Weight loss

Ally,
You and Rich make a good looking couple. He is a handsome guy and you
are not too bad yourself. And I say it doesn't hurt to flaunt your
stuff once in a while.
Robin in NJ

Do any of you use a citrus spray that comes in a small size that you
could carry in your purse or pocket?? I found a REALLY great spray
that I actually got at my kids pediatrician that is used in hospitals
and Dr.s offices because it's 100% natural and non toxic and
biodegradable and smells SOOOO good! It's concentrated orange oil
and I have never smelled anything that smells cleaner or makes the
bathroom smell better any faster when I get through with my
duodenalswitchbusiness in the mornings! It is SO strong and
wonderful....BUT, it doesn't come in a small purse sized spray for me
to take to go. This stuff, if you're interested is called Citrastat
and it's made by HealthLink. It's a 7oz can and it's kinda
pricey...I think it was like $8.00 a can when I looked it up, but
this can that I got at the Dr.s office was almost empty (that's why
they let me have it) and I've used it for a couple of weeks and it's
still got some left, so I assume that a full can will last forever.
Anyway, I'm about to order a few cans....you can order it at www.
healthlinkinc. net. Now, do any of you use a great air freshener
that smells SO nice yet SO strong that comes in a little to-go can?
I can ramble on and on about just about anything, can't I? LOL
Lisa
-45
7weeks post op
262/217/140

No one told me what to take either. I take the following, and I know that
others take much more than I do:
2 Multis
2 Calcium with D
2 ADEKs
2 Potassium
2 iron
1 B-12
The calcium is 600 mg, but I think that most people take more (2000 mg
total). I am considering upping my calcium. I don't have any blood tests
and go mostly by how I am feeling. I was never told to do the vitamins for
the blood tests. Dr. Baltasar really did not give me any instructions. I
have developed my vitamins by posting on the sites.
BTW, I was puffy for a long time and still have a slight belly that I hate,
loathe and despise. I have lost 160 pounds, but still have the slight belly
Go figure.
Kathy
I'm about 3 1/2 weeks out- Feeling pretty good but noticing that my stomach
and ab area are still pretty puffy. Is that normal? My incision is looking
great- no drainage and healing nicely. I just feel like I delivered and baby
and still have that baby belly there! LOL! ; ) I'm hoping that it's normal
and will continue going down... if not, I'll be even more anxious to start
doing the "ab" work once I can!
As of last Thursday (my 3 week out anniversary) I am down 30 pounds and I am
busy drying all my clothes in the dryer trying to avoid having to buy things
before the holidays. : ) What a nice problem to have! : )
I'm still trying to figure out the whole supplement thing- I'm taking a
multi vitamin with iron and my Calcium citrate and hoping that's enough.
Must do a little more research on that I guess- unless we have archives I
can look at- I'll have to look ; )
Thanks! : )
-Kelly

lisa A,
I was just getting around to actually looking at all the pictures.
Yours are great. Where were the ones by the lake (?) taken?
Lizanne

Hey Kelly! I had the same swelling as you are having. I kept
questioning myself wondering if that used to stick out like that or
if it was actually swollen. It was swollen till about the month
mark. I thought that was an awful long time to be swollen, but it
did go down. Just give it another week or two. Congrats on having
to dry clothes in the dryer! That's funny because JUST yesterday, I
was getting clothes out of the dryer to fold and hang and I noticed
that my daughter had put a couple of my shirts in the dryer! I
freaked at first because I have always hung my shirts to dry so they
wouldn't draw up. Then I remember that I'm down enough now that I
can put them in the dryer and they still fit loose! You're right!
Great problem to have!
Lisa
262/217/140
7weeks post -45lbs!

I just went and looked at the photos.. what a cute couple you make! And I see
Penny was right... you DID go as Rocky and Bullwinkle!!!
Lisa L... I LOVE the rear view pic of you and the doggy standing side by
side... lol
Pat
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
Thanks Sharon! :) We felt so goofy and I swear not one man made eye
contact with me all night. Men...
;)
~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

I'm about 3 1/2 weeks out- Feeling pretty good but noticing that my stomach and
ab area are still pretty puffy. Is that normal? My incision is looking great- no
drainage and healing nicely. I just feel like I delivered and baby and still
have that baby belly there! LOL! ; ) I'm hoping that it's normal and will
continue going down... if not, I'll be even more anxious to start doing the "ab"
work once I can!
As of last Thursday (my 3 week out anniversary) I am down 30 pounds and I am
busy drying all my clothes in the dryer trying to avoid having to buy things
before the holidays. : ) What a nice problem to have! : )
I'm still trying to figure out the whole supplement thing- I'm taking a multi
vitamin with iron and my Calcium citrate and hoping that's enough. Must do a
little more research on that I guess- unless we have archives I can look at-
I'll have to look ; )
Thanks! : )
-Kelly

hmmm... let me think this over.... on one hand I have my husband of almost 25
years, who supported me through college THREE times... and on the other hand I
have this hot looking guy who I have never actually met, but who has posted in
the group a few times... I'm gonna have to give this some thought and get back
to you....
Pat
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Pat,
I would wait to dump him....get him to post his picture first, then
you can decide. I like big shoulders, bald heads and goatees.
Better take a closer look before you just shovel him out the door.
Lizanne

Thanks Lizanne. :) I am a lucky girl. :)
~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

Becca,
Sounds like you are doing great. And have alot going on. It is
hard going to school full time and working too. I did it part time
with school and full time job and could not wait until it was over.
Good luck with the move also.
Robin in NJ

Ally,
Rich is very handsome and it's obvious he is in love with you. He
looks as though he is so proud that you are his. Lucky you.
Lizanne

Sharon,
Thank you for the concern. I remember being concerned too, but I
knew one day I wouldn't be so miserable. Like Sheggy, my biggest
problem now is finding something I can drink. I have found nothing
except constant comment decaf tea. And it has to be with sugar not
splenda. I have also found that when I go out to eat, I get the
water with lemon and I add a little splenda. It's the only time I
can stand artificial sweetener and I don't drink much, maybe an oz.
Lizanne

Ok
I am going to throw this out there let me know if it works. Send me a
personal email if you can attend or not.
I found a place in Bethesda that seems like fun called BD's Mongolian
Barbecue. You create your own bowl of pickings(meat, veggies, sauce
etc) and then they cook it fresh from your bowl.
I thought Bethesda was close to where we met before.
How about we meet Dec 18th, at 3 pm at BD's Mongolian Barbecue, in
Bethesda.
Deidre :)

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Thanks Sharon! This is also available in the files section.
~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

Yes ma'am. I love myself (even the widest part of me)
Lisa A :)
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
The phrase of the day is "love thyself" not ridicule myself before
someone else does.
Lizanne

The paperwork has been sent in and we are waiting for them to come back.
Once I get them, I will send them out right away for the visa's. Did anyone
have to get any shots before they went? I've read different places where
yellow fever shots are necessary and then other sites where they don't say
anything about shots.

DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH
Advil
Alev
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansald
Anthra-G
Arthropan
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Asproject
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Celebrex
Clinorial
Darvon compounds
Disalcid
Dolobid
Erythromycin
Equagesic
Feldene
Fiorinal
Ibuprofin
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meclomen
Midol
Motrin
Nalfon
Naprosyn
Nayer
Orudis
Oruval
Pamprin-IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Rexolate
Tandearil
Tetracycline
Tolecin
Uracel
Vioxx
Voltaren
ALL "NSAIDS"
DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE
Benadryl
Tylenol
Dimetap
Robitussin
Safetussin
Sudafed
Triaminics (All)
Tylenol (cold products)
Tylenol Ex Strength
Gas-X
Phazyme
Imodium Ad
Colace
Dulcolax-Suppositories
Fleet Enema
Glycerin-Suppositories
Milk of Magnesia
Peri-Colace

Becca!!! so nice to see you post. . and to know your doing so well . .40lbs?
thats like a lb a day girl!!! AWESOME!!
sharon xoxo

I guess they do. You porbably have to search the net for it! I dont plan to
do that though!
Lisa A
lizanneflowers <lizanneflowers@...
Lisa A,
LMAO...DO they still make that stuff? I thought I was the only
person who remembered that stuff. I can still picture the
commercials in my mind.
Lizanne

Hi guys..
It's been a while since I posted anything. I have been crazy busy. We are
moving on December 3rd and I am working until the 21st of November and I am
going to school full time...so my plate is FULL. On a nice note, I am 41 days
out of surgery today and I am down 40 POUNDS! Woo hoo! I am so excited to see
how the next few months will play out. Iam able to eat pretty much whatever I
want, within reason of course. I can't sit down and have a piece of cake or
anything, but I still get my "sweet fix" in by eating sugar free things. This
works out especially well because my husband is a diabetic anyway and now we are
all eating healthy.
Well, I just thought I would let you all know I am still alive and kicking.
Have a great day and a spooky Halloween!
Becca

Kathryn,
You are so welcome to add to this list! As the medical doctor you
are, I so appreciate having your input available to us. I think this
list of people is the very best. Everyone who writes in adds some
nugget of truth to every other reader. I am grateful to each
of you.
In the final analysis however, when a pertinent question like those
that often come up about calcium, calcium and iron together,
symptoms, bumps in the body - that is when a critical need exists
for a medical opinion.
Tag - you're IT! Thanks Kathryn. And thank you too for the good
wishes for my surgery. I feel very prepared - thanks to this list! -
and optimistic about my time in Brazil. Indeed, I will begin a new
life, a better life, and will have the energy to make a difference
in the Texas Legislature, G-d willing.
Hope to see you in Houston in January. I'll look for meeting details
on this list if you'll post them here. By the way, there are three
patients in San Marcos, TX who have had Dr. M. as their surgeon(Nina
Wright, Janie Mott, Natalie Koehler). And possibly one more in
December - a medical doctor!
Happy Holidays and Blessed Thanksgiving to all
Patrice in Austin TX
Surgery 12/14/04 at 7:30 am

Sharon,
Wow is that great. I was in the hospital for 5 days and then at my
mom's house for another 5 days. It just seems so weird the difference
between open and lap. Maybe it has to do with age too. No, Penny was
home and jogging the next day I think.
Lizanne

Hi Sharon-
Because of our troubles with bandwidth I had to disable HTML and pictures. :(
Sorry.
~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

I was sent something that is truly sweet and would like to send it to the group
but it has pictures in it. . is this group like the other group where you cant
send things like that? Its very appropriate for this group.
sharon xoxo
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Kathryn -
God bless you and welcome to our group. Thank you for your input and
information. As for other options for your husband - Dr M is a
wonderful man and surgeon, but I'm sure you have determined that we
are all very taken with him!
Tracy in TX

Fantastic! Way to be a trooper Cheryl!!
~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

As I have always said, "I'm not too fat, I'm too short for my
weight." That says it all. I am 5'3" also, but if I were 7'3" my
weight would fit better.
Lizanne

Thanks for asking Patrice. I am home, arrived yesterday around 3pm. The flight
was not as bad as I had expected. But was long and I was ready to be home. I did
use the wheel chair on the way home and could not have done without it. I
strongly suggest you book your self a first class ticket for the trip from San
Paulo to Miami for return flight if at all possible. I wished I had of done
that. my e-mail is jmot@... e-mail me here and I will tell you my
phone # and we can talk more. Janie
austinmoon24 <plieb@...
Janie, I hope your trip home wasn't too terrible and that you're
back safe and sound. I'm so excited and can't wait to hear from
you. Write or call to let me and everyone know how you are.
Best to you
Patrice L.

A peanut is not a bad thing. . a Peanut is a cute little thing. . when my son
was hospitalized for pneumonia when he was a baby . .they nicknamed him Peanut
.. I said it in a cute way Pat. . LOL
sharon xoxo

Janie, I hope your trip home wasn't too terrible and that you're
back safe and sound. I'm so excited and can't wait to hear from
you. Write or call to let me and everyone know how you are.
Best to you
Patrice L.

I have several pea like bumps around and under my incision which I ignore.
I know I have a hernia but this is different. I just figured I've had 3
surgeries in exactly the same spot since everyone makes their incision on
top of the previous incision. I've never even mentioned those pea size
round bumps to anyone because I presume they are just something that had to
do with healing. They don't hurt. They don't do anything. They just are
there. When it comes time to have my hernia worked on or I finally can get
my PS that is the doctor I will say, "Feel this"...until then to me it is
simply one more thing to ignore. Scarring, bumping, adhesions..all kinds of
things are under that incision. W

I just spoke w/ Cheryl and she is doing FANTASTIC!! She was in very good
mood.... She was discharged yesterday afternoon. Today she was giggling w/ her
son and said she went out last night to the Fall Festival w/ her family... they
got her a WC but she did fine. . She said she would try and post later today ..
Just thought i would update and let everyone know ..
sharon xoxo
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Shenise,
It's seems to be working now. I did the same thing. I had the emails
sent to my mailbox. As soon as I did that I was able to read them
online at the group. I am afraid to change my settings now because I'm
not sure what will happen.
Lizanne

Wendy,
I only posted one here because there are already so many pics and I
didn't want to waste memory space but I posted more of them on the
other page
Deidre

And with all you said George we also know that no good deed goes unpunished.
Imagine the law suits he/she would be opening him/herself up to in this day
and age. I shudder to think how someone with the very best of intentions
could have an excellent career ruined by a misinterpreted word. W

It's all my fault anyway... Penny won't mention it here, so *I* mentioned that
her daughter is doing that breast cancer walk and has to raise a certain amount
of money from donors OR make up the difference herself. No one wants anyone to
feel pressured, and no one wants to use this group to advertise anything... BUT,
IF anyone is interested they can contact Penny privately and get the details.
Please don't ban me!!! :)
Pat
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
Penny...no one here is going to think you're a spammer. We know you're too
sweet for all that. Right Pat & Sharon?
~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
Recent Activity
31
New Members
50
New Photos
4
New Links
Visit Your Group

Thanks for posting. Did you get the other pictures too or just that one? I
loved the one with Melanie, Tia and Michelle cause they all looked so thin.
Tia and Michelle were still almost newly post op and really are doing well.
W

Robin,
You have had a very tough year and we will keep the drdama to a
minimum. I have no desire to perpetuate it. thank you for joining
as I value your contributions. YIPPEE!!
Lizanne

do you have your passports already??
as soon as you get the flights booked you will need to get your
visas requested.
it is an exciting time.
joanne

I bet Richard liked showing you off. . they may not have made eye contact .. but
Richard was thinking. . "SHES ALL MINE!!"
sharon xoxo

Hey all,
I posted a pic of the girls who presently make up the DC/VA/MD
support group(thanks to Wendy's camera) We went out for Lunch on
10/03/04 at Houston's. We had a very good time and even did a
clothing exchange.
Sorry it took a while to post, we probably all changed a bit since
then. We will post the next luncheon photo when it happens.
Anyone else in the area is more than welcome to join us. The more the
merrier !!!
Deidre

George... You look great! I am so happy for you. I have not really
lost as much as I would have wanted, but I am happy where I am and
when I put my mind to it... I will loose more inches and lbs too. I
have lost 85lbs. I go between 185 and 195, beats the hell outa
260! It was 2 years on September 26th for me. Take care and keep
up all of the good works you do for this group. I just check in now
and then, as I am super busy with work. Take care, Jackie

LOL he found his Number 1. ..:) That is truly sweet .. I met my hubby online
too .. When i used to have AOL you could check out people in your area to see
who was online. . one day i saw his screename and just said hi. . He will tell
you now that his first thought was "I have heard about those crazy women on AOL"
... but we talked online for a few weeks .. then on the phone for a few weeks. .
then we met. . I thought "he isnt going to like me cuz im heavy" but he did. .
and we got married in 2001. He treats me like a queen. . my last two marriages
were HORRIFIC!!! This ones a keeper!!
sharon xoxo

Awwwwww Lisa,
Just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy huh? LOL :)
Sharon xoxo

Hmmmm,
Anyone else manifested ths same oddity? even in a group this large I
think its odd that we would have the same anomaly.
Konstanitn
I don't have a clue! The only reason that it bothers me is because I
know that it is there. I pay very close attention to the posts that
you write. Since the very beginning I have identified with so many
of the issues that you have faced. Since I haven't told you
before... Thanks for sharing!
Tracy

I don't have a clue! The only reason that it bothers me is because I
know that it is there. I pay very close attention to the posts that
you write. Since the very beginning I have identified with so many
of the issues that you have faced. Since I haven't told you
before... Thanks for sharing!
Tracy

I hear that Dance Dance Revolution is a good workout. . Maybe i should ask for
that for christmas!!
sharon xoxo

interesting,,,
and oddly coincidental..
I also have a pea sized bump at the top of my incision.... also..... about
half an inch down from my sternum.... And I also have not been lifting
anything over 10 pounds the whole time after surgery .... (only thing comming
close is my shoes)
I also have no Idea yet... and as of yet it has not bothered me yet.
Any Idea what this could be??
Konstantin
Tracy Williams <casacraigtracy@...
I could feel an area about the size of a pea toward the top of my
surgical incision - way under the skin. I have put warm compresses on
it and all it has done is grown to between the size of a nickel and
quarter depending on when I feel of it. It is not red, angry, etc.
When I eat, I feel like I eat like a fat person (go
figure) I have a hard time stopping. If it tastes good, I eat until I
am uncomfortable. I can graze forever and not feel overfilled, but
when I sit for a meal and take regular bites I get miserable.
Even after I eat until I am miserable, I
feel like I can eat again in an hour or less.
I don't want to keep on eating like a fat person.... I know that
there is a thin person somewhere under all this trying to get out.
The fatty just doesn't want to let her through.
Please give me any information, tips, constructive criticism, boos &
hisses or whatever you think that I need. I have been holding back
from making this post for over a week and finally had the courage to
put it to the group for HELP!!
Tracy in TX
9/21/04
242/202/??

I for one will send major congratulations to this good and great man....
after all he did save my life.... and gave me a future again.
Konstantin
I received a note from Dr. Marchesini this morning and thought I would pass
the good news along to everyone.
In recognition of his many years of work performing and teaching bariatric
surgery, Dr M has been named President of the Brazilian Society for
Bariatric Surgery (Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Baríática). This is the
highest honor one can get in that society.
This week he will be attending the Society's convention and will only be
answering urgent emails.
Dr. M is also celebrating his 40th anniversary in the medical profession. I
believe he is now 63 years old and I know he told me that he hopes to
continue working and teaching into his seventies.
George in PA

Hi Tracy: I can't answer the possible hernia question, but I can address the
eating part of your post.
Don't concentrate on eating like a "fat person" or a "thin person." Concentrate
on whether you are hungry and whether you are eating enough protein and getting
your vitamins and nutrients.
Like you, when I have something really delicious, I want to eat more of it, but
once I'm full, I don't want any more. I also find that my capacity changes too,
which is really weird...one day I can hardly get anything in, the next day it
feels like I'm gorging.
If I eat until I am full I find that I only need to wait a short time before I
can fit in another bite, but I try concentrate on that full feeling and realize
I'm not really hungry. I also keep in mind that it's only food, and I can
always get more. (This is the leftover fat thinking I had where I always
worried that I would get hungry and there wouldn't be any food.)
Now that you have acknowledged the behaviors you think need changing, you should
work on replacing them with new behaviors. yes, easier said than done!
Tracy Williams <casacraigtracy@...
I could feel an area about the size of a pea toward the top of my
surgical incision - way under the skin. I have put warm compresses on
it and all it has done is grown to between the size of a nickel and
quarter depending on when I feel of it. It is not red, angry, etc.
When I eat, I feel like I eat like a fat person (go
figure) I have a hard time stopping. If it tastes good, I eat until I
am uncomfortable. I can graze forever and not feel overfilled, but
when I sit for a meal and take regular bites I get miserable.
Even after I eat until I am miserable, I
feel like I can eat again in an hour or less.
I don't want to keep on eating like a fat person.... I know that
there is a thin person somewhere under all this trying to get out.
The fatty just doesn't want to let her through.
Please give me any information, tips, constructive criticism, boos &
hisses or whatever you think that I need. I have been holding back
from making this post for over a week and finally had the courage to
put it to the group for HELP!!
Tracy in TX
9/21/04
242/202/??

Very cool....Now if we could only clone him, we could get someone to
be on our group and answer all our medical questions....SIGH!
Robin G

who do you want to invite pat ill do it for you

I received a note from Dr. Marchesini this morning and thought I would pass
the good news along to everyone.
In recognition of his many years of work performing and teaching bariatric
surgery, Dr M has been named President of the Brazilian Society for
Bariatric Surgery (Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Baríática). This is the
highest honor one can get in that society.
This week he will be attending the Society's convention and will only be
answering urgent emails.
Dr. M is also celebrating his 40th anniversary in the medical profession. I
believe he is now 63 years old and I know he told me that he hopes to
continue working and teaching into his seventies.
George in PA

I just realized that Shenise is our groups first baby .. the first surgery since
our inception .. :) GO SHENISE!!!
sharon xoxo

Thanks Sharon! :) We felt so goofy and I swear not one man made eye contact
with me all night. Men...
;)
~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

The phrase of the day is "love thyself" not ridicule myself before
someone else does.
Lizanne

Cute costumes Ally!! and Richard is a cutie too!!
sharon xoxo

Beth,
I understand how you feel about reading messages, sometimes they can
be discouraging. When I was really miserable after my surgery, the
happy news from others did get on my nerves. Sorry for the honesty.
It really had nothing to do with the wonderful people we have in this
group, it had to do with how I was perceiving life. Now I understand
this better.
Someone recently said that we need to learn to love ourselves and
maybe the fact that you actually posted your pics is a start. It is
VERY hard to let someone take our pictures, expecially a full length
picture, but then to post it in a group setting is very intimidating,
especially since you don't YET have an "after" picture to compare it
to. You are a very brave person, and a braver person than I am.
Beth, we are here for you through the next one million hoops that
will be required of you. Anytime you need us we will be here. When
those frustrations start to grow out of proportion, we will be here.
Learn to count on us.
Lizanne

Has anyone thought to ask a medical person to help this list with
questions such as Tracy Williams posted? I realize that Dr.
Marchesini writes individually to those who write him personally,
but sometimes I wish we had a moderator with medical information for
this list. Is that possible - David?
Patrice L.
19 days til Curitiba!

Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie and Cap'n Morgan?
Lizanne

Hi ya'll. I have a small (a bout the size of a quarter) concern.
About a week ago I thought that I was getting another infected place.
I could feel an area about the size of a pea toward the top of my
surgical incision - way under the skin. I have put warm compresses on
it and all it has done is grown to between the size of a nickel and
quarter depending on when I feel of it. It is not red, angry, etc.
When my incision was infected I was unable to wear my binder. I have
not strained, done any lifting, etc. But.... I have this PLACE. It is
driving me nuts not knowing what it may be. The edge of the lump is
at the edge of my incision and about 1/2" from the top. My incision
still feel like it draws up when I sit down and it has to stretch
back out when I stand up. Any ideas????? I'm baffled and it's driving
me crazy.
Also, I have not lost any weight in almost 3 weeks. I am stuck at 40#
at 2 months out. How long does your first plateau generally last?
Should I be eating differently? In the mornings on my way to work (9
a.m.) I sometimes stop and get a breakfast sandwich and eat about
1/2. If I don't stop on the way, I eat a snack of soup or pnut butter
crackers - sometimes nuts.
When I eat, I feel like I eat like a fat person (go
figure) I have a hard time stopping. If it tastes good, I eat until I
am uncomfortable. Then I feel awful, but know that I will do it again
later, or tomorrow. I can graze forever and not feel overfilled, but
when I sit for a meal and take regular bites I get miserable.
Soup/chowders sit well. I don't usually snack again until about 3 pm
when I eat 1/3 - 1/2 sandwich (lots of meat/cheese - not much bread),
some nuts or trail mix,etc. Even after I eat until I am miserable, I
feel like I can eat again in an hour or less.
I don't want to keep on eating like a fat person.... I know that
there is a thin person somewhere under all this trying to get out.
The fatty just doesn't want to let her through.
Please give me any information, tips, constructive criticism, boos &
hisses or whatever you think that I need. I have been holding back
from making this post for over a week and finally had the courage to
put it to the group for HELP!!
Tracy in TX
9/21/04
242/202/??

Fabulous George! You look wonderful and I think it is so important to remind
newbies/preops of the benefits that aren't so easily "seen". The weight loss
is a wonderful thing, but to me it wasn't the driving reason to have this
surgery. What kind of price can you put on having your health back? As the
commercials say, "priceless".
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/148/135-140?

Lisa A,
LMAO...DO they still make that stuff? I thought I was the only
person who remembered that stuff. I can still picture the
commercials in my mind.
Lizanne

Robin,
I think what you are experiencing is perfectly normal or at least how I felt. I
really think you are doing great...especially going back to work so soon. My
daughter is a nurse and I know how demanding and physically draining it is. So,
my hats off to you. I didn't go back to work for eight whole weeks. I went in
a few times and was just too tired and weak to make it a whole day. At eight
weeks, I had the stamina to go full steam.
The tummy bubbles are just a part of the package. I am almost 4 months out and
still experience this. I can eat a little more than at 1 month, but not much
more. I try to keep string cheese on hand. It is only recently that I
experience hunger. It's more of a sick feeling than hunger.
Don't be so hard on yourself, I think you are progressing pretty normally!!
Kathy B in KC
7-21-04

Hi,
24 days post op here! Still having trouble eating though. I still
can't seem to get this eating thing down! Maybe I am not eating
enough in each sitting? But I get very hungry every 3-4 hours
still. I eat as much as I can when I do eat. My tummy never really
feels full after I eat, but I HATE eating so much that it is a real
chore and a struggle to get just a few ounces in at a time. Nothing
really tastes right or good. I might find something that tastes good
for a few minutes but than my tummy starts rumbling and feeling funny
and I HATE to stop eating. A few times at work I let myself get over
hungry and ate too fast. The food came right back up! NOT FUN!!!!
Sometimes I get stuck in a delivery or something and just can't get
out of the room to eat. It is difficult being a nurse sometimes when
you really need to eat or pee or something. You just can't tell the
patient to stop pushing so you can have a snack!
Anyhow, I am frustrated with this eating stuff. I find that I can
tolerate a carnation breakfast drink or a slim fast for breakfast, I
later have maybe an egg or a packet of oatmeal if I can get it down.
By lunch time I am hungry but most am only able to eat a very small
amount of soup or a few bites of meat or something. I am eating a
lot of peanut butter with crackers. It seems to be the ONE thing
that I can count on to stay down and stop the tummy rumbling and
tummy disscomfort. But I am getting tired of them now. I basically
have to force myself to eat them if nothing else will help or will
taste right. Sometimes I can eat a small cup of yogurt (low carb
kind!) I have found a few protein bars I can manage to choke down in
a pinch. I used to LOVE chocolate, but eating anything too sweet
makes my tummy feel "bubbly" and just yucky feeling. I enjoyed a
couple bites of macaroni and cheese (kraft brand) one day, but I got
that same "bubbly" yucky feeling after a few bites. I think too many
carbs does that to me. But the CARBS is what my mouth likes the
taste of most. MEAT in general is just not fun to eat right now. I
tried some roasted soy nuts! TERRIBLE! I thought I was eating dried
dog food or something. I can eat almonds and peanuts in small
amounts. I am rambling now......sorry!
My energy levels are "OK" I am really tired after working all day,
but I am sure that will pass. I am able to get my meds down, but
taking all my vitamins is hard. I get those tummy bubbles if I take
too many pills at once. I now I need to get all my vitamins in
though so I am working on it. On my work days I can't get in any
exercising because I am just too tired. Other days I am able to get
a good walk in. My skin is really try so I am using a ton of
lotion. My hair seems OK still (knock on wood!) My incision is
healing well, my drain hole looks ok also and is almost closed. My
brain is still a little distracted still and I think that is still
from the anesthesia. I can't concentrate like before so reading is
hard. I have a TERRIBLE yeast infection from the antibiotics in
curitiba. I am taking diflucan and eating yogurt when I can. I HATE
taking antibiotics for that reason. Makes life very uncomfortable!
Mostly I am still very happy I had the surgery. My clothes are
getting baggy, my bras are loose. My shoes are loose. My ring is
starting to fit better. People at work are starting to notice the
weight loss especially in my face and arms (scrubs are baggy
anyhow!) My mother and aunt say I look thinner. I still "feel" like
the same fat old me though.
People at work (even the docs!) are always asking me about the
surgery. I am getting all kinds of nice remarks and requests for
information about surgery in brasil. I have several girls who want
me to tell them if I go back to have any PS. They say we should all
get a "group" together and have a boob and tummy tuck marathon! WE
joke about getting a "group discount" THAT would be something!
I think it would really be fun to do an alaskan cruise with dr M. I
hope we can get one in the plans. I have always wanted to go an a
cruise! I hope to be much thinner than also and really want to meet
people from here. The ones I have met so far are really great people.
Thanks everyone for posting so many great posts, I enjoy reading
everyones success stories. I love hearing about
everyones "miracles". I hope to eventually get a hold on my tummy
problems and maybe someday actually "enjoy" eating again (but only in
small portions!)
Robin G
DS 10/26/04 24 days ago
249/223/130ish down 26 pounds so far!!

Kim! I'm happy you joined our group :)) Welcome!
Pat
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
1. Name: Kimberly Goddard
2. City and State: moving to NY
3. E-mail Address: kg77@...
4. Are you: Considering Surgery, Pre-Op or Post-Op: Pre
5. Date of WLS: dunno yet
6. Surgeonâs Name and Location: Dr Peter Kwon Middletown NY
7. Type of Surgery: Lapband
8. Highest Pre-Surgery Weight: 319
9. Insurance or Self-Pay: trying to get insurance to pay
10. What is the name of the insurance company that covered your WLS (if
applicable):
11. Birthdate: 8/20/77
12. Occupation:childcare
13. Married or Single (if married what is your spouseâs name?): single
14. Do you have children? If so, what are their names? no kids only furbabies
15. Hobbies: chatting

Two years ago today I had my operation In Brazil with Dr. M. My weight has
stabilized for the past 6 months and now fluctuates between 270 and 278....
my highest measured pre-op weight was 442 but I think there were times when
I was higher than that.
You want pictures? http://home.comcast.net/~gleppla1/thennow.htm
I know that people who don't know me will look at me and see an overweight
man... and that is what I am. What they won't see is how good I feel and
how happy I am. They won't know how I am no longer a diabetic and no longer
have gastric reflux and they won't be able to see how my blood pressure is
normal. They won't know that my cholesterol is 100 and that I am healthier
than I have been in many years.
I was 52 when I had the operation and in the shape I was in, it was unlikely
that I would have lived to be 60. Now my Doctor says that there is no
reason that I can't live to be 80 or beyond (assuming I don't get hit by a
bus). What is an extra 20 years added to your life worth?
Oh... and sorry but you won't see me jumping up and down screaming that I am
a failure because I didn't get to my goal weight or to some ideal BMI or
someone's idea of what I should weigh. If I am a failure... I am the
happiest failure on the planet.
Next year I will have my abdominal hernia repaired and at the same time will
have some plastic surgery. I will probably go back to Brazil or possibly
Costa Rica to do this.
Life is good.
George in PA

Bless your heart, Wendy! Dang!! I'm so sorry you're having a bad
time! Try not to let it get you down too much. I know....of COURSE
it's got to get you down, but try to hang in there. I know how you
let yourself get all beat up when things aren't going right. Hang in
there Wendalyn! I'm thinking about you and will add you to our
prayers. Hugs....
Lisa
262/219/140
-43 7 weeks post op

1. Name: Kimberly Goddard
2. City and State: moving to NY
3. E-mail Address: kg77@...
4. Are you: Considering Surgery, Pre-Op or Post-Op: Pre
5. Date of WLS: dunno yet
6. Surgeonâs Name and Location: Dr Peter Kwon Middletown NY
7. Type of Surgery: Lapband
8. Highest Pre-Surgery Weight: 319
9. Insurance or Self-Pay: trying to get insurance to pay
10. What is the name of the insurance company that covered your WLS (if
applicable):
11. Birthdate: 8/20/77
12. Occupation:childcare
13. Married or Single (if married what is your spouseâs name?): single
14. Do you have children? If so, what are their names? no kids only furbabies
15. Hobbies: chatting

Shenise,
Welcome and Wow, your exciting day is coming up very quickly. Isn't it
exciting and scary all at the same time? You will be okay, you have
plenty of information with this group and you know you can ask
anything, no matter how tiny it may seem. Since you must have been
part of the other group, you have probably stored so much information,
that you will never use. I have a whole notebook full of info and I
rarely referred to it, but I read it the day before my surgery over and
over. I thought I was prepared. I hope you are because those first
few weeks can be scary and confusing. But after that, life will get
better. You will think you are the only one dealing with the initial
problems, because everyone is different, but don't abandon this group.
That is the time you will need us the most.
Good luck sweetie, and we look forward to seeing you in our loser
lounge after your surgery.
Lizanne

Wendy, (((( )))))) I am sending you a hug. I wish that I lived near you.
I would drive to wherever you were just to tell you that we all love you.
Sometimes just knowing that helps with the pain.
It will get better. I promise. You had the best DS surgeon and with the
proper help the kidney stones and infection will go away. Do NOTHING. Give
the little kids something, or let gran and grandpa do for them and then promise
your spouse a really GREAT time when you are feeling better.
Just don't over do it! We are all pulling for you here and wishing that we
were closer to come help you. I know that there are several of us that could
just make you house a Christmas house in short order. :-) Just you wait. You
will have all our pent up energy soon.
Deborah Powell
105 pounds gone forever

Wendy...so very sorry to read all this. Please please tell me your PCP and
Dr. M are emailing back and forth and you are getting the best of medical
advice and treatment from both sides of the world. Keep him in the loop and
your U.S. surgeon who is observing the wound treatment also needs to be
aware of Dr. M. Don't worry about house or feeding family or whatever. You
need to take care of yourself and remember even after this thing closes you
have had a really hard time and recuperation might be slow. It sounds like
you might be weak for a while. Use the computer for Xmas shopping and do
only what must be done during these next few weeks. Get the best advice re
vitamins and food and what you have to do if you can't tolerate things the
way you could 2 weeks ago. We are all rooting for you to bounce back
quickly but not to rush it too soon. You know what I mean. W

In case you didn't get my info off my survey...
Birthday 10.1.75
Surgery Date 6.26.06
Lisa W
380/169/160
Lap RNY 6.26.06

I don't know how good it would actually be for weight loss, but it's worth a
shot. The Wii Sports game has the boxing, tennis and bowling and at least those
get you up off the couch.
~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

Hi Joanne!!! Well CONGRATES to u!!! GREAT JOB!!!! I wish u much luck
and Im sure ur goal will come eventually... I cant wait to be at the
point u r and I just love reading all the success stories that are so
much more ahead of me, it helps me function everyday and have good
things to look foward to being that I have been down and out lately
and have had sum set backs... Hats off to u and keep up the good
work!!!
hugs
wendy andrews
-60
ds
9/28/04

Ahhh, so you are telling me that my son was honestly thinking of my weight? It
does look like fun, but I also said that about dance dance revolution and only
played that 3 or 4 times.
Lisa A
Allison <allisonmarie22@...
I bouth my fiance a Wii for his birthday and we LOVE it. We play it almost
every day. It's so much fun it's almost shameful...since we're grown ups and
all.
~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

Hi u guys...Finally I had that awful stint taken out this past Monday
and I thought it was all over, I felt so relieved that I didnt have
to leave it in any longer... But then a couple of hours after I got
home I started having those terrible pains in my left side again so
ended back up in the emergency room (they r starting to know me ole
too well) Well again they filled me up with that pain medicine that
makes u feel like ur in a different planet but it gets rid of the
pain!!! Well then they looked at my incision and told me to go to my
pcp and have her check it out cause it didnt look right to them, so I
went to the pcp on wednesday and she said it looked like I had a deep
infection plus I had been in the bed for 3 days no food, no vitamins
with fevers back to back for 3 days.. When she seen me she said "WOW
u look rough" lol, i said well I feel worse !!!!! She sent me to a
surgeon today that said yes I had deep infection so he cut me wide
open all the way down and left it!!! ugggghhhhh it makes me sick on
my stomach to even look at it!!! gross!!! I have to clean it twice a
day by stuffing gause into the wound filled with saline solution,
YIKES!!!! the thought just makes me sick!!!!Then I have to see the
surgeon 2 times a week from now to whenever for wound care..My pcp
seems to think that while I was down for a while with the kidney
stone and in so much pain that infection set in as soon as it seen it
could, I was so weak I couldnt get out of the bed...I feel worse now
than I did right after the ds....uggghhhh My house it tore upside
down, I feel like Ive completly desserted my family, just to think 2
weeks ago I was feeling great and christmas shopping...
Another concern I have is this whole 7 weeks out I havent had any
problem swallowing pills or anything and now the last 2 days I feel
like EVERYTHING i put in my mouth gets stuck and doesnt go down? I
feel like it is just siiting in the middle of my chest.... Even
fluid. Has anyone else had a problem with this? Please let me know?
Good News is I am down 60 lbs woooohooooo!!!!! But I havent ate in 4
days and that may have made a good jump of it....lol
Well thanks u guys for listening, Im going to catch up on sum posts
and I hope all of u r doin well!!!
Wendy Andrews
-60 lbs
7 weeks out
ds on 9/28/04

Wow, Joanne! You've accomplished a lot in a short time. And you've still got
plenty of time - here's hoping you make it to your goal soon.
Janice
10/20/04
316/286

i am not small.........not by a long shot.
when D, Amber, and i we were waiting to meet with Andy after the
play he was in a couple months ago i mentioned to Amber that i had
asked my niece if there was anyone we know that is about my size.....
Amber laughed and told me she and D do that all the time.
there are days when i wonder if anyone can tell at all that i have
lost weight.
i am now a couple days past 10 months post op.
have now lost 148 pounds from a starting weight of 354.
pre op i wore 5X (some too tight) or a 38W...also many of them too
tight.
this past sunday to church i wore a size 20 pants and top and an 18
jacket.........all too big.
course there are a lot of 20's i am sure i can't even get in to also.
on the one hand i am SO thankful to have lost this much and find it
to be truly a marvel..............on the other hand i am scared this
is it and i will not lose any more............would LOVE to end up
between 130 and 140 after "reconstruction".
i no longer have any breast tissue.........just droopy skin.
a huge hanging panni that hangs on the front and around my
hips...........
the skin that hangs off my arms could wrap a baby i think.
my thighs are awful.......ditto my knees.
no butt any more.
i have tons of wrinkles on my face where the fat use to be...and
that "neck thing"....yannow????
have not needed help to tie my shoes in ages........have not
encountered a booth or chair anywhere that was uncomfortable in a
few months.......amazing how they have grown <G
still have a problem with stamina and strength....but i had major
problems with those pre op........was almost totally immobile and
could not cross a small room without being out of
breath.......needed to pause to go up TWO steps.
this past sunday i was able to satnd to sing for praise and worship
for the first time in forever.........this lasts about a half
hour..woohoo.
the labs i just got back need to be reviewed with my PCP next
week.......but i do know my A1C was FOUR POINT SEVEN (4.7) and that
is with NO diabetes meds for about 7 months now......WHOOPIE!!!!!!!!
i don't like the fact that my tastebuds have still not returned to
the pre op state..........there are many old faves that i can't
stand the taste of.........and it changes constantly.
but is not nearly as bad as it was that first 2 1/2 to 3 months.
i thank God i do NOT have a problem with acid reflux.
too many carbs do give me gas...........but it has reached a point
where the smell is no worse than anyone elses farts.
i do have a hernia............yuk.
would i do it again?????? even knowing the icky parts and
struggles? yup..... sure would.
DS........15 Jan 04
SW: 354..........current weight 206
starting BMI: 2 hairs and a hangnail under 60........super to super,
super MO.
current BMI a bit over 34........obese to very overweight depending
on the chart.
praying for 140 or under after PS.........some time the end of 05.
hugs
joanne

Nope...I think there are a lot of shorties here. I'm only 5'3" and that's if I
stand up really straight. :) I've always liked being short though. I've never
wanted to be one of those long tall models. Too many men are intimidated by
tall women.
~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

Nina...where do you live? And what are ya'll going to be doing in
Dallas?? Is there another DS group meeting in Dallas coming soon?
Or was that last weekend? I would like to come whenever it is if I
could. Have a safe trip!!
Lisa
DS 10/01/04
-40.5

You know being short is not the problem, it's being fat that's the
problem! I actually never minded being short. It's kind of cute. I
am 5'2. I do tease my dad sometimes when I have trouble reaching
things because he gave me his short genes (he is ony 5'6). So Sharon,
your'e not the shortest in the group! LOL!

Boy did I ever!!! I was hanging out with Ana (the taxi driver)one
day, doing some shopping. She and I were eating at McDonalds and she
mentioned her cousin the dentist. I said "OH YEAH!....I would like
for you to call her and see if she can do anything with my ugly
smile?" One phone call later, and we were in their office within 30
minutes! They are just beautiful ladies and SOOO very sweet! They
touch your face and say "you okay honey"? That's about all they say
in English so Ana had to stay and translate. I lost 2 of my teeth
when I was young, that never came in (due to a stupid dentist with no
sense) so all of my other teeth had spread out to where I had spaces
between all of my teeth. And my 2nd teeth had started turning brown
and I was always very self concious of my teeth. Well, they informed
me that day, that I needed TWO root canals on the brownish teeth,
which I had right then a few hours before admitting myself into the
hospital for surgery the very next morning. The day AFTER I got out
of the hospital, I went back for 4 MORE hours in the dental chair to
finish the root canals, and the whitening procedure. The whitening
procedure itself costs $250 US dollars because they get the whitening
stuff from the US. During the whitening procedure they had to hollow
out and fill the root canal teeth with white stuff so they won't be
dark. The next day, I went back to have all of my front teeth bonded
where they added to them and reshaped them to make no more spaces.
The entire job here in the states would have been $7000 to $8000
dollars! They did about 10 hours worth of work on me for $997 US
dollars!! I went to the bank and got the money off of my credit card
because I didn't count on that expense, so know that you can get
money while you are there if you run short. Yes, I had a LOT of
dental work done and I HAD to while I was there because I would have
never spent $8000 on myself here at home for cosmetic reasons. I'm
SO happy I did! I should put my ugly before and after teeth pics on
the photo page! I'm so happy to smile now without hiding my mouth!
I highly recommend them! They cancelled people for the entire
afternoon to accomodate my surgery schedule and to get me in and all
finished before I had to come home. Course, I was paying them $3000
Reals in cash...I'm sure that had SOMETHING to do with it! Ana told
me that most people over there that have dental work done take many
months and years to pay their bill because the income over there is
quite poor so they do bend over backwards for us Americans. You
won't be sorry. Contact Ana, if you choose to have her cousins do
your work, as soon as you get there to schedule the office visit so
they can start working you in as soon as possible. Good luck with
everything!!
Lisa
262/221.5/140
-40.5

Good grief. I spent a lot of time writing a message and thought I
posted it, but it never showed up, so I probably hit the wrong
button or something. Sigh.
First of all, thank you so much for all the thoughtful responses to
my request for advice. It's great to have y'all as a sounding board.
To clarify just a bit, my daughter and SIL are both in their early
40's. Their home is valued at more than ours, and their income is
probably comparable to ours. On the other hand they have three
children at home and we only have one still dependent on us
(college, ouch!). They don't have any savings to draw on, but we
have access to Loyd's retirement.
But the whole thing really isn't about money. It's about keeping
Tommy alive, vs my fear of being "blamed" if things didn't go as
well for him as they have gone for me. (I'm a wuss, aren't I?)
Anyhow, Loyd and I will be talking about this a lot today and this
weekend, as we're gonna be driving to Dallas, which will give us a
lot of interrupted time. It is so helpful that I have read all your
various perspectives. I really do appreciate it.
Nina Wright
P.S. Anyone notice that I am 51 and have a 40-year-old daughter?
Wellll... when Loyd and I married, he had four daughters (three
teenagers and one 7). I tell everyone I claim them totally as my
own because I raised them through adolescence, which was MUCH more
painful than childbirth! LOL

The dentists are Michelle and Audrey, they are Ana the cab driver's
cousins. They cleaned my teeth, took x-rays, replaced 4 fillings and
they bleached my teeth. It was around $600. I was pleased with their work.
There may be dentists within walking distance of the hotel, but I did
not ask. You could always ask the doctor and Durval for
recommendations. Durval will be happy to interpret for you.
Becca

I wanted to find out if anyone has had dental work while in Curitiba
having DS....am considering having a crown replcd and veneers done
while there. I know there is info on Anna the cabdriver but has
anyone used her cousin (?) and what kind of cost, etc...? I dont want
to take too much unnecessary $$with me and nd to plan carefully.
Thanks!!!
Kimberly

This is my current list of meds:
Actigall (to prevent gall bladder sediment) x2 per day
Colace (stool softener) x2 per day
Flintstones Vitamin x2 per day
Biotin 1000mcg x1 per day
B-12 Sublingual (forget the mg) x1 per day
AZO Yeast (a futile attempt to prevent yeast infections) x1 per day
Calcium chews x2 per day
I think that's it. I only have a hard time remembering my pills on weekends.
During my work week I keep them in individual daily containers and when I get to
work each day I place them right in front of me so I don't forget to take them.
Taking pills has become very easy for me in the last month. I can swallow
capsules and tablets with no issue. The first couple of months it was really
hard, but I do believe it gets easier over time. On the weekends I do a
horrible job at remembering my meds. I just get so busy with other stuff I
forget to take them. I need to really do better with that.
~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

Ally! Thanks
Judy
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen (or gentleman maybe)-

I wanted to just write and give a quick update on a few things.

1) I posted a new picture of my fiance and I at the Halloween party tonight. Try not to be blinded by my breasts. I promise they aren't always falling out of my clothes like that, but I figure as fast as they're shrinking I may as well flaunt them while I can. ;)

2) Calendar updates - If you haven't sent me your calendar information (birthday, surgiversary) please do so when you can. I am almost finished with the updates. I have a couple of things still to add that I missed (like Judy's birthday...sorry, Judy)

3- Recipe database- I'm trying to decide the best way to handle recipes. I have so many to add and it will take me a while to do them all. For now I am going to use the database tool, but I may decide that option is not really viable after I work with it some more and just do files instead. However, with our current bandwidth issue it will be best to start with the database. Feel free to add what you like.

Because I can not read them online :(
-Shenise

I did not abandon my liquid diet. I went totally liquid today. It
wasn't so bad. :) I will survive. Thanks for the encouragement.
-Shenise

Stella--Its not a matter of calling it in. Its her signature on the
bill that is the problem. Maybe they can send it in advance.--Raphaela

I bouth my fiance a Wii for his birthday and we LOVE it. We play it almost every day. It's so much fun it's almost shameful...since we're grown ups and all.

~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

Hoooooooray Diane! I am so happy for you and Arwen. Hope everything is
smooth sailing from here on out.
Val in TX
DS 09/30/03
286/148/135-140?

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..
could not be more tickled for you both.
joanne

I fixed it. Beth has her own album now!

~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

Nina, I agree with you that he should contribute. I think that you should
sit down with both of them and arrange some sort of agreement. However, I feel
that he should want it enough bad enough that they should come up with a
nominal amount up front first. Be it small, it should still come up front and
first. That way it shows that he is committed enough to want the surgery. He
can
work extra hours, have a garage sale or hock something. But it should be his
decision.
Deborah Powell
101 pounds gone forever

finally! the passport office told arwen on the phone
today her passport's been approved. whew--what a
long, strange trip it's been.
of course, they approved it even though the documents
i 'needed' from england, which cost an additional $100,
haven't even arrived yet. a useless expenditure. man,
the feds really get to me.
so there it is--we have dates in january--the 6th for my
ps with dr. c, the 11th for arwen's ds with dr. m.
wendy, do you think you'll be there then? anyone else?
now, onward to the visa stage!
diane

I just had to say hello to you, Katie! What a great loss! I don't
know if you remember me, but I sure remember you and what great
company you were for me even though it was for such a brief period
and seems ages ago. I remember the lovely jewelry you bought on the
Ave of Flowers...I loved shopping there. Isha and I went back and
she found a beautiful necklace.
I don't post here very often, but I check out the website once in
awhile. It was wonderful to hear how you are doing. I am thinking
about joining our local health club, but may have to wait til after I
pay for Christmas....lol! I do, however, remember Dr. M saying to
wait 6 months before abdominal exercises. I occasionally have to
lift things (grocery bags, dog food, bags of old clothes that are too
big for me now...hahaha) and worry a little about that. But so far,
no problems.
I have lost 46 pounds and am wearing size 14's now.....still can't
believe it, though. Hope you are feeling well.
All my best,
Vicki in West Virginia
DS 8/24/04

Have fun!!
Natalie and Melody were about that far out when we went on the train ride (I was
pre-op) and they had no problem with it.
Natalie is back home now, and feeling better but still weak. When I emailed Dr.
M about her yesterday he got back to me within 45 minutes! I couldn't believe
it! I can't communicate with Dr. Smith, right here in town, without making an
appointment 2 weeks in advance!
Look forward to seeing you and Walter when you get back!
Nina Wright
Janie Mott <dwbs_mom@...
I will be 9 days post op tomorrow. I am planning on going on the train ride in
Curitiba in am. any words of advice? Janie

I will be 9 days post op tomorrow. I am planning on going on the train ride in
Curitiba in am. any words of advice? Janie

Great question! I think that surgury in Brazil and going there for
it and having it is a commitment in itself. With that in mind, and
the though that in ANY operation something MIGHT go wrong.. How does
this sound as an option? You let HIM decided if HE wants to go and
IF he does Then you'll pick up the tab? That way he makes the final
choice for himself, and NO DOUBT, IF he works he will be giving up
that chance of earned dollars. Please dont make the mistake of
thinking that if you dont pay for it youre not commited. Its all
about choice, and you are right HE does need to be commited to it, I
just think he can prove that by accepting your generious offer and
going and doing it. You can open the door, but he needs to walk
thru it.
Best of luck, and please keep us posted!
David/WI

Nina,
What a generous offer. I agree that they should commit to a small investment.
Even a small amount would encourage ownership in the whole process, I think.
Kathy B in KC

Okay, folks, I'd like a little advice here.
I have a son-in-law who would really, really benefit from the DS.
Unfortunately, his insurance won't pay for it, and they cannot
afford to go to Brazil. So, Loyd and I are thinking of offering to
help out and pay for it. But... I'm thinking that they should
contribute some part of the cost, or agree to pay back a portion, or
SOMETHING like that. Not so much about the money, but about his own
commitment. I mean, if we pay for the whole thing and he goes and
(God forbid) something goes terribly wrong, I think I'd feel somehow
responsible--at least more so than if they sacrifice a little to get
him there.
What do y'all think??
I'd really like for my daughter to have her husband, and my
grandkids to have their dad for many years longer than it currently
looks like they will.
Thanks for your advice.
Nina Wright

Raphela,
can't she just call it in over there for you ,even before you get there?
stella

Hi everyone,
I've asked this question before, but it was buried in another post.
Anyway, I am trying to find out if anyone knows how to pay the
hospital using another person's credit card, when the other person
will not be in Brazil. The problem is that my friend won't be there
to sign her VISA card. Has anyone been in this situation, and knows
the procedure? If so, please let me know.
Thanks,
Raphaela

Dr. M told me to wait 6 months before strenuous exercise of the abdominal
muscles.
Nina Wright
Katie Palmer <kpalmer5@...
Hi all,
I had surgery with Dr. M on 8/17/2004, so I'm a little over 13 weeks
out and have lost about 55 pounds. Luckily, it's been pretty much
smooth sailing for me, but I still read this group religiously to try
and keep up with the info. I know I've read it here before, but does
anyone remember how soon after surgery we can start exercising with
weights? I was going to go check out that women's gym, "Curves", and
they have circuit training, but I don't know if I can do the machine
that does your tummy?
Any thoughts?
Katie Palmer

Hi all,
I had surgery with Dr. M on 8/17/2004, so I'm a little over 13 weeks
out and have lost about 55 pounds. Luckily, it's been pretty much
smooth sailing for me, but I still read this group religiously to try
and keep up with the info. I know I've read it here before, but does
anyone remember how soon after surgery we can start exercising with
weights? I was going to go check out that women's gym, "Curves", and
they have circuit training, but I don't know if I can do the machine
that does your tummy?
Any thoughts?
Katie Palmer

Hi Konstantin,
You could eat the whole teaspooon and it wouldn't make a lot of difference. We
only absorb 500 mg calcium at any time. Just estimate and it will be fine.
Carole
kstew111@... wrote:
I spent the afternoon cutting and crushing my Citrical pills up for the next
day and my hands are pretty tired ... took almost fourty minutes to cut and
crush 6 individual servings (yeah I'm turning into a wimp).
Anyway... I bought some of that powdered Calcium citrate awhile back and
I was wondering... The label says "3600 mgs a teaspoon".. and I heard peeps
say "you only need a quarter of a teaspoon....."
The question is "Do I need scales to measure out this stuff"??? or "Is
there a chance of getting to much calcium citrate"?
AND... "Can you have bad effects from tking to much calcium Citrate??"
Alot of people here on these Groups have aquired mucho knowledge in many
areas of the DS pre-op and post-op.
I'd hate to find out later that I was not supposed to take to much or
something..... Anyone got the 411 on this?
Konstantin

I spent the afternoon cutting and crushing my Citrical pills up for the next
day and my hands are pretty tired ... took almost fourty minutes to cut and
crush 6 individual servings (yeah I'm turning into a wimp).
Anyway... I bought some of that powdered Calcium citrate awhile back and
I was wondering... The label says "3600 mgs a teaspoon".. and I heard peeps
say "you only need a quarter of a teaspoon....."
The question is "Do I need scales to measure out this stuff"??? or "Is
there a chance of getting to much calcium citrate"?
AND... "Can you have bad effects from tking to much calcium Citrate??"
Alot of people here on these Groups have aquired mucho knowledge in many
areas of the DS pre-op and post-op.
I'd hate to find out later that I was not supposed to take to much or
something..... Anyone got the 411 on this?
Konstantin