http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php Check out our Weight Loss Surgery Forum - over 1000 people that have been there and done that. Get the Weight Loss Surgery support you need on the journey. en Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:12:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=238 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:47:32 GMT I am now in a size 6 and only five pounds to goal. All the walking in Michigan has really helped to take off the inches and move me into a new size. I think I might even be a size 4 or 5 if it weren't for the SKIN.

Skin! It's an amazing organ. It stretches to cover our tremendous appetites and pregnancies. It stretches a lot! But, all that stretching does not mean that if you stop the stretching that it will go completely back down.

To give skin credit, at least on me, it is going back down pretty well, but I have a lot of it. It hangs on my arms and my legs and my stomach. Since I learned about the hernia and have been wearing the hernia brace, the skin around that area has begun to shrink up more. The Dr. had told me to wear a knee to breast pair of spanx and that it would help. I dismissed it as "ugh, I didn't get thin so I could wear a girdle." But what I am learning is that pressing the skin back up against the muscular tissue is actually helping the skin to shrink back up. See! Isn't skin amazing.

So, I guess I will invest in a pair of spanx that will help with the skin on my legs because all the walking, weight lifting and weight loss is really making the skin on my thighs sag down and we'll see how that works. My upper arms are drooping, I have a wingspan! Do they have spanx for those? :)

Now, for the skin on my face. It is shrinking too, but also sagging in some places. Can you believe how big your head can get with fat around it?? Honestly, just looking at some of my old pictures, I can't believe what a FAT HEAD, I have. I started reading my consumer reports for moisturizers that would help with the sagging skin on my face. According to Good Housekeeping and Consumer reports, the Oil of Olay products do some of the best jobs in helping with that. So, I started trying it. My skin actually does look better. It feels better and is beginning to respond to being more moisturized and elastic.

There are just some things that I never thought of before because I've never been thin in my life. I didn't think about my skin much except to put on sunscreen in the summer and keeping the hair off my legs.

So, that is the SKINny of me in this weight loss process. I'm honestly mesmerized by the changes and the skin is just part of the skinny process. ]]> Penlight http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=238 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=237 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:45:19 GMT Dried peas have 6 grams of protein per 1/4 cup. Visit www.dried-peas.com (http://www.dried-peas.com) for nutritional information. Dry roasted edamame has 14 grams of protein per 1/4 cup. Visit www.dried-edamame.com (http://www.dried-edamame.com) for nutritional information. GBG 10-in-One liquid vitamins are excellent for bariatric patients. Orange punch taste, high B vitamins, etc. Liquid vitamins are absorbed much faster than pills. Visit www.bariatricliqiudvitamins.com (http://www.bariatricliqiudvitamins.com) to learn more. Available on an autoship basis only. Additional products are available, such as enRgy capsules for an energy boost and appetite control--MA+ is a whey protein isolate with maximum antioxidant values--and these products are available once you have ordered the GBG vitamins, and can be seen in your free online web site for ordering. NHR Epic Ultra liquid vitamins are another excellent choice for bariatric patients. Apple cider taste, high B vitamins, 2 grams of protein per serving, high trace mineral content. Visit www.liquidbariatricvitamins.com (http://www.liquidbariatricvitamins.com) to learn more. Additionally, NRG capsules for an energy boost and appetite control are available and free 7 day sample packs can be received from *epicnrg.com/nopillvitamins* (http://epicnrg.com/nopillvitamins) for a small postage and handling fee. Also available is a product called Epic Holy Tea, that helps releive constipation and can be brewed to act as a detoxing agent. Full details on the NHR liquid vitamins, NRG capsules, and Holy Tea can be viewed at http://www.nhrproducts.com/nopillvitamins . These products can be ordered on an individual basis or on an autoship basis. I have personally tried all of these products within the past 2 years and can attest to them being healthy and safe for RNY patients. My surgeon has reviewed the vitamin supplemental facts and has approved them for RNY patient usage. You are more than welcome to call me at *951-846-9179* if you have any questions.:D Dried peas have 6 grams of protein per 1/4 cup. Visit www.dried-peas.com for nutritional information.

Dry roasted edamame has 14 grams of protein per 1/4 cup. Visit www.dried-edamame.com for nutritional information.

GBG 10-in-One liquid vitamins are excellent for bariatric patients. Orange punch taste, high B vitamins, etc. Liquid vitamins are absorbed much faster than pills. Visit www.bariatricliqiudvitamins.com to learn more. Available on an autoship basis only. Additional products are available, such as enRgy capsules for an energy boost and appetite control--MA+ is a whey protein isolate with maximum antioxidant values--and these products are available once you have ordered the GBG vitamins, and can be seen in your free online web site for ordering.

NHR Epic Ultra liquid vitamins are another excellent choice for bariatric patients. Apple cider taste, high B vitamins, 2 grams of protein per serving, high trace mineral content. Visit www.liquidbariatricvitamins.com to learn more. Additionally, NRG capsules for an energy boost and appetite control are available and free 7 day sample packs can be received from epicnrg.com/nopillvitamins for a small postage and handling fee. Also available is a product called Epic Holy Tea, that helps releive constipation and can be brewed to act as a detoxing agent. Full details on the NHR liquid vitamins, NRG capsules, and Holy Tea can be viewed at http://www.nhrproducts.com/nopillvitamins .
These products can be ordered on an individual basis or on an autoship basis.

I have personally tried all of these products within the past 2 years and can attest to them being healthy and safe for RNY patients. My surgeon has reviewed the vitamin supplemental facts and has approved them for RNY patient usage. You are more than welcome to call me at 951-846-9179 if you have any questions.:D ]]> ragdolldude http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=237 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=236 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:13:02 GMT Hello My name is Sipepa Faga and I had my life changing experience on June 3rd. My weight was 351 and now at 270 and still losing. I have been going through a lot as I am sure that all of you have too..I love what I am going through but feel somewhat alone at times. My Husband is great with treating me the same but just need to talk to anyone who has done the surgery..Just want to know that you are feeling the same way as me. Anyways new to this and cant wait to hear from you guys. Thanks for yr time..:D:scales: Hello My name is Sipepa Faga and I had my life changing experience on June 3rd. My weight was 351 and now at 270 and still losing. I have been going through a lot as I am sure that all of you have too..I love what I am going through but feel somewhat alone at times. My Husband is great with treating me the same but just need to talk to anyone who has done the surgery..Just want to know that you are feeling the same way as me. Anyways new to this and cant wait to hear from you guys.

Thanks for yr time..:D:scales: ]]> Fagalove http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=236 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=235 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:37:49 GMT I had surgery almost three years ago and lost 120 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. However, I feel 20 years younger than the main people in my life and feel totally disconnected. Since my habits have changed from eating to exercise and hobbies, I feel that people would rather I be as I was, Having trouble dealing with the changes. I had surgery almost three years ago and lost 120 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. However, I feel 20 years younger than the main people in my life and feel totally disconnected. Since my habits have changed from eating to exercise and hobbies, I feel that people would rather I be as I was, Having trouble dealing with the changes. ]]> meterman http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=235 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=234 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:20:59 GMT Hi my name is Tylette Berry and I had the gastric bypass surgery in 2004 and I have gained 50 pounds this year and I cant stop eating sweets, breads and not excercise. I want to lose this weight because I dont want to be the size i was before. Yes Ive gotten lazy and dont want to put in the hard work to lose this weight, however i know that Im hurting and I must start somewhere but where and how? Im being honest, please dont sugar coate any suggestions, Im open minded and willing to do something different. Im hurting.:( Hi my name is Tylette Berry and I had the gastric bypass surgery in 2004 and I have gained 50 pounds this year and I cant stop eating sweets, breads and not excercise. I want to lose this weight because I dont want to be the size i was before. Yes Ive gotten lazy and dont want to put in the hard work to lose this weight, however i know that Im hurting and I must start somewhere but where and how? Im being honest, please dont sugar coate any suggestions, Im open minded and willing to do something different. Im hurting.:( ]]> tylette http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=234 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=233 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:10:25 GMT After reading and reading things written by graduate WLS patients on a sites decided that there are a lot of things that were not real clear to me about the "after" of the gastric bypass surgery.
Yes, I was told that I would have to take a lot of vitamins and minerals. I did not realize that I could be fighting anemia, might need infusions, transfusions, revisions, ulcers from staples, tears, holes, maybe not loss any weight. Diabetics now having hyperglycemia. This non-absorption of vitamins and minerals can be a much bigger thing than I had thought.
I decided to cancel my surgery at this point and feel it is the right decision till I decide what I need to trade off for for what I will gain. Maybe a banding would be better than a gastric by pass for me maybe I should just keep dieting as I am. I am down 37 lbs. and have been able to lower my cholesterol, Tri-glisterites, raise my good cholesterol, so good things are starting to happen.
I will see my personal Doctor and really discuss if surgery is needed. I have about 60 more lbs that I should loss maybe less. I want to improve my health the best way I can. ]]> sugamom http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=233 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=232 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:40:29 GMT Prayer, I need it so bad right now.
There are some things going on I can't post here due to my job and related stuff..that said, pray and God will know what is going on.

My MRI was good, some swelling he doesn't know what that is with my knee, but no meniscus tears which is what he was afraid of. Even the arthritis on the X-Ray wasn't as bad on the MRI. Makes me wonder if it really is arthritis, can that improve I wonder?

I've wanted to post about this but didn't know who to put it, wanted to see improvement before I did. I've been on high dose thiamine (b-1) for nearly 5 weeks now due to a insufficient levels. Which explained everything that has been going on for nearly 9 mos or even more.

Scarey that..and the ugly acting neuro wasn't the one that discovered it. First a friend's hubby, a doc (to kids) overhead me talking about the horrible appt with the neuro. He's really interested in the WLS's and studies a lot about it. He asked me some really pertinent and personal questions and asked when was the last time they checked those levels. This is one that you HAVE to ask your doc to test for, it is NOT part of the CBC counts. Nearly 2 yrs ago my levels were on the low end..He said I bet you have dropped off....Would you be willing to up your intake to 6 pills a day for 2 weeks and see -if- that changes anything? We discussed it...and okay then...by the 14th day taking this 3 times a day no less...it was like a light turned on and I was ME again in a lot of respects.

No one seems, at least in my healthcare world, seems to understand how this is very important. He also had me start taking the potassium again which I'd cut when the IC was diagnosed as that can make symptoms worsen. The horrible horrible leg cramps stopped within 7 days..These are the kind so bad deep inside your leg you swear you have a clot in your leg or something that you are going to DIE from so bad. My heart arrhythmias stopped after the 2weeks time and all off that improves.

I told the orthoped. doc and he immediately asked me if my knee had improved too when I upped the supplements. Well, interestingly yes. The cortisone shot IN my knee that first day with him helped somewhat especially for the swelling, but that one shot made glucose issues bigtime (upped) and I didn't want to have another one of those shots!! urgg!

He thinks that also contributed to this issue as it's really unknown what caused the 'injury' to appear in the first place.

No more seizures, no more forgetfulness, and a ton of other things.

It's scarey...the neuro would have ordered and was going to order a lot of very expensive tests and if they had found lesions would he have attributed them to the MS coming back and not Wernicke's from the b-1 deficiency?

He's the one who when I said I'd had the surgery asked "why did you have that surgery?" idiot.

So obviously he knows nothing..for gawd's sake, the kid doc's first clue was...bariatric surgery...unknown cause for seizure, heart arrhythmia, cramps, nystagmus, mylopia (sp?) ...yes it could all have been the MS rearing it's head, even he admitted that but the MS wouldn't have let me pass the closed eyes touch your finger to your nose repeatedly.

Simple stupid thing but it's a heraldmark of the difference. a SIMPLE BLOOD TEST would have given the answer all along.

No more trust here, I have to be on top of and aggressive about my healthcare even if it means I appear to be a bitch, I just don't care anymore. This scared me.

--scared me badly and it's been hard to get over being scared at how simple it could have been to prevent and how easy it would have been for them to diagnose me as just 'crazy' which the definciency kinda makes you become. ]]> BreeChick http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=232 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=231 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:36:58 GMT Hello all!:blowkiss:

I'm SO excited! I went for my first 'look see' appointment two weeks ago. At the time I thought that my insurance would only cover the bypass, but it turned out it would cover the lap band too. I had to go home without a surgery date and do more research to decide which I wanted. After all is said and done, I'm going for the bypass. It just seems that the band doesn't have as much long term success...nor does it have the physiological changes that I want/need.
Anyway, I called the office and got my surgery date...October 15! YEAH! My hubby is being very supportive....which I truely wasn't expecting. I actually insisted that he go to the first meeting to hear what was really going to happen. He even encouraged me when I started to talk myself out of having the surgery (perhaps I'll share that some other time). I have three more appointments that I know of. One with the other doctor in the practice, one with the nutritionist, and of course the battery of tests. Being new to the area, I don't really have a family doctor yet, so they're sending me straight to the hospital for all my testing. I worry a little about the holidays and the foods....but I feel like my life is way more important than a christmas cookie or turkey dinner.
I've been thinking about the surgery for years. At first, my insurance didn't cover it...so I never gave it serious consideration. In March I transfered to a state that my insurance didn't cover, so guess what was a HUGE factor in choosing which company I wanted to sign up with? Well that and which would cover my husbands meds the best.....then I had to get my courage up to even talk about it out loud. I guess I knew I was going to do this (hence the insurance choice) but since it's just my hubby and I out here (the rest of the family is on the west coast), I knew I was going to need his complete support. As usualy, he came through for me. And I was worried. You know what his one concern is? That I won't want to cook anymore...:biglaugh:
So there you have it, my first blog. I was very happy to find this place full of people who have done this before and are willing to share their experiences and advice.

Cheers!
Teri ]]> terisue3 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=231 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=230 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:36:46 GMT well here i am nearly six months on after my rny and although ive had my moments i wouldnt change a thing, its such a pleasure to get up and put on clothes that i actually like and look good its been so many years since i could do that. my problem with food started early i was abused as a child by my mums brother and this started my unhealthy relationship with food, i ate when i was sad happy for reward for any reason at all it was the only thing which gave me pleasure and was my comfort. i have started a diary from the begining of this journey and even though im in my fifties i hadnt dealt with many issues but have started to now im more confident, i wish id done this years ago and to find a site like this where even though we dont know each other you are still there supporting and cheering me on which helps to open up and let it all out thanks for that and understanding,:high5:luv jeannie x well here i am nearly six months on after my rny and although ive had my moments i wouldnt change a thing, its such a pleasure to get up and put on clothes that i actually like and look good its been so many years since i could do that. my problem with food started early i was abused as a child by my mums brother and this started my unhealthy relationship with food, i ate when i was sad happy for reward for any reason at all it was the only thing which gave me pleasure and was my comfort. i have started a diary from the begining of this journey and even though im in my fifties i hadnt dealt with many issues but have started to now im more confident, i wish id done this years ago and to find a site like this where even though we dont know each other you are still there supporting and cheering me on which helps to open up and let it all out thanks for that and understanding,:high5:luv jeannie x ]]> jeanjeannie http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=230 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=229 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:05:34 GMT I am excited, happy, and bit scared. I have bought the cute robe and slippers for the hospital, ordered the shakes for 2 weeks liquid diet and continue thinking of things to do.
As I will be at Abbott am staying at the attached hotel and Gussie my Shih Tzu will be allowed there to keep DH company. No cats,
Gussie is not sure she isn't a cat.
After I had the exercise area set up, I was riding stationary bike and Gussie, who loves to ride along on a bike in the basket, asked to get up. No basket, don't need one. She isn't going any place but is happy going along anyway. Funny.:)
Our home office is the hub of our business and I answer many phone calls a day and work on things. Will I be able to keep up with that right away after my surgery? Should I get help? I really need & want to retire maybe this is the opportunity I have been waiting for. Placed an ad for office help.
:high5: ]]> sugamom http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=229 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=228 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:28:11 GMT Hello there,
I'm four weeks out from bypass surgery and have an interesting "issue".
I get these pains, they start like acid reflux, then they shoot into my back to the point I can't stand up. I usually end up laying down, crying. I will then get the feeling like I'm going to vomit, mouth will water, but I never do. These episodes last from 15 to 30 minutes. It happens about once every 3-4 days.
I have found NO pattern to them. Time of day doesn't matter, what I'm eating or drinking doesn't matter. Whether I've exercised or not... I've had foods just fine, so it can't be what I'm eating/drinking. I try to not swallow air. I've had two nutritionists tell me it's air. I've gotten the GasX strips, but by the time I reach for them I'm pretty much into the "episode". This refulx feeling is making it so I'm NOT getting in my water and protein. It's not that I'm scared, it's that I can feel the reflux coming (sometimes) and I just don't want to eat or drink anything.
Yes I have my gallbladder, but I really don't think that's it. Anyone have any ideas? I'm taking actigall and previcid. Any help will be welcome...can't take this. Thanks ]]> devbaz http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=228 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=227 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:57:21 GMT I cannot figure out how to enter my profile can anyone help please email me if you can help:o:blowkiss: I cannot figure out how to enter my profile
can anyone help please email me if you can help:o:blowkiss: ]]> momcosco http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=227 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=226 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:17:46 GMT aloha all,
I am on my 3rd week post surgery, went to a shopping mall today with a friend and felt totally depressed...sitting through lunch unable to eat anything. Although I know I should redirect my focus to conversations with my friend....all I felt was resentment that I couldn't eat "normal " food.

Please share any suggestions to help me.
:( ]]> kawahine http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=226 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=225 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:32:43 GMT Received my diet restrictions for before surgery so went online and ordered samples for what I will need. I have an bad allergy to dairy product and found that Vitalady carries just what I need. Also need to come into Minneapolis for post surgery meeting next week in classroom.
I had a lot of worries but think I have finally reached the point where I am really ready to go for it. Know this is the right way for me and will have no regrets.
I sure hope that those shakes taste like the real thing. Wonder if blending them up with ice will do the trick. Am I being to optimistic? :confused:
Hubby was giving me a hug yesterday and afterwards stepped back and said,"I already have arms left over." I am such a lucky lady. Not only had the best looking man but also the nicest one.:D ]]> sugamom http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=225 http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=224 Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:59:21 GMT Started the exercise routine. I have rode 2 miles and gazelled once. Gussie, my Shih Tzu, who loves to ride in the basket of a bike; stood by the stationary bike barbing. I went over picked her up, got on, and started pedaling. She stay for a while but I could tell she really likes sitting in the basket better then being held. Might have to put a basket on it for her.
Got my orders for surgery lot of things to do.
I found and idea on line that someone had posted about sorting your clothes in sizes. I have a lot to give away already. Have been able to lose 27 lbs since starting working toward this operation. After looked at myself in a mirror the other day I knew that outfit need to go. Won't it be fun seeing the scale moving down and seeing the clothing sizes move down too. :D
I have a good friend who is having her surgery the day after mine and we sat on the phone giggling like teenagers.
:biglaugh::biglaugh:Maybe l can get a few more miles in before church. Sugamom ]]> sugamom http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/blog.php?b=224