Weight loss

I am slightly lactose intolerant. Carbs don't go down well. But other
than that, I'm doing great...

Hello Christi,
I arrive in Brazil on 15 Jan, and depart on 2 Feb. I would love to hear
about your experiences.
Pam

I did try the reglan and phenergan. I have not tried compazine yet.
I took dramamine once and it just put me to sleep. I am seeing my
doctor soon and am going to ask her about something. Though I kind
of feel it a bit less often during the day now. I still have it and
it is keeping me from enjoying my food though.
Robin G

Hi Robin,
I am sorry you are having such a difficult time.. (((((hugs)))))
I cannot offer much besides that...
I did see on another list that there is an anti-nausea bracelet that
helped someone that had tried everything.. Maybe you could look into
that. If I remember right it was not expensive..
Wishing you well...
Michele

Jamie,
Thanks for sharing. The vitamins actualy are terrific. I have much
more energy because of them. I put them (crushed) in one of the
chicken soup protein shakes along with an egg and whirr it up with a
mixer. Tastes fine and I'm doing well with it. With my vanilla shakes
I add a dollop of peanut butter. So with 2 shakes that's about half
my protein for the day. I'm also eating popsicles, applesauce, soft-
boiled eggs, a few saltines, jello and don't feel deprived. I've got
dissolvable calcium and tryto suck on two of those a day, then get in
the other meds I'm on. My insulin use is dropping. That's been hard
tomeasure. In the hospital it was almost at 300, gadzooks! This week
my readings are 140, 160 and even a 96. I'm still trying to equalize
those numbers and email to my endochronologist for his input. My life
has truly changed. And if I go out to eat I can order chicken soup
anywhere and be content. Plus sipping on water that's where I'm at. I
like adding crystal light to the water.
What's funny to me is waking at night for feedings, as if I really
have a baby to care for. Feed, poop, sit for a while, then try to
sleep some more. I still need rest.
Glad to share with you. It's been going great.
Patrice

Robin...you haven't mentioned a whole category of drugs. You mention all
the proton pump inhibitors, etc. which are for acid. But you keep saying
your problem is nausea. Have you and your doctor considered Compazine
suppositories and other anti nausea meds? I know there was a period when
even OTC Dramamine helped me a bit although I was lucky in that I never had
much nausea. It seems to me you are not treating the symptom itself. Your
nausea is not necessarily gas or acid caused. W

Lots of plateaux..most of us hit one after a really big initial loss and
have our first plateau somewhere between week 3-5 and that one can last a
while since the body has to readjust to so much. Then individual
differences hit. I tended to have very long ones ( even 6-8 weeks) which
would get very depressing but then I would drop 20+ pounds seemingly
overnight. Others had periodic ones of a week or two and then would drop
3-4 at once. Everyone does it differently but yes.there are plateaux. And
what is interesting is many of us have noticed we lose our most inches when
our body isn't losing pounds.
As far as regain there is some but not as you fear. Females tend to have
temporary fluid gains around that time of the month just like a thin person
would. Fluctuations happen, though, to everyone. Many is the time someone
gets on the scale and sees 4-5 pounds up and panics but it is always gone in
a few days. Those people who are able to weigh themselves only once or
twice a month are happiest in the long run because they don't see the
fluctuations. People who get on the scale every day tend to panic because
the scale goes in both directions..but ultimately always goes down.
Now for your biggest fear...regain when you are finished with the weight
loss. Yes...there is a bounce back.....BUT....you will never again regain
all or even most of it. Most people seem to settle somewhere around 10-15
pounds above their lowest point. Frequently someone will hit 150 but find
that their body settled in at 161 or a man will hit 272 or whatever and
settle in at 285. The numbers vary obviously. A bounce back is usual in
most people. But a real regain..NO. You will never again put on 50 or 100
or even more pounds. The malabsorption and your smaller stomach will prevent
that. There are a few who periodically get below their goal and worry about
the fact that they don't want to lose weight. Then they add calories/carbs,
pancreatic enzymes or whatever is appropriate to maintain their weight.
Overall, though, most people may not get to the magic number they had in
their head whatever it is...but they will get to a healthier place than they
have ever been and stay there.
Re my diet....I am 16 months out and have lost 165 pounds overall and 131
since surgery. I eat anything I want but I make sure I get at least 100
grams of protein a day, drink about the same in water which is more than
most people drink but my body seems to require it and the first year I
worked to keep carbs to a low number. I prefer 5-6 small meals a day rather
than 3 main meals and 3 snacks. I feel more comfortable eating every 3
hours or so. Other than that I do whatever I want.
Hope this answers your question. BTW...I had a RNY in 1996 and not only
regained everything but also put on 40 more pounds. I am a revision but
this time I know it will stay off. Life is very different this time around
and it is the best decision I ever made. W

Hi Laura,
I am not really experienced enough yet to give good advise. At 7.5
weeks post op, I am still new and learning.
I have had a pretty steady weight loss so far. No real plateaus
yet. I am down 41 pounds. The last 3 weeks I have averaged about 2-
3 pounds a week which I think is pretty good.
I am still struggling with food issues right now. I can't eat more
than a few ounces of anything at a time. Yesterday for lunch I had a
3 ounce can of tuna with a little mayo, a sliced dill pickle and 6
crackers. I didn't quite finish it, but ate about 75% of it. I can
usually eat a container of yogurt for breakfast and a cup of soup
with a few crackers for lunch. I have eating about 75% of a small
lean quisine for dinner before and did OK. I am still learning
what "full" feels like. I haven't gotten the feeling down yet
though. Sometimes I might eat ONE bite too much and than I am in for
trouble. I have vometed about 5-7 times a week on average so far.
Some days are worse than others. I can not eat sweets well yet or
drink any diet soda or juices. I stick mainly with water and a
protein drink when I can get one down. I can't really eat bread or
pasta well yet either.
I have heard lots of good advise here about diet etc...I am sure some
of our long time post ops will offer you better ideas and advise.
Even though I am having difficulty with eating right now, I would do
it all over again ESPECIALLY with Dr M. He did a great job. I am
just a whiner and moan and groan alot still. I HAVE heard the nausea
gets better! I can't wait for that day.
Good Luck to you and I hope your research brings you the answers you
need.
Robin G
DS 10/26/04
249/208/130's
down 41 pounds

My house is kind of like that. We need better insulation all
around. Some rooms are much colder than others. I feel a draft in
our kitchen and downstairs all the time.
I think space heaters are better and more safe now than years ago. I
haven't tried any yet though. Maybe sometime I will have some good
insulation put into the walls of this house.
Robin G

hi....your Mom will be having her surgery on my birthday... that
makes it easy to remember to pray for her.
i think Arwen is having her surgery that day as well.......she will
be there with her Mom Diane.
have you posted the date to the calendar??
blessings.
joanne

Hi guys,
I am new here and looking into the surgery. Has anyone had any
trouble with weight regain? Plateaus? Do you gain weight back if
you eat treats during the holidays, for instance? I originally had
VBG surgery and am interested in converting over to the DS surgery.
I gained some weight back after my VBG (but not all) and don't want
to gain anymore.
I'm looking for something to help me take care of my weight problem
once and for all. Also, what is your typical diet now? A typical
day?
Thanks!
~Laura

Michele...I still am hoping to be at the Parthenon in March for PS. Have no
idea if it will happen or not. Maybe we'll meet. Glad you talked instead
of lurking. W

I live in an old apartment building with a thermostat on the wall in the
dining room which is an inner room. The thermostat is set for 85, reads 74
and probably is about 66. Just guessing since I don't know. But not only
am I freezing but 10 years ago we had a house fire because of a space heater
and now I am scared of them. But am thinking of getting one for the living
room and turning it off every time I leave the room. Wastes electricity but
I also need peace of mind. W

hey all. i had my ds with dr. m in march 2004 and will be returning
to curitiba in january with my mother who is having the ds on the
11th. we will arrive on the 6th and depart on the 22nd. i was
wondering if anyone will be out there around the same time. i know
it was nice for me to have met others online who shared the
experience with me in brazil and was hoping to do the same this time
around. i would love to share my experience with you and help you
with any questions you have. please email me directly at
heinysmom@... if you would like to start chatting before january.
i have pictures of every 3 month period post-op and sooo many good
things to say about my experience!
hope everyone is doing well!
christi
ds on 3/16/04
wl to date - 130lbs
starting weight - 371lbs

ditto here.....
everyone that came to house used to shiver and i was waaaaay hot.
now i bake'em.
i have the thermostat set at 74 and i have to have on layers and if
i sit i need a blenket too.
did not need the AC at all this past summer.
joanne

Hi,
I am a lurker most of the time, but I read every message. You
guys are great! I have a surgery date that Dr. M set: March 15th..
Still so far away.. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had heard from
Wendy A???
Thanks,
Michele

Patrice ,
Did you see them? And where are they located. We were trying to
figure it out
Deidre

Well...On my way to trying new things and finding things my stomach
will like! I discovered that taking ONE bite too much is AWFUL!!!!
UGH!!!!
I wish Dr M was able to install a sensor or a gage to let us know
when the tank is FULL!!! Maybe placing a light that comes on when
you are full! HEHEHE!
It would be very helpful!
Oh well....I am now uncomfortable from eating too fast and too much.
I needed to eat before work and I was in a hurry. I am going to have
to figure out this full tummy feeling. This feeling is very
confusing and hits me all of a sudden with NO warning. One minute I
am eating just fine and starving, the next bite my stomach
says....."WARNING...you have exceeded my capacity and now I am MAD!"
My stomach has a mind of it's own and is NOT sharing its information
until it is too late!
It is just like feeding a baby. You feed it and feed it and the food
is gone and the baby wants more. You fix more and the baby takes ONE
bite and than decides he is DONE!
OH MY POOR Belly!
Robin G
10/26/04
249/208/130's
down 41 pounds

Hi Andrea, see the passing continues!! LOL. I am doing fine, thanks
for asking. Hope your recovery is going well, please tell your Mom I
said hello, hope she is healing and is the envy of ALL!!

Patrice,
I commend you for starting on your vitamins so soon, but you may want to
listen to your body... if you can do it than that is great, I personally did not
start on my vitamins till I got back to the states..... I had other pills that
I had to take, so, I worked on those.... you are not that far out.... it was
all I could do to think of things to eat... I will say, if you can get LeAndrew
to talk to the restaurant, they will make you mashed potatoes.. they were
delicious, they did not upset my tummy... I asked for the butter and salt and
pepper on the side... it will last you a couple of meals but at least I felt
like
I was getting something tasty... hang in there...
Jamie

Great advice, Patrice. I ditto it all!
Pam

Kimberly,
So glad I was able to pass on that useful bit of info lol. I have
to give credit where it is due though. That saying was originally
passed on to me by Deborah who was in Brazil for plastics when
Morgan, Nina, and I were there for our DS's. She was a really great
source of info to us and I can only hope I did the same for your
group when we were there.
How are you feeling? Everything going well for you?
Andrea

Thanks Patrice,
You gave me alot to think about. I do know about the need to take the
meds for several weeks before they are effective. I started taking
my zoloft and than my buspar 6 days post op and took my normal dose
until 5 weeks post op. Every time I took the pills my stomach feels
burning, bubbly, hot and nauseated. Before surgery the zoloft was
the best med I took and really helped. The Buspar helped me with
anxiety feelings also. Before I found the zoloft, I tried Effexor,
celexa, wellbutrin, and a few others. Nothing helped and a couple
actually made me itch and really nauseated. So the zoloft was a real
blessing. I was really dissapointed when I started it back up after
surgery and after a couple weeks, nothing really felt better. I also
had the stomach irritation that happened when I took the meds. I am
kind of hoping that it was maybe temporary and that I might be able
to restart the zoloft again soon. If it doesn't help, than I will
try something else. I just can't get into my psychiatrist until
january 9th at the earliest (DARN SCHEDULING!!!)
I did hire someone to come in 2 times a month and clean the
bathrooms, kitchen and do all the heavy cleaning. They started a few
weeks ago and are TOTALLY worth the price. I am not really doing
much cooking for the family either right now. My mother lives with
us to watch the younger ones while I work. My mother feeds the kids
on days I work so that helps me alot because I am so tired after a 12
hour shift that I can't even think straight. I usually just walk
through the door and head right for bed! Luckily I only HAVE to work
3 shifts a week and a couple ONCALL shift a month on top of that.
My DH (or !@#$ Husband) does help with the kids alot. He is actually
usually very good with them. He doesn't do things like I would do
them, but that is just a difference of style more than anything. He
and I have some serious relationship troubles and have had them for a
while now. The surgery didn't help the finances at all and that only
adds to the stress. But I insisted on the surgery no matter what!
Things ARE going to change in our relationship soon, weather he wants
it or NOT. I just need to get my mind straight on what I want and
than I am going to sit down and tell him what I expect. He is VERY
vocused on money issues and nothing else right now. Our debts are
very high and we both HAVE to work to pay the bills. I feel like he
stresses too much, and he doesn't feel like I am responsible or
stressing enough about it. I HATE money etc....and I refuse to let
is run or be the main focus of my life. I have bills and I know they
are not going away on their own. I am perfectly capable of working
and helping. I am doing better with money and bills than I have EVER
done before. He doesn't care how hard I work or what I have done to
help. He would probably be very happy if I moved out and went to a
hotel. Than he would have the kids to himself and wouldn't have to
deal with our relationship problems. I won't do that! I would never
leave my children for any reason, not even to teach my DH a lesson
which he really would care about anyway. The kids would miss me! I
KNOW I am a good and loving mother to them. I have done alot to make
them the good people they are. DH just thinks he is so much better
at everything than I am. He is wrong, but you can't tell him that!
He is a very very stubborn, ridged person with NO tolerance for
people who make mistakes or are imperfect.
Oh well...I will address my meds problem as soon as I can get in to
the doctor. I will probably try to start taking them again soon,
just to see if the problem with them is gone. I HOPE SO!!!! I am so
tired of feeling so cranky and wheepy all the time.
Thanks again Patrice,
Robin G

Hi Becca,
I have tried taking all times of the day. When I take it, my stomach
feels like it is burning and than I get so nauseated. I tried taking
my nexium before it and even after it and that doesn't help. My
scrips are the only pills that really bother my stomach. My vitamins
don't and the nexium doesn't, though I am not sure if the nexium
actually does anything!
I was thinking about trying to take the meds again in a few days and
see if maybe it was just temporary. Maybe I should double my
nexium? I am not sure how it is absorbed if at all! I have tried
other antiacid meds and none really seem to make any difference. I
can say that I don't feel the GERD pain I felt before surgery, but I
am sure it is a result of the surgery and NOT the meds.
Thanks Becca
Robin G

Cool! I want one!
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 December 6: 257lbs (BMI 41.5)
Total loss on December 6: -120lbs

Robin, can you take your antidepressant at night, right before you go to
bed? You need to find a way to take it, somehow, some way.
Becca

Robin, I've been on these meds for almost 20 years - one form or
another. You know you have to find the right one and build up and
sustain. This is key. They don't take effect overnight. Some of the
forms I was on stopped working after a while. How did I know? I
couldn't stop crying. Then you wean yourself off that one brand and
start the next one. See a psychiatrist. Get a DR.'s help to find the
correct pill and dosage. You must do this before anything else.
Next is managing all that family. Your DH (whatever that means!) is
a man. As most he accompanied you to your heart's desire and now
you're home. Probably he thinks to himself, you're working, you're
better, it's a couple of months now - so take charge again Robin and
pull your weight. Hah! As most women know you are carrying all the
heavy lifting and thensome. Some change has to happen. Hire a
teenager to play with your little ones during the vacation. Hire a
cook for a week. Make a schedule for your older kids to help out.
And then you must hibernate in your room for HOURS. I remember a
drawing I made for a psychologist of how I saw myself. I drew a body
and about 20 breats on the body. Everyone needs so much from me and
I am depleted.
You have had major surgery. Your stomach is 90% gone, along with
your gall bladder and your plumbing being rearranged. If the family
doesn't notice, then you must. You have a newborn to take care of.
YOU! Move to a hotel to make the point until your meds make you
whole again. There needs to be a paradigm shift. A family of seven
surely knows how vital you are to them. Make them think about what
they can do to make it easier for you - whether it takes a few weeks
or a few months. You need unlimited time to get well.
You are not alone. Many of us are chronically depressed. I am on
Effexor XR and like them. But you can try many others. Get help
Robin. Don't accept going back to the status quo. Your family must
take care of you. Have a family meeting. Tell them you're
overwhelmed just getting up and going to work. Make them your
allies.
YOU ARE JOB #1!
With much compassion and love
Your friend
Patrice

This is really interesting. An apartment that moves 360 degrees
around!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6728324/

You can start by adding more carbs little by little. Eventually the weight loss
should stop, but we always fluctuate up and down anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds.
Carole
rdbrewer <rdbrewer2@...
I've lost 50% of my weight, 180 lbs. I've lost enough, and I'm
trying to put on the brakes without eating sugar-filled stuff. Has
anyone reached their goal and made menu changes for this? I'm a
little worried about it.
Is there another menu for people who have reached their goal? I
don't believe Dr. M. has one.

I don't know about all supplementary insurances Carole but I have BC/BS and
I used to have Aetna and a couple others. Once you have Medicare it is
always primary. You cannot choose. The other insurance is considered
secondary meaning it will pay for the portion that Medicare won't. Between
the two I do not have co pays, have prescription coverage, etc. and all
seems well on the surface. And usually it is excellent coverage.
BUT.....of the 4 insurances I have had since I went on Medicare each has had
the same restriction. They will supplement anything that Medicare pays. If
Medicare will not pay something they will not either. They will supplement
only. It is not an either/or situation. I certainly would expect Medicare
to close your stomas. To me that is an absolute medical need and I cannot
believe they wouldn't pay. But be aware of two things. Medicare does not
pre certify. You go in and things are submitted and then you hope Medicare
will pay. Usually they do. When I had CHF and my other life threatening
things I never paid a penny. But DS, PS, installing a filter when I am not
dying, etc. those are not life threatening. And if for some reason Medicare
should refuse to pay for the closing of the stomas your supplemental
insurance wouldn't either. I cannot imagine it happening but do remember
how the primary/secondary thing works and what the rules are. I have found
the key is if I am asked to sign a waiver then the chances of denial are
good. When I was hospitalized and dying and had other surgeries the
question of a waiver never came up because it was automatically assumed
Medicare would cover it. W

Hi Everyone,
I haven't posted in a few days. I have been feeling very depressed
and irritable lately.
Because of my nausea, I am not able to take my depression meds
still. I am trying some herbs instead from my chiropractor. They
are not helping yet! I feel very easily wheepy and anxious. I don't
want to be around ANY people very much either which is difficult with
Working full time and having the holidays. I love my kids so much,
but they are driving me NUTS! I am too tired to deal with anything
right now.
Eating is doing a bit better. I am still nauseated a good deal of
the time, but if I can manage to keep something small around to munch
on, it is not as bad. I am not able to eat sweets or high carb foods
because of the sick feeling I get.
I am trying new things like salads with meat and cheese, tuna and
crackers etc.... I am still not able to tolerate protein drinks very
well. But I am managing to get in 60-90grams of protein a day but
eating lots of beans, cheese and a few meats.
I am still cold alot also, so I am bundling UP alot. I weighed
myself and am down 41 pounds in 7.5 weeks. I am wearing clothes I
haven't been in for a few years. Feels like getting a new wardrobe!
I had to break down and buy new bras because mine are so loose. Why
do the boobs shrink first????? My upper back between my shoulders is
beginning to hurt alot of the time.
Lisa.....I saw your picture and it is really really wonderful. I
wish I had gone to the dentist while I was there. If I ever go back,
that is one of the first places I am going. I NEED to have my teeth
worked on badly. They need to be whittened.
I am VERY jealous of you Lisa.... I wish my DH cared about my weight
loss, but he really doesn't offer any kind of encouragement or
positive comments. It makes me more depressed on top of everything
else that my DH really doesn't care! I can't seem to do anything to
please him anyhow!!!! Oh well.... that is a really loooong story
that I don't really feel like getting into.
A few people I know have commented on my weight loss. My face is
thinner and I have been told my complexion looks healthier. So I
guess SOMETHING is happening. I still feel like the same old FAT
ME!!! most of the time. I have a lot more weight to go before I
really feel people will notice.
I am still glad I had the surgery! I am sure I would do it all over
again. I WOULD have a less high expectation though. I really didn't
think I would be the one with so much nausea. I had a cast iron
stomach before and this is very difficult.
I would probably have invited my mother or sister or some other
support person to go with me instead also. I really needed and still
do need more support than I am getting from DH. I guess it is my own
fault though. I feel so alone at home some days.
I am feeling less bothered by my weight now though. I wear makeup
when I go out again. I feel better and more comfortable in clothes
now also. I just NEED to get this depression and anxiety under
control though. I feel so very overwhelmed with it right now. I am
hoping it is just a temporary side effect of the surgery, weight loss
and the loss of being able to use food as a stress reliever. I feel
like a fish out of water right now.
I am so happy to hear of all the surgeries this last week going so
well. Congratulations to everyone who has had a loss this week and
is having success!
Well, it is late and I need to get some sleep. I am scheduled to
work all day tomorrow.
Thanks everyone
Robin G
DS 10/26/04
249/208/130's
down 41 pounds

Time to eat again? Time to poop again? This new stomach is some baby
to take care of! It's always something. It's midnight here and I
slept about two hours. I'm making a vanilla shake with some peanut
butter in it. Thinking protein all the time but limited to liquids
is a brain-buster. I got in 2 vitamins yesterday by smashing them in
the pill crusher I brought. I bought more popsicles from next door.
They help keep the water going down. It's challenging to keep the
food varied and interesting.
I haven't left the hotel in two days. I don't want to be far from
the bathroom plus my walking isn't great. If I go to the flea market
where would I find a bathroom?
Friday night Doc came to the hotel. He is the sweetest man. I
said "I'm only three days from surgery and I feel great." He laughed
and laughed. That's the outcome he always hopes for. I'm glad I
plan to stay another week. I feel so much better that he's close
by and I don't go home to find no one available if I need help.
The nice people who took me out last Friday night are coming to say
hello tomorrow. That may be all the social time I can manage.
Spoke to Lance briefly today. He thinks he'll get to the hotel
Monday or Tuesday. That will be a relief for him I am sure.
Getting better every day. And feeling lighter- definitely.
Later y'all
Patrice

there has been some discussion on the main DS board about this
recently.
some folks end up on prescribed pancreatic enzymes to help stop
further loss by increasing absorption.....it seems there is also
some available over the counter....some names were posted there in
tha last couple days.
wishing you the best.
joanne

I've lost 50% of my weight, 180 lbs. I've lost enough, and I'm
trying to put on the brakes without eating sugar-filled stuff. Has
anyone reached their goal and made menu changes for this? I'm a
little worried about it.
Is there another menu for people who have reached their goal? I
don't believe Dr. M. has one.

Hi Kimberly,
Oh I know that feeling well. For at least the first 2-3 months I ended
every meal by spitting my last bite into a napkin. Now I have learned what
full is and when to stop. Some days its just a bite or two, and other times
its more. But I have finally learned when that NOT ANOTHER BITE feeling is
going to arrive.
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 December 6: 257lbs (BMI 41.5)
Total loss on December 6: -120lbs

Losses like this just never cease to amaze me! Congratulations
Dave! I hope you did great on your finals! What a relief it must be
to have THOSE overwith! And I can't WAIT to see the new beardless
pics!!!
Lisa
262/206/140
11 weeks post op

I now know and totally understand what "Not another bite" really
means!!
I was told by Andrea, who was in Curitiba for plastics after her DS
and is gorgeous btw, that I would learn that phrase quickly,
WELL....she was right!! I HAVE! I am still amazed at how quickly I
fill up, my eyes ARE bigger than my new tummy and I want to take big
bites or bigger portions knowing quite well i could eat less than a
tablespoon!
Anyway, I was just sitting here chuckling to myself and thought I
would share that.
Kimberly

WOW Deborah....what a super nice post!! Thank you! I certainly FEEL
a little prettier than before, but I still have a long way to go.
Thank you!! And your comment about my oldest daughter in the
picture....she's only 14 (almost 15) but she's my 2nd oldest. My
OLDEST daughter is 19 and I had her when I was 22. I think....I'm 41
now so I was 21 or 22 when she was born. My oldest is in and out so
much that it's hard to get them all rounded up for a picture when
everybody's clean and has on makeup and clean clothes at the same
time! LOL
That globe that you are talking about....in fact, I can't get it out
of my mind! And I'm not a "globe person"....it's just so
spectacular....I've gotta have one! He said that the administrator
of the hospital gave it to him! I guess so!!! He's single handedly
bringing in the big bucks for that place! Anyway....he told me where
and in what part of the country he got it from and I don't remember
exactly where...somewhere in the northern part of S America.
Patrice, if you think about it, would you ask him exactly where it
came from and how I might go about finding one? He said that it
wasn't THAT much money. Weird, huh.....I'm so obsessed with the
silly globe!
My husband, who had me in tears before Brazil, because he was SO
freaked out and SO mad at me for "putting our family at risk" of
something happening to me, is my BIGGEST FAN!! I can't keep him off
of me! I'm loving it, though! Yesterday, I had to swing by his work
to pick up something and when he brought it to the car, I noticed a
different smile when he saw me. I had full makeup on and was dressed
in smaller clothes that I hadn't had on in a long time. He called me
a few minutes after I drove off and said "Did I tell you how
incredibley beautiful you look?" He said "GAWD, you're a beautiful
woman!!" I'm SO not used to that! He told me BEFORE, but never
MEANT it as much as now. You know what I mean. I just can tell a
difference in the passion behind his words. He says ALL THE TIME how
this surgery was the best money we've ever spent on ANYTHING and he'd
do it again! He says it's made a difference in the whole family
because I'm so much happier! He says "When Mama's happy, EVERYBODY'S
happy!" LOL He apologizes for his behavior post Brazil, and says it
was just all fear of something happening. Now, he's talking about
having his eyes done whenever I go back for plastics. He's got the
heavy eyelids that need to be removed to open his eyes back up. THAT
would be a great trip! He's my best friend again and life has SO
changed for the better because of this surgery! The passion is so
much greater between us....it's scary to think how crazy it will be
if it keeps on increasing with each pound lost! HE's EXCITED about
me! I love that!!
Congratulations on 106 pounds gone! That is so great! Do you have
your pictures posted somewhere? I wanna see! I still love the
before and after pics. I can't wait till I can post my century club
pics!!! Thanks again for SUCH a nice post!
Lisa
262/206/140
11 weeks post op

WOW, Kate. How are you doing otherwise, i.e., naseua issues, any food
sensitivities, etc?
Pam

Hi Guys,
I'm about 3 months out (anniversary date = 9/14/04) and I'm down 85
lbs. From 302 to 217 in 3 short months. It's going so fast it makes
my head spin. I can barely stay in one size for more than two weeks.
I am SO not sorry I had this surgery. Best thing I ever did.
Kate McFarland

Put a few pictures in the Photo Annex

Now that gives me strength. Thanks Jamie. Hope your journey
continues well and safely.
Patrice

Congrats Patrice,
I am a Florida girl who had surgery November 9th, sounds like you are doing
great.... hope all continues well for you.... i guess, just listen to your
body...each day is different.... I am over 30 pds down at this point...
Take care,
Jamie

Holy mackeral. Is it just 3 days? I'm still doing great. Today I
dressed - took an hour plus - then decided to find an egg. I went to
the restaurant and waited for one 4-min. egg. It was delicious. I
ordered papaya juice but was it was yucky & I couldn't drink it. I
never got to the delicious juices that Durval brings you. In the
hospital. it was just consomme, tea, and chicken broth. Being in the
hotel is a relief. I can time my needs to the moment. After
the "breakfast" I walked to the panificadora next door and bought a
dozen eggs and ate a grape popsicle. Now that was great! I brought
one over to Myrtice then collapsed for the next six hours in the
room. I'm sleeping and waking to eat and go to the bathroom. That's
it. Most of today I had chills then sweats. But now it's 6 pm and
I'm feeling better. I had a yogurt and a string cheese. I have not
needed any extra meds for pain, gas, or nausea. But that may change.
I did crush a vit pill and put it in my soup with another egg. Also
taking insulin and my effexor. It's no picnic, but then again I have
known lots worse. Funny, when you're alone and no one is nearby to
complain to, you carry on and charge ahead. I asked for extra
pillows so the bed is comfortable. I really have had nothing but
kindness and great service all the way through.
Monday I'm doing my eyes with Dr. C. I may be nuts but I don't think
I will have the money to return another round for plastics. So
taking a few tucks off my eyes should make me look much more open
than the current hooded-eye version.
A few words to others posting - Kim it was a blessing to meet you. I
hope we stay in touch. I enjoyed your email.
Dave - What a role model you are. Congratulations on your weight
loss. As far as paying your hospital bill, pls lower your monthly to
something realistic like $10-15 a month. That's what others do. I
HAVE coverage and my 20% co-pay can still cost thousands. It's a
crapshoot.
Thanks to everyone who has written. It's great to log in at 4 am and
see who is out there. It has meant everything to me. Obrigado a
todos.
Patrice

Lisa, You look GREAT!!
Congratulations!!
Nina Wright
Lisa Cooper <lcooperett@...
My daughter had the camera out tonight and I decided to go ahead and
let her take a couple of pictures of me since my 3 month mark is next
week and it will be a pretty hectic week! I added my pics from today
and I added a few more of when I was in Brazil. I'm still wearing
the baggie shirts to hide myself....I'll be so glad when I feel
comfortable enough to not wear the baggie shirts! I can't WAIT to
post the picture when I'm wearing something kinda form fitting and
not be embarrassed about it! Also, I wish I could figure out how
to move the pictures around to be in the right order. Anyone know
how to do that? I also added new pics of my twins and a picture of 5
of my 6 kids! The oldest wasn't here when that picture was made and
it's hard to have everybody together at the same time for a picture!
I bet I will at Christmas though!! Just wanted to share! I look SO
much more happier in todays pictures! That alone is worth $10
grand! Hugs....Lisa Cooper
11 weeks post op tomorrow
-55

Thanks a bunch Dave, ANYTHING is better than swallowing these horse
pills!!! I will certainly try these.
Kimberly

Hi Kimberly,
I know exactly how you feel about the vitamins. Even now at 5.5 months post
op I cannot swallow pills. I use all chewable vitamins. I get most of mine
from the Vitamin Shoppe (www.vitaminshoppe.com)
The taste isn't bad, but I'll warn you that the pills are big (especially
the calcium).
Here is the Calcium I use http://tinyurl.com/47dt9 (8 a day)
Here is the Multi I use http://tinyurl.com/63ex7 (2 a day)
I started supplementing Folic Acid since I was low in that
http://tinyurl.com/49827 (1 a day)
And finally I take chewable ADEK's (2 a day) from
http://www.obesityhelpstore.com/nutrition.html
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 December 6: 257lbs (BMI 41.5)
Total loss on December 6: -120lbs

Hi Michelle, glad to hear you are doing well, this is Kimberly. Are
you still in Curitiba? Thought you were home already. Thanks for the
update on Lance. How is Bethy doing? Please say hello for me.
Take care.
Kimberly
ps I understand about the weird cravings, I am having them too!!!

Hi Everyone, this is Kimberly and I had my DS with Dr M on Nov. 30th
Everything went great and currently I am about -18lbs down. Dr M is a
wonderful person and a great surgeon, my experience was a good one
and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
My question is: how do you all get your vitamins in? I purchased a
multi vit from GNC and ugghhh, those pills are HUGE! I struggle to
swallow 2 of those a day but i really cannot do it anymore, it fills
me up!! No, i have not tried crushing them because the thought
grosses me out these pills are GREEN!! I am also taking biotin (for
the hairloss) and sipping on Isopure doing the day to get my protein
in. Eating can be a chore but i have learn to keep nibbling and pace
myself so i wont swallow and go OOPS (i have done that once too often
already!)
I am going thru old post but have not come across one yet with the
vitamins/supplements in it.
Thanks.
Kimberly
DS 11/30/04
-18lbs

I'm 2 weeks out leaving Curitiba Dec 15th. So far have had a lot of
low fat low sug foods and nothing has reallt bothered me but split
pea soup. Craving minestroni soup and beans when I get home. Beans
are low fat are they to gasy for this soon? Also amrinated gat free
three bean salad which is green beans, garbanzo beans, and kidney
beans. Wierd cravings but they are fat free any comment if they will
bother me. Thank you Michele

How wonderful for you David! You are doing sooo great!
Kathy B in KC

Lance is doing well. He was reoperated on and is doing nicely.

Oh holy cow. Are you gorgeous. Just went through your pictures. Wowwy.
First, what a difference 3 months can make. Wowwy. You look Marrrr velllll
ousss.. And those teeth. I bet you are smiling all the time. I would
be... I hope to go back in June or July and have Plastic Surgery and dental
work
is on my other number 1 wish list.
I agree with you that meeting Ana is one of the best things to do. She knows
absolutely everything about everybody in Curitiba. She is indeed a doll and
an absolute must when you are doing anything there. Both times that I have
been in Curitiba she was almost as valuable as Durvall.
Your children are so cute. Are you sure that the oldest girl is yours?
Were you a child bride. Did you have her at the age of 2? And twins. Wow
you will have the energy to keep up with them now.
Did you know that everything in Dr. M's office is a gift from his patients?
Isn't it a beautiful place. I loved looking at all the stuff. I wish that
I could think of something really neat to give him but I am not that smart.
I always think of it after someone else does.
Question. I knew that your husband was so worried and concerned before the
surgery. What does he think now. My husband still has problems recognizing
me when we go shopping or to an amusement park and get separated. It is always
so much fun and delightful when I am looking at him and "know" when he
recognizes me. The shock is still on his face even after all this time. It
makes me
laugh.
Deborah Powell
106 pounds gone but not forgotten

People say Americans have the best health care in the world. We do? Oh
yeah, if you have insurance maybe you do. If you do not have insurance,
you do without.
Pay something on your bill every month, around $100 should be enough.
Do not go broke trying to pay them. Trust me, plenty of people pay
nothing at all.
I hope you do not have any more kidney stones. I hear they are terribly
painful.
Becca

great pics Lisa.....what a change in you already.
keep it up.....you are WELL on your way.
the kiddos are ADORABLE.
hugs.
joanne

My daughter had the camera out tonight and I decided to go ahead and
let her take a couple of pictures of me since my 3 month mark is next
week and it will be a pretty hectic week! I added my pics from today
and I added a few more of when I was in Brazil. I'm still wearing
the baggie shirts to hide myself....I'll be so glad when I feel
comfortable enough to not wear the baggie shirts! I can't WAIT to
post the picture when I'm wearing something kinda form fitting and
not be embarrassed about it! Also, I wish I could figure out how
to move the pictures around to be in the right order. Anyone know
how to do that? I also added new pics of my twins and a picture of 5
of my 6 kids! The oldest wasn't here when that picture was made and
it's hard to have everybody together at the same time for a picture!
I bet I will at Christmas though!! Just wanted to share! I look SO
much more happier in todays pictures! That alone is worth $10
grand! Hugs....Lisa Cooper
11 weeks post op tomorrow
-55

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I've been absent for the past couple of weeks. I've just finished up
finals at school, and this time is one of the busiest for my business. On
top of that, as a working musician, Christmas is always busy.
I was going to try to catch up with all the posts but I had over 1500
counting all my DS lists. So I just deleted everything. Hopefully I didn't
miss anything too terribly important. If I did, hopefully someone will let
me know. I'll try and stay caught up from now on. :)
So now for my 5 month update. I'm down 120 pounds, to 257. I've lost 20+
inches from my waist. All of my labs look good except for Vit A. Overall I
feel great! I still have some weakness in my legs, and I'm always cold but
both of those are minor things. I am finally getting in all my protein
without trouble. I did shave my beard off, but I haven't decided if that is
a good thing or not. I'll probably post a beardless shot with my 6 month
pictures. Maybe we can have a poll.... bearded Dave vs clean shaven Dave.
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 December 6: 257lbs (BMI 41.5)
Total loss on December 6: -120lbs

Hello everyone,
If you remember, about 2 months post-op I ended up in the emergency room
with kidney stones. I was there for about 3 hours, they did a CAT scan and
gave me pain meds.
Well all the bills have finally arrived, and the total cost is over $6,000.
Hell I should have flown to Brazil for treatment. Sadly I have no medical
insurance so I have no idea how I'm going to pay this bill.
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 December 6: 257lbs (BMI 41.5)
Total loss on December 6: -120lbs

saw the gastroenterologist today again, and he put me
on probiotics! i had the abdominal scan this morning--
everything looks good despite elevated liver enzymes.
he'll be tracking that. i'm supposed to call him next week
and let him know if the diarrhea has resolved. if not,
he'll switch meds. then, i see him right before i go to
brazil--on the 3rd.
we also discussed tpn, and he doesn't think it's a bad
idea at all. he'll reevaluate me for that on the 3rd as
well.
i like this doc soooo much--i asked him if he could be
my pcp but he can't--hasn't practiced internal medicine
for a decade. he says that he'll see me on a quarterly
basis, though, and track me for all things ds.
on a happy note--he had an intern with him today, and
he stood and explained to her on a wall chart exactly
what the ds procedure i had done is. and he was right
on the money! the boy did his homework!
i feel in good, capable hands now. this guy is going to
save me.
diane

great to hear from you.
i am so pleased that all has gone well for you.
please accept a BIG hug for yourself and take them to Dr M, Durval
and Lance as well.
blessings.
joanne

Patrice, I have been wandering how you are doing. I was glad to read your post.
I am glad you checked in on Lance too. I hear he is doing well. It sounds like
you are on the road to recovery. Will talk to you when you get back to Austin.
Tell Dr. M and Lance hello from Texas if you get a chance. Take care of
yourself. Janie
austinmoon24 <plieb@...
Hello to the world of Dr. Marchesini's devotes. Count me as the
latest and greatest achievements to him and his wonderful work. I am
healthy. My surgery was excellent. I have no memory of a few of
those parts where I was just out of it and remember yelling
at someone to move my legs! I only remember the blessing of doing
extremely well and being released to live a longer life. Folks, hell
is NOT doing the surgery. Even Lance goes on and on about how it
happens all the time in surgery and the thing to do is EXPECT that
you will have complications. Now that's a great attitude.
I went in Monday night, then was surprised that no one pounces on
you for an enema or another ungodly procedure. No torture necessary.
I woke up. Had a great shower with antibacterial soap - Dial -
climbed into my bed and down we went. I was very happy. My chance at
last. Then I had to scramble on a rather small board, which I
understand makes it easier for Dr. M. to get around as needed.
Still, I didn't think it would hold me. I saved the pleasantries and
focused inward. Closed my eyes and prayed for the outcome I so
desperately wanted.
Hours later I was fine and continued to progress. Got pain killers
as needed, got insulin as needed, and all the other meds. Dr. M.
stays on top of everything and you never feel rushed. Whatever time
you need is what he has. It was a great feeling.
So my new life is underway. I'm back reading and catching up.
Lance is doing well. He is of good spirits. Myrtice and I visited
him yesterday. Myrtice is doing great. I will miss her presence
around me. What a special person she is. And the month is rolling
slowly down of activity. I will stay as planned until Dec. 29th.
Best to all the girls in Texas. 110 lbs for Nathalie and Nina is a
wonderful way to enjoy reading on the list!
Caio bellas!
Patrice

As Diane reported, print the internet site and pay the same rate as
printed. BRL $98 week days, BRL $89 weekends. The cab fare is USD
$20 each way arranged by Durval. Do not change that. Durval is a
master at getting you out of the airport!
Extras are phone calls, bottled water, restaurant, until you set
your food up for yourself. I brought a suitcase of everything I
need. Protein poders for drinks, crystal lite for water,
applesauces, soy milk which doesnt need refrigeration. Coffee and
tea are with the hotel, but you may have flavors you like.
The undershirts I bought from Walmart are working great under the
binder. I like having the extension cord.
Weather now is hot. Some storm days are a relief.
Bye.
Patrice

Hello to the world of Dr. Marchesini's devotes. Count me as the
latest and greatest achievements to him and his wonderful work. I am
healthy. My surgery was excellent. I have no memory of a few of
those parts where I was just out of it and remember yelling
at someone to move my legs! I only remember the blessing of doing
extremely well and being released to live a longer life. Folks, hell
is NOT doing the surgery. Even Lance goes on and on about how it
happens all the time in surgery and the thing to do is EXPECT that
you will have complications. Now that's a great attitude.
I went in Monday night, then was surprised that no one pounces on
you for an enema or another ungodly procedure. No torture necessary.
I woke up. Had a great shower with antibacterial soap - Dial -
climbed into my bed and down we went. I was very happy. My chance at
last. Then I had to scramble on a rather small board, which I
understand makes it easier for Dr. M. to get around as needed.
Still, I didn't think it would hold me. I saved the pleasantries and
focused inward. Closed my eyes and prayed for the outcome I so
desperately wanted.
Hours later I was fine and continued to progress. Got pain killers
as needed, got insulin as needed, and all the other meds. Dr. M.
stays on top of everything and you never feel rushed. Whatever time
you need is what he has. It was a great feeling.
So my new life is underway. I'm back reading and catching up.
Lance is doing well. He is of good spirits. Myrtice and I visited
him yesterday. Myrtice is doing great. I will miss her presence
around me. What a special person she is. And the month is rolling
slowly down of activity. I will stay as planned until Dec. 29th.
Best to all the girls in Texas. 110 lbs for Nathalie and Nina is a
wonderful way to enjoy reading on the list!
Caio bellas!
Patrice

Hey, I was wondering if anyone could tell me the rate of the hotel if
Dr.M books it for you.

Dr M Rules!! Is he the Bomb or what?
Konstantin
I just wanted you to know that Lance talked to his kids today and is
out of ICU and doing well. He also talked to one of his friends who
called me and told me that Lance(an OBGYN doctor in TX) thinks that
Curitiba has the best healthcare in the WORLD. What a bold statement
coming from a physician in the US. Just thought I would share his
kind words. I know he is being taken care of very well and he was in
good spirits today. Dr. Marchesini is such a wonderful surgeon.
Take care everyone,
Natalie
110 pounds gone

thanks so much for keeping us posted.
i know it was wonderful for his family to get to hear his voice.
also....glad he agrees with us the care there. <g
joanne

I just wanted you to know that Lance talked to his kids today and is
out of ICU and doing well. He also talked to one of his friends who
called me and told me that Lance(an OBGYN doctor in TX) thinks that
Curitiba has the best healthcare in the WORLD. What a bold statement
coming from a physician in the US. Just thought I would share his
kind words. I know he is being taken care of very well and he was in
good spirits today. Dr. Marchesini is such a wonderful surgeon.
Take care everyone,
Natalie
110 pounds gone

Happy Birthday, Carol... I hope you have a wonderful day! :) Enjoy
the gathering at your church!
Oh.. and brace yourself for the "family" birthday song that I know is
coming... lol
Pat

That was lots of fun. Too bad none of us post-ops can eat that much. And boy, do
I know what to do with a carrot. It's a Julia Child recipe and I've made it for
every holiday meal since I read it.
Peel and cut the carrots into 2-3 inch pieces. Place in a saucepan with a lid.
Put a decent sized chunk of butter, a tablespoon or so of sugar (don't use
Splenda or the carrots won't caramelize), and beef broth. Canned will do fine.
Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the carrots are almost but not quite
tender. Take the top off and bring the saucepan contents to a boil. Boil off the
broth. The carrots are going to absorb most of it anyway. When the broth is
gone, lower heat to medium and roll the carrots around in the butter-sugar
mixture which will caramelize them to a darker brown. If I didn't need protein I
could eat this and nothing else for days. It was born to be served with beef.
Carole
zinnia55@... wrote:
Holiday Eating Tips....
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a
holiday buffet
table
knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see
carrots, leave
immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum
balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like
fine single-malt
scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt
scotch. You
can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up!
Who cares that
has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're
going to turn
into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy
it. Have one for
me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the
whole point of
gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a
volcano out of your
mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.
Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made
with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like
buying a sports car
with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an
effort to control
your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas
party is to eat
other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise
between now and New Year's.
You can do that in January when you have nothing else
to do. This is the
time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table
while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of
eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of
Santa, position
yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as
you can before
becoming the center of attention. They're like a
beautiful pair of shoes.
If you leave them behind, you're never going to see
them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a
slice of each. Or, if
you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one
pumpkin. Always have
three. When else do you get to have more than one
dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded
with the mandatory
celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean,
have some
standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you
leave the party or
get up from the table, you haven't been paying
attention.
...gently down the stream.......

wow San... I just want to hug you. Now I totally understand why you took your
niece in and why you put up with the way she has been toward you. If you had
not rescued her from her step-father, there is no telling what her life would
have been like. When you give and give and give and people take and take and
take and give nothing in return and you STILL continue to be giving.... all I
can say is, you are a remarkable person.
My story is different from yours in many ways, but I too struggled to "keep
the family together". Of course that never works, so now I just have my dad and
my husbands family. I have given up on the others (who I only hear from when
they want money). Out of six kids, I am the ONLY one who still has a
relationship with our dad. (My mom died over ten years ago). You just have to
do what you can do, and let go of the rest. I learned the hard way that you
can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved.
Pat
Ameera Salihah <a_salihah@...
Thanks for the sentiment Naomi and Dawn too. It is greatly
appreciated. My name, Sandra, is greek for Helper of Mankind and that is truly
how I've lived my life unfortunately. Even as a child I've felt this grand
responsibility. My Mom fell down the elevated train station stairs, they were
steel, when I was 8, the following year she was diagnosed with cervical cancer
(and refused treatmentlong story), the same year my oldest brother moved back
home with his wife and newborn, my sister-in-law was addicted to crack and did
the normal disappearing acts for 3-5+ days at a time while my alcoholic brother
pulled his own disappearing acts once she would take off, they had another
daughter the next year and a son two years later.
I just couldn't believe that these 3 kids were here with no real parents to
speak of. They had my Mom but she was too ill to care for them, their maternal
grandfather was supposedly a pedophile while his wife seemed to make it her job
to take custody of all of her grandchildren just to get the monthly check from
the government. I swear that every time one of her kids had a baby, for some odd
reason, they had custody of them and it was only my sister-in-law who had a drug
problem, their other kids did not yet they willingly gave up custody of their
kids.
Then when I was 13, my oldest sister who was 22 at the time, had a stroke while
she was pregnant with my niece, the one that lives with me. Neither of them were
expected to live but they both did. My niece is now 21 and my sister has come a
long way since then but she has definite cognitive issues. She just can't
understand some things or communicate very well. This is part of the reason why
her and my niece couldn't live together once she became a teenager. So, from the
age of 13 on, I then had my sister to care for and my niece---my sister had to
learn to do everything all over again. She went through the hospital's rehab
program but she still couldn't read, write a whole lot and many other things
once she came home.
She would throw temper tantrums like a child because she couldn't remember how
to function. My other 4 siblings and my parents just ignored her, they didn't
have the patience to work with her. But, not me. I almost single-handedly
retaught her how to read, write, do math, eventually balance a check book and so
on. And she had no real interest in my niece at all when she was first born. I
think I got up in the night more than she did. She kinda warmed up to her after
a few years but she definitely could not even grasp the concept of motherhood.
By this point, our hands were so full that my brother and his kids HAD to move
and so the kids ended up with their maternal grandparents unfortunately but as
long as my Mom was alive, she made a tremendous effort to keep them included and
loved by us. They lived in a suburb about 45 mins away from us and guess who
always had to pick them up and bring them back home each weekend? And after my
Mom died in 96 I tried my best to fill her shoes and keep everyone connected
but it was all for naught. At one point I moved 70 miles away from home to
attend medical school but still I drove back in once each month for family
dinnersme, being the best cook of the bunch, bought food for about 12 people,
cooked it all, set up the table and what have you, drove the additional 45 mins
to get the kids and of course then had to drive them back home and then an
additional 70 miles in another direction to get back home. We always said wed
split the work but when it came down to it, they
rarely did what they promised and I took it on anyway. Nonetheless, I have at
least stopped making that trek down. We basically have no more family dinners. I
found the strength to step away finally. With my Dad being ill, I drive down
every other weekend or so to cook for him and spend time with him and thats
nice but I refuse to go that same road again even though he needs the
interaction and if I come down others will and it is nice for him.
Anyway, I am rambling terribly but my niece's mother just is not all "there."
They had been living with my Dad but after oh 16 years of living with him after
the stroke, my sister wanted to try and live on her own with my niece. They
ended up moving in with me in a one bedroom apt! THAT was an experience and then
they moved on their own a few months later but then my sister met this man at
her church who is a "prophet." He proudly wears his prophet ID card. He is a
NUT. He said that God gave him my sister and my niece in a dream or something
crazy like that and she is so off that she just gobbled up everything he said.
The problem is that they met in February 2004 or whenever it was and then this
prophetic dream happened 2 wks later and they decided to get married like
another 2 wks later and then they just up and did it and he moved in and he was
a total stranger to her and my niece. Now, I know that plenty of people do this
overnight transition business of meeting and
moving in together practically overnight or getting married after knowing each
other one month but thats just not for me and its even worse when there are
kids involved because most of these unions dont last from what I hear but
thats another story.
My niece's father has never been in the picture, all she's known is her
grandfather, my Dad. She couldnt even sleep well for the first 2-3 months after
she and her Mom moved out of my Dads house simply because she was used to
having him there. Anyway, my point is that my brother-in-law is weird AND
creepy. He can't hold a job because hes always getting fired; if you ask him,
God is using him to reveal the sexual sins of his coworkers through his
prophecies and of course as a prophet he is not believed and has to be fired to
fulfill whatever God proclaimed. He talks too much and of all his prophetic
visions, they are always 95% sexual. Now, me, having been molested as a child
and raped as an adult just could not stand by and let this man who no one knew
move in with a 16 year-old girl. My niece totally freaked out and said that she
would keep herself locked in her room to avoid him but then my sister just lost
it and started saying that she would take the lock out of
her door and told her that she HAD to sleep with her door open because God
ordained her marriage and just some CRAZY stuff. This guy admittedly talks about
how his ex-wife committed him recently and how he ended up homeless and he
prophecizes (sp) on the street corners to save peoplewearing of course his
prophet ID proudly displayed; hes just nuts. Everyone felt that my niece would
not be safe in their care but no one stepped up and did anything about it. I was
glad to offer her a place to lay her head in peace at night.
In her defense, I have not been the best roommate or caregiver to her. Ive kept
myself hidden and in a bottle for nearly all of my life. Yes, Ive gotten as far
as medical school. But, Ive never really interacted with people. Im book smart
but have no real people contact. Ive been like a robot in taking care of people
yet I speak only when spoken to and then usually thats a quick curt answer and
then I am back in the book. It has made me sarcastic and cynical. She really IS
a sweet kid and all she has been wanting is for me to be more normal in my
interaction with her. I always joke that I have become my mother---I loved her
but she ruled with an iron hand. I begged her to tell me she loved me, to hug
me, to show her emotion in some kind of way while I was growing up but both she
and my father refused. To them, providing for me was evidence of their love;
period. And I hated them for it for quite some time! But, now that she is gone
and he is kinda going in that same
direction, I definitely see and feel their love clearly. But, I am now with my
niece the way they were with me. All she wants of me is my time and attention.
The older she has gotten, the more she seems to cling to me and want what I
really dont have emotionally to give her.
I TRY. But, I usually fail. She is trying to force me to open up and let her in
and I think she acts out because of this. I am just barely getting to know
myself. I guess I am being a little selfish but I am just not ready to focus on
other people. Ive made great strides over the past few months to allow her in
and try to build a positive, healthy relationship but its tough. I need steps
and stages and I need to move at my pace and not hers. Anyway, thanks for
letting me ramble to those who read this far but I absolutely LOVE helping
people; most times it takes so very little to actually make a difference in
someones life but you're both right that I need to help myself first and Im
getting there but my niece isnt as bad as I maybe unintentionally made her out
to be or the story isnt as cut and dry as I may have made it appear.
Anyway, I do feel better.
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

pssst... Shannon... don't tell anyone.................. it's gas
Pat
sheggy1969 <sheggy1969@...
Penny, I love your pictures, but why do you look happier in your
before
pictures than your after? Cheer up---be proud--you've done a
tremendous job.
Sheggy/Shannon

Holiday Eating Tips....
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a
holiday buffet
table
knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see
carrots, leave
immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum
balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like
fine single-malt
scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt
scotch. You
can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up!
Who cares that
has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're
going to turn
into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy
it. Have one for
me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the
whole point of
gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a
volcano out of your
mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.
Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made
with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like
buying a sports car
with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an
effort to control
your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas
party is to eat
other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise
between now and New Year's.
You can do that in January when you have nothing else
to do. This is the
time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table
while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of
eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of
Santa, position
yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as
you can before
becoming the center of attention. They're like a
beautiful pair of shoes.
If you leave them behind, you're never going to see
them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a
slice of each. Or, if
you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one
pumpkin. Always have
three. When else do you get to have more than one
dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded
with the mandatory
celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean,
have some
standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you
leave the party or
get up from the table, you haven't been paying
attention.
...gently down the stream.......

Hmmm... I don't see it. Maybe it just hasn't been approved yet. I'm
interested to see what it looks like since it is so much smaller than
MY open incision.
Lora

SHOOT!! I have Epson Stylus Photo R300! Is that completely
different cartridges?? These little puppies are expensive...I wished
they fit!!
I'm still trying to give away 2 free bottles of chewable vitamins if
anyone wants them!
Lisa

I love looking at the pictures. It really gives me strength to keep
fighting the fight. I especially love the ones from those who had the
WLS years ago. It definately motivates me to keep moving on.
Thanks everyone for sharing. I know it's not the easiest thing to do.
Sheggy/Shannon

Penny, I love your pictures, but why do you look happier in your before
pictures than your after? Cheer up---be proud--you've done a
tremendous job.
Sheggy/Shannon

Raphaela, it sounds like you feel awful. I am so sorry to hear that.
You lost a lot of weight in a short period of time, I have a feeling you
may be dehydrated. Try eating popsicles and sipping fluids as often as
possible. If you can tolerate drinking protein shakes, that might keep
you from losing muscle tone.
You may need to see your doctor, maybe he/she can prescribe something
for nausea.
Relax and get well. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Becca

Just thought since others were posting their incisions, I would show
you what a "mini-open" incision looks like. It's not too bad for open
bypass. Wish I could crop out the stretch marks--oh well, between two
babies and years of fat, what can I say.
Sheggy/Shannon
June 8, 2007
375/282/?

Cleaning out my supply cabinet and I have some ink cartridges that I can no
longer use. If anyone can use them, let me know and I'll be glad to send
them to you. Free.
I have 3 color cartridges that fit Epson Stylus Color Printers
400/600/800/1520
I have 6 black carts that fit Epson Stylus Color Printers 400/500/600
If you want these, email me your name and address. gleppla1@...
George in PA

Thank you Lisa, today has been a bad day so words of encouragement mean
a lot. I appreciate it. My husband lands in the hospital once every
two years. He has tried to committ sucide twice, but now we are able
to recognize the symptoms of severe depression. This last time we got
him into the hosptial before it became too severe.
Two of your children have it? Wow, it is hard to deal with. My son is
ADDHD and unfortunately has had a lot of problems as well. His life is
always spiraling out of contril.
It's tough to live through but that is what is so wonderful about
friends and groups like this, you have somewhere to go where people
understand and accept you. It's great.

you sound like many of us at this phase.
sounds like you are not eating due to being nauseaus.........that is
a circular thing tho kiddo......when you are not eating/drinking as
you need to the nausea will STAY with you and in fact be worse.
you MUST sip as often as possible.....say every 5 min or so while
awake...........and you MUST eat at least a bit VERY
frequently...for most that is every 1 1/2 to 2 hours at the stage
you are at.
when you do not your poor tummy gets to churning and you WILL be
nauseaus.
you don't have to WANT to eat.....but you MUST do it.
like taking medicine.
what medications have you taken for the nausea??
for the bowels....if you have insufficient input there is little to
eliminate.
are you getting dehydrated too?? is your pee getting
darker/stronger looking??
as to the amount of weight lost.........what was your starting
weight??
girlfriend we are here for you.....but ya GOTTA listen and do what
you need to........even when (maybe MOSTLY when) it seems like a
REAL chore.
and you must keep Dr M in the loop.
blessings.
joanne

After months of fluctuating up and down in the 250's this morning the scale
said 245. That is a new low for me and the first low in 3 months when I hit
250 on the nose. Last week the scale said 259. I'm telling you this
Konstantin so you can see how some people fluctuate. You won't do it that
much but I weigh 14 pounds LESS than last week and that was 9 pounds more
than two weeks previously. W

Thanks for the sentiment Naomi and Dawn too. It is greatly appreciated. My name,
Sandra, is greek for Helper of Mankind and that is truly how I've lived my life
unfortunately. Even as a child I've felt this grand responsibility. My Mom fell
down the elevated train station stairs, they were steel, when I was 8, the
following year she was diagnosed with cervical cancer (and refused
treatmentlong story), the same year my oldest brother moved back home with his
wife and newborn, my sister-in-law was addicted to crack and did the normal
disappearing acts for 3-5+ days at a time while my alcoholic brother pulled his
own disappearing acts once she would take off, they had another daughter the
next year and a son two years later.
I just couldn't believe that these 3 kids were here with no real parents to
speak of. They had my Mom but she was too ill to care for them, their maternal
grandfather was supposedly a pedophile while his wife seemed to make it her job
to take custody of all of her grandchildren just to get the monthly check from
the government. I swear that every time one of her kids had a baby, for some odd
reason, they had custody of them and it was only my sister-in-law who had a drug
problem, their other kids did not yet they willingly gave up custody of their
kids.
Then when I was 13, my oldest sister who was 22 at the time, had a stroke
while she was pregnant with my niece, the one that lives with me. Neither of
them were expected to live but they both did. My niece is now 21 and my sister
has come a long way since then but she has definite cognitive issues. She just
can't understand some things or communicate very well. This is part of the
reason why her and my niece couldn't live together once she became a teenager.
So, from the age of 13 on, I then had my sister to care for and my niece---my
sister had to learn to do everything all over again. She went through the
hospital's rehab program but she still couldn't read, write a whole lot and many
other things once she came home.
She would throw temper tantrums like a child because she couldn't remember how
to function. My other 4 siblings and my parents just ignored her, they didn't
have the patience to work with her. But, not me. I almost single-handedly
retaught her how to read, write, do math, eventually balance a check book and so
on. And she had no real interest in my niece at all when she was first born. I
think I got up in the night more than she did. She kinda warmed up to her after
a few years but she definitely could not even grasp the concept of motherhood.
By this point, our hands were so full that my brother and his kids HAD to move
and so the kids ended up with their maternal grandparents unfortunately but as
long as my Mom was alive, she made a tremendous effort to keep them included and
loved by us. They lived in a suburb about 45 mins away from us and guess who
always had to pick them up and bring them back home each weekend? And after my
Mom died in 96 I tried my best to fill her shoes and keep everyone connected
but it was all for naught. At one point I moved 70 miles away from home to
attend medical school but still I drove back in once each month for family
dinnersme, being the best cook of the bunch, bought food for about 12 people,
cooked it all, set up the table and what have you, drove the additional 45 mins
to get the kids and of course then had to drive them back home and then an
additional 70 miles in another direction to get back home. We always said wed
split the work but when it came down to it, they
rarely did what they promised and I took it on anyway. Nonetheless, I have at
least stopped making that trek down. We basically have no more family dinners. I
found the strength to step away finally. With my Dad being ill, I drive down
every other weekend or so to cook for him and spend time with him and thats
nice but I refuse to go that same road again even though he needs the
interaction and if I come down others will and it is nice for him.
Anyway, I am rambling terribly but my niece's mother just is not all "there."
They had been living with my Dad but after oh 16 years of living with him after
the stroke, my sister wanted to try and live on her own with my niece. They
ended up moving in with me in a one bedroom apt! THAT was an experience and then
they moved on their own a few months later but then my sister met this man at
her church who is a "prophet." He proudly wears his prophet ID card. He is a
NUT. He said that God gave him my sister and my niece in a dream or something
crazy like that and she is so off that she just gobbled up everything he said.
The problem is that they met in February 2004 or whenever it was and then this
prophetic dream happened 2 wks later and they decided to get married like
another 2 wks later and then they just up and did it and he moved in and he was
a total stranger to her and my niece. Now, I know that plenty of people do this
overnight transition business of meeting and
moving in together practically overnight or getting married after knowing each
other one month but thats just not for me and its even worse when there are
kids involved because most of these unions dont last from what I hear but
thats another story.
My niece's father has never been in the picture, all she's known is her
grandfather, my Dad. She couldnt even sleep well for the first 2-3 months after
she and her Mom moved out of my Dads house simply because she was used to
having him there. Anyway, my point is that my brother-in-law is weird AND
creepy. He can't hold a job because hes always getting fired; if you ask him,
God is using him to reveal the sexual sins of his coworkers through his
prophecies and of course as a prophet he is not believed and has to be fired to
fulfill whatever God proclaimed. He talks too much and of all his prophetic
visions, they are always 95% sexual. Now, me, having been molested as a child
and raped as an adult just could not stand by and let this man who no one knew
move in with a 16 year-old girl. My niece totally freaked out and said that she
would keep herself locked in her room to avoid him but then my sister just lost
it and started saying that she would take the lock out of
her door and told her that she HAD to sleep with her door open because God
ordained her marriage and just some CRAZY stuff. This guy admittedly talks about
how his ex-wife committed him recently and how he ended up homeless and he
prophecizes (sp) on the street corners to save peoplewearing of course his
prophet ID proudly displayed; hes just nuts. Everyone felt that my niece would
not be safe in their care but no one stepped up and did anything about it. I was
glad to offer her a place to lay her head in peace at night.
In her defense, I have not been the best roommate or caregiver to her. Ive
kept myself hidden and in a bottle for nearly all of my life. Yes, Ive gotten
as far as medical school. But, Ive never really interacted with people. Im
book smart but have no real people contact. Ive been like a robot in taking
care of people yet I speak only when spoken to and then usually thats a quick
curt answer and then I am back in the book. It has made me sarcastic and
cynical. She really IS a sweet kid and all she has been wanting is for me to be
more normal in my interaction with her. I always joke that I have become my
mother---I loved her but she ruled with an iron hand. I begged her to tell me
she loved me, to hug me, to show her emotion in some kind of way while I was
growing up but both she and my father refused. To them, providing for me was
evidence of their love; period. And I hated them for it for quite some time!
But, now that she is gone and he is kinda going in that same
direction, I definitely see and feel their love clearly. But, I am now with my
niece the way they were with me. All she wants of me is my time and attention.
The older she has gotten, the more she seems to cling to me and want what I
really dont have emotionally to give her.
I TRY. But, I usually fail. She is trying to force me to open up and let her
in and I think she acts out because of this. I am just barely getting to know
myself. I guess I am being a little selfish but I am just not ready to focus on
other people. Ive made great strides over the past few months to allow her in
and try to build a positive, healthy relationship but its tough. I need steps
and stages and I need to move at my pace and not hers. Anyway, thanks for
letting me ramble to those who read this far but I absolutely LOVE helping
people; most times it takes so very little to actually make a difference in
someones life but you're both right that I need to help myself first and Im
getting there but my niece isnt as bad as I maybe unintentionally made her out
to be or the story isnt as cut and dry as I may have made it appear.
Anyway, I do feel better.
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

This was the quote that was posted today. It is a really important one and as
I read your post I couldn't help but copy and paste it here. Thanks for taking
the time to let us know you better. Naomi
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important
than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than
failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It
is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make
or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we