Hi everyone, Well, I am 19 months out now, and I have actually started gaining a little weight. I have gained a total of 5 lbs. (but it feels like 20 lbs!), and I'm extremely upset with myself over this. I have been snacking more than usual, mostly because of stress, and certain foods are comforting to me, but unfortunately those foods are loaded with calories and fat. I'm turning to food now for comfort just like I did before my surgery, and I'm very discouraged about it. Anyways, I was hoping to maybe see if there's anyone out there that is going through the same kind of problem. Thanks in advance to all *****ply. Take care, Rhonda Carter

Has anyone heard from Noelle? I was wondering how she's doing. I'd also like to hear from both Debs post-op plastic surgery to see how if they're feeling and looking great. Julie

Hi Joanne, Thanks for thinking about me. Basically, they (my various docs!!) are running more and more tests, sonograms, CT scans, and blood and more blood panels. Everything comes back abnormal. I am very weak, especially in my feet, legs, arms and hands. Sometimes I try to walk to the bathroom and all of a sudden my muscles just give out. Writing and typing on the computer is slow and painful. I have so many doctors trying to agree on what to pursue first. On my bone scan 7 ribs were broken, some in 2 places. Also, there are areas suspicious for metastatic breast cancer on several ribs that broke and one tiny area on the right as well. I never even considered to worry about return or spread of my primary breast cancer. I don't "feel" it like I did with the original breast cancer. My pcp requested the wrong tumor marker blood test...instead of 15.3 for breast cancer, she ordered 19.7 for gastric, pancreatic cancer. Wouldn't you know the latter test is high. My oncologist is puzzled about that one. Now that has to be worked up. The breast cancer tumor marker has been pending for like 6 days. My pcp is worried about that. It is difficult to walk out and get in and out of the car and then in and out of the doc office. (Sorry to be whining) My endocrinologist is puzzled about all the endocrine/metabolic abnormalities....of course especially the carnitine deficiency. She really knows her subject (endocrinology) but appears to know NOTHING about RNY GB. She started me on a trial high dose of oral carnitine and coenezyme Q1 0, plus more Vit D3. Next visit I will be admitted if I need IV carnitine. I promise to update as my problems are detected and addressed. I'm very positive still and know that God, my son and daughter, and my Feb 2004 friends are very supportive. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. My daughter is very stressed about everything. God bless you all, Paula

I just came back from the doc. She doesn't want to put me on stratera because she had a few patients who had bad side effects. I think it was the liver problem I mentioned earlier. She lowered my dose to 20 mgs from 40. I took one today and it is still making me angry and irritable. So I am calling her tomorrow. I can't stand this feeling. I haven't taken any in about 5 days so it isn't like a build up that caused this. It is plain out and out, the meds. Joanne

I had a full-blown stomach virus last week (Tuesday) and even though I'm not vomiting anymore, my stomach just isn't right. I get hungry and eat, but when I eat (and I'm not eating much) I get a nauseating feeling in my stomach for about an hour. My insides have been gurgling and carrying on since last week. Have any of you had a virus since surgery? Is this normal or should I call my doctor. It just doesn't seem like anything real serious, just so aggravating! Also, I know this is silly, but I wonder if the bigger portion of our stomachs are affected when we have a virus. And if they are, how. Wanda