Quick update, doing well and holding at 197. Not bad, but, most important thing is, I am feeling healthier and getting my energy back as each day comes. I have a lot of people who have given me support and I interact with. Some on a daily basis, other on a weekly basis, others when we can catch up with each other. I have friends here as well as in other places and sites. What does count is the quality of time together to share in thoughts and laughter. I do have a sense of humor, enjoy joking around and everyone knows it doesn't get out of hand or cross boundaries.
I want to post here my luv to 3 persons that has been there for me as my WLS mentors. To my Texan divas Erika (5 yrs post-op), Janice (3 yrs post-op) and Shawn (4 yrs post-op and no longer on this site), thanks for all the support and being there for me. I know we can joke and it doesn't mean a thing except bring laughter to one another and to others. I will limit my hello salutes to these 3 persons. Much luv and respect to them and the others who know who they are.....
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
1 YEAR UPDATE
It has been a year since I had my Bilio-pancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. I will try to sum up my experience and what it has been like for the 12 months.
The surgery took 5 long hours to perform. I was in step down ICU for 3 days after surgery. My post-op recovery was horrendous and extremely painful. I truly had pain from HELL. Eventhough, i was on pain killers from morphine, codeine and even percoset, it didn't help me much. I was also being injected everyday with heparin to prevent clot formation from developing and that was good. In the recovery room, i was helped by the nurses to get up and walking 4 1/2 hours after surgery and it was very difficult and again extremely painful. As i said, my severity of pain was on a level BEYOND 10. To be honest, my post-op pain lasted for 28 days and nonstop. I thought I would die of the pain alone and the pain killer wasn't helping. I learned to deal with it as I recover. After day 28, the pain suddenly stopped and was relieved of the misery. It actually took me almost 5 months to recovery unlike some it takes only 2-4 weeks, the most 6 weeks. Yes, it took me 18-20 weeks to recover completely. This is not normal or average. But, this is what I experienced and what I had to deal with.
Regarding my post-op experience, I went through an ordeal with food intolerance and was one of the rare DS post-op to actually develop dumping syndrome exactly what an RnY experience. How do i know this? Beside my surgeon explaining it does happen although rare to have such effect from food intolerance, my 3 best friends who are all RnY post-ops were there with me and for me, as I developed various episodes and they seen me go through it. These symptoms included nausea, vomiting, cramping of the stomach, dizziness, even feeling fatigue, sweating and feeling my heart palpitate. FOr me, it was not caused by rapid gastric empting on me since I do not have a gastric bypass. It happened with food intolerance such as bread, english muffins, pasta, pizza crust, anything with a crust basically and especially with poultry which was very bad experience for me. I avoided these food and tested every 3 months to see how it goes. The bread and pasta, crust items I was able to overcome and not have the experiences I stated above within 6 months. The poultry took a total of 10 months to be able to tolerate but with moderation. I can only be able to eat at max 2 oz and no more. I still get a bad cramp in my stomach, nausea and at times a clammy feeling and sweats.
I have 3 mentors that have been there for me since day 1 od my surgery. I have known them for over 3 years and we have become the best of friends to be sisters at the heart to count on each other through good times and dark times. They have been there for me and supported me every step of the way. Those from OH know them as Erika (EyptianEyesDiva 6+ yrs RnY post-op), Janice (Just Janice 3+ yrs RnY post-op) and Shawn (4+ yrs RnY post-op and who is no longer a member on OH). We have actually become family to one another. For me, these 3 are my sisters and I love them to death. So what, if they are RnY and I am DS. That doesn't matter. what matters is the support and them being there for me, guiding and providing their experience to help me out, especially when I needed it most in person, on the phone and online. They learned alot about my surgery as I learned alot about theirs. I appreciate all they have done for me and they know it. We are not only good close friends that have developed throughout the years and from that become sisters of the heart and lean on each other and trust one another, even when we have our darkest times and secrets we can't tell anyone else. We are each other's anchor to one another in time of need and to vent. They helped me throughout all my difficulties that I experienced with food intolerance and advice what to do when I went through my phases. It took me 10 months to overcome my food intolerance and for those dumping episodes to completely vanish. I still have slight issues with poultry, but it isn't as bad as before. I still cannot do any carbonated diet beverages or even diet drinks. It gets me very sick and it is one exception in which I still go through dumping syndromes. Any diet beverage just gets me sick and BAD.
Other than that, I am doing well and have my health and life returned back to me. My weight loss has been gradual and steady pace. I did not lose weight rapidly as some do. One positive thing about losing weight at a slow pace was I do not have any loose, saggy or flabby skin. I did not lose my breast or my butt either. I am still packed in those areas and firm too as some have seen from my pics on my profile and in person. Ao all that money for plastic surgery will be spent on taking a trip and jetsetting to europe with Shawn, Erika and hoping Janice will too. We are all saving for our airfare and spending money. Life of 4 women who were all over 150 lbs overweight living life again and with a bonding that we each know what it is like to be morbidly obese and the suffering that came with it. We conquered the deadly disease of morbid obesity and able to live life as normally as possible.
One day opportunity knocked on my door, I welcomed it and here I am a year later talking about it.
The surgery took 5 long hours to perform. I was in step down ICU for 3 days after surgery. My post-op recovery was horrendous and extremely painful. I truly had pain from HELL. Eventhough, i was on pain killers from morphine, codeine and even percoset, it didn't help me much. I was also being injected everyday with heparin to prevent clot formation from developing and that was good. In the recovery room, i was helped by the nurses to get up and walking 4 1/2 hours after surgery and it was very difficult and again extremely painful. As i said, my severity of pain was on a level BEYOND 10. To be honest, my post-op pain lasted for 28 days and nonstop. I thought I would die of the pain alone and the pain killer wasn't helping. I learned to deal with it as I recover. After day 28, the pain suddenly stopped and was relieved of the misery. It actually took me almost 5 months to recovery unlike some it takes only 2-4 weeks, the most 6 weeks. Yes, it took me 18-20 weeks to recover completely. This is not normal or average. But, this is what I experienced and what I had to deal with.
Regarding my post-op experience, I went through an ordeal with food intolerance and was one of the rare DS post-op to actually develop dumping syndrome exactly what an RnY experience. How do i know this? Beside my surgeon explaining it does happen although rare to have such effect from food intolerance, my 3 best friends who are all RnY post-ops were there with me and for me, as I developed various episodes and they seen me go through it. These symptoms included nausea, vomiting, cramping of the stomach, dizziness, even feeling fatigue, sweating and feeling my heart palpitate. FOr me, it was not caused by rapid gastric empting on me since I do not have a gastric bypass. It happened with food intolerance such as bread, english muffins, pasta, pizza crust, anything with a crust basically and especially with poultry which was very bad experience for me. I avoided these food and tested every 3 months to see how it goes. The bread and pasta, crust items I was able to overcome and not have the experiences I stated above within 6 months. The poultry took a total of 10 months to be able to tolerate but with moderation. I can only be able to eat at max 2 oz and no more. I still get a bad cramp in my stomach, nausea and at times a clammy feeling and sweats.
I have 3 mentors that have been there for me since day 1 od my surgery. I have known them for over 3 years and we have become the best of friends to be sisters at the heart to count on each other through good times and dark times. They have been there for me and supported me every step of the way. Those from OH know them as Erika (EyptianEyesDiva 6+ yrs RnY post-op), Janice (Just Janice 3+ yrs RnY post-op) and Shawn (4+ yrs RnY post-op and who is no longer a member on OH). We have actually become family to one another. For me, these 3 are my sisters and I love them to death. So what, if they are RnY and I am DS. That doesn't matter. what matters is the support and them being there for me, guiding and providing their experience to help me out, especially when I needed it most in person, on the phone and online. They learned alot about my surgery as I learned alot about theirs. I appreciate all they have done for me and they know it. We are not only good close friends that have developed throughout the years and from that become sisters of the heart and lean on each other and trust one another, even when we have our darkest times and secrets we can't tell anyone else. We are each other's anchor to one another in time of need and to vent. They helped me throughout all my difficulties that I experienced with food intolerance and advice what to do when I went through my phases. It took me 10 months to overcome my food intolerance and for those dumping episodes to completely vanish. I still have slight issues with poultry, but it isn't as bad as before. I still cannot do any carbonated diet beverages or even diet drinks. It gets me very sick and it is one exception in which I still go through dumping syndromes. Any diet beverage just gets me sick and BAD.
Other than that, I am doing well and have my health and life returned back to me. My weight loss has been gradual and steady pace. I did not lose weight rapidly as some do. One positive thing about losing weight at a slow pace was I do not have any loose, saggy or flabby skin. I did not lose my breast or my butt either. I am still packed in those areas and firm too as some have seen from my pics on my profile and in person. Ao all that money for plastic surgery will be spent on taking a trip and jetsetting to europe with Shawn, Erika and hoping Janice will too. We are all saving for our airfare and spending money. Life of 4 women who were all over 150 lbs overweight living life again and with a bonding that we each know what it is like to be morbidly obese and the suffering that came with it. We conquered the deadly disease of morbid obesity and able to live life as normally as possible.
One day opportunity knocked on my door, I welcomed it and here I am a year later talking about it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Stats
DATE CURRENT WEIGHT WT LOST TOTAL LOST BMI
Nov. 14, 2006 247 0 0 45.1
Nov. 22, 2006 228 19 19 41.7
Dec. 14, 2006 215 13 32 39.3
Jan. 14, 2007 209 6 38 38.2
Feb. 14, 2007 198 11 49 36.2
Mar. 14, 2007 191 7 56 34.9
Apr. 14, 2007 189 2 58 34.6
May 14, 2007 185 4 62 33.8
Jun 14, 2007 180 5 67 32.9
Jul 14, 2007 177 3 70 32.4
Aug 14, 2007 170 7 77 31.1
Sep 14, 2007 168 2 79 30.7
Oct 14, 2007 165 3 82 30.2
Nov 14, 2007 161 4 86 29.4
initial weight = 305 lbs BMI = 55.8
surgical weight = 247 lbs BMI = 45.1
with DS, I have an excessive weight loss total of
86 lbs or 80.4% in 1 full year, enough said.....
Nov. 14, 2006 247 0 0 45.1
Nov. 22, 2006 228 19 19 41.7
Dec. 14, 2006 215 13 32 39.3
Jan. 14, 2007 209 6 38 38.2
Feb. 14, 2007 198 11 49 36.2
Mar. 14, 2007 191 7 56 34.9
Apr. 14, 2007 189 2 58 34.6
May 14, 2007 185 4 62 33.8
Jun 14, 2007 180 5 67 32.9
Jul 14, 2007 177 3 70 32.4
Aug 14, 2007 170 7 77 31.1
Sep 14, 2007 168 2 79 30.7
Oct 14, 2007 165 3 82 30.2
Nov 14, 2007 161 4 86 29.4
initial weight = 305 lbs BMI = 55.8
surgical weight = 247 lbs BMI = 45.1
with DS, I have an excessive weight loss total of
86 lbs or 80.4% in 1 full year, enough said.....
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Since I get so many private messages inquiring....
About Me
I AM STRAIGHT FORWARD, VERY CONFIDENT AND BOLD
TO SPEAK MY MIND WITHOUT FEAR OR INTIMIDATION
I am Dominant, NOT submissive. I am not one to switch and rarely give up control or to be told what to do. I will be an equal, but am NOT one to allow or be consider less. I am a leader, not a follower and am not easily impressed by people or things in life.
I am an avid fencer which is the science of armed combat bludgeoning weapons manipulated by hand as well as a western style form of martial arts. I specialize in collegiate, classical, flick and Olympic competitive style as well as in the the fighting European methods of swordsmanship, especially rapier. The art of fencing uses 3 particular type of weapons - epee, foil and saber swords. It's all about footwork, blade work, bouting, timing and parry/retreat protocols. Epee and foil swords are my preferred weapons. I have practice the martial art way of the samaurai since 1984.
Turn offs
* People that have poor hygiene is a HUGE turn off for me.
* Fakes, liars, users, deceiver, backstabbers and those that can't say what they mean.
* Hypocrits that act aloof or ignore a person online to impress or please others. Yet, act all chummy offline, privately or off the boards where no one can or will know they communicate with one another.
* Those that CAN'T SPEAK UP and GET TO THE POINT without tripping or dragging their tongue to the floor.
* Those that need or have urge to be in a clique, group or clan to feel accepted, recognized, confident or sense of empowerment.
* Those with the need to have a following or groupies attached or clinging on to their every word or action.
* People wanting to be on my friend's list, but don't have the common courtesy to interact or communicate with me or even bother to introduce themselves.
* Members requesting to be on my friend's list with an empty profile and no information to base their journey on or what they are seeking from me.
Turn ons
* men's cologne
* good hygiene
* those that demonstrate leadership qualities WITHOUT the need for their to be ego stroked or praised every single time.
* those with true and sincere intention to friendship with no ulterior motives involved.
I AM STRAIGHT FORWARD, VERY CONFIDENT AND BOLD
TO SPEAK MY MIND WITHOUT FEAR OR INTIMIDATION
I am Dominant, NOT submissive. I am not one to switch and rarely give up control or to be told what to do. I will be an equal, but am NOT one to allow or be consider less. I am a leader, not a follower and am not easily impressed by people or things in life.
I am an avid fencer which is the science of armed combat bludgeoning weapons manipulated by hand as well as a western style form of martial arts. I specialize in collegiate, classical, flick and Olympic competitive style as well as in the the fighting European methods of swordsmanship, especially rapier. The art of fencing uses 3 particular type of weapons - epee, foil and saber swords. It's all about footwork, blade work, bouting, timing and parry/retreat protocols. Epee and foil swords are my preferred weapons. I have practice the martial art way of the samaurai since 1984.
Turn offs
* People that have poor hygiene is a HUGE turn off for me.
* Fakes, liars, users, deceiver, backstabbers and those that can't say what they mean.
* Hypocrits that act aloof or ignore a person online to impress or please others. Yet, act all chummy offline, privately or off the boards where no one can or will know they communicate with one another.
* Those that CAN'T SPEAK UP and GET TO THE POINT without tripping or dragging their tongue to the floor.
* Those that need or have urge to be in a clique, group or clan to feel accepted, recognized, confident or sense of empowerment.
* Those with the need to have a following or groupies attached or clinging on to their every word or action.
* People wanting to be on my friend's list, but don't have the common courtesy to interact or communicate with me or even bother to introduce themselves.
* Members requesting to be on my friend's list with an empty profile and no information to base their journey on or what they are seeking from me.
Turn ons
* men's cologne
* good hygiene
* those that demonstrate leadership qualities WITHOUT the need for their to be ego stroked or praised every single time.
* those with true and sincere intention to friendship with no ulterior motives involved.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
11 months post-op
I am 11 months post-op. I am currently at a stall for the past 3 weeks and don't let that bother or get to me. I look at it, as my body needing its rest to catch up with all the activity it has been going through with all the weight loss and distributing itself. These past 11 months have been a positive experience and I don't have anything negative to say about. My weight loss has been gradual and not rapid. I did not lose my breast mass or have any loose, saggy or flabby skin as other have encounter with the only exception to my upper inner thighs that is not that significant of a concern to me. I made sure I was able to control my weight loss not to be more than 10 lbs per month. More than that and your body's skin elasticity may be effected. That is my take and personal opinion on it. Also, other factors that need to be considered is the length of time a person has been morbidly obese and age. As for me, I am 44, but have been very much active in life and sports prior to the disease of morbid obesity taking over me like a prisonment sentence.
I posted a full body pic to my pic folder here on my profile and I am wearing a see through short tank top with no bra, exposing my breast. I did that to show my breast are not saggy or has lost it volume. I am also wearing a fitted velvet short skirt to show my body frame and curves. This shows my torso and especially my sides and tummy do not have saggy skin since in that picture I do not have on any undergarments (bra or panty). Next month will be 1 year since I had my DS surgery. I do not make a deal about it, but some of my friends are all giddy that I made it to 1 year already. I will give a 1 year overall summary next month in regards to my journey.
The only thing I wanted to write about it since having surgery is my teeth has been affected by it. It can happen in ANY bariatric surgery whether RnY, DS, etc. My last tooth on my left side, the wisdom tooth has a cavity and was eroding/decaying. One thing is, I have never in my life had a cavity or any tooth problems. I never even had plaque. So, this is a 1st for me and my wisdom tooth there has been chipping away. I thought it was from the nuts I was eating and later on it came out thinking it was stuck there, eventhough I brush my teeth and rinse them daily. Well, that tooth has to be extracted and will go Monday October 15th with my hubby to have it done. I will update on that next month. I just didn't expect my teeth would be affected by the bariatric surgery. So, if you do have any type of weight loss surgery, do make an effort to be seen every 6 months. I was due for my visit and that is how I became aware of my tooth condition and what is going on with it. I have always had healthy and perfect teeth. i never even had braces or any work done to my teeth ever. So, this is a 1st for me and my 1st tooth extraction.
I placed a video log in the front of my profile for this month as an update to what is going on and you can see how I look at this stage of the journey. Anyway, that is all I have to say and until next month, when I will give my full 1 year summary list of events on the pro and cons of it all. Until then....
I posted a full body pic to my pic folder here on my profile and I am wearing a see through short tank top with no bra, exposing my breast. I did that to show my breast are not saggy or has lost it volume. I am also wearing a fitted velvet short skirt to show my body frame and curves. This shows my torso and especially my sides and tummy do not have saggy skin since in that picture I do not have on any undergarments (bra or panty). Next month will be 1 year since I had my DS surgery. I do not make a deal about it, but some of my friends are all giddy that I made it to 1 year already. I will give a 1 year overall summary next month in regards to my journey.
The only thing I wanted to write about it since having surgery is my teeth has been affected by it. It can happen in ANY bariatric surgery whether RnY, DS, etc. My last tooth on my left side, the wisdom tooth has a cavity and was eroding/decaying. One thing is, I have never in my life had a cavity or any tooth problems. I never even had plaque. So, this is a 1st for me and my wisdom tooth there has been chipping away. I thought it was from the nuts I was eating and later on it came out thinking it was stuck there, eventhough I brush my teeth and rinse them daily. Well, that tooth has to be extracted and will go Monday October 15th with my hubby to have it done. I will update on that next month. I just didn't expect my teeth would be affected by the bariatric surgery. So, if you do have any type of weight loss surgery, do make an effort to be seen every 6 months. I was due for my visit and that is how I became aware of my tooth condition and what is going on with it. I have always had healthy and perfect teeth. i never even had braces or any work done to my teeth ever. So, this is a 1st for me and my 1st tooth extraction.
I placed a video log in the front of my profile for this month as an update to what is going on and you can see how I look at this stage of the journey. Anyway, that is all I have to say and until next month, when I will give my full 1 year summary list of events on the pro and cons of it all. Until then....
Monday, October 8, 2007
11 months post-op
In a week, I will be 11 months post-op. I've been extremely busy with various itineraries. I know a few want me to visit here more often and post on the boards. But, I do not have time for that and do have a life outside this site and a productive one, especially socially. Life has been good to me and things are going well. Next month, it will be a year since having surgery. Honestly, I never kept tabs to any of my other surgeries and I had several. The bariatric community here and on other forums that I am on, are quite tight knit to sharing that common bond to their weight loss and to know each other's surgical dates. They also like informing others what is going on in their journey as a motivational pull and support system, as well as, the meaning to belong or identify with a certain group and feel the acceptance they might not had before with other peers or even ever with any other connection with the same interest they have. People come from all walk of life to be a part of a forum. Some I have observe like in actual life do have mental issues as well as passion to their surgery. There is various bickering and debates that go on from what is the difference between so and so surgery to people providing info about other surgeries and those that have the surgery taking offense to the misinformation ensuing clashes. SOme misinterpret what is written to be narrow and not widen their thoughts process. I have always had a mind to think outsdie the box, meaning I do not limit myself or what is wriiten or interpreted as always related within topic. I avoid a lot of people here and have learned it just depends on the individual in their way of thinking and their reason to be here.
To many, their WLS date is a new life to restart or reborn to be celebrated yearly like a birthday or anniversary. To some, it is that important in their life. Personally, I do not feel that and it is just another surgery to me.I have had a few life saving surgeries performed on me. I think, I do not feel that connection or emphasis as other here who are post-ops is due to the fact, I was of normal weight all my life and never had to deal with weight issues growing up or into adult until 1999, when I was in my mid-30s. I was active, had a social life, great career and educational path, athletic, very much into various sport and well like by family, friends, colleagues, peers and acquaintances. Although, I did suffer from MO and SMO for the past 7 years that have past, I do not hold it to be a psychological issue or needs to be dragged on reliving it over and over again with me or have any negativity about it. It happened, I lived it, took care of it by receiving the medical treatment needed being surgery and moving on..
I post on the various boards on this site and do entries into this blog because of friends here that have interest to know what is going on in my post-op journey and how I am doing. I appreciate their concern and inquisitive minds to whatever I write here.. I do provide support and friendship to those who interact with me regularly. I am not one to advertise or post about how I helped someone or who I have met in person or post praises. That is left to be discreet with me. I am a lowkey person and not one that needs to be in the spotlight, praised or post about. I do not place my bariatric surgery post operative journey as being prevalent in my life. I had the surgery and do what I must in helping me with improving my health and losing the weight as the contributing factor to it. I do not speak, mention or make regular or frequent topic of conversations about my postop lifestyle to those who are my postop friends online or offline. We just move on with life and talk about other revelant things. Most of my post-op friends are longterm being over 3 years out. If anything is of concern, we will talk about it. But, the topic of our WLS is not a daily, weekly or a constant conversational piece. Life does go on. My life does not revolve around my weight loss or the surgery. I have more important things in my life and to accomplish. My bariatric surgery is a small portion to my existence and like other surgeries I have had, it was done to help with my health. I don't talk much about my weight, how much I have lost or what dress sizer smaller I am. Just not my style. If I am having issues, I call my surgeon's office and seek advice or whatever is on my mind. I do not rely on members here who are relatively strangers from all walk of life to give me any advice or guidance when it come to concern about my health. If it is about food, vitamins or protein supplements that is the limit and not beyond that for input. If they are friends, I would speak them on the phone or in person and touch base. If I do post, it is not on medical questions with my health status or what is concerning me that is not going well, such as having a headache, experiencing hair loss (I've actually got the answer from my surgeon) or what over the counter med is ok to take. Come on folks, leave that to calling your surgeon's office and not rely on anyone posting here when it comes to your personal health. I post things based on my personal WLS EXPERIENCE and limit it to that when it comes to someone asking certain questions. I know anyone who gives me feedback on their personal experience if I ask something, I appreciate it. Beyond that, I view certain inquiries posted as something to have doubt and do not take as being completely valid or convinced of its certainty. I do research anything that strikes my interest and share the information found.
When it comes to people on this site, I am extremely selective and guarded person when it come to whom I interact with especially on such open website with multiple forums. I know there are members here who seek approval, acceptance, need to identify or belong to a certain group or clique. As for me, I am not one to be easily influenced or drawn to other's comment, compliment, opinion, hearsay, gossip or nonsense. I am not impressed or have any admiration or praise for any person here. As I said, I am extremely selective and guarded with whom I interact and communicate with. My time here is positive and jovial. I am here because I do have friends that want to be just friends, joke around, need support and interact in a positive manner. I have met a few in person and do communicate with them offline. I do not need to post to them to acknowledge them or vice versa. I am not into belonging to any group or take sides to be liked or accepted. I don't want to be involved, absorbed or have connections with such. I enjoy the privilege to be on my own and post freely anywhere I want and please.
I have on this site a few members that I can say are worthy of being friends, since we do interact and communicate with one another and it is sincere. This is suppose to be a support site as well as a place to socialize. Yet, I am very cautious with who approaches me. I don't really know who to trust here, who can be said is really a friend, who has ulterior motives, who is playing mind games or is on a prowl and who is just pernicious. I can't always read or figure out who is the person behind the screen and what are their true intentions to communicate with me. For that reason, don't take it personal if I seem aloof or do not respond/reply to your private messages or threads. If you want to interact with me, say hello and be nice. Let's get to know each other out in the open and build a friendship or support system from there, if that is what you are seeking. Just understand, nothing more beyond that and I do not need my ego stroked either. Just be a friend and not a fake one..
To many, their WLS date is a new life to restart or reborn to be celebrated yearly like a birthday or anniversary. To some, it is that important in their life. Personally, I do not feel that and it is just another surgery to me.I have had a few life saving surgeries performed on me. I think, I do not feel that connection or emphasis as other here who are post-ops is due to the fact, I was of normal weight all my life and never had to deal with weight issues growing up or into adult until 1999, when I was in my mid-30s. I was active, had a social life, great career and educational path, athletic, very much into various sport and well like by family, friends, colleagues, peers and acquaintances. Although, I did suffer from MO and SMO for the past 7 years that have past, I do not hold it to be a psychological issue or needs to be dragged on reliving it over and over again with me or have any negativity about it. It happened, I lived it, took care of it by receiving the medical treatment needed being surgery and moving on..
I post on the various boards on this site and do entries into this blog because of friends here that have interest to know what is going on in my post-op journey and how I am doing. I appreciate their concern and inquisitive minds to whatever I write here.. I do provide support and friendship to those who interact with me regularly. I am not one to advertise or post about how I helped someone or who I have met in person or post praises. That is left to be discreet with me. I am a lowkey person and not one that needs to be in the spotlight, praised or post about. I do not place my bariatric surgery post operative journey as being prevalent in my life. I had the surgery and do what I must in helping me with improving my health and losing the weight as the contributing factor to it. I do not speak, mention or make regular or frequent topic of conversations about my postop lifestyle to those who are my postop friends online or offline. We just move on with life and talk about other revelant things. Most of my post-op friends are longterm being over 3 years out. If anything is of concern, we will talk about it. But, the topic of our WLS is not a daily, weekly or a constant conversational piece. Life does go on. My life does not revolve around my weight loss or the surgery. I have more important things in my life and to accomplish. My bariatric surgery is a small portion to my existence and like other surgeries I have had, it was done to help with my health. I don't talk much about my weight, how much I have lost or what dress sizer smaller I am. Just not my style. If I am having issues, I call my surgeon's office and seek advice or whatever is on my mind. I do not rely on members here who are relatively strangers from all walk of life to give me any advice or guidance when it come to concern about my health. If it is about food, vitamins or protein supplements that is the limit and not beyond that for input. If they are friends, I would speak them on the phone or in person and touch base. If I do post, it is not on medical questions with my health status or what is concerning me that is not going well, such as having a headache, experiencing hair loss (I've actually got the answer from my surgeon) or what over the counter med is ok to take. Come on folks, leave that to calling your surgeon's office and not rely on anyone posting here when it comes to your personal health. I post things based on my personal WLS EXPERIENCE and limit it to that when it comes to someone asking certain questions. I know anyone who gives me feedback on their personal experience if I ask something, I appreciate it. Beyond that, I view certain inquiries posted as something to have doubt and do not take as being completely valid or convinced of its certainty. I do research anything that strikes my interest and share the information found.
When it comes to people on this site, I am extremely selective and guarded person when it come to whom I interact with especially on such open website with multiple forums. I know there are members here who seek approval, acceptance, need to identify or belong to a certain group or clique. As for me, I am not one to be easily influenced or drawn to other's comment, compliment, opinion, hearsay, gossip or nonsense. I am not impressed or have any admiration or praise for any person here. As I said, I am extremely selective and guarded with whom I interact and communicate with. My time here is positive and jovial. I am here because I do have friends that want to be just friends, joke around, need support and interact in a positive manner. I have met a few in person and do communicate with them offline. I do not need to post to them to acknowledge them or vice versa. I am not into belonging to any group or take sides to be liked or accepted. I don't want to be involved, absorbed or have connections with such. I enjoy the privilege to be on my own and post freely anywhere I want and please.
I have on this site a few members that I can say are worthy of being friends, since we do interact and communicate with one another and it is sincere. This is suppose to be a support site as well as a place to socialize. Yet, I am very cautious with who approaches me. I don't really know who to trust here, who can be said is really a friend, who has ulterior motives, who is playing mind games or is on a prowl and who is just pernicious. I can't always read or figure out who is the person behind the screen and what are their true intentions to communicate with me. For that reason, don't take it personal if I seem aloof or do not respond/reply to your private messages or threads. If you want to interact with me, say hello and be nice. Let's get to know each other out in the open and build a friendship or support system from there, if that is what you are seeking. Just understand, nothing more beyond that and I do not need my ego stroked either. Just be a friend and not a fake one..
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
post op DS survey
As unusual as the questions seems, these are EXACTLY how I received it when asked by pre-op and those who have other surgeries (RNY) curious about the DS. They felt it was comfortable to contact and ask me. Although, I am only 11 months postop.
I was asked in a few message from various people and I quote them do "I pass gas all day long", do I know anyone who "wears diapers" because they heard from others that a DSers has nonstop diarrhea and uncontrollable leaking stools that stains their underwear, 3 persons actually ask specifically about if Dsers need to wear adult diapers.
The other questions ask are there "any passing of gas or bowel movement and is it true does the smell "lingers" upon the person" because they "heard" that a postop smell like flatuence and the bowel movement all the time and especially after such event. For me, the answer is no and for others the same answer as mine. So, it is a fallacy. I posted a DS survey to see what the majority feedback from others would be and to see for themselves without outside influence of hearsay and straight from those that had DS.
1. Do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool?
no. only time it happened was my first 2 weeks postop
2. Do you ‘go’ 4-6 times or even more in a day?
no, the most i go on average is once a day in the morning
3. Do you pass gas all day long?
no, not all day. there are certain food such as almonds that gives me a lot of gas, but not all day long
4. Is your gas or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins. AFTER it occurs?
no
5. Do you have body odor that is due to having a DS?
no
6. Do you suffer from pain or bloating?
i am still under a year postop. and do get slight belly ache when eating nuts such as almonds and pistachios. i am unable to eat chicken completely, but am able to eat small portion about 2oz worth.
7. Do you have a lot of hair loss?
no, i lost alittle bit at the front at about 3 months postop and it stopped few weeks later. no more hair loss after that. it was due to the 5 hours being in surgery and known as shock from anesthesia.
8. Do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food?
still have issues with poultry, but not as bad as before that it made me throw up and go thru what is similar to dumping syndrome. i had intolerance until 5 months postop to bread and pasta. i thought it was due to white flour but it wasn't since i was able to have pancakes. that intolerance disappear. still cannot eat much poultry, just very small amount. i am unable to drink anything that is carbonated even when flate. almonds and pistachos gives me belly aches, but not cashews or salted peanuts.
9. Do you wear diapers?
no. when this question was sent to me, i found it very odd, but some heard from others that DSers have to wear adult diapers due to having uncontrollable bowel movements and leaks.
10. Do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having a DS?
none. my intestinal problems were actually remedied since having DS
11. What is one thing you have daily to eat or drink?
milk, i enjoy drinking milk everyday as well as have to have my ready made nestea or lipton sweetened ice tea. i enjoy eating grill cheese. i concentrate on high protein and eat mostly seafood such as shrimps and salmon as much as i can.
12. What are things you are able to eat?
basically anything i have taste tested and eat except i still have a slight issue with poultry but able to eat 2oz with it causing an issue. more than that and it affects me.
13. Is there any food you are unable to eat or tolerate?
poultry that is more than 2 oz.. i am able not to eat more than 1/4 palm of almonds or pistacho. i am unable to tolerate any time of carbonated drink, even if it is flat
14. How much protein are you required to have each day?
80-120 gms per day but i usually have about 60-75 daily
15. What are some things you take/eat to meet your daily protein intake?
it is either
optimum nutrition rocky road protein powder that give me 34 gms of protein for 1 serving
for meat its - ground beef, ribeye steak, beef franks, italian sausages, hamburger
eggs, cheese
lobster, shrimp, crab or salmon
all these are high in protein
16. What vitamins and supplements do you take on a daily basis?
adek, centrum, iron, calcium citrate. every once and awhile i take biotin and vit e. i take prescribed vit d (drisdol) because i have a deficieny since my pre-op days and still take it
17. Are you able to eat and drink with your meals?
yes and always do
18. What is a typical menu for a day -- or post what you ate yesterday or today.
bkfast - either a optimum nutrition rocky road with lactaid milk OR western or eggs over easy/bacon/2 white toast OR cherrios with milk and some unflavored protein powder OR a grilled cheese.
lunch - tuna sandwich OR mcd's crispy chicken wrap OR burger OR pizza with any topping i want OR a grilled salmon
dinner - rice & beans with meat on the side OR pasta with meatballs OR shrimp scampi OR ribeye steak OR some seafood. i like some steam or grilled veggies such as zucchini, carrots, peans, sweet white potato OR mashed potatoes
19. Has your personality or perceptions of things changed since you had surgery?
i am more out of my shell and have more confidence about myself. overall, i am still me within, just my outside image, my body is different
20. What are some things you can say the DS helped you with regarding your health and life?
no longer suffer from sleep apnea (off cpap machine)
no longer suffer from chronic diarrhea
no longer have heart arrthymias (off heart medication)
no longer have high blood pressure
no longer confined to a chair or bed because i can't move
no longer have to worry if i am under stress i will gain weight due to my cortisol being overactive
i am able to move about without feeling exhausted
i am more flexible and able to do things without assistance
i am more active and participating in sports
i look more presentable looking and not hiding or running away from the camera
able to go out and not shy away from the public
I was asked in a few message from various people and I quote them do "I pass gas all day long", do I know anyone who "wears diapers" because they heard from others that a DSers has nonstop diarrhea and uncontrollable leaking stools that stains their underwear, 3 persons actually ask specifically about if Dsers need to wear adult diapers.
The other questions ask are there "any passing of gas or bowel movement and is it true does the smell "lingers" upon the person" because they "heard" that a postop smell like flatuence and the bowel movement all the time and especially after such event. For me, the answer is no and for others the same answer as mine. So, it is a fallacy. I posted a DS survey to see what the majority feedback from others would be and to see for themselves without outside influence of hearsay and straight from those that had DS.
1. Do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool?
no. only time it happened was my first 2 weeks postop
2. Do you ‘go’ 4-6 times or even more in a day?
no, the most i go on average is once a day in the morning
3. Do you pass gas all day long?
no, not all day. there are certain food such as almonds that gives me a lot of gas, but not all day long
4. Is your gas or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins. AFTER it occurs?
no
5. Do you have body odor that is due to having a DS?
no
6. Do you suffer from pain or bloating?
i am still under a year postop. and do get slight belly ache when eating nuts such as almonds and pistachios. i am unable to eat chicken completely, but am able to eat small portion about 2oz worth.
7. Do you have a lot of hair loss?
no, i lost alittle bit at the front at about 3 months postop and it stopped few weeks later. no more hair loss after that. it was due to the 5 hours being in surgery and known as shock from anesthesia.
8. Do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food?
still have issues with poultry, but not as bad as before that it made me throw up and go thru what is similar to dumping syndrome. i had intolerance until 5 months postop to bread and pasta. i thought it was due to white flour but it wasn't since i was able to have pancakes. that intolerance disappear. still cannot eat much poultry, just very small amount. i am unable to drink anything that is carbonated even when flate. almonds and pistachos gives me belly aches, but not cashews or salted peanuts.
9. Do you wear diapers?
no. when this question was sent to me, i found it very odd, but some heard from others that DSers have to wear adult diapers due to having uncontrollable bowel movements and leaks.
10. Do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having a DS?
none. my intestinal problems were actually remedied since having DS
11. What is one thing you have daily to eat or drink?
milk, i enjoy drinking milk everyday as well as have to have my ready made nestea or lipton sweetened ice tea. i enjoy eating grill cheese. i concentrate on high protein and eat mostly seafood such as shrimps and salmon as much as i can.
12. What are things you are able to eat?
basically anything i have taste tested and eat except i still have a slight issue with poultry but able to eat 2oz with it causing an issue. more than that and it affects me.
13. Is there any food you are unable to eat or tolerate?
poultry that is more than 2 oz.. i am able not to eat more than 1/4 palm of almonds or pistacho. i am unable to tolerate any time of carbonated drink, even if it is flat
14. How much protein are you required to have each day?
80-120 gms per day but i usually have about 60-75 daily
15. What are some things you take/eat to meet your daily protein intake?
it is either
optimum nutrition rocky road protein powder that give me 34 gms of protein for 1 serving
for meat its - ground beef, ribeye steak, beef franks, italian sausages, hamburger
eggs, cheese
lobster, shrimp, crab or salmon
all these are high in protein
16. What vitamins and supplements do you take on a daily basis?
adek, centrum, iron, calcium citrate. every once and awhile i take biotin and vit e. i take prescribed vit d (drisdol) because i have a deficieny since my pre-op days and still take it
17. Are you able to eat and drink with your meals?
yes and always do
18. What is a typical menu for a day -- or post what you ate yesterday or today.
bkfast - either a optimum nutrition rocky road with lactaid milk OR western or eggs over easy/bacon/2 white toast OR cherrios with milk and some unflavored protein powder OR a grilled cheese.
lunch - tuna sandwich OR mcd's crispy chicken wrap OR burger OR pizza with any topping i want OR a grilled salmon
dinner - rice & beans with meat on the side OR pasta with meatballs OR shrimp scampi OR ribeye steak OR some seafood. i like some steam or grilled veggies such as zucchini, carrots, peans, sweet white potato OR mashed potatoes
19. Has your personality or perceptions of things changed since you had surgery?
i am more out of my shell and have more confidence about myself. overall, i am still me within, just my outside image, my body is different
20. What are some things you can say the DS helped you with regarding your health and life?
no longer suffer from sleep apnea (off cpap machine)
no longer suffer from chronic diarrhea
no longer have heart arrthymias (off heart medication)
no longer have high blood pressure
no longer confined to a chair or bed because i can't move
no longer have to worry if i am under stress i will gain weight due to my cortisol being overactive
i am able to move about without feeling exhausted
i am more flexible and able to do things without assistance
i am more active and participating in sports
i look more presentable looking and not hiding or running away from the camera
able to go out and not shy away from the public
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Great Feuds In Medicine
Controversy is a hallmark of new ideas in medicine. Medical care has been filled with controversy since Hippocrates.
In a recent book written by Hal Hellman, “Great Feuds In Medicine: Ten Of The Liveliest Disputes Ever”, (Hal Hellman. 237pp. New York, John Wiley, 2001. ISBN 0-471-34757-4) he demonstrates how difficult it is to bring new knowledge into medicine.
He highlights the human frailties involved in advancing medical care. The controversies described in his book cover a broad span of time, from the work of Harvey in the early 1600s to research on the human immunodeficiency virus in the 1980s. He focuses on a number of pivotal moments in medical thinking, when dramatic ideas transformed medicine. The book demonstrates that time and again new ideas in medicine were followed by controversy, upheaval and challenges before the new treatments were accepted.
Weight loss or bariatric surgery is a new and rapidly developing area of medicine. Due to this, it is not surprising that it is full of controversy. The types of weight loss surgery offered in America today include a great variety of different forms of surgery and not limited to the 3 popular known as Lapband, RNY and DS. Below is the full list of what is offered for treatment for morbid obesity. It is upto the individual to carefully research and decide what is best for them and what they are willing to deal and live with post-operatively.
TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Silastic Ring Vertical Gastric Bypass (Fobi Pouch)
Micro pouch Gastric Bypass
Antecolic Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Long Limb Gastric Bypass
Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
Gastric Band
Laparoscopic Gastric Band
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Others
In a recent book written by Hal Hellman, “Great Feuds In Medicine: Ten Of The Liveliest Disputes Ever”, (Hal Hellman. 237pp. New York, John Wiley, 2001. ISBN 0-471-34757-4) he demonstrates how difficult it is to bring new knowledge into medicine.
He highlights the human frailties involved in advancing medical care. The controversies described in his book cover a broad span of time, from the work of Harvey in the early 1600s to research on the human immunodeficiency virus in the 1980s. He focuses on a number of pivotal moments in medical thinking, when dramatic ideas transformed medicine. The book demonstrates that time and again new ideas in medicine were followed by controversy, upheaval and challenges before the new treatments were accepted.
Weight loss or bariatric surgery is a new and rapidly developing area of medicine. Due to this, it is not surprising that it is full of controversy. The types of weight loss surgery offered in America today include a great variety of different forms of surgery and not limited to the 3 popular known as Lapband, RNY and DS. Below is the full list of what is offered for treatment for morbid obesity. It is upto the individual to carefully research and decide what is best for them and what they are willing to deal and live with post-operatively.
TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Silastic Ring Vertical Gastric Bypass (Fobi Pouch)
Micro pouch Gastric Bypass
Antecolic Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Long Limb Gastric Bypass
Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
Gastric Band
Laparoscopic Gastric Band
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Others
Friday, August 31, 2007
9th month post-op
I have been extremely busy and unable to give a 9th month post-op update, until now, when I am able to sit here and type it out. I am 9 1/2 months out of surgery.
During my 8th month post-op (July going into August) , I was at a stall for about 3 weeks. That didn't bother me for I know my body needed the rest from all the work it has been going through regarding weight loss. By the 4th week, BOOM!!! I began to lose weight and it was a total for the entire month 7 lbs. From August 15th to August 31st, I have lost a total of 2 lbs.
I have been concentrating on my protein intake and haven't been doing so well with it. The reason for this is that I am not hungry and do not have desire to eat. I actually have to sit and say come on eat and get your protein. I have a friend who is a bodybuilder. This guy has a body of The Terminator. He recommended I buy the Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey. OMG!!!! This protein powder is the BEST I have ever tasted!!!! I got the Rocky Road. It is smooth and have a great texture and flavor. No need to put it in a blender or anything. Use a spoon and there are no lumps. It has 24 gms of protein, add to it 8-10 oz of milk and you have a total of 32-34 gms of protein. I have it in the morning and sometimes drink one serving as a snack or before I retire for the night. Can't go wrong with having your fluid intake and protein quota met.
After 8 years, I am able to wear stiletto and high heel shoes once again. I missed that and it feels great! Besides, I have the legs for it. I have posted pics of myself and of course my legs, breast, etc in my photos profile.
I know many that had bariatric surgery that speak about saggy and flabby skin. I have been blessed. My tummy area has no saggy, loose or hanging skin and my legs are firm and tight as you can see from the pics. I have hardly lost any breast mass. I have hardly lost any hair either. I think it is due to having my weight loss be gradual and not rushed. Now that I have sorted the protein problem due to lack of eating (but I do eat, don't get me wrong, I am NOT anorexic), I will concentrate more on my vitamins and supplements that I have also have not been up to par with.
Many whine about their weight loss not being fast enough or not enough amount. I don't care for that for I have my health back and most important my life. I am able to do things now that I was unable to do before and I am beginning to blossom and come out of my secluded shell once again.
During my 8th month post-op (July going into August) , I was at a stall for about 3 weeks. That didn't bother me for I know my body needed the rest from all the work it has been going through regarding weight loss. By the 4th week, BOOM!!! I began to lose weight and it was a total for the entire month 7 lbs. From August 15th to August 31st, I have lost a total of 2 lbs.
I have been concentrating on my protein intake and haven't been doing so well with it. The reason for this is that I am not hungry and do not have desire to eat. I actually have to sit and say come on eat and get your protein. I have a friend who is a bodybuilder. This guy has a body of The Terminator. He recommended I buy the Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey. OMG!!!! This protein powder is the BEST I have ever tasted!!!! I got the Rocky Road. It is smooth and have a great texture and flavor. No need to put it in a blender or anything. Use a spoon and there are no lumps. It has 24 gms of protein, add to it 8-10 oz of milk and you have a total of 32-34 gms of protein. I have it in the morning and sometimes drink one serving as a snack or before I retire for the night. Can't go wrong with having your fluid intake and protein quota met.
After 8 years, I am able to wear stiletto and high heel shoes once again. I missed that and it feels great! Besides, I have the legs for it. I have posted pics of myself and of course my legs, breast, etc in my photos profile.
I know many that had bariatric surgery that speak about saggy and flabby skin. I have been blessed. My tummy area has no saggy, loose or hanging skin and my legs are firm and tight as you can see from the pics. I have hardly lost any breast mass. I have hardly lost any hair either. I think it is due to having my weight loss be gradual and not rushed. Now that I have sorted the protein problem due to lack of eating (but I do eat, don't get me wrong, I am NOT anorexic), I will concentrate more on my vitamins and supplements that I have also have not been up to par with.
Many whine about their weight loss not being fast enough or not enough amount. I don't care for that for I have my health back and most important my life. I am able to do things now that I was unable to do before and I am beginning to blossom and come out of my secluded shell once again.
Monday, July 16, 2007
8 months postop
Well, I am 8 months postop. What can I say? Things are going well with the exception that I have no desire to eat anything making that a bad choice in which I have to keep tabs on since that will cause my body to go into starvation mode, whack out my bloodwork levels and also causes the body to stall (which the latter doesn't bother me one bit). I care more about my health and that it doesn't go spiraling down. I have lost a total of 70 lbs which is not bad and a good pace, since the average for weight loss should be 10 lbs per month and at 8 months -70 lbs is good. I am wearing a size 9/10, but honestly I think clothes size are one size larger than what they were when I wore them back in the days. I will, when I have a chance, add a video blog on here. but, right now, there isn't much to say about my journey, except, I have to keep away from legumes and nuts. Those cause me to be a deadly gas chamber of nonstop flatus and I am not kidding. Nothing else causes me to pass such noxious nonstop gas as eating beans and almonds.
My hearing is diminishing and I can barely hear anymore. I had to see an otolarynologist today. He cleaned my ears so I can have me hearing test on Friday. This is not caused or contributed to bariatric surgery. Totally isolated situation. For a very long time, I did not want to disclose or let anyone know I am partially deaf. It isn't something I want to talk about or create topic since I was not born with this disorder or does it has anything to do with genetics. It was due to an event that occured and am unable to hear sound through my right ear. When people talk or I listen to the tv or radio, it sounds as though people are mumbling, whispering and quite muffled. I did have hearing aids before and it isn't something I wanted to wear because I didn't want anyone to know. Now, with the advancement in medicine and technology, they have very small hearing aids not noticeable. Let me get my hearing tested and take it from there. This is life. It is what it is and I make the best of it.
I don't like talking about my family but will, since I think the reason I have not been eating is the stress and worry over them. First of all, my mom had a stroke in her eye. I am in the process with the ophthalmologist for her treatment and surgery that is scheduled. Her eye pressure was extremely high and it cause damage from the hemorrhaging. Her eyesight will not be what it was before. My mom is 78 and taking 3 different types of eye medications for her eye to keep her pressure and condition under control.
My son-in-law started his combat training and soon after that will be on standby and leave to be redeployed from Spetember to November, yes re-deployed back to Iraq as an infantry soldier. He was with the 4th Infantry Division when he did his service and just returned back home in December 2006. This will be his 2nd tour as a combat soldier in Iraq. He will be stationed for 15-18 months. This is serious. stressful and difficult times of worrying again for his safety and return when his tour of duty is completed. My daughter wants to stay in Germany and loves it there. I have plans to go there next year, as well as, do alittle jet setting. We will go to London, Swizterland, Luxenburg as well as go around Germany and do a 3 city Italy excursion to Milan, Rome and Venice. My daughter wants me to go to my paternal family homeland which is Poland. I don't know if I will. Time will tell. Hope everyone is doing well.
My hearing is diminishing and I can barely hear anymore. I had to see an otolarynologist today. He cleaned my ears so I can have me hearing test on Friday. This is not caused or contributed to bariatric surgery. Totally isolated situation. For a very long time, I did not want to disclose or let anyone know I am partially deaf. It isn't something I want to talk about or create topic since I was not born with this disorder or does it has anything to do with genetics. It was due to an event that occured and am unable to hear sound through my right ear. When people talk or I listen to the tv or radio, it sounds as though people are mumbling, whispering and quite muffled. I did have hearing aids before and it isn't something I wanted to wear because I didn't want anyone to know. Now, with the advancement in medicine and technology, they have very small hearing aids not noticeable. Let me get my hearing tested and take it from there. This is life. It is what it is and I make the best of it.
I don't like talking about my family but will, since I think the reason I have not been eating is the stress and worry over them. First of all, my mom had a stroke in her eye. I am in the process with the ophthalmologist for her treatment and surgery that is scheduled. Her eye pressure was extremely high and it cause damage from the hemorrhaging. Her eyesight will not be what it was before. My mom is 78 and taking 3 different types of eye medications for her eye to keep her pressure and condition under control.
My son-in-law started his combat training and soon after that will be on standby and leave to be redeployed from Spetember to November, yes re-deployed back to Iraq as an infantry soldier. He was with the 4th Infantry Division when he did his service and just returned back home in December 2006. This will be his 2nd tour as a combat soldier in Iraq. He will be stationed for 15-18 months. This is serious. stressful and difficult times of worrying again for his safety and return when his tour of duty is completed. My daughter wants to stay in Germany and loves it there. I have plans to go there next year, as well as, do alittle jet setting. We will go to London, Swizterland, Luxenburg as well as go around Germany and do a 3 city Italy excursion to Milan, Rome and Venice. My daughter wants me to go to my paternal family homeland which is Poland. I don't know if I will. Time will tell. Hope everyone is doing well.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Research. studiy and overview of BPD-DS through noted bariatric
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: The "Gold Standard" is getting tarnished
The Roux-en-Y (RNY) has a number of significant disadvantages. The chief problem with the RNY is its high failure rate at nearly 50%.
Dr. MacLean LD of the Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill University in Montreal, Canada, found in his 5-year longitudinal study that nearly half of the super-obese patients were a failure with the RNY.
Dr. Bloomston of the University of Florida College of Medicine, Division of Digestive Disorders, only 26% of super obese patients returned to within 50% of their ideal body weight.
Dr. Smith of Salt Lake, Utah, found after a 7 year review of 3,855 patients who had the Roux-en-Y, the average weight loss was 77.5 lbs.
Even when a review of the effectiveness of the RNY procedure in the general population (as opposed to just the super obese), long-term studies consistently show weight regain beginning after 3 years. Excess weight loss decreased to a range of 50-60% at 4-6 years and only 47-49% at 10-15 years.
Dr. Mitchell of the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute in Fargo, North Dakota, reported that 3 of his subjects "weighed more at long-term follow-up than before the operation.
Dr. Wolfel from the Department of Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremburg, Germany concluded that the RNY failed to provide "adequate or prolonged control of morbid obesity" and that "none of the 1119 patients ever moved out of the category of "morbid obesity".
Even if it weren't for the ineffective weight loss followed by weight regain, additional multiple problems with the RNY make it at best a poor second-choice surgery to the biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch. The weightloss that is achieved through the RNY appears to be primarily dependent upon the removal of the pyloric valve, leaving the individual without a regulator of food movement into the small intestine. This results in the well-known phenomena called "dumping syndrome" which can cause an individual to feel sick or even faint. Supporters of the procedure actually refer to this unpleasant side effect as a benefit because it helps the patient form an aversion to sugar.
The extremely small "pouch" (approximately 1 oz) created in the RNY procedure to replace the stomach causes vomiting whenever the patient eats even the slightest amount beyond what the pouch can handle. In addition, the patient cannot eat and drink at the same time. Meat intolerance is reported in the majority of the patients, even 7 years after their operation. Patients will vomit or get food stuck in their pouch if food is not mashed into the tiniest peaces before swallowing.
An additional problem with the Roux-En-Y is the occurrence of ulcers.
Dr. Sanyal of the Department of Medicine at Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, reports a rate of stenosis and ulceration of 12.5% and 12% respectively. MacLeans reported, "Stomal ulcer occurred in 16%". Wolfel reported a 12% rate of ulceration.
Ulceration is practically absent in the BPD/DS procedure. The complications caused by the RNY procedure are not limited to the first months/years following the surgery. In a recent 13-16 year follow-up of 100 patients, Dr. Mitchell states "68.8% (of the patients) reported continued problems with vomiting and 42.7% with "plugging, 42.9% had heartburn and 31.6% reported diarrhea… 8 had died". Dr. Wolfel in a 10-year follow-up study of transected and stapled gastric bypass along with horizontal gastroplasty, reported a 39% rate of vomiting, a 45% rate of heartburn and an 18% rate of cramps.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: The Platinum Standard
The original Biliopancreatic Diversion procedure introduced in 1979 by Dr. Scopinaro used a distal gastrectomy. This procedure has been known as BPD/DG.
In 1989, Dr. Hess of Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green, Ohio, combined DeMeester's Duodenal Switch procedure with Biliopancreatic Diversion to the new BPD/DS procedure. The resultant procedure achieved gastric restriction with normal gastric function including the pyloric valve. Marginal ulceration and the dumping syndrome were eliminated. Dr. Hess sums up the primary advantages of the BPD/DS procedure:
"There is no isolated stomach, no foreign body or band required. There is preservation of the pylorus, no dumping syndrome, no marginal ulcers, and good weight loss".
According to Health Net's "Guide to Evidence-Based Medicine" - the "Clinical Practice Guidelines" for physicians, the Biliopancreatic Bypass surgery (BPD) is a procedure that bypasses a large part of the intestine with a concomitant resection of the excluded part of the stomach." Sugerman reports, "The biliopancreatic diversion has had excellent weight loss results".
Dr. Deitel of Mature Medicine Canada, North York, Ontario, Canada, reports: "The BPD has produced the most effective and sustained loss of excess weight of any of the operations thus far". Forestieri in discussing the merits of restrictive versus malabsorptive processes notes, "Without a doubt, the BPD gives good results in terms of weight loss and more stability than gastric restriction procedures". Dr. Hess found that after an 8 year period his "super obese" patients (BMI >50) continued to have a weight loss in the 70% excess.
Dr. Balsiger, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Inselpital, Unitversity of Bern, Switzerland, reports that BPD is "arguably one of the most effective bariatric procedures in inducing and maintaining weight loss".
Reports of the efficacy of BPD/DS shows
Dr. Hess reported excess weight loss of 80% at 2 years and 70% at 8 years.
Dr. Marceau adopted the duodenal switch procedure and reported 73% excess weight loss at 51 months.
Dr. Baltasar reported excess weight loss of 70.1% at 1 year, 75% at 2 years, 75% at 3 years and 81.2% at 4 years.
Dr. Rabkin reported a mean excess weight loss of 73% at 4 years.
In summary, the BPD/DS have reported long-term weight loss in the range of 69%-80%. BPD/DS are the most effective procedures for weight loss in existence today.
Safety of the BPD/DS procedure:
Having shown the efficacy, the key remaining question becomes the safety of this procedure.
Operative and late mortality rates of the BPD and BPD/DS procedures are shown to be comparable to other gastric bypass procedures.
Dr. Deitel reported that with the duodenal switch modification of the BPD: "This procedure is followed by surprisingly few complications, mainly some soft stools and malodorous gas in a minority".
Dr. Forestieri reported that surgical complications of BPD are comparable to the gastric restrictive procedures. Postoperative complications are reported to be somewhat higher. Forestieri also reports, "BPD, on the other hand, requires careful management only when complications occur, as they do in a limited number of cases. Forestieri concludes, "When all of the above factors are considered these two types of surgeries are both viable options for the treatment of obesity".
Liver Failure?
Dr. Grimm, Dept of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology Division), Naval Hospital, San Diego, California, reported a single case of liver failure and Langdon reports two cases of liver failure.
However, Grimm reports that the patient was non-compliant and anorexic. "She refused most oral medications prescribed in hospital, including metronidazole".
Dr. Langdon reports one patient "refused surgical takedown on multiple occasions" and the other patient "began (drinking) alcohol surreptitiously". And Grimm also reports "the rarity of liver disease after BPD contrasts sharply with the situation after the JI bypass …."
Dr. Murr, reported a single case of liver failure in a series of 11 patients. However, he also notes that this patient "refused to take the prescribed mineral and vitamin supplementation and never saw her physician".
In his series of 440 patients, Dr. Hess reported only a single instance of liver failure, which was associated with multiple organ failure. He concludes, "that liver disease is not a problem with this procedure".
Dr. Baltasar reports on a single case out of a series of 125 patients of liver failure.
Dr. Marceau reports, "After surgery, both liver function and morphology improved to the point where 3 out of 12 with preoperative cirrhosis were no longer considered cirrhotic after 10 years.
Metabolic Complications:
Protein Malnutrition (PM):
Dr. Totte reports only 2 cases of protein malnutrition in a series of 180 patients, and "in both cases the problem was attributable to a precise cause unrelated to the surgery." One patient "took up drinking, smoking, and cocaine abuse", while the other patient, her twin sister. In both cases a restoration of intestinal continuity left both patients in good general health. A third patient was reversed because "she was not able to reset her self-image of the new slimmer person" .
Dr. Hess reported in 1998 that 8 out of 440 patients (1.8%) undergoing the BPD/DS patients required revisions due to protein malnutrition or excess weight loss. Rather than choosing a fixed limb length, Hess chose to measure the small intestine and make the alimentary limb 40% of the total intestinal length while the common channel was made to be 10%. The mean common channel was increased from 50cm as in Scopinaro to 75cm.
Dr. Hess increased the common channel from 50cm to 100cm, his yearly revision rate on BPD/DS is only 0.1% per year compared with 1.7% for the BPD/DG Scopinaro procedure. This 17 fold reduction in revision rate demonstrates a substantial benefit of the BPD-DS Hess procedure over the BPD Scopinaro procedure.
Dr. Marceau also reported a reduction in hospitalization rate for malnutrition dropped from 1.72% per year with the BPD/DG procedure to 0.93% per year with the BPD/DS procedure.
Dr. Marceau on BPD and protein malnutrition concludes, "There are differences in surgical techniques that may account for the different results and different interpretations" and there are "3 factors that influence the degree of protein deficiency"
1. the size of the remaining stomach
2. the degree of restriction to nutrient ingestion
3. the initial nutritional state of the patient
In a modified version of the BPD/DS where temporary gastric restriction was obtained by use of a self-dissolving band, Dr Vasallo reprted "At 2 and 3 years follow-up there has been no case of dysproteinemia".
To summarize, PM rate between 1-3%. PM can be reduced by careful selection of the
gastric volume
common channel length
total alimentary length
In extreme cases, protein malnutrition can be resolved by elongation of the alimentary or common tracts.
Iron Deficiency/Anemia:
BPD/DS procedure has fewer problems with anemia and iron deficiency than the "gold standard" Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Vitamin Deficiency:
Dr. Baltsar reports "liposoluble vitamins should be monitored, but so far none of our patients have presented deficits".
Dr. Marceau reported that the serum levels of vitamin B12 were actually increased slightly in the BPD/DS procedure and the percentage of patients with abnormal serum B12 levels was 3% both pre and post operatively.
Dr. Clare reported that the incidence of Vitamin A and D deficiency in a group of patients with equal bilio and alimentary limbs was 0% and 1.4% respectively.
Dr. Marceau reports that serum levels of Vitamin A, B12, folic acid, phosphorus and magnesium were unchanged when compared to pre-operative levels.
In conclusion, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are rare and easily controlled through oral vitamin supplements. Vitamin B12 deficiency is not a problem whereas it is a problem in the RNY procedure.
Calcium Deficiency/Bone Loss:
Dr. Hess reports, "If the patients take their vitamin D and calcium they can maintain the proper levels and in some cases increase their calcium and vitamin D to levels higher than those before surgery."
Dr. Murr reports that two "noncompliant patients" who refused to take supplements developed metabolic bone disease. Murr also noted that for the distal gastric bypass there were no problems with bone demineralization; however, the common channel length was also modified from 50cm to 100cm.
Dr. Clare states that "A major factor in the appearance of disturbed bone metabolism is patient non-compliance with respect to diet and nutritional supplements. Fortunately, it responds to aggressive medical treatment" Clare did reported 3 cases out of 504 that required reversal due to disturbed bone metabolism, and "each of these patients had shown very poor compliance with respect to the recommended nutritional supplements."
Dr. Marceau recently reported that "10 years after surgery, overall bone density has not changed at hip level and the decrease at spine level was minimal (4%), much less than what was expected for aging alone…. In 33% bone density was increased … and in 15% density decreased more than was expected for ageing alone".
In conclusion, 10 years after surgery calcium loss appears not to be a problem with the BPD procedure.
Sufficiency of Data Regarding the Biliopancreatic Bypass:
Over a thousand BPD/DS procedures are done each year. The metabolic complication rates have dropped dramatically now that it is common practice to make the alimentary limb length 40-50% of the total intestinal length.
In 1998, Dr. Hess reported on a series of 440 patients who underwent BPD/DS followed up to 8 years.
Dr. Hess 1998 report covered 465 patients who underwent BPD/DS a mean of 4.1 years prior to his report. A recent report by Dr. Marceau included 909 BPD/DS patients studied over 10 years.
Dr. Baltasar 2001 report covers 125 patients who underwent BPD/DS.
Dr. Rabkin in 1998 reports on 105 patients who underwent BPD/DS.
Dr. Brolin stated in 1996 "It seems likely that a consensus panel on the same subject would be worthwhile in the next decade to carefully evaluate such procedures as biliopancreatic bypass …" . Specifically VBG has been shown to be rather ineffective, while BPD/DS has been shown to be safe an extremely effective.
There now exists a large body of evidence to show that the Biliopancreatic Diversion is safe and effective as long as the common channel length is increased to at least 75cm and either the gastric volume or the length of the alimentary limb is increased 150 ml compared with the original values proposed by Scopinaro of 250cm.
Several thousand patients have been reported on with follow-ups as long as 20 years. Over the last 3 years there have been numerous peer-reviewed articles showing the long-term safety and efficacy of this procedure.
The Roux-en-Y (RNY) has a number of significant disadvantages. The chief problem with the RNY is its high failure rate at nearly 50%.
Dr. MacLean LD of the Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill University in Montreal, Canada, found in his 5-year longitudinal study that nearly half of the super-obese patients were a failure with the RNY.
Dr. Bloomston of the University of Florida College of Medicine, Division of Digestive Disorders, only 26% of super obese patients returned to within 50% of their ideal body weight.
Dr. Smith of Salt Lake, Utah, found after a 7 year review of 3,855 patients who had the Roux-en-Y, the average weight loss was 77.5 lbs.
Even when a review of the effectiveness of the RNY procedure in the general population (as opposed to just the super obese), long-term studies consistently show weight regain beginning after 3 years. Excess weight loss decreased to a range of 50-60% at 4-6 years and only 47-49% at 10-15 years.
Dr. Mitchell of the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute in Fargo, North Dakota, reported that 3 of his subjects "weighed more at long-term follow-up than before the operation.
Dr. Wolfel from the Department of Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremburg, Germany concluded that the RNY failed to provide "adequate or prolonged control of morbid obesity" and that "none of the 1119 patients ever moved out of the category of "morbid obesity".
Even if it weren't for the ineffective weight loss followed by weight regain, additional multiple problems with the RNY make it at best a poor second-choice surgery to the biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch. The weightloss that is achieved through the RNY appears to be primarily dependent upon the removal of the pyloric valve, leaving the individual without a regulator of food movement into the small intestine. This results in the well-known phenomena called "dumping syndrome" which can cause an individual to feel sick or even faint. Supporters of the procedure actually refer to this unpleasant side effect as a benefit because it helps the patient form an aversion to sugar.
The extremely small "pouch" (approximately 1 oz) created in the RNY procedure to replace the stomach causes vomiting whenever the patient eats even the slightest amount beyond what the pouch can handle. In addition, the patient cannot eat and drink at the same time. Meat intolerance is reported in the majority of the patients, even 7 years after their operation. Patients will vomit or get food stuck in their pouch if food is not mashed into the tiniest peaces before swallowing.
An additional problem with the Roux-En-Y is the occurrence of ulcers.
Dr. Sanyal of the Department of Medicine at Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, reports a rate of stenosis and ulceration of 12.5% and 12% respectively. MacLeans reported, "Stomal ulcer occurred in 16%". Wolfel reported a 12% rate of ulceration.
Ulceration is practically absent in the BPD/DS procedure. The complications caused by the RNY procedure are not limited to the first months/years following the surgery. In a recent 13-16 year follow-up of 100 patients, Dr. Mitchell states "68.8% (of the patients) reported continued problems with vomiting and 42.7% with "plugging, 42.9% had heartburn and 31.6% reported diarrhea… 8 had died". Dr. Wolfel in a 10-year follow-up study of transected and stapled gastric bypass along with horizontal gastroplasty, reported a 39% rate of vomiting, a 45% rate of heartburn and an 18% rate of cramps.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: The Platinum Standard
The original Biliopancreatic Diversion procedure introduced in 1979 by Dr. Scopinaro used a distal gastrectomy. This procedure has been known as BPD/DG.
In 1989, Dr. Hess of Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green, Ohio, combined DeMeester's Duodenal Switch procedure with Biliopancreatic Diversion to the new BPD/DS procedure. The resultant procedure achieved gastric restriction with normal gastric function including the pyloric valve. Marginal ulceration and the dumping syndrome were eliminated. Dr. Hess sums up the primary advantages of the BPD/DS procedure:
"There is no isolated stomach, no foreign body or band required. There is preservation of the pylorus, no dumping syndrome, no marginal ulcers, and good weight loss".
According to Health Net's "Guide to Evidence-Based Medicine" - the "Clinical Practice Guidelines" for physicians, the Biliopancreatic Bypass surgery (BPD) is a procedure that bypasses a large part of the intestine with a concomitant resection of the excluded part of the stomach." Sugerman reports, "The biliopancreatic diversion has had excellent weight loss results".
Dr. Deitel of Mature Medicine Canada, North York, Ontario, Canada, reports: "The BPD has produced the most effective and sustained loss of excess weight of any of the operations thus far". Forestieri in discussing the merits of restrictive versus malabsorptive processes notes, "Without a doubt, the BPD gives good results in terms of weight loss and more stability than gastric restriction procedures". Dr. Hess found that after an 8 year period his "super obese" patients (BMI >50) continued to have a weight loss in the 70% excess.
Dr. Balsiger, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Inselpital, Unitversity of Bern, Switzerland, reports that BPD is "arguably one of the most effective bariatric procedures in inducing and maintaining weight loss".
Reports of the efficacy of BPD/DS shows
Dr. Hess reported excess weight loss of 80% at 2 years and 70% at 8 years.
Dr. Marceau adopted the duodenal switch procedure and reported 73% excess weight loss at 51 months.
Dr. Baltasar reported excess weight loss of 70.1% at 1 year, 75% at 2 years, 75% at 3 years and 81.2% at 4 years.
Dr. Rabkin reported a mean excess weight loss of 73% at 4 years.
In summary, the BPD/DS have reported long-term weight loss in the range of 69%-80%. BPD/DS are the most effective procedures for weight loss in existence today.
Safety of the BPD/DS procedure:
Having shown the efficacy, the key remaining question becomes the safety of this procedure.
Operative and late mortality rates of the BPD and BPD/DS procedures are shown to be comparable to other gastric bypass procedures.
Dr. Deitel reported that with the duodenal switch modification of the BPD: "This procedure is followed by surprisingly few complications, mainly some soft stools and malodorous gas in a minority".
Dr. Forestieri reported that surgical complications of BPD are comparable to the gastric restrictive procedures. Postoperative complications are reported to be somewhat higher. Forestieri also reports, "BPD, on the other hand, requires careful management only when complications occur, as they do in a limited number of cases. Forestieri concludes, "When all of the above factors are considered these two types of surgeries are both viable options for the treatment of obesity".
Liver Failure?
Dr. Grimm, Dept of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology Division), Naval Hospital, San Diego, California, reported a single case of liver failure and Langdon reports two cases of liver failure.
However, Grimm reports that the patient was non-compliant and anorexic. "She refused most oral medications prescribed in hospital, including metronidazole".
Dr. Langdon reports one patient "refused surgical takedown on multiple occasions" and the other patient "began (drinking) alcohol surreptitiously". And Grimm also reports "the rarity of liver disease after BPD contrasts sharply with the situation after the JI bypass …."
Dr. Murr, reported a single case of liver failure in a series of 11 patients. However, he also notes that this patient "refused to take the prescribed mineral and vitamin supplementation and never saw her physician".
In his series of 440 patients, Dr. Hess reported only a single instance of liver failure, which was associated with multiple organ failure. He concludes, "that liver disease is not a problem with this procedure".
Dr. Baltasar reports on a single case out of a series of 125 patients of liver failure.
Dr. Marceau reports, "After surgery, both liver function and morphology improved to the point where 3 out of 12 with preoperative cirrhosis were no longer considered cirrhotic after 10 years.
Metabolic Complications:
Protein Malnutrition (PM):
Dr. Totte reports only 2 cases of protein malnutrition in a series of 180 patients, and "in both cases the problem was attributable to a precise cause unrelated to the surgery." One patient "took up drinking, smoking, and cocaine abuse", while the other patient, her twin sister. In both cases a restoration of intestinal continuity left both patients in good general health. A third patient was reversed because "she was not able to reset her self-image of the new slimmer person" .
Dr. Hess reported in 1998 that 8 out of 440 patients (1.8%) undergoing the BPD/DS patients required revisions due to protein malnutrition or excess weight loss. Rather than choosing a fixed limb length, Hess chose to measure the small intestine and make the alimentary limb 40% of the total intestinal length while the common channel was made to be 10%. The mean common channel was increased from 50cm as in Scopinaro to 75cm.
Dr. Hess increased the common channel from 50cm to 100cm, his yearly revision rate on BPD/DS is only 0.1% per year compared with 1.7% for the BPD/DG Scopinaro procedure. This 17 fold reduction in revision rate demonstrates a substantial benefit of the BPD-DS Hess procedure over the BPD Scopinaro procedure.
Dr. Marceau also reported a reduction in hospitalization rate for malnutrition dropped from 1.72% per year with the BPD/DG procedure to 0.93% per year with the BPD/DS procedure.
Dr. Marceau on BPD and protein malnutrition concludes, "There are differences in surgical techniques that may account for the different results and different interpretations" and there are "3 factors that influence the degree of protein deficiency"
1. the size of the remaining stomach
2. the degree of restriction to nutrient ingestion
3. the initial nutritional state of the patient
In a modified version of the BPD/DS where temporary gastric restriction was obtained by use of a self-dissolving band, Dr Vasallo reprted "At 2 and 3 years follow-up there has been no case of dysproteinemia".
To summarize, PM rate between 1-3%. PM can be reduced by careful selection of the
gastric volume
common channel length
total alimentary length
In extreme cases, protein malnutrition can be resolved by elongation of the alimentary or common tracts.
Iron Deficiency/Anemia:
BPD/DS procedure has fewer problems with anemia and iron deficiency than the "gold standard" Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Vitamin Deficiency:
Dr. Baltsar reports "liposoluble vitamins should be monitored, but so far none of our patients have presented deficits".
Dr. Marceau reported that the serum levels of vitamin B12 were actually increased slightly in the BPD/DS procedure and the percentage of patients with abnormal serum B12 levels was 3% both pre and post operatively.
Dr. Clare reported that the incidence of Vitamin A and D deficiency in a group of patients with equal bilio and alimentary limbs was 0% and 1.4% respectively.
Dr. Marceau reports that serum levels of Vitamin A, B12, folic acid, phosphorus and magnesium were unchanged when compared to pre-operative levels.
In conclusion, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are rare and easily controlled through oral vitamin supplements. Vitamin B12 deficiency is not a problem whereas it is a problem in the RNY procedure.
Calcium Deficiency/Bone Loss:
Dr. Hess reports, "If the patients take their vitamin D and calcium they can maintain the proper levels and in some cases increase their calcium and vitamin D to levels higher than those before surgery."
Dr. Murr reports that two "noncompliant patients" who refused to take supplements developed metabolic bone disease. Murr also noted that for the distal gastric bypass there were no problems with bone demineralization; however, the common channel length was also modified from 50cm to 100cm.
Dr. Clare states that "A major factor in the appearance of disturbed bone metabolism is patient non-compliance with respect to diet and nutritional supplements. Fortunately, it responds to aggressive medical treatment" Clare did reported 3 cases out of 504 that required reversal due to disturbed bone metabolism, and "each of these patients had shown very poor compliance with respect to the recommended nutritional supplements."
Dr. Marceau recently reported that "10 years after surgery, overall bone density has not changed at hip level and the decrease at spine level was minimal (4%), much less than what was expected for aging alone…. In 33% bone density was increased … and in 15% density decreased more than was expected for ageing alone".
In conclusion, 10 years after surgery calcium loss appears not to be a problem with the BPD procedure.
Sufficiency of Data Regarding the Biliopancreatic Bypass:
Over a thousand BPD/DS procedures are done each year. The metabolic complication rates have dropped dramatically now that it is common practice to make the alimentary limb length 40-50% of the total intestinal length.
In 1998, Dr. Hess reported on a series of 440 patients who underwent BPD/DS followed up to 8 years.
Dr. Hess 1998 report covered 465 patients who underwent BPD/DS a mean of 4.1 years prior to his report. A recent report by Dr. Marceau included 909 BPD/DS patients studied over 10 years.
Dr. Baltasar 2001 report covers 125 patients who underwent BPD/DS.
Dr. Rabkin in 1998 reports on 105 patients who underwent BPD/DS.
Dr. Brolin stated in 1996 "It seems likely that a consensus panel on the same subject would be worthwhile in the next decade to carefully evaluate such procedures as biliopancreatic bypass …" . Specifically VBG has been shown to be rather ineffective, while BPD/DS has been shown to be safe an extremely effective.
There now exists a large body of evidence to show that the Biliopancreatic Diversion is safe and effective as long as the common channel length is increased to at least 75cm and either the gastric volume or the length of the alimentary limb is increased 150 ml compared with the original values proposed by Scopinaro of 250cm.
Several thousand patients have been reported on with follow-ups as long as 20 years. Over the last 3 years there have been numerous peer-reviewed articles showing the long-term safety and efficacy of this procedure.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Staple food for me since having the DS
For breakfast, it's usually one of these
grilled salmon
western omelet with cheese and homefries
grilled ham & cheese or bacon, tomato and cheese
Special K cereal with milk and 3 tbsp Champion Nutrition vanilla protein powder
Optimum Nutrition Rocky Road with 10-12oz milk
For Lunch, it's usually
chicken
hamburger with grilled mushroom, bacon, onion and cheese on a bun
grilled Nathan's frank with Jack Daniel's bbq sauce, onion in sauce, mustard, melted cheddar cheese on a bun
steak
lobster
crabcake
shrimp (any style)
pasta any dish
rice any dish
cuban sandwich
For Dinner, it's basically whatever I want
steak dishes
chicken dishes
ground beef dishes such as meatloaf, lasagna, picadillo, etc
Japanese cuisine - beef negamaki, california rolls, teriyaki, miso soup, gyoza, tempura, sukiyaki, let me add house fried riceand general tso cause i can these
Latin cuisine - paella, monfongo, sweet plantains, rice and beans, tamales, alcapurria, canoas, pasteles, fricase, croqueta, octopus salad, churrasco
Greek cuisine - gyro, souvlaki with lots of tsasiki on both if these, dolmades
Mexican dishes such as taco, steak burritos, quesadillas, chili, fajita, nacho
Snacks is basically a meal for me and I have ON Rocky Road protein with milk to meet my protein quota or I may have with it or on its own - yogurt, protein enriched chocolate pudding, banana, etc
I do and can have drinks with my meals at the same time. It will not and does not wash or flush out the food. It will not cause a DSer stomach to be full before eating or cause them that they will are unable to eat due to the being full from drinking fluids, due to the contribution of having their pyloric valve intact and true stomach untouched (just the bottom curvature has been removed). This will make a DSer live like a non-op since there is no gastric bypass involved. The drinks I have on a usual basis are
milk (regular or lactose free, doesn't make a difference)
Tropicana Light & Healthy orange juice (DS can drink regular orange juice)
Koolaid with Splenda (either tropical punch or cherry flavor)
papaya shake made with frozen papaya, milk and Splenda
Tang
ice tea (but limiting it, due to caffeine)
Orange Fanta Zero soda (DSer can drink carbonated soda and it will not stretch their stomach!!!)
Various Protein supplemental powder with 10-12oz milk
Every once and awhile, I can and will have
tiramisu
creme brulee
flan
ice cream
cheesecake
cake
pies
cookies
pudding
croissant
english muffin
donut
etc.
50% of the calories and 80% of the fat for the above delicacies are malabsorb in huge amount. 40% of the complex carb are also malabsorb. The simple carbs are not, yet I do not have an issues that it will cause me to gain weight, since I have eaten these sometimes 3-4x for a week with no effect or seen the scale move up in pounds. NOT ONCE in the 20 months since, I have been postop. I have eaten up to 220g carbs for the day and still it will not cause any weight gain for me since that only comes out to 132g of carbs for me.
Most important thing for me is protein first and I try to get at least 20g as a minimum per meal with a minimum of 90-100g daily. If I know it will not reach my quota, I take shakes throughout the day. I only consume the protein drinks because I am unable to get all my protein from food. Next important thing is complex carb. I like to limit it to a maximum of 160g of carbs daily with DS absorption calculation. After these 2, I am able to enjoy having some simple carbs with a limit to be 50g carbs daily as the maximum for the day. Although, I try not to go over that, just to be conscious, eventhough as I said, that amount hasn't affected my weight and I have gone as hig as 80g simple carb and still has no effect on me.
grilled salmon
western omelet with cheese and homefries
grilled ham & cheese or bacon, tomato and cheese
Special K cereal with milk and 3 tbsp Champion Nutrition vanilla protein powder
Optimum Nutrition Rocky Road with 10-12oz milk
For Lunch, it's usually
chicken
hamburger with grilled mushroom, bacon, onion and cheese on a bun
grilled Nathan's frank with Jack Daniel's bbq sauce, onion in sauce, mustard, melted cheddar cheese on a bun
steak
lobster
crabcake
shrimp (any style)
pasta any dish
rice any dish
cuban sandwich
For Dinner, it's basically whatever I want
steak dishes
chicken dishes
ground beef dishes such as meatloaf, lasagna, picadillo, etc
Japanese cuisine - beef negamaki, california rolls, teriyaki, miso soup, gyoza, tempura, sukiyaki, let me add house fried riceand general tso cause i can these
Latin cuisine - paella, monfongo, sweet plantains, rice and beans, tamales, alcapurria, canoas, pasteles, fricase, croqueta, octopus salad, churrasco
Greek cuisine - gyro, souvlaki with lots of tsasiki on both if these, dolmades
Mexican dishes such as taco, steak burritos, quesadillas, chili, fajita, nacho
Snacks is basically a meal for me and I have ON Rocky Road protein with milk to meet my protein quota or I may have with it or on its own - yogurt, protein enriched chocolate pudding, banana, etc
I do and can have drinks with my meals at the same time. It will not and does not wash or flush out the food. It will not cause a DSer stomach to be full before eating or cause them that they will are unable to eat due to the being full from drinking fluids, due to the contribution of having their pyloric valve intact and true stomach untouched (just the bottom curvature has been removed). This will make a DSer live like a non-op since there is no gastric bypass involved. The drinks I have on a usual basis are
milk (regular or lactose free, doesn't make a difference)
Tropicana Light & Healthy orange juice (DS can drink regular orange juice)
Koolaid with Splenda (either tropical punch or cherry flavor)
papaya shake made with frozen papaya, milk and Splenda
Tang
ice tea (but limiting it, due to caffeine)
Orange Fanta Zero soda (DSer can drink carbonated soda and it will not stretch their stomach!!!)
Various Protein supplemental powder with 10-12oz milk
Every once and awhile, I can and will have
tiramisu
creme brulee
flan
ice cream
cheesecake
cake
pies
cookies
pudding
croissant
english muffin
donut
etc.
50% of the calories and 80% of the fat for the above delicacies are malabsorb in huge amount. 40% of the complex carb are also malabsorb. The simple carbs are not, yet I do not have an issues that it will cause me to gain weight, since I have eaten these sometimes 3-4x for a week with no effect or seen the scale move up in pounds. NOT ONCE in the 20 months since, I have been postop. I have eaten up to 220g carbs for the day and still it will not cause any weight gain for me since that only comes out to 132g of carbs for me.
Most important thing for me is protein first and I try to get at least 20g as a minimum per meal with a minimum of 90-100g daily. If I know it will not reach my quota, I take shakes throughout the day. I only consume the protein drinks because I am unable to get all my protein from food. Next important thing is complex carb. I like to limit it to a maximum of 160g of carbs daily with DS absorption calculation. After these 2, I am able to enjoy having some simple carbs with a limit to be 50g carbs daily as the maximum for the day. Although, I try not to go over that, just to be conscious, eventhough as I said, that amount hasn't affected my weight and I have gone as hig as 80g simple carb and still has no effect on me.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
been extremely busy with various projects
I have been extremely busy with various projects. It is nice that I am what you can say picking up where I left off prior to where morbid obesity stole my life and imprisoned me for close to 5 years. It has been almost 8 months since I had my surgery. There has been NO rollercoaster ride that has impacted me negatively. Just nicely paced and controllable. Once I did hit my 7th month, I did have a condition that I do not want to eat. Why? No idea, it just happened. I am not anorexic. I do make it that I consume food, whether I want to eat or not. I make my intake be food of high protein values. I make sure I do drink my milk with Unjury, as well as drink water and ice tea for my fluid intake daily. I haven't been up to par with my vitamins and supplements. I do take a few here and there, but for some reason and I am sure it happens to many, you get tired of the regime of popping 10-15 pills/fluids/chewables vitamins a day. I alternate using swallow form and chewables pills, as well as vitamins in fluids format. I am just in a funk phase right now. As long as I am aware of my situation and doing what is right to take matters and have it corrected, I am ok.
I do not do physical support groups, not my thing. I am been to 2 different ones. My support system are my friends that have been my mentors and I known for 3 years or more. If you are into going to support groups gathering, good for you. What counts is you have some type of support and someone there for you, even if it is 1 person that understands the phases you have. Alone and without not known 1 person and going through certains emotions that is all normal to experience would have been a difficult road and even psychological, if as I said you are all alone. I have WLS friends (RNY and DS), who I can share experiences with. My closest friends are there for me and prior to surgery, know the ups and downs they have gone through and myself. Even now, some are 3 and even 6 years post-ops and they come to me who is only 7 months post-op for advice and support. Honestly, it doesn't matter that I am 7 months and consider a beginner to all this. We all need some sort of anchor and someone to tell it like it is to help out with the struggles and inquiries we have, even if you are years post ops. I may not be over a year out, but I can understand their challenges because we all been through one, one way or another and prior to surgery although I did not know what it was like, I can understand and help them work out their dilemna. I have 4 WLS post op friends (Shawn, Janice, Erika and Rebecca), who I connect to and when I have an issue or they have an issue can count on each other for support and not limited to WLS. There are other post ops that I interact with, can talk,or relate to and even joke around with.
I had a duodenal switch, my 4 friends all had RNY. So what we have different procedures. It is all bariatric surgery. I am not one to glorify or get into discussions about one WLS vs. another WLS and is better than another. Give me a freaking break on that. The main concept is that they all are bariatric surgeries to help improve medical conditions and it is up to the individual to decide what it best for them.
I was considered high risk to have bariatric surgery and after surgery, spent 3 days in a step down ICU and it was not easy for me. I stayed 4 days in the hospital and my post op recovery was HELL due to 27 days of nonstop pain within. This is not normal, but it was expected due to my circumstances. I have taken the pain killers, but it wasn't enough to make the pain go away, it was always there. I dealt with the horrible experience and although as I said it was HELL during that time, I made it through and recover from it. I did not have complications or risks. It was just internal sensitivity to the surgery from rearrrangement and alterating of my organs. My 4 friends were there for me and even seen them. I am extremely selective who I want to meet in person and it takes time to size you up as to what your intentions are, is it platonic friendship or you wanting something beyond that.
Moving on, I think alone, I would have been depressed and even confused as to what in carnation did I do and why is this happening to me. I did called my surgeon's office a few times and he has been very attentive to me every single time. I have not been depressed since having surgery and I haven't had any doubts or complications with my surgery either. So, whether you go to a physical support group or have friends online and take it a step further as to talk on the phone and even meet them in person, that is what counts, having someone there that you can share your ups and downs with. My postops friends I have had a pleasure to see and become good friends with. Although, we all live in different states, they are the ones I count on and can call when I have an issue and vice versa. They can contact me whenever they want and like I said, it is not limited to just post-op topics.
On a side note, I have been contacted and offered 2 very prestigious jobs. One is teaching undergrads in an Ivy League University and the other as a consultant to a very well known organization. The salary for one of them is in the $100,000+ figures, the other one is in the upper $90,000+ range. I will interview both and may accept one of them, if it suits me and my criterias. This will be a key to placing myself back to where I was prior to this deadly disease of morbid obesity almost taking my life in more ways than one.
One thing that happens to many is they forget where they were before they had their surgery. I am not only talking about paying it forward, I am talking about their sincerity and compassion to others that are in the same boat they were and remembering what it is like. Some seems, once they have the surgery and appear more acceptable to those that see them whether in person or online have a certain arrogance, selfishness, narcisstic, become aloof towards others and become cliquish to those that are post-op, even have a certain sexual prowlness and provocative attitude about themselves since losing the weight. Those out there that reads this, don't forget what it was like being MO and how people shun, mock and even ignored you compare to now that people want to be connected to you and even friends since you have lost the weight and look appealing to their eyes, but didn't before. Be true to yourself and don't let this post-op thing get to your head that much, that you forget what and how you were prior to it all and you yourself judge beauty and who you want to interact with based on their physical aspect as well. We are all humans here and it is true people judge you by your outer shell (your body) and looks. Don't forget to understand and remember what it was to struggle with MO and even SMO and how people treat you now because you "look acceptable" compare to then that you did not spark their eyes, mind or interest. Think about it, when someone compliments you or even try to flirt with you. Would they, if you were S/MO?
I do not do physical support groups, not my thing. I am been to 2 different ones. My support system are my friends that have been my mentors and I known for 3 years or more. If you are into going to support groups gathering, good for you. What counts is you have some type of support and someone there for you, even if it is 1 person that understands the phases you have. Alone and without not known 1 person and going through certains emotions that is all normal to experience would have been a difficult road and even psychological, if as I said you are all alone. I have WLS friends (RNY and DS), who I can share experiences with. My closest friends are there for me and prior to surgery, know the ups and downs they have gone through and myself. Even now, some are 3 and even 6 years post-ops and they come to me who is only 7 months post-op for advice and support. Honestly, it doesn't matter that I am 7 months and consider a beginner to all this. We all need some sort of anchor and someone to tell it like it is to help out with the struggles and inquiries we have, even if you are years post ops. I may not be over a year out, but I can understand their challenges because we all been through one, one way or another and prior to surgery although I did not know what it was like, I can understand and help them work out their dilemna. I have 4 WLS post op friends (Shawn, Janice, Erika and Rebecca), who I connect to and when I have an issue or they have an issue can count on each other for support and not limited to WLS. There are other post ops that I interact with, can talk,or relate to and even joke around with.
I had a duodenal switch, my 4 friends all had RNY. So what we have different procedures. It is all bariatric surgery. I am not one to glorify or get into discussions about one WLS vs. another WLS and is better than another. Give me a freaking break on that. The main concept is that they all are bariatric surgeries to help improve medical conditions and it is up to the individual to decide what it best for them.
I was considered high risk to have bariatric surgery and after surgery, spent 3 days in a step down ICU and it was not easy for me. I stayed 4 days in the hospital and my post op recovery was HELL due to 27 days of nonstop pain within. This is not normal, but it was expected due to my circumstances. I have taken the pain killers, but it wasn't enough to make the pain go away, it was always there. I dealt with the horrible experience and although as I said it was HELL during that time, I made it through and recover from it. I did not have complications or risks. It was just internal sensitivity to the surgery from rearrrangement and alterating of my organs. My 4 friends were there for me and even seen them. I am extremely selective who I want to meet in person and it takes time to size you up as to what your intentions are, is it platonic friendship or you wanting something beyond that.
Moving on, I think alone, I would have been depressed and even confused as to what in carnation did I do and why is this happening to me. I did called my surgeon's office a few times and he has been very attentive to me every single time. I have not been depressed since having surgery and I haven't had any doubts or complications with my surgery either. So, whether you go to a physical support group or have friends online and take it a step further as to talk on the phone and even meet them in person, that is what counts, having someone there that you can share your ups and downs with. My postops friends I have had a pleasure to see and become good friends with. Although, we all live in different states, they are the ones I count on and can call when I have an issue and vice versa. They can contact me whenever they want and like I said, it is not limited to just post-op topics.
On a side note, I have been contacted and offered 2 very prestigious jobs. One is teaching undergrads in an Ivy League University and the other as a consultant to a very well known organization. The salary for one of them is in the $100,000+ figures, the other one is in the upper $90,000+ range. I will interview both and may accept one of them, if it suits me and my criterias. This will be a key to placing myself back to where I was prior to this deadly disease of morbid obesity almost taking my life in more ways than one.
One thing that happens to many is they forget where they were before they had their surgery. I am not only talking about paying it forward, I am talking about their sincerity and compassion to others that are in the same boat they were and remembering what it is like. Some seems, once they have the surgery and appear more acceptable to those that see them whether in person or online have a certain arrogance, selfishness, narcisstic, become aloof towards others and become cliquish to those that are post-op, even have a certain sexual prowlness and provocative attitude about themselves since losing the weight. Those out there that reads this, don't forget what it was like being MO and how people shun, mock and even ignored you compare to now that people want to be connected to you and even friends since you have lost the weight and look appealing to their eyes, but didn't before. Be true to yourself and don't let this post-op thing get to your head that much, that you forget what and how you were prior to it all and you yourself judge beauty and who you want to interact with based on their physical aspect as well. We are all humans here and it is true people judge you by your outer shell (your body) and looks. Don't forget to understand and remember what it was to struggle with MO and even SMO and how people treat you now because you "look acceptable" compare to then that you did not spark their eyes, mind or interest. Think about it, when someone compliments you or even try to flirt with you. Would they, if you were S/MO?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
7 months post-ops
Well, I am 7 months post-ops. I am glad to say, I have no cpmplications or negative side effects whatsoever. I do not experience diarrhea or constant flatuence issues as many state. I think, it has to do with what you eat and consume. I know almonds are a bad choice for me, since I am compared to a lethal gas chamber. So, no almonds for me. Still, cannot eat poultry. I will give it time, for I might one day be able to tolerate it and not regurgitate it. I cannot do any carbonated beverage. It give me pain from hell in my belly. Other than that, I am doing very well. I don't have any skin issues to worry about. My inner thigh skin isn't that bad and seems to be sorting itself out. As for my breast, well, At this stage, I have lost some volume. They are still full, but not as volumptous filled out like before. I still have mass and all. But, not as perky and out there. I am content and it isn't so bad. I can go braless and my mass and volume still looks good.
I have lost about 70 lbs and weigh 180 lbs. I am currently wearing a size 9-10 and some 11-12 clothes. It depends on the brand, how it is cut and the style. I still have my big latin booty on me. It has not shrunk, gone down in size or sag on me. Ok, it has gone down in size, but it is proportional to my body frame and not dragging or sagging on me. My tummy has gone down alot and is not saggy or have any loose skin. I am currently wearing sleeveless tank top and spandex type biker shorts and those are nicely fitted on me, since my skin tone looks good.
Other than that, I am going through a phase that I know it is normal, but still. I am going through bouts of not being hungry at all and don't want to eat. Right now, I am forcing myself to eat my food. It isn't bad, but I make sure I do eat and have my fluids intake. Since, I am battling with eating, I consume food that has high protein intake, in which I eat on a daily basis either salmon, shrimp, fish, lobster, crab or steak. At least make 2 of those my daily intake for lunch and dinner. I do keep myself focus and in control to what needs to be done to avoid any deficiencies and other related health problems. That's all for now.
I have lost about 70 lbs and weigh 180 lbs. I am currently wearing a size 9-10 and some 11-12 clothes. It depends on the brand, how it is cut and the style. I still have my big latin booty on me. It has not shrunk, gone down in size or sag on me. Ok, it has gone down in size, but it is proportional to my body frame and not dragging or sagging on me. My tummy has gone down alot and is not saggy or have any loose skin. I am currently wearing sleeveless tank top and spandex type biker shorts and those are nicely fitted on me, since my skin tone looks good.
Other than that, I am going through a phase that I know it is normal, but still. I am going through bouts of not being hungry at all and don't want to eat. Right now, I am forcing myself to eat my food. It isn't bad, but I make sure I do eat and have my fluids intake. Since, I am battling with eating, I consume food that has high protein intake, in which I eat on a daily basis either salmon, shrimp, fish, lobster, crab or steak. At least make 2 of those my daily intake for lunch and dinner. I do keep myself focus and in control to what needs to be done to avoid any deficiencies and other related health problems. That's all for now.
Friday, May 25, 2007
food intake
I wanted to write this since this is important to anyone reading this. I have all my life been conscious of my health and what I do. Prior to having bariatric surgery, there would be times I wasn't up to eating and didn't eat for the day. But once you become post-op, you cannot have that mentality or even let such action take into play. Having this surgery means you have to comply and take the daily regime serious. Sure you can miss a vitamin or supplement here and there. But when it comes to food intake, that is your life line and source to getting your nutrient to nourish your system and you HAVE TO get your protein in your body.
Not eating can cause your body to go into starvation mode and also cause certain organs to not function as it should. One being your brain and its cell as well as the blood supply that run through all your sytem from beating your heart to helping your organ do what it needs to supplying your brain via the spinal cord. Blood also has electrolytes and those electrolytes is what gives your heart that power to ignite and pump. If your electrolytes are low from not eating and nourish your body, you will get dizzy and even pass out. Headache is also contributing to poor or not eating as well as consumption of alcohol will deplete your nutrient intake. So what if you had all your vitamins and supplement, drank over 64 oz of water and taken your protein to what is needed. When you drink anything with liquor, you are depleting all you work for the day and it does dehydrate you as well. So think, before you take that drink with alcohol in it.
So, remember to eat if you are post-op and if you can't then find something that you can and make it smaller portion that you may eat throughout the day. I personally eat smaller meals and not the typical 3x a day meals. I have 4-6 x a day meals. I am not a snack person, but will have a yogurt or a banana or just drink milk with Unjury protein powder. I don't use a whole scoop in my milk. My taste buds have changed and I now can only add about 1/3 to 1/2 scoop into my glass of milk. I do use Unjury when I eat cereal. Again add 1/3 to 1/2 scoop. WIth bariatric surgery protein is prevalent. Just wanted to add this here to let other know, if you do experience like me to have bouts with no feeling up to eating anything at all. Just do what you must and do make sure you eat and DON'T skip a meal.
Not eating can cause your body to go into starvation mode and also cause certain organs to not function as it should. One being your brain and its cell as well as the blood supply that run through all your sytem from beating your heart to helping your organ do what it needs to supplying your brain via the spinal cord. Blood also has electrolytes and those electrolytes is what gives your heart that power to ignite and pump. If your electrolytes are low from not eating and nourish your body, you will get dizzy and even pass out. Headache is also contributing to poor or not eating as well as consumption of alcohol will deplete your nutrient intake. So what if you had all your vitamins and supplement, drank over 64 oz of water and taken your protein to what is needed. When you drink anything with liquor, you are depleting all you work for the day and it does dehydrate you as well. So think, before you take that drink with alcohol in it.
So, remember to eat if you are post-op and if you can't then find something that you can and make it smaller portion that you may eat throughout the day. I personally eat smaller meals and not the typical 3x a day meals. I have 4-6 x a day meals. I am not a snack person, but will have a yogurt or a banana or just drink milk with Unjury protein powder. I don't use a whole scoop in my milk. My taste buds have changed and I now can only add about 1/3 to 1/2 scoop into my glass of milk. I do use Unjury when I eat cereal. Again add 1/3 to 1/2 scoop. WIth bariatric surgery protein is prevalent. Just wanted to add this here to let other know, if you do experience like me to have bouts with no feeling up to eating anything at all. Just do what you must and do make sure you eat and DON'T skip a meal.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
6 1/2 months post-op
I am 6 1/2 months post-op. Things are going well for me. Let me update here, since some like to read what's going on with me since I had DS surgery. I have hit my half way point for the year and lost a total of 62 lbs. Overall, I have lost a grand total of 120 lbs.
I am honestly doing well, no complaints or negative effects from having DS. My blood work from a few weeks ago came back within normal range with no red flags. I need to do another bloodwork for my 6th month update which is now. I haven't lost any weight by checking the scale, but I am losing since my clothes are falling off and needed a safety pin to tighten my pants. Pants size depends on maker and style. I am in some pants size 9-10 and in other pants 11-12. Have to take into account I do have a booty on me and do not like wearing tight pants. I can fit into medium pants. In total going from size 20-22 right before I had surgery to now a size 11-12, don't want to say 9-10 just as yet. That is a total of 10 sizes down. Not bad and I am taking my SWEET ASS TIME with my weight loss.
I am in no hurry or rush to lose weight and want to prevent my skin from sagging or hanging on my body. My skin is firm and tight on me. I am 6 months out, have lost over 60+ lbs and don't have that condition and may not see it, since I only have 40+ lbs to go till I reach my goal of 140 lbs. That is a good note in my book. I do not think I will need plastic surgery on my tummy, side or to have any upper or lower body lift. The only noticeable that I see are my inner thighs. The skin is a bit loose, but it isn't bad to be honest. If I wear stocking it won't show and with pants on, you don't see any "defects". With clothes off, it isn't really that bad at all. I do wear a lot of shorts and especially black spandex biker shorts that hugs and contour my body with a tank top over it and my body isn't disproportioned. Sure, my tummy is still a bit swollen, but it isn't bad at all. As I lose more weight, I will see how my body will morph. I have less than 45 lbs to lose until I reach my goal of 140 lbs. I want to look healthy and appealing, not a bag of bones protruding out of my skin or looking like a twig. My breast are still there and haven't deflated after 60+ lbs lost. They don't have that great significant puffy volume as before, but it is looking very nice and healthy and I still have the "twin girls". Yet, they do look mighty fine. My arms look ok as well. Bear in mind, I have gone from 305 lbs to 165 lbs on my own, to gain back 85 to be 250 prior to my bariatric surgery. I do not have stretch marks on my skin or have any other concerns with my skin due to weight loss and I am glad about that. My skin I can say is firm, very smooth and what I consider tight. Time will tell, since I still have as I said another 40+ lbs to lose.
Regarding food, I am able to eat pasta that I make and its good. I use italian sausages or ground beef to make my marinara sauce and that gives me good protein intake. Sometimes, I just eat the marinara and meat and lay off the pasta. I made sauteed corned beef with potatoes, onions and tomatoes and had that with some white rice. I can't eat much of the rice, it does fill me up fast, but Libby's canned corned beef has a lot of protein and that is what I did eat a good portion of. I will have ground beef made into a burger, add some mozzarella to melt on it and some marinara sauce and that is my pizza burger. It does taste good. I will change the cheese to monterrey jack or fontina cheese. I will also make an italian sausage with grilled onion, green and red peppers. Italian sausage is very hearty and filling for me. I can only have 1/2 of it. But will eat my veggies, oh yeah, love eating veggies. Seafood is great for me. I do have my weekly share of seafood. Still, can't eat poultry. Let me make a list of what I am able to eat:
* ribeye steak
*filet mignon
* pork tenderloin
* lamb
* ground beef
* italian sausage
* ham
* salami
* corn beef
* shrimps
* codfish
* mero fish
* king fish
* grouper
* tilapia
* salmon
* crab
* lobster
* rice (long or short, but only a few teaspoons)
* pasta (freshly made or boxed angel hair or size 9)
* potatoes (mashed, fries (very small amount), baked, salad)
* any type of vegetables
* bananas
* watermelon
* milk (fat free/lactose free, 1 qt Lactaid fat free milk daily)
* tea (prefer ice tea with lemon, ready made with sugar or splenda)
* water of course
* coffee (caffeine free and I only like and drink swedish mocha)
* Special K with berries
* Cherrios
* whole grain bread and has to be toasted
* mini bagel and it has to be toasted (takes a long time to digest though)
* Pillsbury biscuits you make at home (has to be the buttermilk, the other one doesn't sit right with me)
* cinnamon rolls you bake in the oven with frosting
* Chef Boyardee spaghetti with meatballs
* soup
* chili
* yogurt (prefer blueberry or strawberry & banana)
* eggs
* any type of cheese
* butter
* cream cheese
* olive, vegetable, sesame, peanut oil (won't make me sick)
not able to eat, tolerate or digest
* chicken or turkey (any part or cooking methods)
* english muffin (painful to digest)
* almonds (gives me a bad digestion problem)
* carbonated beverage (digestive pain from HELL)
* untoasted bread (any type)
* pizza crust or any heavy dough breading
Regarding snacks, I can eat cheese nips, but not too many. I am able to eat 1 twinkie. I can eat cookies, cake and ice cream. But as I said, I don't eat these regularly. Yet, it is there as a choice. I don't need to be deprived of food or make any food a taboo for me. The option is there if I ever want it. Just have to have things in moderation, know what you are eating and not binge on it. Eventhough, I gained to be SMO, I was never much of an eater or over ate to begin with. It is nice that I can have snacks and certain food if I want it at my disposal. I don't crave it, have guilt trips or think it is bad for me. It is there if I want it and that is all I have to say about it.
The idea is to live as normally as you can and understand that any type of bariatric surgery is only a tool to work with, not a sole remedy or solution to your dilemna. You are in control as to how to utilize it and how to live with it. Also, the main focus is on health and it is accomplished through weight loss. This is not a contest to see how much or how fast you lose weight. Remember, the focus is on health and you improving your lifestyle to not be limited or disabled due to the cause of morbid obesity disease.
Regarding vitamins and supplement here is my daily regime tally count
2 Ferro-Sequel Iron pills
8 Calcium Citrate, but will be changing to liquid calcium citrate
3 ADEK
3 Centrum liquid vitamins (6 tbsps total) got tired swallowing pills
1 400 IU vitamin E
1-2 Biotin
1 Drisdol prescribed 10,000 IU vitamin D (once a week)
I do change my method from swallowing pills to having liquid forms. Gotta remember this is for LIFE and you HAVE to take your vitamins and supplement with this surgical procedure. So, every once and awhile I change from pills to liquid form.
I am honestly doing well, no complaints or negative effects from having DS. My blood work from a few weeks ago came back within normal range with no red flags. I need to do another bloodwork for my 6th month update which is now. I haven't lost any weight by checking the scale, but I am losing since my clothes are falling off and needed a safety pin to tighten my pants. Pants size depends on maker and style. I am in some pants size 9-10 and in other pants 11-12. Have to take into account I do have a booty on me and do not like wearing tight pants. I can fit into medium pants. In total going from size 20-22 right before I had surgery to now a size 11-12, don't want to say 9-10 just as yet. That is a total of 10 sizes down. Not bad and I am taking my SWEET ASS TIME with my weight loss.
I am in no hurry or rush to lose weight and want to prevent my skin from sagging or hanging on my body. My skin is firm and tight on me. I am 6 months out, have lost over 60+ lbs and don't have that condition and may not see it, since I only have 40+ lbs to go till I reach my goal of 140 lbs. That is a good note in my book. I do not think I will need plastic surgery on my tummy, side or to have any upper or lower body lift. The only noticeable that I see are my inner thighs. The skin is a bit loose, but it isn't bad to be honest. If I wear stocking it won't show and with pants on, you don't see any "defects". With clothes off, it isn't really that bad at all. I do wear a lot of shorts and especially black spandex biker shorts that hugs and contour my body with a tank top over it and my body isn't disproportioned. Sure, my tummy is still a bit swollen, but it isn't bad at all. As I lose more weight, I will see how my body will morph. I have less than 45 lbs to lose until I reach my goal of 140 lbs. I want to look healthy and appealing, not a bag of bones protruding out of my skin or looking like a twig. My breast are still there and haven't deflated after 60+ lbs lost. They don't have that great significant puffy volume as before, but it is looking very nice and healthy and I still have the "twin girls". Yet, they do look mighty fine. My arms look ok as well. Bear in mind, I have gone from 305 lbs to 165 lbs on my own, to gain back 85 to be 250 prior to my bariatric surgery. I do not have stretch marks on my skin or have any other concerns with my skin due to weight loss and I am glad about that. My skin I can say is firm, very smooth and what I consider tight. Time will tell, since I still have as I said another 40+ lbs to lose.
Regarding food, I am able to eat pasta that I make and its good. I use italian sausages or ground beef to make my marinara sauce and that gives me good protein intake. Sometimes, I just eat the marinara and meat and lay off the pasta. I made sauteed corned beef with potatoes, onions and tomatoes and had that with some white rice. I can't eat much of the rice, it does fill me up fast, but Libby's canned corned beef has a lot of protein and that is what I did eat a good portion of. I will have ground beef made into a burger, add some mozzarella to melt on it and some marinara sauce and that is my pizza burger. It does taste good. I will change the cheese to monterrey jack or fontina cheese. I will also make an italian sausage with grilled onion, green and red peppers. Italian sausage is very hearty and filling for me. I can only have 1/2 of it. But will eat my veggies, oh yeah, love eating veggies. Seafood is great for me. I do have my weekly share of seafood. Still, can't eat poultry. Let me make a list of what I am able to eat:
* ribeye steak
*filet mignon
* pork tenderloin
* lamb
* ground beef
* italian sausage
* ham
* salami
* corn beef
* shrimps
* codfish
* mero fish
* king fish
* grouper
* tilapia
* salmon
* crab
* lobster
* rice (long or short, but only a few teaspoons)
* pasta (freshly made or boxed angel hair or size 9)
* potatoes (mashed, fries (very small amount), baked, salad)
* any type of vegetables
* bananas
* watermelon
* milk (fat free/lactose free, 1 qt Lactaid fat free milk daily)
* tea (prefer ice tea with lemon, ready made with sugar or splenda)
* water of course
* coffee (caffeine free and I only like and drink swedish mocha)
* Special K with berries
* Cherrios
* whole grain bread and has to be toasted
* mini bagel and it has to be toasted (takes a long time to digest though)
* Pillsbury biscuits you make at home (has to be the buttermilk, the other one doesn't sit right with me)
* cinnamon rolls you bake in the oven with frosting
* Chef Boyardee spaghetti with meatballs
* soup
* chili
* yogurt (prefer blueberry or strawberry & banana)
* eggs
* any type of cheese
* butter
* cream cheese
* olive, vegetable, sesame, peanut oil (won't make me sick)
not able to eat, tolerate or digest
* chicken or turkey (any part or cooking methods)
* english muffin (painful to digest)
* almonds (gives me a bad digestion problem)
* carbonated beverage (digestive pain from HELL)
* untoasted bread (any type)
* pizza crust or any heavy dough breading
Regarding snacks, I can eat cheese nips, but not too many. I am able to eat 1 twinkie. I can eat cookies, cake and ice cream. But as I said, I don't eat these regularly. Yet, it is there as a choice. I don't need to be deprived of food or make any food a taboo for me. The option is there if I ever want it. Just have to have things in moderation, know what you are eating and not binge on it. Eventhough, I gained to be SMO, I was never much of an eater or over ate to begin with. It is nice that I can have snacks and certain food if I want it at my disposal. I don't crave it, have guilt trips or think it is bad for me. It is there if I want it and that is all I have to say about it.
The idea is to live as normally as you can and understand that any type of bariatric surgery is only a tool to work with, not a sole remedy or solution to your dilemna. You are in control as to how to utilize it and how to live with it. Also, the main focus is on health and it is accomplished through weight loss. This is not a contest to see how much or how fast you lose weight. Remember, the focus is on health and you improving your lifestyle to not be limited or disabled due to the cause of morbid obesity disease.
Regarding vitamins and supplement here is my daily regime tally count
2 Ferro-Sequel Iron pills
8 Calcium Citrate, but will be changing to liquid calcium citrate
3 ADEK
3 Centrum liquid vitamins (6 tbsps total) got tired swallowing pills
1 400 IU vitamin E
1-2 Biotin
1 Drisdol prescribed 10,000 IU vitamin D (once a week)
I do change my method from swallowing pills to having liquid forms. Gotta remember this is for LIFE and you HAVE to take your vitamins and supplement with this surgical procedure. So, every once and awhile I change from pills to liquid form.
Monday, May 14, 2007
6 months post-op
Today, I am 6 months post-op. I had not had any complications whatsoever in my outcome with my bariatric surgery. I am healthy and doing well. Have to remember, anyone reading this blog of mine. I do not have gastric bypass, also known as RNY. I had a bilio-pancreatic duodenal switch which means, I still have portion of my stomach (only the outer curve of my stomach pouch was removed) and I do have my pylorus valve that allow food to pass from the stomach to the duodenum. In a RNY, this muscles is missing, hence it is called a gastric bypass. With the DS, you have this muscle and your stomach functions regularly. Therefore, there is no gastric bypass with this method of surgery and your digestion does function as normally as possible except there is a switch and with that a 2nd intestinal tract meant for your digestive juices to process, which then meets at a junction known as the common limb at the end of the small intestine.
Have to also remind those reading this, that with the DS, you have greater chance of malasbsorption also with it being a restrictive. You must live the rest of your life, taking vitamins and supplements. I take 10-12 pills a day and sometimes it is tiring and my tummy too full to digest, even if I haven't eaten much. I do swap to liquid vitamins to help me meet my quota of intake. This is something that is a must and you ignoring or not taking your vitamins and supplements can endanger your health. There are times, I am not up to par with it, but I do my best and consume what I can daily.
Moving along, I am still having difficulties with bread and can only eat toasted sliced bread. Multigrain is more better for me than white. I like toast with alittle butter and either vegetable, salmon or chives and onion cream cheese. I don't have toast every day, just whenever the moment hits me, it is there as an option to have with my eggs and bacon. For breakfast, I will have either western omelet with just some toast or an egg over easy with an Italian sweet sausage. I don't do english muffin. I have issues digesting it and takes a long time, so I avoid that. I can have a cinnamon bun, cornbread and am careful with the biscuit. Other things I have for breakfast is Special K with berries cereal with milk and 1/3 scoop of Unjury protein powder. I drink a lot of milk, about 1 quart a day or ice tea. For lunch, I eat a lot of seafood, either crab, salmon, shrimps or fish. I do eat potatoes, either baked or mashed. I can have a few fries, maybe about 5. Veggies are staple in my food intake. I will have a burger with no buns and do enjoy placing mozzarella, monterrey jack, fontina, cheddar or american cheese on it as it cook and melts. I also like adding marinara sauce on it. That in itself is a meal for me for lunch or dinner and drink my milk with Unjury protein powder with it. I still can't eat pizza, just can't digest the dough. I am able to eat spaghetti but has to be size 9 or angel hair. Chef Boyardee spaghetti with meatballs is something I can eat, tolerate and digest. I also make some meat sauce or marinara and lots of cheese, for my pasta, lol. I only eat ribeye steaks or filet mignon, no other. I cannot eat chicken or other poultry. It still makes me sick.
I went to my 6th month follow-up post-op visit. The surgeon told me my progress has been great and very steady. The weight is slow as it should be. I do not have skin issues on my stomach or arms. My neck and face have great tone, as per his words. I am only 40 lbs away from my goal and he prefers the weight loss to be slow. As of now, My tummy is still a bit puffy and asked him to check to see if I have a hernia. He examed me, told me to cough and then said no, it is still puffy and can take upto a year for it to go all down.
Another thing, we talked about stall. I am at a stall and he told me a stall is actually a very good thing and should not be seen as anything negative. With stalls, your body rest, isn't going thru any saggy or loose skin issues, since the muscles and other part are being re-distributed within. He told me the one with obssession with the scale and stalls, he tries to divert their attention from that and look at the overview of it, that the body needs to rest since continuous weight loss also deprives your body of the nutrients. With a stall, the body begins to take the nutrients and this is the time to up the protein and all. He told me, I am doing very well and will see that my body will start losing weight very slowly now and with frequent stalls since all I got left is 40 lbs to lose and my skintone has been very good. l follow my doc advice and let the loss from here till my 1 yr anniversay be slow and remember stalls are a good thing and actually a good thing for your health and safety which many don't see. Some whine and complain about it. But, with stalls the body rest and distributes itself. With rapid weight loss, it is muscle more that you are losing, not the fat product in your body, hence saggy or loose skin. Also, the amount or length of time you have been overweight does have a factor in your skin elasticity and how it shrinks as you lose the weight.
Have to also remind those reading this, that with the DS, you have greater chance of malasbsorption also with it being a restrictive. You must live the rest of your life, taking vitamins and supplements. I take 10-12 pills a day and sometimes it is tiring and my tummy too full to digest, even if I haven't eaten much. I do swap to liquid vitamins to help me meet my quota of intake. This is something that is a must and you ignoring or not taking your vitamins and supplements can endanger your health. There are times, I am not up to par with it, but I do my best and consume what I can daily.
Moving along, I am still having difficulties with bread and can only eat toasted sliced bread. Multigrain is more better for me than white. I like toast with alittle butter and either vegetable, salmon or chives and onion cream cheese. I don't have toast every day, just whenever the moment hits me, it is there as an option to have with my eggs and bacon. For breakfast, I will have either western omelet with just some toast or an egg over easy with an Italian sweet sausage. I don't do english muffin. I have issues digesting it and takes a long time, so I avoid that. I can have a cinnamon bun, cornbread and am careful with the biscuit. Other things I have for breakfast is Special K with berries cereal with milk and 1/3 scoop of Unjury protein powder. I drink a lot of milk, about 1 quart a day or ice tea. For lunch, I eat a lot of seafood, either crab, salmon, shrimps or fish. I do eat potatoes, either baked or mashed. I can have a few fries, maybe about 5. Veggies are staple in my food intake. I will have a burger with no buns and do enjoy placing mozzarella, monterrey jack, fontina, cheddar or american cheese on it as it cook and melts. I also like adding marinara sauce on it. That in itself is a meal for me for lunch or dinner and drink my milk with Unjury protein powder with it. I still can't eat pizza, just can't digest the dough. I am able to eat spaghetti but has to be size 9 or angel hair. Chef Boyardee spaghetti with meatballs is something I can eat, tolerate and digest. I also make some meat sauce or marinara and lots of cheese, for my pasta, lol. I only eat ribeye steaks or filet mignon, no other. I cannot eat chicken or other poultry. It still makes me sick.
I went to my 6th month follow-up post-op visit. The surgeon told me my progress has been great and very steady. The weight is slow as it should be. I do not have skin issues on my stomach or arms. My neck and face have great tone, as per his words. I am only 40 lbs away from my goal and he prefers the weight loss to be slow. As of now, My tummy is still a bit puffy and asked him to check to see if I have a hernia. He examed me, told me to cough and then said no, it is still puffy and can take upto a year for it to go all down.
Another thing, we talked about stall. I am at a stall and he told me a stall is actually a very good thing and should not be seen as anything negative. With stalls, your body rest, isn't going thru any saggy or loose skin issues, since the muscles and other part are being re-distributed within. He told me the one with obssession with the scale and stalls, he tries to divert their attention from that and look at the overview of it, that the body needs to rest since continuous weight loss also deprives your body of the nutrients. With a stall, the body begins to take the nutrients and this is the time to up the protein and all. He told me, I am doing very well and will see that my body will start losing weight very slowly now and with frequent stalls since all I got left is 40 lbs to lose and my skintone has been very good. l follow my doc advice and let the loss from here till my 1 yr anniversay be slow and remember stalls are a good thing and actually a good thing for your health and safety which many don't see. Some whine and complain about it. But, with stalls the body rest and distributes itself. With rapid weight loss, it is muscle more that you are losing, not the fat product in your body, hence saggy or loose skin. Also, the amount or length of time you have been overweight does have a factor in your skin elasticity and how it shrinks as you lose the weight.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
7 months post-op
I am almost 7 months post-op. This weekend I went to buy summer clothes. I refused to buy any clothese during my first 6 months, since I did have clothes from previous weight loss in my storage room and was feasible during the winter and cold months. Now, the weather is warn and I never went out much. I purchaased 6 pairs of short, 1 cpari pants size 10 , a nice strapless summer dress and a few tank tops. I bought the pants size large and they are big on me. I do have a butt, but miscalculated that I am a medium, although I feel bigger and bought a size large. I've also bought a sewing machine as an actual necessity since my clothes will need to be taken in here and there. i was wearing pants with safety pins on it and realized it is time to buy clothes. Other than that, I had a nice time shopping.
Regarding Memorial Day, I relaxed and enjoyed my time. I made chicken and decided to taste test a wing to see if I can now tolerate eating chicken. NOPE!!!! Threw it up as previous times. Maybe, on my 9th month post-op I will be able to eat chicken again. Doesnt' hurt or harm me to try it again. I am still having occurrence with not being hungry, but will eat since that is my source to protein intake and helping my body sustain it vital organs. I am at a stall and to me that is not a bad thing. My body needs the rest and to redistribute its weight. I do not want to lose more than 10 pounds a month and work it to keep it steady pace. I have lost 65 lbs and am right on track with being almost 7 months soon and maximum for my criteria would be 70 lbs. I do not have skin issues as of yet, except for my inner upper thighs, but it isn't bad at all. Just a bit flabby. Due to not feeling much in eating, my protein intake is a bit slacking. I am reaching about 50 gms when I should be within the range of 80-120 gms of protein. I need to concentrate on my protein intake and am waiting on my vitamins and supplement deliveries.
Regarding Memorial Day, I relaxed and enjoyed my time. I made chicken and decided to taste test a wing to see if I can now tolerate eating chicken. NOPE!!!! Threw it up as previous times. Maybe, on my 9th month post-op I will be able to eat chicken again. Doesnt' hurt or harm me to try it again. I am still having occurrence with not being hungry, but will eat since that is my source to protein intake and helping my body sustain it vital organs. I am at a stall and to me that is not a bad thing. My body needs the rest and to redistribute its weight. I do not want to lose more than 10 pounds a month and work it to keep it steady pace. I have lost 65 lbs and am right on track with being almost 7 months soon and maximum for my criteria would be 70 lbs. I do not have skin issues as of yet, except for my inner upper thighs, but it isn't bad at all. Just a bit flabby. Due to not feeling much in eating, my protein intake is a bit slacking. I am reaching about 50 gms when I should be within the range of 80-120 gms of protein. I need to concentrate on my protein intake and am waiting on my vitamins and supplement deliveries.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
WLS is like any other surgery
I get a lot of messages from people on OH asking me to update my blog and wanting to know how I am and what is the latest on me. I guess, the only thing I have to say is, I am not like certain people that wake up every single morning thinking and talking about their WLS. It is not on my mind constantly or in my thoughts for topic every day 24/7. Although, I am just beginning my journey with only 6 months into it, I don't check the scale obssessively and I only think about the surgery only when I have to eat something and hope it digest well or remember to take my vitamins and supplements.
To me, WLS is like any other surgery. It was done for a specific medical purpose to help me regain my health. It is like having your appendix, tonsils or a tumor removed, surgically correcting a problem with one of your vital organs within or having reconstructive surgery such as an abdominalplasty or breast lift/repair. It is just another surgery to me to improve your health and life moves on. I don't talk about the surgery at all. If I need advice, have a question or am having a certain concern, I have 4 very close friends that had WLS and are all over 3+ years post-op that I can count on being my mentors. Beyond that, I don't talk with them about WLS, unless it is a topic of concern. That is the way I am.
I know some live every breath talking about it, even for years, but not me. I don't talk about my other surgeries, so why would I talk about this one. Just common sense to me. That is the way I feel about it. I will write on this blog about certain events that relates to my experiences having it since the 1st year is the one with the most impact from it. But honestly, I don't put much thought as to living as a post-op. I am living as a person, who had bariatric surgery to improve and help me with my health and one benefit from it was weight loss. But, I don't brag about it or push it on people saying, hey I had wls, blah, blah, blah.
So, it has been 6 months since I had the surgery. All I can say is, I live for life. It has been one of the many surgeries I have had throughout the years that help me improved my health. Like I said, I have had other surgeries and this one happens to be one of them. The surgery help me improve my health, since my life was getting limited and pretty bad as time was going by.
I no longer using the CPAP machine or wear a Darth Vader mask, eventhough, I upgraded last year to a nasal pillow mask known as Adam Circuit. But, I don't use the Cpap or mask anymore. I give credit to that to having bariatric surgery since it help take off some weight off my tiny body that was crushing my lungs and respiratory system with the weight I had on me. I've suffered from severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with 110 apneic episodes which is extremely serious and dangerous, at a CPAP setting of 12. But, no more. I still have a collapsed oropharynx and hypopharynx that needs surgery to repair it. But, I don't want anymore surgeries, especially done to my throat, having them slice it open and digging in there leaving me a huge scar on my throat. I have been through hell with so many surgeries performed on me. I had abdominalplasty in which they stretched my skin down like a window blind to remove the scars on my stomach and repaired my stomach muscles, a few years back. I won't get into that or the details. Just wanted to say, I had reconstructive surgery which was abdominalplasty. I am just glad to be alive, breathe this free air and appreciate life for what it has to offer.
To me, WLS is like any other surgery. It was done for a specific medical purpose to help me regain my health. It is like having your appendix, tonsils or a tumor removed, surgically correcting a problem with one of your vital organs within or having reconstructive surgery such as an abdominalplasty or breast lift/repair. It is just another surgery to me to improve your health and life moves on. I don't talk about the surgery at all. If I need advice, have a question or am having a certain concern, I have 4 very close friends that had WLS and are all over 3+ years post-op that I can count on being my mentors. Beyond that, I don't talk with them about WLS, unless it is a topic of concern. That is the way I am.
I know some live every breath talking about it, even for years, but not me. I don't talk about my other surgeries, so why would I talk about this one. Just common sense to me. That is the way I feel about it. I will write on this blog about certain events that relates to my experiences having it since the 1st year is the one with the most impact from it. But honestly, I don't put much thought as to living as a post-op. I am living as a person, who had bariatric surgery to improve and help me with my health and one benefit from it was weight loss. But, I don't brag about it or push it on people saying, hey I had wls, blah, blah, blah.
So, it has been 6 months since I had the surgery. All I can say is, I live for life. It has been one of the many surgeries I have had throughout the years that help me improved my health. Like I said, I have had other surgeries and this one happens to be one of them. The surgery help me improve my health, since my life was getting limited and pretty bad as time was going by.
I no longer using the CPAP machine or wear a Darth Vader mask, eventhough, I upgraded last year to a nasal pillow mask known as Adam Circuit. But, I don't use the Cpap or mask anymore. I give credit to that to having bariatric surgery since it help take off some weight off my tiny body that was crushing my lungs and respiratory system with the weight I had on me. I've suffered from severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with 110 apneic episodes which is extremely serious and dangerous, at a CPAP setting of 12. But, no more. I still have a collapsed oropharynx and hypopharynx that needs surgery to repair it. But, I don't want anymore surgeries, especially done to my throat, having them slice it open and digging in there leaving me a huge scar on my throat. I have been through hell with so many surgeries performed on me. I had abdominalplasty in which they stretched my skin down like a window blind to remove the scars on my stomach and repaired my stomach muscles, a few years back. I won't get into that or the details. Just wanted to say, I had reconstructive surgery which was abdominalplasty. I am just glad to be alive, breathe this free air and appreciate life for what it has to offer.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
20 weeks
I am 20 weeks post-op or 5 months out since having bariatric surgery. I am doing very well and have nothing to complain about life or the surgery. I am now able to eat and tolerate homemade pasta and certain breads. Not that I am going to make it a habit to eat it frequently, but it is there as an option when I want it. Can't have any carbonated drinks for it causes severe pain to my digestive tract. As I said, I can have bread, I have to be careful with certain type does cause a bad reaction to me (doesn't go down well). I am not talking about dumping syndrome since I don't have such symptoms due to having a fully functional stomach and the pylorus is intact, just digesting certain things takes a longer time to process. Still can't eat chicken. Hope when I am a year out, I will be able to, since it is a high protein food. All is still a learning process and doesn't bother me one bit. Just got to go through my trial and error. Although, there may be similarities, to each person it is unique and very different. What one can eat, another is unable to. Life is about eating to live, not living to eat. The mentality has to be set prior to all this and although I gained almost 200 lbs, it wasn't due to overeating. It was due to emotional stress from certain factors and conditions in life to cause an imbalance to my metabolism and system. It happened and I did my best to lose the weight on my own and succeeded well in that. But again, after I lost all the weight, due to certain stress from that time, I regained most of the weight back when something triggered it. Life can be unexpected and so unpredictable at times.
I have lost almost 60 lbs and that is great in 20 weeks. My skin isn't saggy or loose. As I said from the beginning when I started losing weight after I had surgery, I have slight flabby skin in my upper inner thighs and the back of my arms you can see a slight "batwings" when they are raise upwards. It doesn't bother me and as I said before I had surgery, I have no plans to have anymore reconstructive or plastic surgery done to my torso or any other parts of my body unless it is for health reason that needs to be done. Today was a nice day and I had white rice with black beans soup/stew made with chorizo, pumpkin and loads of other fresh veggies in it, ribeye steak and corn. Later on, as a dessert, I ate a small amount of french styled cheescake that is more airy and lighter texture than the NY cheesecake that is denser. I was skeptic to have it for fear I won't be able to tolerate it. But, I ate it and if I can't have it, my system will let me know that I can't. When I am able to eat something, my attitude is c'est la vie and bon apetite. I ate it and it isn't something as I said about other foods, something I will indulge occassionally or frequently. It is there to enjoy when the moment strikes. Now, on to my 1/2 year mark which is 6 months out, next month. Time does fly so quickly.
I have lost almost 60 lbs and that is great in 20 weeks. My skin isn't saggy or loose. As I said from the beginning when I started losing weight after I had surgery, I have slight flabby skin in my upper inner thighs and the back of my arms you can see a slight "batwings" when they are raise upwards. It doesn't bother me and as I said before I had surgery, I have no plans to have anymore reconstructive or plastic surgery done to my torso or any other parts of my body unless it is for health reason that needs to be done. Today was a nice day and I had white rice with black beans soup/stew made with chorizo, pumpkin and loads of other fresh veggies in it, ribeye steak and corn. Later on, as a dessert, I ate a small amount of french styled cheescake that is more airy and lighter texture than the NY cheesecake that is denser. I was skeptic to have it for fear I won't be able to tolerate it. But, I ate it and if I can't have it, my system will let me know that I can't. When I am able to eat something, my attitude is c'est la vie and bon apetite. I ate it and it isn't something as I said about other foods, something I will indulge occassionally or frequently. It is there to enjoy when the moment strikes. Now, on to my 1/2 year mark which is 6 months out, next month. Time does fly so quickly.
Monday, April 2, 2007
18 weeks
I am 18 weeks out or we can say almost 5 months since having my BPD-DS surgery. The experience has been very positive and no negative side effects or complications from it. My hair loss has stopped, which is a good thing. I thought it would be alot or continuous, but it wasn't a significant situation at all. I think, I can contribute the small hair loss due to the shock to the system from the 5 hours being under anesthesia. Also, the high protein intake I have from food did help me keep me up to par. Other than that, still can't eat chicken, but am able to tolerate eating white toast with butter on it. Forget the pizza crust, as crispy or thin it can be, it is still a NO GO or any breading as in a sandwich or buns. I can eat the Chef Boyardee spaghetti with meatballs, which helps me out. Haven't tried real pasta yet.
Although, I am losing weight and looking to what I was prior to 1999, I am still the same person with the same personality within, with only one difference. I have always been a confident person to be who I am with the ability to speak my mind without fear. I am now, not distant myself from people as I used to, but cautious who I interact with. I am still very selective whom I associate with and who I will allowed to be friends with me. No matter how much weight I lose or how I look, my personality shouldn't change. Just gotta have common sense and remember whatever action you do in life will cause a reaction and even an impact on yourself and/or others, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. All depends on YOU. People just have to think before they do or carry out their thoughts into action. I've decided to take some pics today, so you can see how I look after almost 60 lbs lost. I have about 50 lbs to go till I reach my goal weight. I am taking it easy and doing it slowly. I am in no hurry to lose the weight fast. I don't want to lose my muscles, which does happens when you lose weight too fast. I only want to and concentrate on losing the fat bulk from my body.
Although, I am losing weight and looking to what I was prior to 1999, I am still the same person with the same personality within, with only one difference. I have always been a confident person to be who I am with the ability to speak my mind without fear. I am now, not distant myself from people as I used to, but cautious who I interact with. I am still very selective whom I associate with and who I will allowed to be friends with me. No matter how much weight I lose or how I look, my personality shouldn't change. Just gotta have common sense and remember whatever action you do in life will cause a reaction and even an impact on yourself and/or others, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. All depends on YOU. People just have to think before they do or carry out their thoughts into action. I've decided to take some pics today, so you can see how I look after almost 60 lbs lost. I have about 50 lbs to go till I reach my goal weight. I am taking it easy and doing it slowly. I am in no hurry to lose the weight fast. I don't want to lose my muscles, which does happens when you lose weight too fast. I only want to and concentrate on losing the fat bulk from my body.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Kinda cool
Kinda cool, when you wake up from your sleep, go about your day and stop suddenly because something feels very strange. I venture to look in the mirror and yup, there it is...... collarbones. I have to say, my collarbones are very pretty and awesome looking. Just had to post that to this blog here. Ok, back to my world and productive life off this site. Just had to drop in for a moment and share this bit of info here since so many do message me and about how I am doing and my updates.
Overall, yeah, it sure is cool to see those collarbones sticking out and realize how pretty mine are on me.
Overall, yeah, it sure is cool to see those collarbones sticking out and realize how pretty mine are on me.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
-56 lbs
I am 4 months out and lost a total of 56 lbs. Everything is going well and I do now have my energy level back. The first 3 months were the hardest. Just gotta take the pace and allow yourself to heal. Hair loss is minimal. I thought, I would be with little or thining hair on my head, but that isn't the case. Guess it depends on the individual. I am now eating Chef Boyardee mini microwaveable spaghetti and meatballs. It's just convenient, simple to deal with and I can tolerate and digest it with no issues. I drink a quart of fat free Lactaid milk with Unjury power a day. I have gotten such a taste for drinking milk. Beside, it does have vitamin D which is needed in my body. I do not have saggy or loose skin as I lose weight. My back skin is tight and is my belly. I am not eating pasta except for the Chef Boyardee. I am still eating ribeye steak, ground beef, salmon or other seafood daily, but no poultry. I regularly eat bananas for potassium. I don't get sick on the food I eat right now and with my surgery there is no dumping effect. I am able to eat whole wheat english muffin which is better than the regular ones that caused me difficulties to digest. Cant' do heavy dough, just can't digest it. I can eat a twinkie, lol.
Not much to say except I am doing well. Family and friends have noticed the significant difference in the way I look in person and on webcam. Kinda nice seeing their jaws drop and say how beautiful I look since all the weight loss. I was always beautiful, even as a morbidly obese person. The compliments are nice to hear. We ALL like hearing how nice we look. I am blossoming as time goes by and coming out of my shell slowly as well as have confidence to be me once again. I am content with my surgery and how it has helped me with my health improved, that was contributed negatively to having morbid obesity. Now on to month 5.
Not much to say except I am doing well. Family and friends have noticed the significant difference in the way I look in person and on webcam. Kinda nice seeing their jaws drop and say how beautiful I look since all the weight loss. I was always beautiful, even as a morbidly obese person. The compliments are nice to hear. We ALL like hearing how nice we look. I am blossoming as time goes by and coming out of my shell slowly as well as have confidence to be me once again. I am content with my surgery and how it has helped me with my health improved, that was contributed negatively to having morbid obesity. Now on to month 5.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Twinkie
You know, it was one of those days yesterday. We ALL have them, even the diehard true stick to the program post-op people have days like these. I saw a Twinkie in the pantry and wanted to eat it as a snack. I know it was a bad choice, but I will not go thru life deprived whether I should have had that Twinkie or not. So, I ate that one Twinkie. It didn't cause me any negative side effects. Beside that little incident, I did ok.
Having the DS means to live and move on being able to eat as normally as possible and if there isn't something I can't eat, it will let me know. We are all human beings and this is just one of those things that happens. Not like it will be a habit to go search and eat a Twinkie everyday or even make it a habit to go back making it an occassional thing to have. I won't hide the fact I did eat that Twinkie to look impressive or be accepted by anyone here or try to be who I am not. I am not picture perfect and never tried to be one. I had it, was able to tolerate to eat it and that's it. I know my choice was not great, but it is reality, this is life and it does happens. Not going to put myself down or be ashame I ate that Twinkie. It makes me aware for next time, but also I learn not to deprive myself either. I ate that Twinkie, am still losing weight and that is the end of the story.
Having the DS means to live and move on being able to eat as normally as possible and if there isn't something I can't eat, it will let me know. We are all human beings and this is just one of those things that happens. Not like it will be a habit to go search and eat a Twinkie everyday or even make it a habit to go back making it an occassional thing to have. I won't hide the fact I did eat that Twinkie to look impressive or be accepted by anyone here or try to be who I am not. I am not picture perfect and never tried to be one. I had it, was able to tolerate to eat it and that's it. I know my choice was not great, but it is reality, this is life and it does happens. Not going to put myself down or be ashame I ate that Twinkie. It makes me aware for next time, but also I learn not to deprive myself either. I ate that Twinkie, am still losing weight and that is the end of the story.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
14 weeks out
I am almost 14 weeks out. I am holding steady at 197 lbs. I have used this Celebrity Look-alike program many times before since it was intiated back in the spring of 2006 and decided to see who be similar to me this time. Natalie Portman always come out in my list. Maybe, if I darken my hair, I might look a bit like her. But, there is a HUGE age difference. She is old enough to be my daughter! I'll might take another collage when i hit my 6th month, will see. The collage was taken during my 3rd month out.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
- 49 lbs
I am 12 weeks out. It has been 3 months since having my surgery. I now weigh 198 lbs. I am doing well and feel healthier. My energy is slowly returning. It is now time for me to start my workout regime of using the treadmill to walk on 2x a day. I did hit a few stalls since the last time, but it was quick and the weight dropped off after that. I am wearing a size 12 that fit a bit baggy, but not comfortable to wear size 10 yet. Most of my weight loss has been on my back, side torso, arms, upper thighs, hips and of couse my face. I have less than 60 lbs to go to meet goal at 140. I am doing it slowly what I can to make sure I don't have muscle loss. I am up to par with my protein intake and taking my supplements. Now, on to month 4 which will be week 16.
I did experience some hair loss and noticed it is NOT due to lack of protein intake. For me personally, that is a myth. I am taking my protein and meeting its quota with that. I now know, through logic reasoning, the contribution to my slight hair loss was due to shock into the system being under anesthesia for 5 hours. Anesthesia can do that. It isn't much hair loss, but did had my long hair that was up to my elbow cut off to now be shoulder length. That was a difficult step for me, since I hid behind my hair for years. I am doing ok with that challenge and even pick up my hair to be off my face. People do notice the changes that I am slimmer and that I do have a pretty smile once my hair didn't drape over me like cousin It. I have been compare in looks to a young Sharon Stone, Barabara Eden and even very young Catherine Deneuve. Kinda weird they say that, cause I sure don't see it.
I did experience some hair loss and noticed it is NOT due to lack of protein intake. For me personally, that is a myth. I am taking my protein and meeting its quota with that. I now know, through logic reasoning, the contribution to my slight hair loss was due to shock into the system being under anesthesia for 5 hours. Anesthesia can do that. It isn't much hair loss, but did had my long hair that was up to my elbow cut off to now be shoulder length. That was a difficult step for me, since I hid behind my hair for years. I am doing ok with that challenge and even pick up my hair to be off my face. People do notice the changes that I am slimmer and that I do have a pretty smile once my hair didn't drape over me like cousin It. I have been compare in looks to a young Sharon Stone, Barabara Eden and even very young Catherine Deneuve. Kinda weird they say that, cause I sure don't see it.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
11 weeks out
I am 11 weeks out. Things are ok. I am still 2 lbs away from being in onederland. Let the weight stall if it must, I still lose inches and no saggy skin yet!! Want to lose the fat, not the muscle, so I am right on track. Ok, the upper inner thighs, but it isn't bad at all. Had an unfortunate episode happened yesterday with trying out eating a toasted english muffin. It didn't digest well and went thru hell with it feeling it stuck. It happens and we learn from it known as trial and errors. I even called the surgeon. I winged it out and it took 14 hrs (I am serious), for it to all pass thru. I couldn't even throw it up. It was just there with no avail remedy, biding its time to digest and eliminate. I like english muffins, but that is also scratched off my list and it was whole wheat too. I made an egg over easy, put a spat of butter on the muffin and melted some cheese on it. So for now forget about anything that resembles an Egg McMuffin.
On another note, here is something I want to share with all that read my profile here. Life is unexpected at times. Never know what will happen in the next 5 minutes that can change your life FOREVER. With that in mind, here are a few TIPS you might want to take in and think about. It is up to you. But, remember safety is important when you are aware of your surroundings. You can be a victim without ever knowing you are a target. It just happens and as I say without you ever knowing and can change your destiny in life. Self defense and awareness are prevalent when it comes to dealing with society.
1.
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2.
If a thief demands your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you. Chances are that s/he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3.
If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4.
Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc. and just sit (doing their checkbook or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go or stick a gun to the window demanding you open the door or he'll shoot. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
5.
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. better to crash the car than expect something worst to happen to you. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it . As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
6.
A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking
garage:
A.)
Be aware. Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat. Late at night, try to have someone with you that goes or can go in the garage when you do.
B.)
If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door . Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.)
Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall or work and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
6.
ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!
7
If the suspect has a gun and you are NOT under his control, ALWAYS RUN! S/he will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably, in a zig -zag pattern!
8.
As women, we are always trying to be nice or even sympathetic to strangers: STOP THIS CRAP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9.
Another Safety Point: Someone hears a crying baby on their porch at night. It is best to call the police because hearing a baby crying outside at night is weird. The police usually will tell you "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." Even if it sounds as though the baby had crawled near a window and you are worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. Just remember, the police will say they have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door. It is for your safety. A serial killer has been known to have a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. It is a mother's instinct to go check it out. DO NOT open the door if you hear crying baby, no matter how safe your neighborhood is. This should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.
Guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, female, friends, etc., you may want to pass these tips along to them, as well. For any woman that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of unstable people in it and it's better to be safe than sorry. Appreciate life and that those you care about is safe and out of harm's way. Just some tips I want to pass along that can save a life from being a target and hurt.
On another note, here is something I want to share with all that read my profile here. Life is unexpected at times. Never know what will happen in the next 5 minutes that can change your life FOREVER. With that in mind, here are a few TIPS you might want to take in and think about. It is up to you. But, remember safety is important when you are aware of your surroundings. You can be a victim without ever knowing you are a target. It just happens and as I say without you ever knowing and can change your destiny in life. Self defense and awareness are prevalent when it comes to dealing with society.
1.
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2.
If a thief demands your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you. Chances are that s/he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3.
If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4.
Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc. and just sit (doing their checkbook or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go or stick a gun to the window demanding you open the door or he'll shoot. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
5.
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. better to crash the car than expect something worst to happen to you. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it . As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
6.
A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking
garage:
A.)
Be aware. Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat. Late at night, try to have someone with you that goes or can go in the garage when you do.
B.)
If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door . Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.)
Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall or work and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
6.
ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!
7
If the suspect has a gun and you are NOT under his control, ALWAYS RUN! S/he will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably, in a zig -zag pattern!
8.
As women, we are always trying to be nice or even sympathetic to strangers: STOP THIS CRAP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9.
Another Safety Point: Someone hears a crying baby on their porch at night. It is best to call the police because hearing a baby crying outside at night is weird. The police usually will tell you "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." Even if it sounds as though the baby had crawled near a window and you are worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. Just remember, the police will say they have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door. It is for your safety. A serial killer has been known to have a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. It is a mother's instinct to go check it out. DO NOT open the door if you hear crying baby, no matter how safe your neighborhood is. This should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.
Guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, female, friends, etc., you may want to pass these tips along to them, as well. For any woman that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of unstable people in it and it's better to be safe than sorry. Appreciate life and that those you care about is safe and out of harm's way. Just some tips I want to pass along that can save a life from being a target and hurt.
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