A Couple of Things

First, did any of you happen to catch the piece on NPR about the new book, "Rethinking Thin" ? If not, go to npr.org and search by that title. The author, Gina Kolata, presents her theory that the diet industry is "selling" the myth that people can successfully maintain significant weight loss. What we need to do is pay very close attention to our genetic heritage to determine the body's "set point" range of weight it is comfortable at. Her hypothesis is that, especially for people who are significantly overweight and successfully lose that weight, our bodies start 'screaming' to get back to that range of weight that is genetically pre-determined; that's why, for us, hunger is much more intense than just the typical, "oh-I'm-hungry-must-be-time-for-dinner" hunger. I've always believed that the medical industry does not pay nearly enough attention to genetics in looking at the big picture of morbid obesity. I was intrigued enough to want to buy the book, which I plan to do this weekend - will let you know my take on it. Otherwise, I spent an hour with my PCP last night, going over some new test results. Bottom line: TAKE YOUR CALCIUM! My bone density scan (the first one I've had post-surgery) shows a significant loss of bone and classifies me as having osteoporosis. I have taken my calcium every day since surgery and still I'm losing bone mass. Absorption problems, so says my doc. Tests also still show liver disease but not getting worse. We'll continue to monitor. That's the news from Lake Wobegone-northeast! Have a great holiday weekend, friends. Love, Reenie

Thanks for the Info on the book & the calcium problem. I take my vits & calcium as well & can't seem to find a Doc that will check anything at this point. So I guess I will have to go back to my Doc in Vegas. (, another reason to visit Billy I can get use to that one!!) I know I need my blood work checked, which I might have my Mom's Doc do that. Without any Inusrance It gets complicated. They don't want to do anything for me. I do know that with the allergy stuff I have been dealing with & taking allergy stuff my Blood pressure is out of control & have gone back to my Blood pressure meds. I started to feel pretty weird today & had it checked a couple of times & pretty high. Have to be better at taking those pilss, like have been suppose to. Don't need to have a stroke or heart attack. To much going on for that. Marilyn, the Bearlady

Reenie, I worry about bone density also. My pcp has a scan done on a regular basis because I can't take calcium suplements and so far, I'm still in the normal range. Is part of your exercise routine weight bearing? I think the reason I'm still OK on the bone density front is becasue I do so much lifting and hauling and on days that I don't, I lift weights in front of the TV. (It's my cardio exercise that has been neglected lately) I'm always hauling stacks of lumber, 50 pound bags of dog food, plants, paint cans, boxes of tile.... Is your calcium citrate and is it chewable? I'm sure it is, but just checking. Maybe you should try another brand to see if your body absorbs it better. I worry alot about what the malabsorption does to us. I'm convinced that when I take a pill, I'm not getting all of the benefits of that pill that I should. Right now I have a kidney infection (probably from yet another stone) and will take antibiotics for twice as long as people normally do to make sure it's gone. My doctor has been really good about accomodating malabsorption when he prescribes. He gives me everything he can in liquid and if he can't give me liquid, he extends the time or dosage. I still take chewable vitamins. 4 Gummy Vites in the morning and 4 at night. Have a great weekend yourself. Love ya huge, Connie

I tkae NatureMade Chewable Adult 2 in the a.m. & 2 in the P.m. along with calcium B-50 & Fish Oil & Iron. I also take b-12 3 times a week. I think I am still dealining with anemia as I can't kick this cold/alergy crap that I have had for weeks. It was almost gone in Az. So I think it is allergies, but, aggrevating anyway. I never thought the childrens vit's had enough in them for us. Marilyn, the Bearlady

Hi Everyone, Just a thought on the calcuim absorption. Make sure your doctor checks you Vitamin D!!!! (Vitamin D Hydroxy 25, Vitamin D-3 and VitaminD-2 levels). Here in the Washington DC area, our bariatric centers are seeing more and more post-ops that are developing Vitamin D deficiencies as they become further and further out. When there is a deficiency of D, the body cannot absorb Calcuim and triggers the parathyroid gland to elevate and excrete PSH hormone which causes the body to begin leaching calcuim from the bones; hence osteoporsis begins. Yet the blood test for just calcuim remains normal because the calcium is there; just from the bones-not the supplements! Therefore, my endocronologist told me it is critical to have three blood tests done twice a year for life: 1. Vitamin D levels 2. Parathyroid (PTH) 3. Calcuim The optimal level for Vitamin D has been raised to 50. When the Vitamin D is adequate in the body, the body absorbs calcuim supplements (as long as you don't take them within 4 hours of taking iron supplements) and the Parathyroid levels remain normal and no leaching of calcuim from the bones occurs. This whole issue becomes particularly critical after menopause. So, get checked!!!!! I personally have to take 50,000 units once a week via an Rx. My levels have to be monitored since Vitamin D is a fat soluable vitamin that can be toxic if too much is taken. I have seen other post ops have Vitamin D deficiencies again and again lately after two years+ post op. Dexa Scans (bone density) can tell if osteoporosis is occurring in the bones. Just thought I'd share! Hugs, Karen P. S. I'm still sober and been in A.A. almost six months! What a blessing! And I have lost eight pounds!

Congratulations on your 6 months, Karen! I go for a bone density scan next month, the first since surgery. I was in great shape pre op--I hope that holds true now. Joy