed by one Mexican surgeon and you
will be better off with the RNY.
Very truly yours,
Gerald
/DrJoya.com
"Where losing weight will change your life..."
http://www.drjoya.com
1 (888) 4 DRJOYA Toll Free from anywhere in the U.S.
1 (888) 437- 5692
Fax: 011-52-322-293-1992
BARIATRIC SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP:
http://drjoyasupport.com/
Nov. 1 (today) - Dec 14 (surgery) I am getting myself so prepared
reading and reading the great posts these last two weeks. Lots of
good information flowing because of the gang in Curitiba now. Robin,
sharing all of your experiences really has made a great difference
to me. I am copying all of your dailies to see what to expect on
each day. And when I bring my computer with me, I'll be asking the
same questions I'm sure. I think I will have an experience similar
to Dave. Easy does it. Take your time. Don't go out and see the
world just yet. But you Robin, with young children, a busy job, you
are definitely a type A person... Fix it now, let's get going here.
Easy girl. Your body has to catch up to your mind. You'll have
plenty of time to get home and start running with your big,
beautiful family.
I want to congratulate you Dave on your experience sitting at a
desk. How I relate! The one thing I do for myself is I go to
community college and am studying web design. My thinking was that
if I'm confined to home by mobility, I'd better learn a trade while
I still can. I even got wireless internet so I could do it from my
bed if needed. Well, thank the Lord I now have another plan! It
could still be an issue, but oh how good I feel about the decision I
have made to have the surgery. These days, though, I struggle to get
from my car to the elevator, to the class. It's a long walk and I'm
breathless when I finally arrive. That's why I'm glad I will have
three days before my surgery so I can see some of the sights before
just walking to and from the hotel/hospital. Not sure I will be able
to see much after the surgery. I will be one who cocoons in the
hotel for many days.
Thanks to all you brave souls who have blazed a trail for me to
follow. The breadcrumbs have turned into a golden path. My
preparation experience seems almost like going to camp! Right now it
does anyway. I'm packing all the chap stick, soup, and protein
packets I can.
Take care all. I know you now by your big hearts and caring souls.
Patrice Lieb
44 days to my switcheroo
1. Name: LISA
2. City and State: BUFFALO, NY
3. E-mail Address: LDMAHN@...
4. Are you: Considering Surgery, Pre-Op or Post-Op: POST OP
5. Date of WLS: 10/15/07
6. Surgeon's Name and Location: DR. CARUANA, SISTERS HOSPITAL
BUFFALO, NY
7. Type of Surgery: OPEN BYPASS
8. Highest Pre-Surgery Weight: 290
9. Insurance or Self-Pay: INSURANCE
10. What is the name of the insurance company that covered your
WLS (if applicable): BCBS
11. Birthdate: 5/26/77
12. Occupation: PATIENT CARE REPRESENTATIVE
13. Married or Single (if married what is your spouse's name?):
SINGLE AND LOOKING :)
14. Do you have children? 2 BOYS-5 SEAN AND 3 EVAN
15. Hobbies: NOT SO MANY RIGHT NOW, BUT HOPE TO EXPAND ON THAT
16. Anything else you would like to share with other members:
I'M GLAD TO BE HERE...
Hi Guys...
Thanks for the invite, I look forward to be a part of this new group.
I'm still new to the whole GBS, but I'll help wherever needed. I also
love doing computer stuff, so wherever I can assist I'll be happy to.
Lisa M
Hiya Kelly.... Glad to hear u r doin OK and yes WELL is on its
way...U guys r in my thoughts and prayers... U seem in good spirits,
and just remember the worst part is over.... U r a LOOSER!!!! woooohoo
Wendy ANdrews
-37 lbs and 20 inches gone
4 weeks postop
The only recipe I tried was for the spinache pie. I totally forgot
that I don't like cooked spinache. So, I think it would have been
good, but I think maybe I'll substitue broccoli next time. I have a
hard time with veggies, so I wonder if I can cut down the amount that
I put in it. I want it to taste more like a quiche.
What is white chili? Never had it.
Ok, all, I thought that this might be a good post. I know that right
after surgery I was so upset because I couldn't seem to get the pills
I needed to get down, well, to stay down. I could swallow them, but
they would ALWAYS come back up. I finally decided that going a few
months with out everything wasn't going to kill me. I added things
gradually. I think it's important to realize that you may not be
able to take everything you are supposed to in the beginning.
Now, over 4 months out, I can take all my pills/supplements at one
time and have no problem at all. I still can't keep the calcium down
so I use the chocolate calcium citrate chewys.
So, this is what I take:
1 protein bullet 42g. split into 2 servings
1 Prevacid solutab
1 B complex pill
1 B 12 sublingual dot
2 zoloft (100 each)
2 Flintstone or Costco brand gummy vitamins
1 singulair
2 tylenol PM (for back/shoulder pain if I'm not needing the muscle
relaxers and vicodin--I used the heavy stuff right after I sprained
my back/neck)
2 Citracal chewy bites (chocolate and lemon are good)--split into 2
times per day because of the absorption issue.
SO--don't know if anyone is interested, but I thought it might be
helpful to see what everyone is taking and to know that it does get
easier. I'm sure some of you remember me trying to take liquid
zoloft and it ended up slung across the room because it was so NASTY
I thought I would die!!!!
Sheggy/Shannon
June 8, 2007 Open RNY
375/288/?
WOOHOO David! I'm happy for you. It is all these little things that make
life so worthwhile. I remember the first time I went to the movie theater
and fit into the seat. I actually cried. I'm sure people thought I was nuts,
but I didn't care. Also, the first time I could get a towel all the way
around me I was dancing and hollering and my dh came in and asked me what
was wrong. I showed him the towel and he just shook his head. If you've
never been obese, you just don't get it.
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/150/135-140?
Hiya Girlie, Yes being hot and cold is pretty normal, I kept turning
the air on then the heat, lol my body couldnt ever make up its mind.
Mine went down alot when I first got home but even 4 weeks out I
still get the bloated gassy feeling, I am also still a little
swollen.
Dr. M told me to let it breath unless u had leakage and the places
that have leakage to just use the iodine and cover. Like now I have
one place that is still a little open so I just cover that small
area.
Well I had lots of leakage from the start and was really worried
about it but Dr. M said everything was fine and to just keep it
clean..
U just have to listen to ur body and try to sip on sumthing all
through the day.
I felt so weak for along time. but everyone is different, It was
probably 2 weeks after I got home b4 I started feeling normal again...
Good luck sweetie
wendy Andrews
-37 lbs and 20 inches gone
4 weeks postop
It is always a good idea to have them...at least i think so.
Sharon Buffo <septsweety@...
the other group does have a few good recipes on it .. you guys want me to send them here? or do you guys have them already?
sharon xoxo
I am thinking maybe they think since we all have "each other" that
they don't pop in as much as they used to. Dr. M didn't come by my
room any once I was in the hotel and Durval checked in maybe once or
twice and that was it. I think they just come running if you need
something. Durval did tell me that he stopped by a couple of times
but I was never in my room. They never came to change dressings or
anything like that that I've seem a couple of you mention. Once I
was in my room....Durval went and got me some Tylenol and some
dressing changes and Iodine and that was it. Oh yeah...and some
gatorade. That was all the first day and then it was on an as-needed
basis from then on. Dr. M will absolutely schedule a final check-up
with you, in his office, the day before you leave Curitiba.
You seem to be doing wonderful! Keep it up!
Lisa
Switched 10/01/04
-30
The Dr. that I work for has contacted Dr. M about going to Curitiba
for surgery. I think it will be so wonderful to have a Dr. from the
US that can tell others about the DS. Thanks Nina for coming to
talk to him.
He asked me this morning to email Dr. M and get a copy of the
attachments that Dr. M sends his new patients to fill out he has not
been able to open the copy. Does anyone have a copy they could
email me?
Thanks,
Natalie
WoW!!! Now I am sitting here in tears! ; ) Congratulations to you-
what a HuGe deal that is! I always look forward to your posts and
hearing your encouraging words. I am waiting till the end of the
week to see your updated stats. I am so proud of you- I know you
don't know me from Adam and that's ok. I feel like we are good
friends.
I hope one day to meet all of you "live and in person"... I am
thinking that cruise we talked about long ago would be so much fun.
I can't wait to have milestones like this in my life and share them
with all of you! ; )
-kelly (4 days out and feeling "kinda groovy")
Hello everyone,
I had a BIG little moment yesterday I thought I'd share with all of you.
We all have these moments post-op, when we realize we can do something that
we couldn't do before. Whether its Wendy buying shoes with laces (woohoo
Wendy!), or being able to make it up a flight of steps sometimes these
moments hit you and you just step back and say "wow".
Besides working full time running my own business I am also going to school
as a full time music major. When I started back to school in the fall of
2003 the desks were a real problem for me. I could squeeze my 450 pound
self into them, but it was absolute agony. It hurt, I couldn't breath, I
couldn't move, and it was embarrassing. In the spring semester I asked the
students with disabilities office to make sure I had a table with separate
chair in every class room. They did, and it helped though I still felt
embarrassed about it. This fall I contacted them again and asked for the
same service. So again this semester I have the tables and chairs.
Well I was on campus yesterday and there was a standard issue desk out in a
hall way. I thought to myself... hmm I wonder if I can fit in those now.
So I sat down, and much to my shock not only could I sit comfortably in the
desk, but my stomach didn't even touch the top! I damn near started crying
right there. Now that would have been hard to explain, getting misty eyed
about sitting in a desk.
Last week I had to buy new pants again. I'm wearing 54s now, and while that
still sounds huge it's a big improvement over the size 74s I was wearing
pre-op. In fact 54s are the size I wore my senior year of HS (12 years
ago).
Thank you Doctor Marchesini!!!! This man has not only saved my life, but
given my life back to me.
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 October 6: 290lbs (BMI 46.8)
Total loss on October 6: -87lbs
I'm with ya Robin! ; ) I spent my entire night wishing for a
recliner from home so I could snuggle up and get comfy. No such luck-
instead I spent my night watching stale movies on HBO. I did
finally get a few hours at 6 this morning and I am going to try and
keep myself up today so that i might have better luck tonight- I am
desperately hoping that they find those D*%^ recliners so I can have
one in my hotel room.
I am eating though and so far, so good. I had 1/3 of a packet of
oatmeal for breakfast this morning and my tummy thoroughly enjoyed
it. I am off to take a shower and pick up this messy room. : )
At 4 days out, I am feeling ok. Not like "normal" but I do
feel "human" again. LOL! : )
I have to say I am so impressed at my scar. My appendix was taken
out two and a half years ago and the scar is horrible. Dr. M's
incision is so thin and nicely sewn back together. He says it will
heal to a small thin line. I hope he's right. : ) The smaller the
better. : )
I am going to try and do a little work today- strange how you miss
the things you loathe at home when you can't be there to do them : )
Hope you all are doing well... I am doing "ok" and looking forward
to "well". : )
Thanks for listening! ; )
-kelly
Ok Ally, let me know if there is anything else
sharon xoxo
Hi Robin,
Durval dropped in on me several times. However he was on the floor anyway
because he was having to visit Leah every day. Doc M also came by the hotel
twice while I was there.
But don't hesitate to call them! Call Durval up and just ask him to stop by
and check on you. He'll be glad to do it.
You will definitely see Doc M in his office before you go home. Usually its
1-2 days before you leave. Durval will probably make that appointment for
you and take you to see the Doc.
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 October 6: 290lbs (BMI 46.8)
Total loss on October 6: -87lbs
Did Durval or Dr M just call or drop in after you left the hospital
and went to the hotel? I have not heard from either one since I left
on Friday. I am going to call Dr M about seeing him before I leave
to get final reports and instructions. But I kind of wonder if maybe
having 3 or more post and pre ops around at the same time is a bit
more than they can handle. I think I might have gotten lost in the
crowd. Or maybe since I am a Nurse they assume I am fine and will
call if I need anything. Most the time I don't really need anything
so that is OK.
Robin
starting day 6 post op
In a message dated 11/1/04 4:39:53 AM, jkrdrmom@... writes:
Robin,
At just 6 days out you are doing alot! I wasnt even out of the hospital until
6 days post op! It took me a full 8 weeks to really feel pretty normal. I
wasnt able to sit and type for 2 weeks. You are really doing well. You should
rest girl! Maybe you are doing too much.
Hang in there it gets so much better!!!
Margie
7/27/04
-70 lbs!
I have about 60 recipes from the old group that I'm going to work on adding over the weekend and next week. After I add everything we can take stock of what we don't have. :)
~Ally~
Lap RNY 7/12/07
251/237/???/130 I am on a hiatus from my scale addiction for 1 month beginning 10/24/07
HW/SW/CW/GW
FABULOUS!!! All of the recipes are there. I will have to make sure I copy them before they are taken away!!!!
How many of you have tried any of them? You really need to check out the white chili. Me and my son make it all the time. FABU let me tell ya!
Lisa A
Penny Drozd <pennyisnot@...
Oh guys I was so careless. I thought I was posting this to this group and Sharon pointed out that I had posted it to the other group. I have been trying very hard not to post a thing to that group and slipped up. The funniest part is that Robyn answered me. I have forwarded the post for your entertainment. Sorry guys. I guess it was because I saw San and Bryan's name that I thought I was in our group. Whoops...
Penny P.S. I know I don't need to apologize but my allegience is to this group. I maintain the other only because I am trying to get copies of some of my previous posts for my weight loss log. I was stopped after copying the first 50 some of my posts. Don't know by whom though.
I haven't read the updated FAQ's. I guess I should check you out since you
are now famous with a very much UNwanted statistic. W
Hi,
Day 6 is starting this morning. Last night I was getting ready for
bed and suddenly felt very weak and like I could get enough air in
and sooooo very exhausted. Pulse was normal but I felt like my heart
was really pumping hard. Very weird... I could lay down to sleep.
I went in the living room and sat on the couch. I fell asleep
sitting up with my head against the wall. Slept very well though.
This morning I am still very very weak feeling, like a wet dishrag.
I had a lot of gas also this morning. Maybe it was something I ate
yesterday? Or just being 5 days postop. Or maybe I walked too long
at the flea market? I don't know, but this weak feeling is
terrible.
Also, last night and a few other nights I woke up after a while of
sleeping and I was soaked with sweat! I was not even covered last
night. Is that something normal? Does it ring a bell with anyone?
Also...when will the abdominal bloating and swelling go down?
When did everyone stop wearing dressings on their incision sites?
When did you notice any seromas or problems with the incisions if you
had one?
How long does it take for most to be able to tolerate drinking enough
water? I know I am not getting enough water in yet?
When did you start taking your vitamins after surgery?
Well....This weak feeling is coming back again. I am going to go
rest for a while again. Talk to everyone again later. I hope the
other post ops here at the hotel (Kelly and Michelle) are doing
well. I hope Theresa and Janice get home safely.
Robin
starting day 6 post op
the other group does have a few good recipes on it .. you guys want me to send them here? or do you guys have them already?
sharon xoxo
Kathryn..I have never had such good medical care anywhere in the world. 3
months before my surgery I nearly died in an American hospital with
congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, a blood clot in my heart,
pulmonary edema and a list of many other illnesses that I won't list because
so many have read them already. My cardiologist and pulmonologist consulted
pre op with Dr. M. to get me ready for surgery. Durval picked me up at the
airport and took me right to the hospital. A Brazilian
internist/cardiologist who is absolutely wonderful treated me for 3 days so
when Dr. M was ready to operate there would be no surprises and he would
know exactly what my medical status was. I stayed in the hospital 14 days
for the same price as most others who stay 3 days. The price is the same
for up to 14 days. I spent the first 19 hours post op in ICU on a
ventilator and had a catheter for 3 days. My situation was unusual and my
experience is different from most people's. But Hospital Santa Cruz can
handle any situation. I think I am hoping to return in January for cosmetic
surgery. It is not certain that I will be allowed to have surgery but if I
do my surgery will be done not in a clinic but again at Hospital Santa Cruz
and this time with a vascular surgeon assisting because the plastic surgeon
is concerned about thrombosis since I have previously had a clot. The
infection rate at this hospital is either the 3rd best or the 5th best in
the world depending upon whose statistics you quote. I have lived in
Scandinavian countries and been in the hospital there and in Germany as well
as many in the U.S. both in California and Virginia where I live. Hospital
Santa Cruz tops them all by far. There isn't an aspect of the Brazilian
experience I cannot say doesn't excel over other places..price, doctor(s),
hospital, caring support staff and on and on. I sound like a PR person but
Dr. M saved my life..literally. 6 months after I returned home ( and I was
only in Brazil 20 days) my internist told me she and my cardiologist had
agreed between them I had 1-3 years left to live. Thank goodness I didn't
know that. Now I have as much as anyone else. I could go tomorrow or in 35
years. Who the heck knows? BTW...I am 64 and my surgery was done 15 months
ago. W
that is too funny Penny .. .HEY GUYS .. PENNY HAD A SENIOR MOMENT!!! its not just me :)
sharon xoxo
Oh guys I was so careless. I thought I was posting this to this group and Sharon pointed out that I had posted it to the other group. I have been trying very hard not to post a thing to that group and slipped up. The funniest part is that Robyn answered me. I have forwarded the post for your entertainment. Sorry guys. I guess it was because I saw San and Bryan's name that I thought I was in our group. Whoops...
Penny P.S. I know I don't need to apologize but my allegience is to this group. I maintain the other only because I am trying to get copies of some of my previous posts for my weight loss log. I was stopped after copying the first 50 some of my posts. Don't know by whom though.
Thanks Lisa I will try to catch it.
Penny
If anyone on the West coast is interested - mainly people who are
starting the trip. On the National Geographic channel there is a show
called The Science of Obesity. It is pretty good. I think it is a
fair portrayal of the problems and the procedures. It will be on at
6pm your time (west coast) It just finished here.
Lisa A
Oops sorry Ally I thought it was Lizanne who started this group..Chalk it up to a Senior Moment..
Embarrassed Penny in San Diego
Sounds like you are doing great. I hope I will do as well. Looking forward to
meeting you. I will be there Friday morning. continue the good progress. In the
mean time have sweet dreams. My paryers and thoughts are with you. Janie
pwrshopmom <klautenbach1@...
Did you miss me? I have been sliced and diced and sent back to the
hotel to recouperate! I am sore but actually feeling pretty perky-
now to start being the incredible shrinking woman!
Thanks for praying for me. I am doing really well- Dr. M. even
let me out of the hospital a day early- so, that's good.
Now I just have to make it through the 6 seasons of Friends that I
haven't watched yet and then I get to come home. I am hoping to
sleep better here in the hotel. Dr. M's patients stay on the same
floor as the new moms here so it gets a little loud at times! ; )
Talk about cute babies though!
So far, it's been a great experience. I did wake up in the recovery
room and thought "what could I have been thinking when I CHOSE to do
this" Three days later I am feeling good and getting around well.
It's like every other surgery I've been through- the first 24- 48
hours are the worst of it.
I had an egg when I got back to the hotel this morning- ate about
half of it- and I was the beneficiary of all Janice and Theresa's
leftovers before they abandoned me to head back to the states. I
will miss them BAD!!! I have a few pictures that I'll try to post
later. I am tired and haven't had a nap since i got to the hotel so
I am off to dreamland for awhile.
Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and prayers- it has
indeed helped! ; )
Talk to you all soon!
-Kelly
Did you miss me? I have been sliced and diced and sent back to the
hotel to recouperate! I am sore but actually feeling pretty perky-
now to start being the incredible shrinking woman!
Thanks for praying for me. I am doing really well- Dr. M. even
let me out of the hospital a day early- so, that's good.
Now I just have to make it through the 6 seasons of Friends that I
haven't watched yet and then I get to come home. I am hoping to
sleep better here in the hotel. Dr. M's patients stay on the same
floor as the new moms here so it gets a little loud at times! ; )
Talk about cute babies though!
So far, it's been a great experience. I did wake up in the recovery
room and thought "what could I have been thinking when I CHOSE to do
this" Three days later I am feeling good and getting around well.
It's like every other surgery I've been through- the first 24- 48
hours are the worst of it.
I had an egg when I got back to the hotel this morning- ate about
half of it- and I was the beneficiary of all Janice and Theresa's
leftovers before they abandoned me to head back to the states. I
will miss them BAD!!! I have a few pictures that I'll try to post
later. I am tired and haven't had a nap since i got to the hotel so
I am off to dreamland for awhile.
Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and prayers- it has
indeed helped! ; )
Talk to you all soon!
-Kelly
Hi George,
I know you have given this information in the other group and was
looking back at archives trying to locate the website. Would you be
so kind to provide that information again and maybe in the links? I
was looking to get some meds that normally you need an Rx for and
wanted just to buy them through the mail since I know what I need and
it is such a pain to go to the doc each time you need Flagyl or
something like that for our issues.
Thanks so much,
Pat
In the beginning all we are allowed to take is Tylenol. Some of us (like me)
will only use it for the rest of our lives because we've had bleeding ulcers.
Other pills like Motrin can aggravate and cause us to bleed again. As we get
farther out you can check with Dr. M to see if it's OK to use anything else. Not
wanting to sleep on your side is normal. I couldn't either. When I got home and
into my own really supportive bed, sleeping on my back stopped being a problem.
But it was a red letter day for me when I could roll over on my side.
Carole
Robin <jkrdrmom@...
Did anyone have back pain after surgery? I am having some back ache
mostly on right side about mid back to the waist. I am thinking it
is just from sleeping in odd positions. I am still experimenting
with that. I usually like to sleep on my side, but I am nervous
about that for some crazy reason. Kind of like when you are first
pregnant and don't want to sleep on your stomach even though you
could. I try my side, but it feels like the stitches are pulling too
much and my guts are not in the right place. I don't want to put too
much pressure on my incision. I am probably just being over
cautious. I usually do have some back pain in the morning at home, I
believe it is just from being overweight. This is a little
different.
Just wondering because I can't take motrin (I think?) and the liquid
tylenol is just too terrible to swollow.
When did everyone start taking tylenol tablets? Or is that a NONO
forever? I would rather take a pill than a liquid whenever possible
just because the sweet liquids seem to make my tummy upset.
Anyway, I was wondering what this new back ache might be and want to
be sure it isn't a kidney infection or some strange thing you get
after WLS
today also.
Robin
day 4 post op
Wow, Wendy. That's terrific. I didn't have my triglycerides checked but my total
cholesterol is now 151, it was 234 pre-surgery. Blood pressure roams between 110
over 70 and 120 over 80. Diabetes is gone, arthritis doesn't bother me at all
anymore. No bad pain all over my body like pre-surgery. DS is a miracle, even
though I still have these nasty holes in my belly. I'm the one patient Dr. M
talks about on his FAQs site who had post surgical leakage and I still have it,
yuck.
Carole
Carole
Wendy Held <w.wendyh@...
I got you beat on the bone scan Carole...I was told 20 year old....I've
never broken a bone in my life although I've had so many bad falls and
sprains and ligament damage I've been told a couple times a break would have
been an easier healing. In 1983 I was in a cast for 56 weeks for an ankle
sprain. Some of us do get lucky in the bone department. And my
cholesterol was 149 pre op and is 122 now. And my triglycerides were 102
pre op. I always told people that I had some good numbers but the scale
wasn't one of them. W
I just checked my posts from the "other" board. do you know that they have just 26 posts since 12:00 A.M. !!!! and nothing since 10:16 a.m. today. Boy! this group must have been keeping that one talking all day [INLINE]
Judy
Kaiser-Fremont, CA
265/259/145
HW/CW/GW
Hi,
DH and I took a taxi to the flea Market. I enjoyed it, but was very
tired at the end. I did get water and sipped along the way which was
much better than yesterday when I went to walmart. My back is still
a little ache at times, but livable.
I had some applesauce last night. I was wonderful tasting, but right
away I knew I could eat it. Don't know why! I just had tummy pain
and lots of acid feeling. It stayed with me for a long while. I ate
a fresh soft pear earlier in the day and it went down just fine. My
tummy is just being really strange.
Later when I took my evening meds, I ate about 2-3 quarter size
crackers (the ones the hotel puts in the room!) and they helped alot
and stayed down well.
This morning I got scrambled eggs from room service and they were
pretty good and stayed down well, but I couldn't eat more than a few
bits than I felt wierd like I was stuffed. I try to eat all solid
foods down to a pulp and only take tiny tiny bits which takes forever
to eat but that seems to be the best for me. I also ate a few (maybe
10 peanuts down to a pulp during the night because I woke up suddenly
starving and really wanted some protein. They did OK! I think there
was 1 raisin in the mix (it was a trail mix type package).
I am trying to come up with things I can take on the airplane that I
can eat without keeping cold and can carry easily.
Just a few minutes ago. Dh got some icecream from the store down the
street (neopolitan). I took a small coffee cup and put some in it.
Mostly vanilla with a tiny bit of strawberry and chocolate (about a
tablespoon of each). I ate the whole thing. I think it was about
half a cup total. It was sooooooooooo good. I felt like I was in
america eating a huge desert. WAS THAT BAD!!!!! It all stayed down
and didn't bother me at all. It actually was soothing. I am still
full!
I took 1 nexium today and 1 zoloft a little later. They both seem to
be doing fine down there. Every once in a while today I have felt a
little gassy or something in the belly (like I really really need to
burp) But it goes away. I just don't want to take too many meds or
pills yet, so I am introducing them 1 at a time and slowly. My
nexium and zoloft were the most important. Later I will try my
buspar and some vitamins. I am just not able to eat alot yet or
drink alot yet.
My stools are still very watery, but not too bothersome. My tummy
grumbles sometimes also! Basically....I am feeling a bit better than
yesterday. I expect to feel a bit better everyday hopefully. I have
to start work on nov 11th I think so I need to really concentrate on
healing.
OK.....I have talked long enough. My back hurts more if I sit in
this chair and type too long. I am going to go rest for a while now.
Take care everyone and I send congratulations to Lisa and Wendy and
everyone else who is here! For being here and posting and being
supportive.
Robin
day 5 post op!
Ana's the BEST!
Carole
Lisa Cooper <lcooperett@...
Wendy.....I COULD have sat in the back of the taxi but she is so
sweet that she DID say that I could sit in the front if I wanted to
as soon as we were getting into her car for the first time. I sat in
the front because I get car sick so easily that I just always ride in
the front seat. Then, she just became such a friend that it would
have felt WEIRD to sit in the back. I sat in the front every time we
went anywhere! She's VERY okay with that. If you go shopping, she
insists on carrying everything that she can, for you. She took me to
the big grocery store down the street and read lables for me and
helped me in the pharmacy. She took care to make sure I didn't get
taken advantage of by people that knew I didn't know how much
something cost. Robin....I told her you all were coming at the end
of October and she was really looking forward to it! Ya'll give her
a call!! PLEASE tell her that I said HELLO and I miss her!
Lisa
switched 30 days ago and down 30 pounds!!! WOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!
I think you should have them read this list for a while. I think
with all of the positive stuff here they can't help but be impressed.
Also, ask your pcp to look into dr M. I did and she found many
reputable journal articles he had written and lots of good
information. She was impressed.
Have them look on obesityhelp.com and look into the many groups
there. there is a good DS group and a good cross the boarder group.
There are severeal Dr M patients over there (I am one of them!)
But I guess overall you have to do what is best for YOU and try not
to worry about making your parents happy! It isn't your job to do
that! Get all the facts and information and have them read it. That
is all you can do.
I would suggest to anyone this option if they can't get their
insurance to pay. We americans can be very big headed about things
like doctors. There are many many great doctors all over the world.
We don't own them all!
Good luck and keep researching.
Robin
5 days post op and still in brazil.
Hi Wendy,
For the next couple of months you will need to take more vitamins than what
you're taking now. Deficiencies often take months to show up. That's because we
are living off of what our bodies' have "banked" before surgery. I wish I could
remember the bariatric vitamins I took, but I can't. I know that one selection
woul be found at www.vita4life.com. It's best to do the entire vitamin/mineral
program for a year after surgery. There are vitamins (A, D, E and K) that are
oil based and we don't absorb them. There are ways to make them water soluble
and that's what we need to take. After a year we get some of our fat absorption
back and return to regular vitamins. Lots of people can tell you how to put a
regime together without using special vitamins. I just found it much easier to
let someone else do it for me.
Carole
wendy <sexydragon420@...
Hi u guys... Just wanted to post cause I feel so good today!!!! My
clothes r starting to fall off of me and everywhere I go someone
notices the weightloss.. woooohoooo I have lost my boobs though UGGGG!
My hubby says all the time "what is going on here" lol Oh well Ill
get new ones when I go back...hehe
I start a job Monday that requires alot of walking so I know that
will make me feel even better...
Im still way confussed about the vitamins, cause like I said I dont
take anywhere near what u guys do but I feel fantastic!!! I only take
2 500 mg a day calcium and I just increased that from 1, 2 days ago
and 1 iron pill and 1 multivitamin and thats it.... oh and previcid.
But I guess I will see if this is working as far as numbers go when I
get my first set of blood tests done...
I have been eating things that I thought I couldnt, but I try
everything and just see how my body reacts... The best thing about
this surgery is it doesnt take but a minute for my body to react, YES
OR NO!!!! I know I am not getting all the protein I should everyday
but Im working on it.... I found sum protein bars called THE ZONE
that have 16 g of protein in them and I eat one of those every
morning... I am very suprised of the intake of food I can eat
sumtimes, but then other times I can only take a few bites.. Like
last night we went to golden coral my favorite place...... I had a
little salad, mashed potatoes, rotisserie chicken and a piece of corn
on the cob.... My sis says "the corn is brave isnt it", I said "well
I wont know til I try" but I did fine and felt like I had eaten...
First time I ever put salad on the same plate as my food but....lol
Well good luck to everyone and I will have more accurate weight loss
when i go to my pcp this week...
Wendy Andrews
4 weeks postop
-37 lbs and 20 inches
YYYIIIIPPPPEEEE!!!!
Molly, your best bet is to forward your e-mail to him. He's one of the world's
nicest people and will answer you truthfully. You can also tell them that Santa
Cruz Hospital which is where the DS will be performed, is one of the best
hospitals in the world. The doctor who founded it went to hospitals he admired
all over the world, including many in the US, and incorporated their good
systems into Santa Cruz. It has the third lowest infecton rates of any hospital
in the world. Dr. M has performed hundreds of DS surgeries and has never lost a
patient, something that only one other surgeon I know of can matcn, Dr. Elariny
in Virginia. I know the reactions of many when we tell them we're going out of
the country for surgery. Basically they think we're nuts, including many US
doctors. But the fact remains that with the advent of managed care, the level of
our mdical care has really dropped. Medical care in other countries frequently
(and in this case it does) what we can get in the US now.
I had my DS in Brazil. A month later my daughter had her surgery with Dr.
Elariny at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, VA. After the gleaming cleanliness of
Santa Cruz, I was appalled at the dirt I saw at Inova Fairfax - and it's
considered a really good hospital. At Santa Cruz there are no carpets since it's
easy to deposit street dirt and geerms in them. There are carpets - dirty ones -
all over Inova Fairfax. This is one example of how our medical standards are
falling. Good luck!
Carole
molly cadwallader <mcad21@...
Hello to all,
I am a grad student in Florida with minimal health
coverage purchased through my school. Getting
bariatric surgery with this insurance is not an option
for me. My BMI is 39 and I suffer from nerve problems
in my arms and legs, causing them to become numb or
fall asleep often. My doctor has attributed this to
my weight. I also suffer from back spasms caused by
an old injury but exacerbated by the weight. I have
dieted successfully in the past but only losing 20-30
lbs before I regain. My parents have agreed to pay up
to $15,000 dollars for bariatric surgery. However,
they want me to have surgery here in the U.S. Most of
you know this is not an option since the cost is so
high here. They are not supportive of me going abroad
for surgery and I understand many of their concerns.
Even if I finance the operation on my own I really
don't want to upset my parents my traveling abroad.
My question is, how can I convince my folks Dr.
Marchesini is a viable option? I understand he is
licensed to practice in the States, meaning he is in
good standing here. But my parents aren't satisfied
with this. Besides writing for references is there
any other objective regulatory agency in Brazil that
can confirm Dr. Marchesini's record and credentials?
Any other suggestions on allaying my parents fears
would be much appreciated. Ready to go but stalled in
Florida.
Hello to all,
I am a grad student in Florida with minimal health
coverage purchased through my school. Getting
bariatric surgery with this insurance is not an option
for me. My BMI is 39 and I suffer from nerve problems
in my arms and legs, causing them to become numb or
fall asleep often. My doctor has attributed this to
my weight. I also suffer from back spasms caused by
an old injury but exacerbated by the weight. I have
dieted successfully in the past but only losing 20-30
lbs before I regain. My parents have agreed to pay up
to $15,000 dollars for bariatric surgery. However,
they want me to have surgery here in the U.S. Most of
you know this is not an option since the cost is so
high here. They are not supportive of me going abroad
for surgery and I understand many of their concerns.
Even if I finance the operation on my own I really
don't want to upset my parents my traveling abroad.
My question is, how can I convince my folks Dr.
Marchesini is a viable option? I understand he is
licensed to practice in the States, meaning he is in
good standing here. But my parents aren't satisfied
with this. Besides writing for references is there
any other objective regulatory agency in Brazil that
can confirm Dr. Marchesini's record and credentials?
Any other suggestions on allaying my parents fears
would be much appreciated. Ready to go but stalled in
Florida.
Possible addition: Married or Single..Hubbys Name ages of children..
Gives us a little more info on the individual as a person or if they live alone like Carol did. Just some ideas
Penny in clear skies San Diego
Hi u guys... Just wanted to post cause I feel so good today!!!! My
clothes r starting to fall off of me and everywhere I go someone
notices the weightloss.. woooohoooo I have lost my boobs though UGGGG!
My hubby says all the time "what is going on here" lol Oh well Ill
get new ones when I go back...hehe
I start a job Monday that requires alot of walking so I know that
will make me feel even better...
Im still way confussed about the vitamins, cause like I said I dont
take anywhere near what u guys do but I feel fantastic!!! I only take
2 500 mg a day calcium and I just increased that from 1, 2 days ago
and 1 iron pill and 1 multivitamin and thats it.... oh and previcid.
But I guess I will see if this is working as far as numbers go when I
get my first set of blood tests done...
I have been eating things that I thought I couldnt, but I try
everything and just see how my body reacts... The best thing about
this surgery is it doesnt take but a minute for my body to react, YES
OR NO!!!! I know I am not getting all the protein I should everyday
but Im working on it.... I found sum protein bars called THE ZONE
that have 16 g of protein in them and I eat one of those every
morning... I am very suprised of the intake of food I can eat
sumtimes, but then other times I can only take a few bites.. Like
last night we went to golden coral my favorite place...... I had a
little salad, mashed potatoes, rotisserie chicken and a piece of corn
on the cob.... My sis says "the corn is brave isnt it", I said "well
I wont know til I try" but I did fine and felt like I had eaten...
First time I ever put salad on the same plate as my food but....lol
Well good luck to everyone and I will have more accurate weight loss
when i go to my pcp this week...
Wendy Andrews
4 weeks postop
-37 lbs and 20 inches
YYYIIIIPPPPEEEE!!!!
I could not find the create an album button or anything to
download....what am I doing wrong?????
Lisa A
Yeah Deb, I am thankful that I decide to keep a journal cause reading
back now that I am 4 weeks out its hard to believe how far I have
come since the day of surgery and those days after.. When I read the
journal I was pitiful.... A big whinning wheeping BABY!!! lol I didnt
think those days were ever going to pass... But woooohoooo they did
and I am doin wonderful..... Glad to hear of u being a BIG LOOSER!!!
100 ibs... yeah!!!!!! U go girl, keep up the good work....
Wendy ANdrews
4 weeks postop
-37 lbs and 20 inches
Wendy.....I COULD have sat in the back of the taxi but she is so
sweet that she DID say that I could sit in the front if I wanted to
as soon as we were getting into her car for the first time. I sat in
the front because I get car sick so easily that I just always ride in
the front seat. Then, she just became such a friend that it would
have felt WEIRD to sit in the back. I sat in the front every time we
went anywhere! She's VERY okay with that. If you go shopping, she
insists on carrying everything that she can, for you. She took me to
the big grocery store down the street and read lables for me and
helped me in the pharmacy. She took care to make sure I didn't get
taken advantage of by people that knew I didn't know how much
something cost. Robin....I told her you all were coming at the end
of October and she was really looking forward to it! Ya'll give her
a call!! PLEASE tell her that I said HELLO and I miss her!
Lisa
switched 30 days ago and down 30 pounds!!! WOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!
This group distracts me from real life so at this stage, I am kinda glad for the distractions BUT I gotta get back on track. I stopped taking my vitamins, been skipping the protein shakes, I haven't kept up my psychotropics meds. My barium swallow came back normal except it showed pretty bad reflux according to the radiologist but of course my surgeon dismissed that part because the flow through the small bowel was normal.
He thinks its just a normal motility issue that will get better over time but I still have this nagging stomach pain which scares me when I eat because the pain worsens as food hits it so I tend to eat very little and drink very little so I put as little pressure on it as possible. Then some of my pills still rise up in my esophagus after I've taken them and they just sit there near the throat but they're not really accessible for me to just throw them up w/o sticking my finger down my throat and believe me I've been so tempted to do just that but I can't bring myself to do it.
I'm going to do some soul searching this weekend and contemplate a better plan. I know I can't keep this up for long.
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
We are a very gabby group. I wish new peopel would join so that they
will post and we could start answering some questions. I like the
things we have covered so far. In just 2 short days we have written
410 messages. You sure can tell we are mostly women. And Ally, is
just working her little heart out. Thank you Ally.
Lizanne
San, 34, Single
No Kids - Zion, IL
Far North 'burb of Chgo
Lap RNY 08.28.07
Highest Weight: 370
Surgery Weight: 370
Current Weight: 325
Goal Weight: 150
Your bills are gone and so are you.
You are the weakest link.
Goodbye.
-Dave in Ohio
We are a very gabby group. I wish new peopel would join so that they
will post and we could start answering some questions. I like the
things we have covered so far. In just 2 short days we have written
410 messages. You sure can tell we are mostly women. And Ally, is
just working her little heart out. Thank you Ally.
Lizanne
On the other hand, I woke up 1/2 hour early this morning, but rose and bathed
right then because I do our weekly shopping at 7 a.m. each Sunday. You just
know I was thrilled to hear my DH announce that I'd have to wait 2 hours B4 the
grocery opens. Since he was the bearer of the bad news, I'm punishing him by
running, in sequence, all the noise machines I can think of. The dishwasher is
running right now - it has been getting steadily more noisy for the past two or
three years. At 17, it is 'way past its replacement age, so I've been thinking
Jim would replace it soon. Instead, he took one of the trays to his workshop
and spent an hour reinstalling lost wheels, and the danged thing doesn't bang
like it used to. It may outlast us! Nevertheless, it is noisy enough to be
annoying - serves him right. Except. I have to listen to it, too. I may need
to rethink my strategy. Hugs, Sherry
austinmoon24 <plieb@...
Time changes tonight...
Spring forward...Fall back. We gain an hour tonight.
Just in case you can't sleep, you'll have another hour to catch up!
pl
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 10/23/04 184.8 Total Loss 75.7 Weekly loss 1.6
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo
For what it's worth some of my worst post op pain from any of my surgeries
were in very weird places. One example, my neck after a D&C. I later found
out they had me with my legs so high in the stirrups with all my weight on
my neck and shoulders it was like they were stuffing a turkey or something.
I think when we are out they manipulate our bodies in weird ways plus we are
put into positions for the surgeon's convenience and access but that might
not be where our muscles or bones are happiest. I'll bet you have what I
call surgery back. I've had that and as I said surgery neck and other
things. Blame it on the wonderful Dr. M and do all the usual things for
it...hot shower or washcloths, gentle stretching/walking, whatever meds you
can take for pain, etc. but move and don't just lie around. W
Pat,
My thought on that is that Ally started this group. Who knows what
personal emails Robyn was getting. She may have banned Ally so she
couldn't "spy" on them and report back all the gory details. It's
just too bad it happened.
I am going to stop dwelling on it so that the new people who join our
group don't get intimidated. I really used to enjoy that group.
Lizanne
Robin
I was too short for my binder, too. Tell Durval and he will take it
somewhere in the hospital (I think) and have it adjusted. They took 3-
4 inches off of mine in the width and shortened it also. It fit great
after that.
Tracy in TX
Robin - Did you get a shot in your spine for a local during the
surgery?? That would do it. Anesthesia does all sorts of things to
your body. Walk some more if you can. Even though I won't get out
much when I'm there, I'll be walking the halls at all hours in the
hotel. Take an extra hot shower getting the water on your back, not
the front. That could help too. When is your flight home? Boy I
envy you. Time is flying. Maybe you could get that massage tomorrow.
That would feel g o o d. Try a hot towel on your back. Wake up
Virgil and tell him it hurts. That would work too. You never should
suffer alone!
Cheerio.
Patrice
Time changes tonight...
Spring forward...Fall back. We gain an hour tonight.
Just in case you can't sleep, you'll have another hour to catch up!
pl
I am VERY surprised that she chose to ban Ally and not others. There were a few other of us who spoke up on behalf of Lizanne.... why Ally??? Others had even stronger words for Robyn. I don't get it.
Pat
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
San,
Yes, that was the shocking part. I disagreed with her, and then when
I went in to view messages, I found out I was banned. A similar
thing happened to Ally because she supported me. We were left with
no way to reply. Penny sent a message and Robyn did reply to her
with the title in the subject line of: LISTEN UP!. Robyn says
someone also emailed her privately calling her names. I don't know
who that was....not me.
Also, San, it is probably not a bad thing to be part of both groups.
You are here to collect knowledge and with having two groups you may
get some additional incite. I am glad you are here though.
Lizanne
umm... you have a talking cat???
Pat (backing slowly away from Lizanne)
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Penny,
I can crochet a blanket which is what I thought I might do while
recouperating from the surgery. That didn't happen. I don't have a
dog but I have two sweet cats who babysat me when I was just laying
around the house. (my one cat...Alley...says "God Bless You" when I
sneeze). Well not only me but she says it when anyone sneezes.
Cool. huh?
Lizanne
Did anyone have back pain after surgery? I am having some back ache
mostly on right side about mid back to the waist. I am thinking it
is just from sleeping in odd positions. I am still experimenting
with that. I usually like to sleep on my side, but I am nervous
about that for some crazy reason. Kind of like when you are first
pregnant and don't want to sleep on your stomach even though you
could. I try my side, but it feels like the stitches are pulling too
much and my guts are not in the right place. I don't want to put too
much pressure on my incision. I am probably just being over
cautious. I usually do have some back pain in the morning at home, I
believe it is just from being overweight. This is a little
different.
Just wondering because I can't take motrin (I think?) and the liquid
tylenol is just too terrible to swollow.
When did everyone start taking tylenol tablets? Or is that a NONO
forever? I would rather take a pill than a liquid whenever possible
just because the sweet liquids seem to make my tummy upset.
Anyway, I was wondering what this new back ache might be and want to
be sure it isn't a kidney infection or some strange thing you get
after WLS
today also.
Robin
day 4 post op
He only does the surgery open for some very good reasons. Welcome here and
I hope you stay here to learn more about Dr. M. If you haven't yet read his
FAQ's they are:
http://home.comcast.net/~gleppla1/MarFAQ.htm
This will give you a lot of information which will help you understand more
about surgery in Brazil. I know Dr. B. also has a wonderful reputation but
I believe in the long run Dr. M. is less expensive and many of us adore him.
W
Dr M does the DS open only.
he is also a lap. surgeon.....but for the DS....only open.
he is a WONDERFUL surgeon.....and as a bonus....quite a bit less
expensive than Dr B (who is also wonderful from what i understand.).
blessings.
joanne
Penny,
I can crochet a blanket which is what I thought I might do while
recouperating from the surgery. That didn't happen. I don't have a
dog but I have two sweet cats who babysat me when I was just laying
around the house. (my one cat...Alley...says "God Bless You" when I
sneeze). Well not only me but she says it when anyone sneezes.
Cool. huh?
Lizanne
Hi, I am new to this group. I had DS surgery in Spain this past June
and now my husband is considering the surgery. I would like to
explore other options and was wondering if you guys could give me
some information on pricing. Also, does he do the surgery
laprascopically or only open. My husband is 6'0" and weighs about
290 lbs. Sorry, I forgot to calculate his BMI.
Thanks in advance,
Kathryn
Wow Robin.....I hope everyone 4 days post op can read this. Wal-mart and
all that you say. You are doing so very well. Keep it up but don't overdo.
When you come home you will have to turn into a mother again. Right now be
a wife who needs TLC. W
San,
Yes, that was the shocking part. I disagreed with her, and then when
I went in to view messages, I found out I was banned. A similar
thing happened to Ally because she supported me. We were left with
no way to reply. Penny sent a message and Robyn did reply to her
with the title in the subject line of: LISTEN UP!. Robyn says
someone also emailed her privately calling her names. I don't know
who that was....not me.
Also, San, it is probably not a bad thing to be part of both groups.
You are here to collect knowledge and with having two groups you may
get some additional incite. I am glad you are here though.
Lizanne
Thanks Patrice. I just got home from shopping. I got all the things Robin
sugested. Your time will be here before you know it. I hope we can get together
again before you leave. Now I have lots of packing to do so I can be ready
to leave on Thursday. Best wishes, Janie
austinmoon24 <plieb@...
May your trip be uneventful. May your surgery be a breeze. May you
come back to Texas smaller and happier than you've ever been! See
you soon.
Bon Voyage !
Patrice
I think this group is more facinated with poop than it is with weight
loss surgery. Although poop is a big part, initially I hope, of it's
effects. My brother says he is still affected by it to varying
degrees.
Lizanne
I'm not trying to stir things up but I just assumed all along that Robyn emailed the *problem people* and warned them first and that maybe in a fit of anger, you guys said some things and it got heated and she figured that you'd never cool down and so she decided to ban you. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that you were banned or were moderated with no communication from Robyn at all. Now THAT stinks and makes me question staying in that group. I kinda want to stay becaue the more info I get the better but this new info has left a very bad taste in my mouth. You guys are probably kinda getting over it now but I really haven't spoken too much on the subject. I mean its common courtesy if nothing else to at least explain her position whether right or wrong and give you an opportunity to either comply or not.
Well, whatever, she's not worth all this thought and energy---you know what they say about assumptions----they make an A$$ out of you and me!!
San, 34, Single
No Kids - Zion, IL
Far North 'burb of Chgo
Lap RNY 08.28.07
Highest Weight: 370
Surgery Weight: 370
Current Weight: 325
Goal Weight: 150
Hi everyone,
I saw Kelly at the hospital and she is doing well. trying to watch 90
something episodes of friends. I don't think I could do that. It is
too funny and I just don't want to laugh that much right now. I saw
Michelle, she just got back to the hotel today and she looks great.
I like her binder better than mine. Mine is too big I think. Not
around the belly, but from right under my breast to below my belly
button. I guess I am too short for it. Anyhow, her mom, sherry,
theresa and roxie and janice were downstairs waiting for a taxi to go
shopping. Theresa, janice and roxie are all leaving tomorrow, those
lucky dogs!
DH and I got a taxi and went to the walmart to shop and we found our
friends already there. I guess walmart is the place to go here or
something. We got a few things. It was very hard to find iondine
for wound cleaning. I asked the farmacia people and they didn't
understand me. I saw Theresa while shopping and she said she got
some at the very place I had looked (at walmart farmacia) so after
shopping I finally got some before we left. I never found peanut
butter, I am really wanting just a tiny bit, but I guess I will wait
until later. I looked for string cheese, but only found huge
packages and they were very expensive. so I just stuck to more
yogurt (YUCK!), and I found a couple of really soft pears and a few
nice looking apples. I also found some tang powder to add to my
water for a little taste (I hate gatoraid for some reason). I got a
few things for my kids also. Walmart here is a very strange
experience. LOTS of yogurt and cheeses and meats. I saw no fresh
milk though I didn't really look long. Lots of fruits and veggies
also. Dh got some frozen chicken stips to eat later.
Anyhow I got home (to the hotel) and now am exhausted. the taxi ride
was awful. I felt every single bump in the road. I should not have
walked around so long and I should have drank sips of water along the
way. I was too dehydrated and hungry when I got home. The pear was
absolutely wonderful though I had to cut off the peal and really
chew. My DH said his was just average and not really that
wonderful. I guess my taste buds are changing or were just really
hungry. That is all I could eat and now I am waiting for a big air
bubble to come up or out or something. I drank too much tang water
too fast also. I am really learning alot about my new tummy. It is
a real whiner and is very picky and finicky. As soon as something
sounds good to eat and I actually get it, I don't really want much
more than a bite or two.
I am craving all kinds of things like peanut butter, eggs, raisin
bran cereal of all things, oatmeal, toast, beef of any kind and lots
of cold fluids. I even want a big old fashioned salad! I such a nut
case right now. I am also still very weepy and I am going to call dr
m soon about that.
Anyhow, I am tired and am going to go sit on the couch and read for a
while (if I can concentrate long enough) or maybe just watch the old
portuguese tv.
I can't wait to get home to St. Louis, i miss my kids!
Robin
day 4 post op
I got you beat on the bone scan Carole...I was told 20 year old....I've
never broken a bone in my life although I've had so many bad falls and
sprains and ligament damage I've been told a couple times a break would have
been an easier healing. In 1983 I was in a cast for 56 weeks for an ankle
sprain. Some of us do get lucky in the bone department. And my
cholesterol was 149 pre op and is 122 now. And my triglycerides were 102
pre op. I always told people that I had some good numbers but the scale
wasn't one of them. W
Right after I left Dr. M went to Spain for the conference. When he returned
that was the group who found Ana. I hear about her with such longing. I
couldn't climb into the back of a taxi. Durval had to find a special step
stool and have 2 people help me get in and out of the van. Still can't get
in the back seat of a car. But now with Ana I could get in front I bet.
Tiffany and I were the last of the pre Ana patients. So much has changed in
the 14 months since I was there. George and his group were the pioneers.
Last year's group was the middle group. So much is different from just the
first half of 2003. W
Patrice....a quick answer about my mobility ( if I ever answer anything
quickly)<g
occasionally. I use a walker or cane according to the circumstances and
keep the wheel chair in the car in case I have to use it. I rarely go into
a store because it is too much walking but if the store has a motorized cart
and it is off hours I can usually walk from the handicapped parking to the
cart. I have a volunteer do 99% of my shopping and haven't been in most
stores in 5+ years. This summer I had more freedom than I had in 2-3 years
as the pain was lessoned. Now that winter is coming I find myself using
more meds and less mobile again. Several orthopedists have said that they
cannot give me my new knees until after I have PS because the majority of my
excess flesh is on my knees and thighs and I could not have a good clean
healed incision or do the required rehab without PS first. Most plastic
surgeons have said they cannot do the PS because of fear of thrombosis. I
am working with Dr. Cavalcanti in Brazil and a vascular surgeon here to see
if we can get around the DVT problem with filters and injections, etc. Last
week I had ultra sounds on my veins and am waiting for the report to be sent
to Dr. C and to my local doctor. If I have PS in January it will be done in
the hospital instead of the clinic and a Brazilian vascular surgeon will
assist Dr. C. If I can have the PS I can get new knees in about a year. If
Dr. C says no surgery I will bow to his expertise since many others have
also said no. In that case my mobility will worsen again and I will learn
how to live a life without the activity I want. Considering the DS solved
all my major problems..I was 1-3 years literally from death...I would be
disappointed if I can't get back everything I want but just realizing that
my problems are chronic rather than acute means a lot to me. I am 64 and I
still have the same mantra I had. My goal is to be 67 and have "10 to 15
years to play in the body of my choice". If you want to see what I am
talking about look at my folder in the DS Extra section or the Dr. M photo
annex and you will see the knee problems I am talking about. Above the
waist I am a M or L. Below the waist I started as a 6X, got down to a 2X
and now am up to a 3X or 4X again. I have a major problems finding any
clothes let alone a bathrobe or a coat or anything one piece. And...as
usual...I went long. Sorry. <g
the DS and Dr. M saved my life and gave me a quality of life I hadn't had in
years. W
Sharon...now I see what you are talking about. I can't wait for 48
I sneaked a peek at your photos, Patrice. May I say you have THE MOST GORGEOUS
SMILE ! ! ! And your children are also heartbreakers. My ambition for you is
that you reach your goal and regain lots of mobility. You are already lovely.
Hugs, Sherry
austinmoon24 <plieb@...
myself. I have a picture of
how I looked 23 years ago before I became a single mother of three
active and lively sons. I posted it to compare to my "after"
pictures which I will post next year. I pray to look like a similar
person with just the attributes of age and experience added.
Sherry Head
High 290 1/13/04 Pre-op 260.5 10/23/04 184.8 Total Loss 75.7 Weekly loss 1.6
Diabetes cured
I has met the enemy and he is us! - Pogo
Sharon,
I need more info than this. Were you trying to get into this group?
Who asked you if you were a moderator? What, did something think you
were spam? Details, Details...
Lizanne
May your trip be uneventful. May your surgery be a breeze. May you
come back to Texas smaller and happier than you've ever been! See
you soon.
Bon Voyage !
Patrice
Hi Robin,
If you ask the front desk they will send you up some pots and pans (and
other cooking utensil type things). You can also have the desk order you an
egg from the restaurant. Ask them to make a plain scrambled egg and you
should do ok with it.
Remember to take small tiny sips with your water. Don't gulp!
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 October 6: 290lbs (BMI 46.8)
Total loss on October 6: -87lbs
I now got on the site but. . .the list on the left no longer has any
of the things we can go to see including the pictures that everyone
has posted so far ..
sharon xoxo
I haven't posted the information Wendy. Have at it. I'm busy
thinking about my packing list thanks to Robin.. applesauce, no
sugar...diet-jello...a dozen eggs...things every tourist should pack.
You got my heart Wendy writing about your wheelchair situation. Are
you improving where you can walk? G-d willing. I too have a mobility
challenge. Obesity has my knees in trouble. No more cartilege and
plenty of pain between cortison and synvisc shots. I use a cane and
cannot walk more than a block before I have to sit down and recover.
I'm afraid that when everyone advises to walk, walk, walk for
nausea, I'm going to have to make some modifications. My orthopedist
is ready for knee surgery as soon as I say "Let's do it." I want to
be 100 lbs down before I even think about it. I am not worried about
DS surgery, but knee replacement has me terrified. I live alone,
won't be able to drive or ambulate for quite a while. That's down
the road. One surgery at a time. That's why, with all of these
comorbidities (I'm on 18 different meds!), I'm on social security
disability at 60. My goal - get back to work by the time I'm 62. I'm
too interested in living to sit around being sick all the time.
Incidentally, the timing of my surgery is going to be just perfect
for the Texas Legislative session. My immediate goal is to be in
the halls of the Legislature by its opening day - Jan. 11th. I
have a personal mission to get Texas insurance to cover all WLS
surgery, which is why I am so interested in rousing all of you who
have had surgery to write, write, write those letters. Having self-
paid for our surgeries, we must help others who are without the
means to figure it out for themselves. It's heartbreaking to read
emails that are sent to me. People need us.
I can write and write about this, but I'll just say that in Texas I
am focused on the claim that denial of WLS surgery is tantamount to
discrimination against the obese.
I have actually posted some pictures of myself. I have a picture of
how I looked 23 years ago before I became a single mother of three
active and lively sons. I posted it to compare to my "after"
pictures which I will post next year. I pray to look like a similar
person with just the attributes of age and experience added.
Cheers to those in Curitiba. Robin, enjoy those eggs - no salt
please.
Bless you all
Patrice Lieb
Sharon.....speechless....it's a miracle!! Just kidding...couldn't
pass up the opportunity.
Lizanne
It said i wasnt a moderator and all i was doing was trying to sign in. . just thought i would let you know Ally and Lizanne.
sharon xoxo
I did get one test Ally, I think they would be a good idea. . anything to keep us on track .
sharon xoxo
Wendy, I had mobility issues too, but one trip that I adored was the train trip
through the rain forest. Not a whole lot of moving around. Just to the train's
bathroom if you need it, and from Ana's taxi into the restaurant and back for
lunch. Other than that, it's a couch potatoe's dream.
Carole
Wendy Held <w.wendyh@...
Considering I spent 14 days in the hospital and then 3 days in my hotel room
I never saw Curitiba. I went from the airport directly to the hospital and
never even saw the hotel until the 15th day. And my wheel chair didn't go
through door ways or anything so I was stuck in my room. I am simply so
jealous when I read of all the places people have been and am desperate to
return to see some of them myself. I still will have very little mobility
and won't be able to go far but even if I have two hospitalizations for PS
with a break in between I should be able to see something. I would hope!!!
My goal is to finally see Dr. M's office. Never had any way of getting
there. W
Hi Robin:
You can get eggs a couple of different ways.
First, ask at the front desk for some pans and cooking utensils, and
go to the little convenience store two doors to the right as you
exit the hotel, and buy some eggs. (we removed some items from the
minibar refrigerator to make room for our items) You may also want
to buy some powdered soup. I found the Maggi chicken soup excellent
with an egg dropped into it and stirred quickly while it was
boiling. I also ate boiled and fried eggs.
Second, during breakfast downstairs in the restaurant, you can ask
for eggs. If you need help with translation, ask Leandro or someone
at the front desk for some help.
While my wife and I were in the Parthenon, we met Susan and Chuck
who were there for over a month. (Susan was having several sessions
of plastic surgery with Dr. Cavalcanti) They really used the
kitchen. They invited all the Americans over for meals, (after we
were able to tolerate certain foods) like homemade chicken soup,
minestrone, beef stew, etc.
After the DS, everyone tolerates food differently. I was eating the
Maggi "egg drop" soup the day after returning to the hotel. When Dr
M said "liquids" I thought he meant "clear liquids" but I realized
he meant "anything you can chew to the consistency of a liquid" (and
that your body will tolerate) He even recommended a soup at an
Italian restaurant that had pasta shells stuffed with ground beef.
(this was at 5 days post-op) At about a week out, I could tolerate a
small amount of beef if it was tender and chewed to mush.
Mike Adams
Surgery 6/30/2004
Dr Marchesini
SW / CW / GW
450 / 337 / 250-210
well poop!! im sorry i thought it was the 23rd . .god . .now i have to live w/ Pat being right AGAIN!!
SHARON XOXO
Wha
San,
You are more than welcome to join our "clique". I would love to have
you as a friend. Tell your therapist that. Truly, I hope that every
single person who joins this group gets the feeling of comraderie
from the teasing, loving manner in which we will answer all
questions, AND question all answers. Please participate in any way
you want, we really want you to be a part of this team-to-a-better-
life.
Lizanne
Hi Linda,
You are a new name to me here! I am 4 days post op. I appreciate
reading your post. Sounds like you are doing wonderfully. I may
look into that hemmeroid surgery also. I took care of a patient
after majoy hemmoroid surgery once and he was absolutly misserable.
Maybe his were really bad. He kept asking for the lidocaine creams
and moaning and groaning. He was only about 25 and average weight,
but boy could he make you feel bad for him. My hemmeroid problem is
not so bad. It only is a problem when I get really bad diarrhea for
a few days. Of course right now, my stools are like water! UGH!
can't wait for that to go away. I am going to mention it again to Dr
M when I see him today (I hope I get to see him today!)
I read about those recliners yesterday evening. I will probably look
for one of them maybe. I did manage to sleep OK on the couch with a
ton of pillows behind me.
Anyhow, I am glad you posted. your success is great to read about.
Robin G
4 days post op
Oh my heavens Wendy.....You got me there. It was so funny. I hope I
didn't burst a stitch! You have such a great sense of humor.
Robin G
Day 4 Post op
Dear Group, I haven't had time to do more than teach and sleep for the past
month or two, but I am going into a week of holidays now, so read three of
the recent digested postings that are piling up in my inbox unread and see
that I am really out of the loop.
Why is Robin and some other person post-op just eating the chicken soup
broth? Do they know they can say the word "blender" to the waiter or the
room service and get a thick soup?
Why is Kathy asking for five pillows, don't they have those nice two comfy
recliner chairs any more?
Hi, Konstantin, glad to see a name of one of my switch buddies but sorry to
hear of your pain in the a. I'm going to ditto Patrice's suggestion. I've
had surgery for hemorrhoids and it was a breeze. Wrote email to a friend
that I was going to go to a butt specialist to see if my hemorrhoids
warranted surgery, and by the time I got back home three hours later, to
find his email saying "hemorrhoid surgery sounds horrible, why don't you
just use preparation H?", I'd already had the surgery, taken a bit of a nap
on the doctor's couch after wards and driven myself home. Really NOT major
surgery.
How are you doing otherwise? I'm losing about a kilo a week, and my friends
are just complimenting the hell out of me. My only grief is flatulence.
Man, do I fart. From 3pm every day, on average every five to twelve minutes
I foul the air big time. If I had a methane generator to the rear of me in
the evenings, I could generate power for the entire country of Japan!
Linda Donan
post op 8/9/2004
present weight loss 20+ kilos
I'll change the chart when I'm a full 3 months out
Hi
Were do you get the eggs? My room has a little stove but no pans.
No eggs are listed on the room service menu. I am not sure how to
tell them to cook it anyhow.
I am so sick of yogurt right now. I am tired, dizzy, nauseated and
just not feeling good this morning. I didn't sleep too badly last
night except for a few potty breaks. I am drinking water right now
and I just took my antibiotic liquid (yuck!)
Robin
starting day 4 post op!
New exercise routine
New exercise routine, if you're over 40. You might
want to take it easy at first, then do it faster, as you
become more proficient. It may be too strenuous for
some.
Always consult your doctor before
starting any exercise program!
SCROLL DOWN...
NOW SCROLL UP.. ...
That's enough for the first day.
Have some chocolate.
Considering I spent 14 days in the hospital and then 3 days in my hotel room
I never saw Curitiba. I went from the airport directly to the hospital and
never even saw the hotel until the 15th day. And my wheel chair didn't go
through door ways or anything so I was stuck in my room. I am simply so
jealous when I read of all the places people have been and am desperate to
return to see some of them myself. I still will have very little mobility
and won't be able to go far but even if I have two hospitalizations for PS
with a break in between I should be able to see something. I would hope!!!
My goal is to finally see Dr. M's office. Never had any way of getting
there. W
Patrice.....have you posted this Medicare info on other sites or would you
mind if I copied and pasted it? This address is important. W