Weight loss

So many nights, I whimpered and cried,
Thought that my prayers had all been denied.
Stuffing my feelings, ashamed of my plight,
Trying to stop, with all of my might.
Shoving in cold spaghetti, at three in the morning,
Frying shrimps by the time the daylight was dawning.
Drinking gallons of soda, my heart wildly beating,
Hating myself, 'cause I couldn't stop eating.
The monster in me would come out to play,
And as much as I begged him, he wouldn't go 'way.
Morning would come, and that is when,
The whole vicious cycle would start once again.
Tears would be streaming, I felt like a cow,
I wanted to stop, but I didn't know how.
Boarding a plane, and seeing the fear
In the eyes of the others..." Don't let her sit here!"
Walking a block, and feeling such pain,
That I went right back home to start eating again.
" Your face is so pretty! Start using your head!"
"Just eat smaller portions , " my family said.
" Put down the fork! Push back from the table!"
That's what my friends said...But I wasn't able.
" Willpower's the secret! We'll help you get through it!"
" TRY HARDER, " they urged...But I couldn't do it.
I tried every diet to get back on track,
I'd lose weight and then just gain twice as much back!
Every morning I'd pray, " God let me be good..."
Then I'd fail once again...and no one understood.
Each new day would bring another attempt,
Each evening would bring still more self-contempt.
Filled with self-loathing, such awful remorse,
Simply unable to get back on course.
Overwhelmed with this state of awful depression,
Giving in to this dark, paralyzing obsession.
I thought to myself, " You'll always be fat..
Accept it, move on! Learn to live with that fact! "
Questioning God and wondering why,
Positive that I was destined to die.
Yet something inside me was whispering, "No..
There MUST be a way..It HAS to be so."
I felt a new person was waiting inside me,
And it was their voice, I permitted to guide me.
I knew I could no longer go on this way,
Desperate and dying, bit by bit, day by day.
So I got on my knees, and prayed for relief,
Then God sent a miracle to lessen my grief.
A way to stop eating, so crazy I thought,
Went against everything I had been taught.
This was my last option, I felt like a jerk
If this didn't do it, then NOTHING would work!
So I trusted the doctors, wholly and blindly,
And my God smiled down, completely and kindly.
An unorthodox treatment, but working so well,
To help lift me OUT of this ongoing hell.
A surgical wonder, that acts as a tool
To battle the fat, which has made life so cruel.
So as scared as I was, I knew I'd get through it...
Since I was so much more afraid not to do it.
And it went very smoothly, and I'm convinced that
That pain was less than the pain of this fat.
Nothing could hurt more than being this size,
While seeing the pity in everyone's eyes.
That part of my life is over and done,
But I'll never forget the place I come from.
I'll always be grateful, I'll always be driven
To bestow upon others the support I've been given.
The obsession has lifted, I'm whole and I'm free,
God and my surgeon gave my life back to me.
I 've learned to eat slowly, I've learned how to chew
Enjoying my food, as normal folks do.
I eat when I'm hungry, I stop when I'm not,
Being fat, in this life, will not be my lot.
I eat not for sport, but just to survive,
My whole life is changing...I'm glad I'm alive!
I will reach the goal that I'm aiming toward,
I've truly been blessed...Thank You, Dear Lord.
The peace that I feel is calming and true,
And for those who still suffer...I wish it for you.
-Author Unknown

Just a reminder of the Post-ops WLS TEA PARTY
Saturday, May 1st
2-4 PM
MCE (Our usual meeting room)
Wear nice sorta dressy clothes, no cut-offs or shorts, please.
$5 to attend. That covers the tea, sugar free cookies, door prizes,
etc.
This is to get to know others better... more that just the "HI I'm
_______. I had my surgery _______. I've lost _______#'s."
I WILL BE AT THE MONDAY NIGHT MEETING if you still haven't paid.
Lori Weaver

I know you are anxious to get through all of this, but relax. Drs
Miles and Schmitt have their process for a reason. The sleep study
was not bad at all. They started monitoring me at midnight, and by
1 AM I had already stopped breathing 50 times. I'm sure you aren't
as severe as I, but still, the test is important, and if they didnt
feel you needed it, they wouldn't ask you to do it.
I just had surgery with Kim Schmitt (I'm now tonsil, adnoid, ad
uvula free - but I don't snore anymore). I came home yesterday, and
feel amazingly well - I hurt, but no where near as bad as I thought
I would.
I just say this to remind you that you have chosen the best WLS
program in the state...keep that in mind. You are in great hands -
enjoy the journey because the destination is divine.
Many hugs to you,
Stephanie

Hello, I was hoping that I could get the address to where i need to send my money for the tea party. I missed the last meeting and would really like to be able to attend the tea party. So anyone who could help i would appreciate it.
toya c.

Hi all! I have not posted in such a long time and apologize. I am
coming to Birmingham this weekend, and am disappointed that it's not
the weekend for the Support Group Meeting.
I have attended one Meeting in Panama City since moving last
August, unfortunately, it's just NOT the FACES group, or
anything near the same!
I miss everyone there and try to keep up with the posts, but
fall short sometimes. It's refreshing to catch up when I have the
opportunity. It is very exciting to read about the pre-op patients
and new post-op patients - how well I recall my feelings and relate
to your stories!
I am now almost 2 yrs. post op. Upon my last weighing (I do not
obsess about how much I weigh, I go mostly by how I feel, how my
clothes are fitting, etc.), I was at an all time low of 147 lbs. I
wear size 8 for the most part, but sizes do not intimidate me either
since different brands all fit differently. My pre-op weight - the
morning of surgery - was 302 and I wore a size 26 pants and 2XL or
3XL top. WOW - I really need some plastic surgery - but to date,
haven't done it. I will, just not sure when!
I am elated with the results of my surgery. I don't believe I had
any false expectations regarding my post-op self, if anything the
changes have exceeded my expectations.
I hope to be able to attend upcoming support group meetings, but
whether I am there in body or not, I will always be there in spirit.
Love to all,
Connie
I posted a recent pic in the photos section.
Dr. Miles 05/22/02
302/147

Well Well Well! Hello all you skinny wonderful people. (and soon to
be skinny people)! I am just soo Happy about my weight loss. I have
lost a total of 102 pounds and oh my my!!! Thank you GOD!!! This is
the best feeling I have had in a long time. I have been reading some
of the posts and well congrads to all the newcomers and I will say a
lil prayer for all of you!! Good luck and God bless. And one more
thing, You will never forget this experience!
Sarah
Dr.Schmitt @ MCE
Lap RNY 12-08-03
326--224----Goal 150
Total----

Hey everyone,
My name is Whitney. I was the 18 yr. old that could not get over that one
week plateau. Finally I did and in 5 weeks I am down 32 lbs. and have lost 19
inches off of my waist b/c I increased both protein and calories. The reason I
am writing though is b/c my mother is helping me get breast implants ( they are
totally gone already!) in July or August b/c I got a scholarship for college. I
was wondering if anyone knows any really good surgeons in Alabama that does the
surgery for around $4000- $4500. Another thing is that prom was last Saturday
and it felt so good to go in and get a dress - it was 4 sizes smaller than
usual! I am so happy with the surgery, I would do it all over again every month
if I had too. If anyone is thinking about having it done- DO IT!! It's the best
thing you will ever do for yourself.
Love yall, Whitney

How did all of you set your goal weights? I'm so short that even at my age (49) I'm getting very low numbers when I look up charts.

Mary Kay

I saw Dr Schmitt today and he said yes he would do the surgery on me! Now I just need to go to the nutrition class and get a couple of doctors to fax information to them. I'm so excited.

Mary Kay

I GOT MY INSURANCE APPROVAL FOR SURGERY!!!! JUST WAITING TO HAVE MY
SLEEP STUDY ON TUESDAY THEN I WILL BE READY!! I ASK THAT EVERYONE
PRAY FOR ME IN MY PATH TO A HEALTHLY WEIGHT. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
ANDREA

In case anyone is looking for some clothes bargins, I thought I'd
let you know that I'm having a yard sale this weekend (couldn't get
stuff ready in time for the FACES one!) and that I have a LOT of
ladies' clothes sizes 26 - 34, including 2 business/interview suits
that I've only worn a couple of times. The sale is this Saturday,
4/24, from 7 - 2. The address is 224 Paradise Lake Dr. in
Hoover. That's in the Lakeview subdivision across the street from
Wal-Mart on 150.

I was just wondering if those of you who have to sleep with a cpap
machine, who tells you when you can stop using it. Do you have to go
back and have it downloaded, or do you go back to Dr. Kim Schmitt.
Any information would be helpful. Thanks

I just wanted to let everybody know that this Friday 04/23/04 I
have my surgery.. I want to thank everybody for all the helpful tips
that ya'll have posted on this surgery.. Stuff I did not even think
about it has been very helpful for me to be at least half way
prepared for everything that is going to be going on..Plus all the
wonderful updates. It helps a lot to see all the great turnouts..
Thanks
Amanda R.
256/04-23-04/160 goal

Hi all,

I was in Jackson, MS over the weekend and found a new flavor of Crystal Light - orange!!!

And oh my gosh, it is absolutely delicious!!! I haven't seen it in Tuscaloosa yet but it may have made it to the Birmingham area. I love orange and to me, this is the best of all the Crystal Light flavors. Mix it with vanilla ProCal 100 protein supplement and you have a Dreamsicle!

Hi everyone,

I just went to Dr. Miles & Schmitt's website and checked my BMI. At the time of surgery 8/28/03 my BMI was 43 and I was considered "extremely obese". My BMI as of today is 29!!!!! And I am now classified as "prone to health risks". I am totally out of the "obese" category! At surgery I was wearing a size 26 (tight) and today I am wearing a size 14 dress and I am only 47 pounds away from my goal. What an absolute miracle!!!!

See you all soon!

Selina

Selina
RNY (Lap) August 28, 2003
Dr. Schmitt
314/207/goal 160 [INLINE]

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
Support Group Meeting
Date: Monday, April 26, 2004
Time: 6:00PM CDT (GMT-05:00)
This is the regular weeknight meeting at MCE. Doors open at
5:30, meeting starts at 6pm.

Hi All,
I know I've forgotten to include folks in this email so if you want to forward
it to anyone please feel free to.
It looks as if the mystery of my mom's illness may have been solved. She had
critically toxic levels of calcium supplements, vitamins, baking soda and other
unidentified ingested things that had poisoned her system. Her levels of
vitamins were more than 50 times higher than they should have been. So, while I
find this heartbreakingly hard to accept, it appears this problem is
psychological in nature and we are now looking at treatment options. So - at
least we know it is not cancer which is the most important thing. They are
considering a 72 hour psych admit to get her evaluated and medicated. They tell
us she can still come back to us as the person she was before this terrible
event so we are very hopeful.
Thank you all for being such wonderful and supportive friends.
Love,
Rona

Hey everyone. Just wanted to ask for thoughts and prayers. Im going
in Thursday with Kim Schmitt to have tonsils and adnoids (sp?)
removed. If I test positive for sleep apnea Tuesday night during my
sleep study, she will also remove part of my pallet and uvula (the
hangydown thing in the back of your mouth). (Don't anyone get
scared - I opted to do this before the bypass, and everyone doesnt
have to do this - I just have very enlarged tonsils, and I am
concerned about them and possible effects they may have on my bypass
surgery). The diet post op is amazingly similar to that immediately
post op from the bypass, so we are calling this my practice
session. :-) My bypass will be in late June. Debra said we will
finalize that date this week after Kim evaluates my sleep study
results. I just ask for a few prayers that I will come through ok
and that the pain killers will work (I've been told this will be the
worst pain I will experience in my life.)
Big hugs!!!
Stephanie

Dear Friends,

Sorry for the impersonal mass email but time is so limited these days that I'm just working at cramming in everything in a convenient fashion - hence the mass email.

My mom went into intensive care at Baptist Montclair on Wednesday. She had a condition called Hypercalcemia. I won't go into alot of detail about it but the doc told us if she hadn't come into the hospital she would have died within 24 to 48 hours. The doctor told us that he'd never seen calcium levels that high in a woman her age that wasn't the result of a malignancy. They told us that she probably had multiple myeloma which is an incurable cancer of the blood. They told us there was also the possibility that she had lymphoma. They began a vigorous round of tests. On Thursday evening the endocrinologist told us she didn't think my mom had cancer but that she'd ingested something not meant for ingestion (possibly Windex or something similar) that caused her calcium levels to skyrocket. She said this was the result of a condition called Paranoid Dementia. My mom had confessed to eating baking soda (I have no clue why) and we know that she has mild to moderate
Alzheimers or senility. We thought we were out of the woods and we were going to get her some psychiatric help for the Paranoid Dementia and get her meds regulated. She's 78, by the way. They put her in a regular room on Thursday. She was very confused but seemed to be getting better. My mom agreed to allow the staff to put her in soft restraints so she wouldn't try to get out of bed during the night so that my dad and Wade and I could go home at night to sleep and rest. The hospital called my house at 4:45 a.m. on Friday and said her pulse had dropped to 32 beats per minute and they were moving her back to intensive care. Even though her pulse rate was low her mental state had improved. The doctors told us they had no idea why her pulse was so low and told us they were going to have to put in a temporary pacemaker. We visited her at 9:00 and had a good visit - she seemed more normal than she'd been in the past couple of days. The ICU staff called us just before
noon and said something was going on. Her pulse rate was soaring and she was combative and out of her head. My dad and I went back there and she didn't know us one minute and was silly and sweet and childish and the next minute she did know who we were and she was yelling at us and trying to hit us and throw things at us. The doctors said they couldn't take her to surgery in this condition. They gave her Ativan to calm her and she slept for about 15 minutes and then woke up as confused and aggitated and combative as ever. She had to be placed in soft restraints on all extremities. The doctors finally determined the episode was an allergic reaction to Phenergan. They said it should wear off in about 2 hours. Then they said if it didn't wear off in 2 hours there was a possibility it would never wear off. Apparently this is due to her age. Some of the well meaning nurses in the ICU said things like "I saw this happen to one lady and she never got over it" and one even
said "I saw this happen to one lady and she didn't make it". They didn't mean to be insensitive but you can imagine that this just really concerned us. It is now 2:00 on Sunday afternoon and they have moved my mom to the cardiac floor. We don't know why she is on the cardiac floor. We haven't spoken with a doctor since Friday. Today when we asked the staff to just try and tell us exactly what's wrong with her we got a dozen different stories. One doctor is still saying it could be a malignancy and the other is saying she accidentally poisoned herself by ingesting something. When I asked about the conflicting reports one nurse said "Dr. So and So is smarter than Dr. So and So". Well...................I guess that just leaves us in the dark. I sure wish I had her at Medical Center East where I'd at least know who to ask questions. DeNene!!! I miss having you as a wonderful reference! She is sleeping very soundly (and snoring loudly - ha ha) for the first time in
days. This is as good for my dad as it is for my mom. This has been terribly difficult for him and he cries so much - he fears he will have to put her in a nursing home but we are believing she is going to get over this. It's hard to explain just how remarkable her mental decline has been. It's almost unbelievable.

I am going back to work tomorrow. I need a little sanity (and a little money). I hope to stay all day and that she won't have any crisis.

Wade and I are going home at 3:00 or 3:30 today to try and do some laundry and get some rest. The boys are taking turns staying with Grandma and Grandaddy (welcome to adult responsibility).

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Please keep it up!

Terri and Brandon - I'm sorry we missed your dinner at Sal's last night - we'd have enjoyed being with you and we'd have enjoyed the good food too!

Wes - Thank you for handling the meeting. What would any of us ever do without you?? I know it was a rousing success!

Jill and Amanda - Thank you for handling things at the meeting even though you were busy taking care of Amanda after surgery. Tell Jodi I'm so sorry we didn't get to see her again and say good-bye.

Terri (my sister) - I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to call you today and I can't remember if I talked to you yesterday. I'll try to call you tonight or tomorrow.

Sonya and DeNene - I plan to be there for the nutrition class tomorrow. If not - all the materials are in my mailbox on the 3rd floor and I know you can just wing it. You can put everything, including paperwork from admitting, into interoffice mail to me and I'll get it charged out but I really think I'll be there.

The psychiatrist just came to see my mom but didn't talk to her since she was sleeping. She said they were taking her off the Ativan because it was good while she was taking it but would not give good long term effects. She put her on Rispadil instead. I'm not sure what that is. She also put her on Aricept in the hopes it would prevent any further mental decline. She said they were going to evaluate her once she was medically stable. I'm glad.

Thanks again to everyone for everything. We're looking forward to getting back to normal soon.

Sincerely,

Rona

Did anyone else have to pay $300 for the psychological evaluation that had Blue Cross of AL insurance?

Cheryl :)

Has anyone out ther got a CPAP they no longer need? I had my sleep
study last night and they want me to buy one. They also said that
once I start to lose the weight, I will most likely not need it
anymore. I would hate to buy the thing and only use it for a few
months!
Chaplain Mac
No man is an island, but I do make a suitable floatation device.

Hello everyone, i hope you all had a great Easter. i was hoping to get some feed back on when if at all is it ok to drink with a meal. I am 15 mo. post op. And sometimes i find myself sipping with or shortly after a snack or small meal. for instance, if i am in a rush and only have time to grab a few bites of chicken i will wait thirty minutes and then get something to drink to get me through till i can sit and eat a full meal. or i will get a few crackers and drink a few ounces of carb countdown chocolate milk . so i suppose i was wanting to see if this is bad for my pouch or is there something else i could do when i am not able to get food.

thank you for your advice

toya c.

Forgot to post this but April 22 is my date
thanks, jeff

Hi everyone!
It has been a long time since I posted but for good reason. I had
major computer problems which resulted in my computer crashing and we
had to buy a new one. We have finally gotten a new one and hopefully
I will be back in full swing on it in no time.
Just a refesher on me, I had my surgery on August 26th 2003 with Dr.
Bryan Freeman in Anniston. The day of surgery I weighed 375 #'s. As
of this past Sunday I weigh 232 #'s which is a loss of 143 #'s. I am
now almost 8 months out. Things have slowed down considerably in the
weight loss. I now go a couple of weeks at a time without losing
anyting. Here are my questions......is it normal to go a couple of
weeks at a time without losing anything at this stage? Remember, I
still have 50 pounds to lose to get to my doctors goal for me and 82
pounds to lose to get to my personal goal. How much should I be
eating at this stage? I feel like I am eating so much but know that
it is no where near what I ate pre-surgery. Yesterday was a typical
day for me, let me know what I did wrong...
Breakfast
1 trail mix bar
Lunch
Seafood salad (lots of shrimp)
Supper
Chicken and Rice mixture with veggies
Snack
Banana & 2 baby kosher dills
Fluid intake
Too much to keep up with!!!! :)
Does anybody have any ideas what I can do to speed this thing back
up? I have too much left to lose to stop now. My one year
anniversary is not that far away and I would at least like to be to
my doctors goal for me if now my own. Not to mention we have our
Bariatric Ball coming up in October and I wanna be looking sharp for
it!!!! :) Any input or help on this matter would be greatly
appreciate!!
Sandi Custer
Lap RNY 8-26-03
Dr. Bryan Freeman
375/232/150

I called on Wed. and got a date on Thursday. I'm so excited....April
29 Yea!!!!!!
acs

has anyone else had problems getting records and
anyone besides a recording at Dr. maddux's office?
he seemed to be a great Dr, but i can never get anyone on the phone.

Well hello everyone! How are things going with you? Well here pretty good. Marriage is wonderful. Weight loss is getting there and I feel wonderful except of course for the usual old age pains, lol. Well for a while it seemed the scales weren't going to move again and I was getting pretty upset. I know , I know, be patient. lol. Well I have now lost another five pounds in addition to the weight I had lost over the last three which I think as of Sunday it was an additional four pounds lost so I have lost another five pounds...Drum roll please...a total of 127 pounds lost! I am so excited I want it to all come off so I can get my TT and get into even smaller clothes. Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Ima kickin up heels here in Alabama! lol. Skinny Wishes everyone! Hugs to ya all!

Wolfie
Leeds, Alabama
"Keep It Real & Off the Top"
Lap Rny & Choly
Dr. Lee Schmitt
Medical Center East
August 27,2003
349Pre-Op/336/222/200

Hello,
How long is this waiting game? It's been about 3 weeks since I
received my approval letter from BC/BS and almost 2 weeks since I
completed all the doctors visits.....when will I get a surgery
date...I don't want to regain the ten pounds I have lost....
Thanks for any feedback....:)
acs

Hello, How is everyone doing? I know we just had a yard sale but i still have a lot of clothes i have shrunk out of. i have shirts,dresses and paints ranging from 20-32. if you or anyone you know would be interested in these items please write me so we can make arrangements to get them to you. i also have shoes from 9 1/2 to 8. In addition i have a prom dress that i am selling for $45. it is blue and silver in a size 28 or 30.

thank you

toya c.

Hi group!!!! I don't know if I have posted before although I have
been a member of the group for some time! I just stay SOOOOOO BUSY!
Ha don't we all. Well I want to say congrats to all those who have
been approved in the past few days. I am so glad that I made the
decision to have WLS. I had my surgery on August 8th, 2003 with Dr.
Miles. I have had no setbacks at all. I had my 1 year physical with
my primary care doctor about a month ago and he didnt recognize me
and also took me off all of my medications. I am so excited that in 8
months I have dropped 150-goneforever pounds. I want to tell all of
the supermodels that were in the Gala that I really did enjoy getting
to know each one of you better and the time we spent together was
just so rewarding. Thanks for your friendships. I hope to see you all
at Saturdays support group meeting.
Amanda I want to say that I am praying for you on your upcoming
surgery and I hope that you have a speedy recovery. Thanks for yours
and your moms friendship.
This group is so special to me. I hate I live so far out that I cant
see you guys more. We will just have to have more special things more
often. It is good however to stay in touch on here. Sorry I havent
posted.
Hi Wes & Lisa, Chan & Felecia, Norm, John and all you other WLS
friends. Love you guys and appreciate all you do for the WLS support
group.
I'm almost there.
Bryan Jones
8/8/04
Dr. Miles
441/272/240 Almost there!!! 32 more pounds

I've heard lots of ideas of things you need at the hospital after
surgery. QUESTION FOR POST-OPs: Anything you wish you had at the
hosptial that you didn't bring? Anything that was a waste of time to
bring that you didn't use?
Just looking for ideas. Thanks for you input~!

Hey guys just wanted everyone to know i called bcbs of alabama this
morning and they approved the surgury.
im so excited, i called Dr. Miles office and let them know.
I had already finished all my other (chores) hope they give me a date
today!!!!!!!!
jeff

I am having breast reduction and a tummy tuck on the 27th of this
month at MCE by Dr. Nickell. Someone told me today that they have
heard that he isn't a very good plastic surgeon. Has anybody had any
work done by Dr. Nickell? I am very nervous about this surgery now.
Thanks,
Jodi

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
Support Group Meeting
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2004
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM CDT (GMT-05:00)
This is our regular monthly meeting. We will be having a guest
speaker. Please contact facesofwls@... for information on
the speaker for this month.

I hope this message is appropriate for the list. I live in Oneonta and was wondering if anyone from this area is going to the support group meeting Saturday. I'm trying to get transportation to get there.

Mary Kay

who is the guest speaker going to be for the sat 4-17-04 meeting?
tks for the infro

I just talked to BC/BS PMD of Alabama. They have approved my
request for surgery. I was approved after the first letter, 14
days. I'm waiting for the letter to get to the doctor to get a
date!!!! I'm officially on my way to being a loser like everyone
else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie
Dr Schmitt
285 now / goal 150 / awaiting date

My husband (Dean J) had surgery on Friday 4/2. Since Thursday he's already lost 16-1/2 pounds, which of course 6 lbs. was from the Fleet medicine he had to take on Thurs before surgery. He's doing great, I do have to remind him to eat/drink. Dr. Shmitt did the surgery but Dr. Rollins discharged him. He sent him home on a liquid diet and wasn't concerned about him starting his vitamins and calcium until he returns for his post-op appointm. this Friday. Is that normal, shouldn't he be taking his vitamins. He was able to get one can of protein down yesterday and about 48 oz. of liquid (+) the protein shake. Is all this normal
Also have a question about the pepcid, does he take 2 tablets/twice daily. That's what he was getting in the hospital and the instructions sent home from the hosp are not readable since it's a carbon copy.
Thanks for your input
Kelley J

Haven't written in awhile and just wanted to share happy news.

I went on a cruise last week and was concerned about weight with all the food

on board. I tried really hard to stay on protein and salads as much as possible.

I did eat a little more often than I do at home. When I got back and weighed the next morning I had LOST 2 lbs. I think that is great.

Linda

Dr. Schmitt

7/25/03

284/194/?

Well I took everyones advice and went to the ER. They believe that
the drain may have been constricting or touching an organ.(colon)
They removed the drain and gave me some potassium and I came home
today. I feel great now!! Thank you for being there :)

I was looking through the archives and I saw where we did this a
while back. I know we have not done this in awhile and I was curious
where everyone was now.
I am in South Alabama: Mobile and coastal areas (251). I started out
between N central Florida: Lake City (386) and Rhode Island (401)....
I have traveled quite a bit.
Anyway the link to find out where you are is
http://www.bennetyee.org/ucsd-pages/area.html
Amanda

Did any of you gain weight between your consult and your surgery? I've been
waiting
since my November consult for my surgery and due to not smoking, Paxil, and just
plain old stress I have gained weight. I"m scared Dr. Schmitt will not do the
surgery
on me in a couple of weeks.
Any of you have this experience?
M

HELLO EVERYONE... this is a reminder about the POST-OPS Tea Party.
May 1st
2 PM
Regular Meeting Room at MCE
Sunday Go-To-Meeting type of clothes
******* $5 ********
So far I have received money from Lena, Faye, Selina, and Angela W.
Sorry I didn't make it to the meeting Monday night. I stayed on the
road all day and once I got home a major storm hit and I was just too
worn out to drive back to B'ham (which is an hour drive for me).
I will be at the next Saturday meeting and will TRY MY BEST to make
it to the Monday night meeting... BUT if you want to, you can mail me
your $5 to my school address... I need the money up front so I can
purchase the supplies and so I will know how many to plan for.
189 Horton Lane
Cleveland, AL 35049
Here is a list of the others that have signed up... if you are not on
the list and wish to attend, please email me.
Angela Strickland
Kathy Mayfield
Amanda Sawyer
Carol George
Toya Clark
Emily Counts
Tina Isbell
Terry McFarland
Debbie Caten
Sherry Price (email you back about payment already)
Teresa Little
Jo-Jo Heard
Steve Street
THANKS!!!!!!
Lori

I know this should not be a staple of an after surgery diet, but I
have been craving a coke icee. The employees at the local quick
mart tell me that they do not put carbonation in the icee, just coke
flavored additive.
Does anyone know for sure??

I have a question about how much all of the post op vitamins and protein cost you all each month? I have an appointment with Dr. Miles on the 13th of this month for my 1st appointment and I just have some questions about how much this is going to cost me each month. I am a single parent and that is important.

Cheryl :)

What a yucky way to start the week!! I called my insurance company, (BC&BSof Ga), to see the status of my request for surgery. They told me it was denied because that type of gastric bypass was investigational. The lady I was speaking to didn't have a clue what that meant. I called and spoke to Chris and she said it could be something as simple as the code they used. I'm praying that is all it is. Has anyone else had theirs denied for that reason and if so, what was the outcome?

Once again, thanks for all the encouragement and helpful hints you guys post. I can't wait to officially become part of the group.

Hi I have a question? Is their anyone who knows how long you must
be on a Insurance carrier before thay will pay for the surgery? I
had knee surgery in Jan. of this year. I had just moved my insurance
for Viva UAB to BCBS of Al at the beginning of this year, and they
still payed for me to have knee surgery. Do you think I will have a
problem getting them to ok this surgery. I heard that if you work
for a big company( my insurance is though my job/ I work at UAB
Hospital) that you have a better chance of getting them to say yes
to paying for it. I welcome any advice. Thanks Andrea

Hi All,
Just wanted to let everyone know that we've postponed the Glamour
Shot photos that we were going to do at Medical Center East. I had
surgery 10 days ago and am having a bit of a tough recovery and just
can't oversee another event this week. I apologize for any
inconvenience this might cause and will post when we determine a new
date.
Hugs,
Rona
Your Bari-Godmother

I just got all my appointments set up and called my Insurance BCBS of
AL.They said they would only pay for 50% of the allowed cost! has
anyone had this problem,it dosen't sound right to me.I am ready but I
don't have that much money! Any help would be appreciated.

Can anyone tell me if severe pain on opposite side from drain is normal? Had surgery Wednesday, pain is unbearable. Thanks.

I had surgery last April and have just found out that BCBS of Al. denied payment for Lisa's assistance during my surgery with Dr. Miles. They also denied payment to the anethesist, as well as a portion of hospital bill. They say something about the surgery not being justified, However, my medicare paid their part. Since the surgery I have come off all the medicines that I had been taking and BCBS has saved a bundle of money ( my 20% averaged me $200.00 plus each month) on meds and Dr. visits. Has anyone out there had this problem and if so how did you solve it?

Rita

I have finished all my required tests and debra should send the first
letter monday, i talked to my bcbs people and there is no clause
prohibiting the surgury. i have sleep apneia for 3 years i have been
on cpap. my bmi is 51 what are my chances of first time approval?

I'm so excited! Unless I run into another insurance wall... APRIL
26th, I'll start my new life! I've been studying wls for two years
now and began my consultation with Dr. Schmitt last September. After
I finished all my pre-op procedures, BC/BS told me I had to wait out
my 1 year pre-existing exclusion which would expire in April. It's
been a long time coming.. but I'm sure well worth the weight.<lol
Mary D.
4/26/04
Dr. Schmitt
242/242/145

Hello Everyone,
Thank you for all the help I got on my last question. Now I have
another one. I am 5 1/2 weeks out. I have lost (depending on the
scales I use) somewhere between 26-32 lbs. I am OK with that. Here's
the problem.We have discovered that I am now lactose intolerant and
every time I try to drink the protein drink I get, well, diahrrea
and gas and I throw up. I have tried something called "Sci-Fit"
which is an amino protein but it also made me throw up (purple throw
up is weird) So, I am eating like I am supposed to but not getting
enough protein. How do I get it all and what is going to happen to
me if I DON'T get it all? I'm nervous. I don't want to have adverse
effects but I have got to do something. Any help or suggestions
would be appreciated.
Thanks
Noelle

In 2 days I will be 5 months out. Immediately following surgery the chocolate extreme smoothie was so sweet I could not drink it. I don't know if my taste buds were hypersensitive or what but it literally made me nauseous. I have been able to drink it for about a month now. I just drink one a day and I drink it at night before I go to bed to get in extra protein I am not getting from food. Weird enough, it is actually pretty good now. Just take your vitamins and calcium, and drink your protein. I have lost 81 pounds and gone from 22-24 to a 14. I actually went down the slide at Jeff State park Saturday while playing with some children. I know it sounds silly, but I was so tickled I wanted to cry. Anyway, just hang in there and do what the surgeon says and the weight WILL keep falling off.

Renee Mikell

Dr. Bryan Freeman (Anniston)

Lap RNY

257/175/150

OK I have a question...April 15th will be one year for me since surgery.
I have lost a total of 138lbs, only like about 25 more pounds to be at my "goal".... Now my problem is that I have been at this weight for 2 and 1/2 months. I cant seem to start it back down. What should I do. I have played with my pretein, changed what I was eating, changed the amount.....but can't seem to get moving again.....think this could be where I am going to stop ???? It would be ok..I was just wondering if this has happen to anyone else.....any comments would be appreciated.
THAN KS
Gina

Hi,
Just gonna write to let everyone know that I'm slowly doing ok.. Thank-you for your Thoughts and Prayers. It's been a month Weds. since surgery and 3 weeks I've been home..It's been ROUGH Road but I'm getting by.. Never expected the complications I had with the Brain Tumor being removed.. Cant feel the right side of my face yet, physical therapist is coming 3 days a week to the house , and Speech therapy 2 days a week.. Never did I think I was gonna be paralyzed of the face and never thought I'd have to learn to basically walk again and to try and use the right arm and hand again..thr right arm, and hand isnt doing what it's supposed to do now, but I guess in time it will. Just Now it only takes 1 person to follow me around instead of 2 to take places around the house .. I cant wait until the day when Ican take a SHOWER without someone sitting in there waiting for me to get done..
Ya don't know how lucky you are until it's all taken away from you..And have I been given a WAKE UP call ,YES..
I'm supposed to have 100% recovery within 12 weeks so I gotta really work hard to get it.. Do I have days I wanna give up OH YEAH.. but have 10 yr old that I am gonna get well for... and most definatley for myself......
Thank-you to everyone thats said a Prayer for me..
Love ya
Kristy Brooks

I was curious... does anyone know how many WL surgeries Dr. Schmitt has
performed?
And Dr. Miles?
This is one of those questions I meant to ask when I was there for my consult,
but I
forgot!
M
http://lenalive.typepad.com/the_me_yet_to_come/

I am 18 years old and had surgery on March 17th. I lost 20 pounds
the first week but I didn't lose any the 2nd week. I am walking 2
miles a day! Did this happen to any of you? I am getting
discouraged! I have added up my calorie intake and 400 is the most I
have eaten in a day! Please respond if this has happened to you.
Whitney

From 59S:
Take Exit #141 (Trussville Pinson)
Turn LEFT onto Clay Chalkville Road - go approx 1.3 miles
Turn LEFT onto South Mall (There is a big open grassy area where they
often have Dog Daze and that type thing)
At Stop sign take a RIGHT onto Parkway Drive
John C Yarbrough Community Center (Trussville Community Center) is on
your LEFT.

I just wanted to write today and try to get rid of some of this anxiety. I called my insurance company (BC&BS of Ga) yesterday, and they finally have all of my paper work. FINALLY!!! Now I've got all these emotions running around and don't know what to do with them. They go from excitement to fear and then to being nervous. I just pray to the Lord that I have favor with these people and they approve me the first time. Could someone tell me how long it generally takes for them to review everything? Thanks for listening. It helps having people to talk with that have been through the exact same things. You all are wonderful. [INLINE]

Hi all,
Will someone give me directions to the WLS Yard sale that is this
coming weekend. I need it from riverchase galeria mall on 150. I
appreciate anyones help. I have lots of men's shirts,pants, belts
etc. See everyone there!
Clem Haag
Nov 17/2003
301/214/190
Dr. Miles

I'm starting on my weight loss journey. Starting weight with seminar
was 275-the day I left the hospital I was 245.6. I think I lost about
15 lbs. that week. With the soft food diet and with just liquids I am
on a roll. LOL
I am trying to find out if anyone is about the same place I am. I
haven't been sick and the tube is out. Just one day at a time.

I went to the seminar March 11.After looking thru the packet on the
weight loss attempts I have tried tons of diets but not thru
Doctors,I'm afraid my Insurance will turn me down for that.Did all of
you have a page of attempts?I appreciate any help you could give me.

Hi all,

Will someone please email me with the directions to the Great WLS Yard sale. I Am coming from the Riverchase Mall on 150 in Hoover. I Have been on vacation and have not seen anything about directions.

Thanks!

Clem

301/215/190

NOV 17,2004

Hello,

My name is Mary Kay and I just joined this list the other day. On March 20 I attended Dr Miles' seminar and I have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Schmitt for April 19. I am very excited about the possibility of weight loss surgery.

I live in Blount County, about 40 miles from Birmingham. I am 49 years old and blind with a hearing loss.

It is nice to be a part of this group

Mary Kay Lynd

I would love to attend the tea party but May 1 is mine and Brandon's
Wedding Day! Hopefully there will be other events that we can attend!
Terri Thornhill
6/24/03
310/192/175

Does anyone think it is necessary to wear a medical alert tag/bracelet after having WLS?

Thanks!

Selina

Selina
RNY (Lap) August 28, 2003
Dr. Schmitt
314/220/goal 150 [INLINE]

It is a simple scientific fact that your body needs water in order to function. Unfortunately, it is also a fact that there are very few people getting their daily requirement in the U.S. and Canada.
Water at a glance
Why is it so tough to remember your water? It may be hard to remember every day with lives being as hectic as they are these days. Your minimum requirement is eight 8-ounce glasses of water every single day. To calculate your personal optimal water intake, divide your weight by 2. The result is the number of ounces per day you should be drinking. You may presently get half that, or just one or two glasses...or maybe you're not drinking water at all, but are ready to start a water-drinking "regimen" of sorts.
Use Individual Bottles. Buy or re-use single bottles of water and keep them chilled in your refrigerator.
Color code bottles of water with seven different colors, one for each day of the week. Use up a given color every day.
Fill a pocket with 8 beads or pennies; switch one to the opposite pocket when you've finished one full glass of water.
To save space in your refrigerator, use just one 8 to 12 ounce bottle of water and keep refilling it. Put 8 rubber bands around the bottle, and take one off each time you empty it.

Refreshingly Yours,

Norm Reynolds

September 11, 2001 - NEVER FORGET!

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
Support Group Meeting
Date: Monday, March 29, 2004
Time: 6:00PM CST (GMT-06:00)
This is the regular weeknight meeting at MCE. Doors open at
5:30, meeting starts at 6pm.

Dear friends,
Thank you so much for the prayers and support for Kristy and her family. They
continue to need them now more than ever. Kristy has had a hard time being so
dependent on others for even her basic needs to be met. She is doing better and
is getting stronger every day but she still has a way to go. The doctor said it
would only take time for a full recovery. We are in a now society and we want
things to be better NOW and its hard to have the patience to make progress step
by step. She has her good days and bad ones but overall she has made a great
deal of progress over the past week. Please continue to pray not only for her
and her recovery but her family as they are haveing to adjust as well.
Thanks for being the extended family you all are,
Sherryl Isley (Kristy's cousin)
Dr. Miles
LAP RNY 06/25/03
361-234-175

Hi Everyone,
It's been a long while since I've posted. My journey was put on
hold for awhile. (only a year, but still...) I have been reading
all the posts here and it's helped to keep me positive.
Anyway, after a lo-o-ong down time, things are moving rapidly. Dr.
Miles' office called me this past Friday and gave me a date of April
12. That's only 3 weeks from now!!! I can hardly concentrate on
anything.
Thanks for being here for me, even if you didn't realize you were ;-)
Brenda Lively

I found this out after the fact.. Sorry Guys hope no one went into a panic like I DID!!

Hey! I was just wondering if anyone else got an infection from their
drainge tube. I had surgery February 27th and got an infection from
my drainge tube. I still have the infection, and was just wondering
how long it would take for it to go away. Thanks so much!

Hi everyone! Its been a long time since I've been at a meeting. I
started researching WLS several years ago. I saw Dr. Schmitt in Sept
2003 and completed all of my pre-op requirements to find out that my
BC/BS insurance had a pre-existing exclusion for the first year of my
contract. They told me they would reconsider in April 2004.
Since that disappointment, I've tried again like we all have to loose
it on my own, Atkins, SouthBeach and Dr. Phil... only to loose and
gain and yo-yo my way back up to 8 pounds heavier than I was when I
first saw Dr. Scmitt. My question is.. have any of you had to sit
back and wait on insurance waiting time, after completing all the pre-
op requirements? Do you think Dr. S will require me to re-do any of
these since I just completed them less than 6 months ago? I have a
new appointment scheduled -- and I hope and pray that this time I'll
be approved with no problem! Thanks for you input! Mary

In a message dated 3/18/2004 6:50:24 PM Central Standard Time, AmeriCurl@... writes:

Congratulations Wolfie!!!

Thank you Amy! How have you been?

Wolfie
"Keep Em Laughing!"

I'm just a newbie (surgery on March 8...doing great) but here a couple of ways I do the calcium capsules. If I make scrambled egg with cheese, I stir the powder from the capsule into that, also, I have mixed it into my Cream of Wheat (along with some cheese). Either way, I am not bothered by the calcium being in my food. I also mix it into my Nectar Fuzzy Navel. If you drink Crystal Light, (and you may know this) they make a SF Tang that i think would be very similar to the Sunny D in taste.
Just something I thought I'd share.

Best Wishes to all,
Amelia

Hi everyone. I just wanted to share my excitement. I went to see
Dr. Schmitt yesterday. After reviewing my chart, he said I am an
excellent candidate, and that he will perform the surgery. Debra
said that with my BMI, co-morbidities, and family medical history
that we should have no problem getting the insurance company to say
ok. I have my sleep study on April 20th.
Now my question is this. At what point does Dr. Schmitt want me to
lose the weight on my own that I have to lose before he will do the
surgery? I have heard this mentioned several times, but I'm not
sure where in the time line it comes into play.
Thanks everyone!!!
Stephanie

Hello everyone! Well things have finally settled down somewhat and I am now a married wolfie and happy as I can be. Never known a man like my husband in all my life. Now I just have to get back on track and get my meals in like I am suppose to and get the rest of this weight off. Glad to be back. God Bless and Skinny Wishes to everyone!

Wolfie
"Keep Em Laughing!"

I had a man email me about the tea party wanting to know if it was
women only... NOPE... MEN ARE INVITED, TOO!!!
Dresses are option for men, but IF YOU DO WEAR A DRESS, pictures will
be taken for future blackmail usage, if needed. :) If you don't want
to shave your legs, then wear good panty hose or a long dress. :)
I hope Norm will come and any other men that aren't afraid of
drinking tea and eating a few SF cookies with some good lookin'
gals :)
HEY NORM!! Could you help me find something WLS inspirational that
could be read at the tea party?? Rona said we have to be careful
about it being a devotion... to stay away from that so no one is
offended... which is fine with me, I just want something good and
inspiring! :)
Lori

WLS Tea Party for POST-OPS
Saturday, May 1st
2-4PM
Medical Center East
(room TBA later, I think in our usual spot)
$5 to attend (covers tea, SF cookies, door prizes, etc... any money
not used in purchasing supplies will be donated to F.A.C.E.S)
Wear your Sunday best
(pants suits or dresses, please no jeans or shorts, but be
comfortable so you will feel like staying and talking for a little
while... This is a GET TO KNOW YOU to-do!)
****** ANYONE INTERESTED IN HELPING DECORATING A TABLE FOR A
DECORATING CONTEST, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW!!!******
There will probably be 3 or 4 tables since there are only 14 signed
up so far. At least 3 people to decorate would be great! THANKS!!!
Please see me at the next meetings on Saturday and Monday in March
and April to pay me. I'll announce it at the meetings so you will
know who to look for.
The following people have put their name on the list to attend:
Angela Strickland
Kathy Mayfield
Faye Boswell
Amanda Sawyer
Amy Barfield
Carol George
Toya Clark
Emily Counts
Selina Drewry
Tina Isbell
Lena Littlefield
Terry McFarland
Angela Waites
Debbie Caten
The only one to pay so far is Lena... I need your money so I can buy
the snacks and stuff.
If you can't make it to any meetings, please snail mail the $5 to my
school address... 189 Horton Lane, Cleveland, AL 35049 by April 20
(mail it when you mail your taxes... LOL).
IF YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THE LIST AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, PLEASE
EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW.
HEY RONA, Should I put you down?
HEY NORM, Have you picked out your dress yet?
HEY JOHN, Go with the pink boa!
I think I covered everything... I hope I have, if not, I'll post a
P.S. later...
Lori Weaver

"Just The Cheese" crunchy, baked natural cheese snack from the health food
store. Awesome! It is simply crumbled natural cheese that is baked then
seasoned. Great for low carbs, only 1 gram per serving. No sugar. 10 (TEN!)
grams of
protein! More calcium than a pint of milk! YUMBO!
Smash them up (little round wafers) and add to some fresh leaf spinach and
you have a great salad.
Norm Reynolds
September 11, 2001 - NEVER FORGET!

Hello everyone!!! I had my surgery friday (march 12th) And did great! Anyone else wake up having chest pain in recovery? The incisional pain hasn`t been bad at all! Ok, my question is, i didn`t have any appetite in the hospital, or the first day at home. But monday & today I have felt really hungry. I`m so afraid i am eating too much! For lunch i had 1 oz of cottage cheese & 1 oz of yogurt. Within an hour i was hungry again. So i ate a few Cheerios (Rona`s recipe) as a snack hoping that would get me through until protein time. Finally i had to just break down & eat 2 oz of mashed potato`s to get satisfied. Ok, is this normal? I guess i thought i wouldn`t want to eat much for a few weeks. I`m also pushing water. Maybe not enough. Any opinions or suggestions from all you wonderful "Been there done that folks" would make my day. Thanks!! Carol 295/280/150

Dr. Schmitt

Don't know if you guys have seen it yet, but Quaker has recently
started making Lower Sugar instant oatmeal! I'm an oatmeal junkie,
so I was thrilled to find it. It comes in Apples and Cinnamon and
Maple and Brown Sugar flavors (maybe others too, but those are the
two I've seen). The Apples and Cinnamon is my favorite and it has
only 110 calories and 6 grams of sugar, plus 3 grams of fiber and 3
grams of protein per serving. Not a huge amount of protein, but you
could add a scoop or two of ProCel to it to up the protein content,
and now I can get my oatmeal fix!
I know both Wal-Mart Supercenter and Publix carry it.
Laurie

I would like to hear from someone about the ups and downs of have
this surgery. I do want to have it and I know this will be the but
thing for me. I am now 310lbs and 5'6. I want to have this so I can
be a better mother to my child, but I first need to know the pros and
cons from someone who has been thought it.

Hello!

If you will need protein for the next meeting on Saturday the 20th
please e-mail or call to place your order ASAP. The e-mail is
dtpgoose@... and the phone # is 205-663-2190.

We have the Ready to Drink Extreme Smoothies in Chocolate,
Vanilla, Strawberry and Cappacino...
We have the Nectar in Apple, Cherry, Kiwi Strawberry, Caribbean
cooler and Fuzzy Navel (peach)..
We have AVID bars as well...(The ones that are kinda like a PayDay Bar).
Thanks..
Wes

=======================================================
Attachments sent are protected from known Viruses by McAfee® Security...

I made a great discovery today. We all know how limited the sugar-
free choices are when eating out (there are practically NONE!).
Well I was out shopping with my sister today and she saw a place she
had been wanting to try. I was not hungry but I went in with her
anyway to get her to go order. Well to my surprise I saw that they
had a choice of four flavors of sugar-free milkshakes on the menu.
I was ASTONISHED! Had to order one. They had four flavors--Vanilla,
Caramel, Raspberry and Amaretto. I ordered Vanilla (to be on the
safe side) in what they call the half size. It was still too much,
but it was delicious. It was a nice little treat, and a complete
surprise.
The name of the place is Cheeburger Cheeburger (after the old SNL
skit) and they are located in Hoover down from the new Wal-Mart on
150 and there is also a location on 280 in the Target shopping
center.
JUst thought I would share the info.
Peace & Love,
Yvonne

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
Support Group Meeting
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2004
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM CST (GMT-06:00)
This is our regular monthly meeting. We will be having a guest
speaker. Please contact facesofwls@... for information on
the speaker for this month.

Dear OnLine Group,
Thank you for helping me through the last little rough patch I had.
I am in a better frame of mind now. Amanda, Thank you for warning me
of the lactose intolerance. I have found (the hard way) that I am
now lactose intolerant. I thought that everyone was neauseas and
sick when they drank their protein. I was wrong. I spoke to the
doctors office today and was told to avoid anything with milk.
Well.....protein powder is whey...also talked to Rona, who advised
to lay off the protein for 5 days and try again with a asoy based
protein powder. I am still very queasy but hopefully it will go away
within the next day or 2. I also think cheese is now out. made me
queasy. I am still taking the carafate and the Pepcid. Thanks again
for listening to the ramblings of me.
Sincerely,
Noelle

Can someone please tell me what is considered behavior
modification. I went to the Psychologist and the
Nutrition class, but the insurance company wants proof
of behavior modification. What else can I do? Does
anyone have any ideas?

For those of you who are interested in being a vendor in the FACES of
WLS Yard Sale and have NOT received a confirmation email from Amanda,
please email Amanda @ mandiks@... ASAP as there are very few
spaces still available.

At a support group meeting Wes said his bride used a product
purchased at Wal-mart for her hair.Would you please tell me what that
product is as I have forgotten.Thanks ,Rene

I have never had a problem with the Ryans here in Sylacauga. I give them my gastric-bypass card and they only charge me for a childs mega bar.

Sandi C.

I am considering WLS and it was so encouraging and uplifting to hear
all the success stories at the Support Group Meeting. Even while
sitting in the waiting room at Dr. Miles office everyone was telling
their stories of how wonderful they feel and how much they have
lost. I would like to hear from someone that had complications. Do
those patients feel it was worth the risks? Also everyone I spoke
with were post op up to a year or two. Has anyone ever spoken with
someone that had the surgery more than 5 years ago to see what the
long-term affects are? Please let me hear from you to help me with
this major life-changing decision.
Betty

OK, I have a question (another one) I am weeks out as of tomorrow
March 9, 2004. The first week I lost 14 lbs. This week I have only
lost 3 pounds. I am geating (or drinking) all my protein drinking
all my liquids and still only 3 pounds. Could I be eating too much.
I thought the whole idea of this surgery was that if I ate too much
I would throw up. I have little ramekins from Pier 1 that I use for
my portion control and I am only eating grits or mashed potatoes or
refried beans with cheese or the ravioli with cheese and I have
tried the sugar free chocolate pudding. Other than that tha's it. If
someone could please help I would appreciate it. I kinda feel like a
failure.
Also, why are my emotions all over the scale? One minute I am happy
and the next I am weeping or angry. (My husband has been a doll)
Sincerely
Noelle
Dr Schmitt LAP RNY 02/24/04
314.9/297------

Have heard that there is some type of card that post-op patients can
get that will allow us to order from the kids menu or get reduced
cost at buffets. Does this card exist? Does it cost anything? Does
anyone really honor it? Bottom line--is it worth it?
I am 7 weeks post op (down 62 pounds, Yayyyy!!!!) and starting to
venture out with my diet. I welcome any and all suggestions about
dining out options.
Peace and Love,
Yvonne

Rona - Anyone?
Does anyone have an update on Kristy ?

I'm 7 months post-op and have lost 86#. I'm at a plateau. Have been for about 3 weeks. I did start water aerobics and gym workout about 3 weeks ago. I know muscle weighs more than fat and that may be the problem. What can I do to get weight loss started again. I'm drinking water and eating more protein.

Any ideas?

Hi all!!
I do not get on here as often as I would like too, but I love reading
all the posts. I am one to try different flavors and mixing drinks to
keep the protein going down. I have a new one.....try adding a 1/2 of
a banana into your chocolate protein, or even 1 t of peanut butter.
And the Fuzzy Navel with orange juice is good as well. I haven't seen
any straight answers on how many times to take the b-12 and b complex
I do them both at the same time 3 times a week. I only take calicum
citrate once a day and tums when I remember. LOL :o)
Take Care,
Lynn
Dr Schmitt
MCE
288-236-170

Hi all! Thanks for the kind words. I have more bad news for today!
So sad. This morning we got up late (7:15 a.m) phone was ringing, it
was my father-in-law. He told me to look out the window to see if I
could see my neighbor out there dead on the ground. OMG! Sadly, last
night about 10:00 or so, he shot himself in the face. No one found
him till this morning. I do NOT know how we didnt hear anything. I
didnt believe my father-in-law so, I walked to my trash bin to put
garbage in it. I almost went into shock. NO ONE had done ANYTHING!!!
The friend that was staying there with him, had done nothing to help
him. My kids missed a day of school because I didnt want them seeing
that kind of stuff, heck, I didnt need to see it either! I asked
myself, What's wrong with people!?!? I just dont know how and why I
didnt hear anything, cause I stay up late 12:00?! Its just sad to
see him like that. He was young 30's.. People need to change for the
better. I am getting myself in church Sunday! Please Pray! God bless
you.
Love,
Sarah Brannon
Dr. Schmitt MCE
12-08-03
Lap RNY
326------253------

Went to Dr. Miles yesterday and stopped by the Apothecary. Bought
Calcium Citrate and started it this am.I made oatmeal and just dumped
the calcium from the capsule into the food. Could not even taste it!!
I have phlebitis in my left elbow area where there was an attempt to
start an I.V.in my lower arm prior to surgery,and am taking
antibiotic, other than that, my first week post-op is uneventful and
I had a 8.8 lb loss!Thanks to all who responded regarding the Calcium
Question,Irene
Surg.2/25/04
DR.Miles
230-209.8/goal -140

Hi all,

Does anyone know Nacita Montgomery? I believe she had surgery in November but am not sure if she is in our group or if she even had the surgery at MCE. We have a mutual friend and I am trying to find her. If anyone knows her could you let me know?

Thanks!

Selina

Selina
RNY (Lap) August 28, 2003
Dr. Schmitt
314/223/goal 150 [INLINE]

Dear Friends,
Just wanted to give you an update on Kristy Brooks. As many of you
may know Kristy is a member of our group. She is almost 3 years post
op and has lost close to 250 pounds. Kristy is an active member of
the F.A.C.E.S. of WLS Support group at MCE too.
Three weeks ago Kristy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had
surgery today. Wes, Lisa, Wade and I along with Kristy's family were
there about 5:00 a.m. this morning. They came to get her for surgery
around 10 minutes after 6:00 a.m. The surgery lasted just over 7
hours. The doctor told us the procedure was a rousing success. As
far as he could tell there was no damage to the facial nerve. This
was probably the primary concern outside simply surviving the
procedure. He said the nerve may experience some swelling as a
result of the procedure and, as a result, she may have some temporary
facial paralysis but it should be nothing permanent. He was very
pleased. We are not exactly certain about her auditory nerves but we
believe she has lost the hearing in her right ear. This was
expected. Wes and I just discussed this and agreed that we were
uncertain about the accuracy of this but do believe the auditory
nerves were cut. There was no discussion at all about the tumor
being malignant. In fact, the surgeon told them prior to surgery
that these tumors are never malignant. We got to see her as she
rolled past us in the hallway but she was completely sedated and did
not respond when we spoke her name. She had been having excessive
nausea due to the nerve that controls her balance being cut during
the procedure. This was also expected. Wes spoke with Kevin a few
minutes ago and Kevin said that she'd experienced a rise in her
temperature but that it had gone back down. She wouldn't open her
eyes but when Kevin asked her to squeeze his hand - she did.
Kevin has had a very difficult time coping with this frightening
procedure - as I'm sure any spouse would. It's been difficult for
all of Kristy's family but they are feeling a tremendous relief that
the procedure is over and went so well.
Please continue to remember this whole family in your prayers. As we
told some of you before - her physicians have suggested no visitors
and, at the moment, the family agrees. At their request we are
asking everyone to keep the family in your prayers and send cards in
lieu of visiting. If you would like to get a card to Kristy or her
family you can mail it to me at the hospital:
Rona Scott - Bariatric Coordinator
Medical Center East
50 Medical Park East Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35235
We are hoping to send a bundle of cards to Kristy each day so please
keep them coming. Wes and Lisa and Wade and I will be sure your
cards reach Kristy and her family.
Kristy and Kevin also have a young son who is struggling with this.
Be sure to include him in your prayers.
Thank you all for being the wonderful supportive group that you are.
You make a difference in every life you touch.
Hugs,
Rona

Today was an awful day for me. Well actually it started out nice,
then after school got out, it was all over! Some parents need to
control their kids. I had some awful things said to me today, and
well it just hurt. I try to teach my kids to be nice and respect
other people, and that NAME calling is for the birds. I got told
today by a 15 year old how "FAT" and "ugly" I still am and that I
will never look good. All I could do was just cry like a baby. Even
though I went and had a dangerous surgery to help me, I still get
laughed at and It is just terrible. I dont know what is wrong with
people these days, Today had me NOT wanting to leave my home
anymore. I have lost about 73 pounds in about 2 1/2 months and I
guess people think your suppose to lose it all in one night. I have
been feeling good about losing that much, I have put my girls in
softball and I have been going to the school to have lunch with
them, just things I wouldnt normally do. But stuff like this today
just brings me down. "Fat" jokes are still painful, no one knows how
bad it hurts unless they have walked a day in our shoes! Well thanks
for listening. God bless Kristy Brooks and Family and to all of you.
Love,
Sarah Brannon
Dr. Schmitt MCE
12-08-03
Lap RNY
326-----253----

this week i started my iron infusions. tomorrow is my last one for a
few months. i was worried about side effects, not at all about the
IV. i do well with IV's. the only side effects i have had are hot
flashes. but the IV is a whole other story. everyday i clench my
teeth and watch the clock for it to be over. it hurt like !@##.
burns like fire going into my veins. its mostly the saline flush,
and the fact that they struggle getting good veins. i have never had
that problem before. i cried like a baby today when they flushed my
IV. it was really embarrassing. the pain was intense. thank god
tomorrow is my last day for this series.

I am about 2 months post-op and have had an awful time with a stomal
stricture. I have had 5 scopes to go in there to stretch it and now
they tell me they are going to have to put a stent in there to keep
it open. I was wondering if anyone has had this problem, and how
long did it take to correct it? Mary

Hi ya'll,
I just subscribed to this group yesterday, and am still in the
investigation stage. I'm over 100 lbs. overweight, but otherwise in
pretty good health. I haven't even read much of the board's archives
yet, but will as I have time.
Did ya'll see the two articles about weight loss surgery in today's
Birmingham News? I thought it was really ironic that they were side
by side:
"Plan Stops Covering Gastric Surgery"--says that BCBS of Florida will
stop covering gastric bypass surgery by the end of the year.
Reason: "the spread of information on how to get around strict
guidelines as to who can safely undergo the surgery", and that "About
30 percent of patients develop nutritional deficiencies..."
"IRS Allows Deductions for Weight Loss"--says you can now include the
costs of weight loss surgery in your tax deductions if you itemize
because "the IRS designated obesity as a disease in April 2002".
Yours,
Tami

It will be a long 15 more days BUT it will be worth it!Congrats!!

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I came through the surgery OK
and barring just a few complications will be back at work tomorrow.
Thank you so much to Rona who visited in the hospital and everyone
else who has prayed or just thought about me personally and this
journey. I went back today 6 days out because of some drainage
problems andreally WANTED to weigh. I couldn't believe it. It's a
wonderful thing.
Sincerely,
Noelle Gaspard
02/24/04
Dr Schmitt
318/300.4---

i finally got a date ....its march 16th i hope it goes
well for me and everything works out...i have been
waiting a while
my date is march 16th
thanks for all the support
angel
304/goal-150
3-16-2004 surgery date

According to material I received on 2/26( post surgery) that calcium
carbonate is not the best calcium for bariatric patients and
reccomend calcium citrate only. I asked Chris(DR,Miles assit.) about
this and she also said only calcium citrate is needed.What are some
thoughts about this?What are others doing ? How about the Calcium
citrate with Magnesium and vit. D ? Is any one taking that?

Hiya to all the pre-ops and the post -ops! I just wanted to let
everyone know that I pray for all of you guys and girls. This is the
best support group known. With all the info we all get from all our
stories. Even if they aren't good stories, atleast we all care for
this 'Journey'! I have had mixed feelings (when I first had the
surgery) but let me tell you right know, YES I would do it again. I
feel free and able to move around. And I have some exciting news, I
actually ran around the yard with my little girls and they where so
happy for me. It made me cry, cause how GOOD it felt. The first
month after surgery was awful for me, but it has gotten so good. I
think Dr.Schmitt is the most wonderful man!! (Besides my better
half)!! LOL. I weigh once a week and I weighed in this morning and I
am down a total of 62 pounds and I am 11 weeks post -op! THANK YOU
Jesus and DR. Schmitt. To Kristy: God will be with you in your time
of need. I will say a prayer for you and please take care. And to
all of us WINNERS-----Please don't forget who helped you through
your surgeries. My husband was the BEST. he and my daughters (8
years, 5 years, and 3 years old ) where by my side to help. Family
is the best!! Peace and Love to everyone.
Sarah Brannon
Dr. Schmitt MCE
12/08/03
Lap RNY
326------
Total of 62 pounds GONE forever!!

I'm four weeks post-op as of today, and I don't seem to be losing
much weight. I lost 11 pounds in the first week after surgery, 4
the second week and only 2 in the last 2 weeks. What am I doing
wrong? I'm taking all my vitamins, supplementing 64 grams of
protein each day, and I'm up to walking 1.5 miles a day through my
rather hilly neighborhood. Since I'm four weeks out now, I think I
can start lifting things again, so I'm planning to go back to Curves
next week, which will add strength training. Could I be hitting a
plateau this early? Is there anything else I can try?