Obesity Surgery WP Blog

Hi
I’m six weeks out and just tried eating chicken straight off the bone without
cutting it up and drowning it in gravy. Didn’t work. The other first tonight
was an intentional purge. That chicken got SO stuck and hurt! So I drank a few
gulps of water (more pain!) but then threw up enough to relieve the pain.
I also can’t eat fish without disguising it in tartar sauce. I can eat ground
turkey dry, though. Is this a normal reaction? How long till people could
just eat regular meat?
Thanks,
Lil

Hi all,
I wanted to briefly respond to Emily who wrote in part:
While, even though I am a ’shrink’ I can’t say what is “normal”, I can say that
your description sounds EXACTLY like mine. I had surgery in May of 2000, and
struggled with exactly the same things as you. The best advice I can give,
unfortunately starts with a cliche, This too shall pass!!! [I promise Emily].
Everyone told me this too when I was suffering as you are, and, looking back on
it, it was a relatively short time in my life, but while you are in it, it seems
forever. The rest of my sage advice involves doing more of what you are already
doing; i.e. reach out for support. Look for support in person, on the
telephone, in person, anywhere! Seek out anyone who will listen and talk, talk,
talk!!! This is especially important if you have thoughts of harming or killing
yourself.
Additionally, stay on your meds, and advise your prescriber at once if you do
not improve, at least marginally, in 2-3 weeks (because SSRI’s take that long to
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Emily . . .
This is *totally normal*! You are kickin’ off the traces of anesthesia (which
is depressing), you are prolly in hibernation mode (which includes a depressed
state), and you’re releasing *tons o’ hormones* that were trapped in fat. Which
all makes for major depression, moodiness, and disrupted moods, altered sleep
patterns, etc.
Hang in there . . . it’ll pass. Prolly *soon*.
I hope you’re doing protein drinks (like ones at Vitalady.com), to nourish your
bod, fuel your weight loss?
Good luck, and hang in there . . . you’ll feel better soon!
Rachel
From: “elovesolo” <elovesolo@…
Subject: recent post-op
Hello, I underwent lapR-Y surgery on 7/19/04. I did about 2 years
of research, talking to people, discussions with the surgeons etc.,
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Hello, I underwent lapR-Y surgery on 7/19/04. I did about 2 years
of research, talking to people, discussions with the surgeons etc.,
etc. prior to having it done and really felt like I was ready and
was thrilled to be having it done. Now, I am home recovering, and
struggling with doubts about whether I did the right thing? I hurt,
I feel like I will never be “normal” again, I have had periods
nearly every day when I am tearful, feel out of control of my life,
and experience a great deal of anxiety at the thought of being alone
in the house. Can anyone tell me if this is “normal”? Did it get
better? I talked to the psychologist in my doctor’s office and she
said to give it a week. But, I wanted to hear from actual patients
to see if anyone had experienced what I am going through first-
hand. The weight is coming off and I really want to enjoy my
journey toward becoming a new woman but…(explitive!) this first
hurdle is kicking my rear! I should add that I was taking Zoloft
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Hi all,
I have been asked by a friend in San Diego for some help in writitng a book
on Gastric Bypass. She is just a year post op and has put together 7 questions
in a survey to collect information from Bypass patients to put in her book.
If you would like to participate please let me know and I will pass on the
questions.
The purpose of this book is to tell our stories and help others who are
either already bypass patients or those who are thinking of joining our world.
Please email me at Ladyjack19[at]aol[dot]com for more info.
Thank you

Congratulations!
The 2 most important things I did . . .
1. Got to VitaLady.com, get some samples of proteins, and find one that you
like. Start drinking protein *now*, as much as you can stand. 3-4 a day,
minimum. 6-8, if you can. ALso start taking a boatload of vitamin C, 500 mg,
2-3 X day. Botht of these will help you heal faster after surgery.
2. Start attending support group meetings now. Find a group you like, and
attend regularly.
Best of luck to you, and rapid recovery!
Rachel
<< From: “Toni” <saorsa_cat@…
Subject: new member.
Hello, My name is Toni and I am 45 yrs old - living in Alabama. I was
approved to have surgery today by my insurance company. YEAH! I am so
excited. The surgery date should be around first of October, But I
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Hi Guys,
I had my appointment this past Monday in San Antonio. I met with
a dietitian, an RN to get my medical history, watched a film and finally,
met with the Dr. I honestly could not have asked for better group of
people to care for me. Everything went well. He gave me a physical and
we talked about what to expect, but he wants me to have a few more tests
done before we go to the table. I just turned 35 so I get to go have a
mammogram. . .wheeeee. . . . I need to have a sleep study done because
he feels I will need the help breathing once I go home with pain meds
after the operation and I also need to have an “upper endoscopy”
done. Anyone out there care to share their experience with this? I don’t
look forward to having my chest squished (but understand the “whys”). . .
.but this test sounds serious. I was a little frustrated that I need more
tests. . .but I am over it. My goal is to have the surgery and survive!
Once I re-centered myself, I went back to my peaceful place.
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FINALLY after a disappointment in June I am going UNDER on Friday—I was
scheduled for surgery on the 25th and through preop testing they found I had a
thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm. That ended the surgery for that moment. My
cardio surgeon felt it was safe to have the gastric bypass surgery before
taking care of the aneurysm.
So back on track I almost got way-laid again by a Phys-assistant and then
again today because of some meds given to me by this assistant who should’ve
known better.
It has been an uphill battle but I am hoping that by Friday late morning it
will all be done and I will be in recovery or in a room with my family
surrounding me. They will then tell me all the good stories of what I said or
did while trying to come around from the anesthesia. I don’t do that so well.
I will be in Sewickley Hospital outside Pittsburgh and my wonderful doctor is
Dr. Michael Felix. I guess I should save the wonderful till after huh????
Actually if he and his office weren’t so good at their jobs I might not be here
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Just wanted to let you guys know…I am THRILLED !!!!!! Many of you
know how I have struggled for almost 6 weeks with diarreah like
water. Its been continual. Well, all the sudden, yesterday, it
stopped! Going like a normal person again! WOO HOO!!! Feel like I
have a new lease on life!! Thanks so much for all your imput on
different things to help me thru this…without you guys and our
precious Vitalady, Michelle…I’d be doomed!!!
Love you guys!!!
Teresa

I HAD VERTICAL GASTRO STAPELING WITH O RING DONE ON MAY 25,1995.I
NEED TO HAVE A REVISION, AND RUYEN Y BYPASS SURGERY DONE. I HAVE BEEN
WAITING SINCE APRIL, 2004 FOR AUTHORIZATION FROM MY INSURANCE
COMPANY. THEY ARE REQUESTING RECORDS FROM THE PREVIOUS SURGERY. IT
WAS PERFORMED BY DR. STONER, AT THE DAVENPORT MEDICAL CENTER ON
KIMBERLY RD,IN DAVENPORT,IOWA. THE PROGRAM WAS CALLED “LITE LIFE” BY
THE SUMMIT GROUP. THE HOSPITAL IS NO LONGER OPERATING AND THE DOCTOR
IS RETIRED. I CAN NOT LOCATE “LITE LIFE” IN ANY MEANS OF SEARCHING
EITHER. I AM AT MY WHITS ENDS TRYING TO GET ANY INFORMATION—-
I LIVE IN UTICA, MICHIGAN AND HAVEN’T HAD ANY SUCCESS.
CAN ANYONE HELP ME LOCATE THE PROPER PEOPLE
TO CONTACT FOR THE INFORMATION I NEED?
THANK YOU!