BLOODWORK

Hi all - when is the last time you had your bloodwork done? I think for whomever this is possible we should all make appointments to get a status check on our systems. Let's check in with the results, ok? I'm going to go in next Friday. Be well, everyone - and I DIDN'T have candy today!!! Love, Reenie

Hey Reenie I got Home last night around Midnight & there was a message on my phone from my WLS Doc's office. I guess I had made an appt 6 months ago & forgot. I think we get so wrapped up in our daily lives I think this is a good rememinder. Thanks!! I am pretty sure it's time for blood work, as well. Better to be safe than sorry!! Ladybug Marilyn

Post back when you get the results, ok? I want to know all is well with you! Reenie

The Appt was changed to the end of January so won't know till then. I am like the timex watch can work 2 jobs, stress about finding a place for my dogs by the middle of Dec & keep on ticking. But, yes I will get my blood work done in a couple of months. Love You & thanks for worrying about me!! I am glad someone does!! Ladybug Marilyn

Hi Reenie, I guess I must be anal....I still have my bloodwork done every quarter! I have a deficiency in Vitamin D but didnd't get it until 2 years post op! My Parathyroid was elevated because the low D kept my body from absorbing calcium. When that happens, the parathyroid kicks in and the body leaches calcium from the bones, hence the blood calcium tests are normal. The only way to detect it is to test all three (Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy, Parathyroid, and Calcium). I took 10,000 units a week for 8 months to get my D level up to 50, where the endocronologist wants it to stay the rest of my life. He told me I must get the levels checked at least every 6 months for life. I am post menopausal and my bone density tests each year are good. I caught the calcium issue before it became a problem by having my labs done frequently. Also, at about three years post op, my potassium shot up to critical levels and I had to cut back on citrus fruits, bananas, etc. and be retested weekly for a month. I knew I felt really tired but didn't know why. It is funny how things can crop up so far post op! My vitamin B12 was also too high, so I backed off on my dosage and it dropped to a more normal 700ish range. I now take 1,000 mg sublingual on Mon and Fridays instead of 5 days a week. My insurance pays for the lab tests, so I get them. I think as we become farther and farther post op, our bodies start adapting as we are able to eat more and more foods and we need to tweek our vitamins and minerals. I still see my bariatric surgeon annually, as he requested I agree to before he would do the surgery. I lead a support group for people who are over two years out and regaining weight and believe it or not, over half of them had stopped taking their vitamins on a regular basis!!!!! I think that is the A-#1-Most Important thing of ALL we MUST continue to do-no ifs, ands or buts! So far, the group is not gaining weight anymore. We are using a non-diet approach. Just a thought! Hugs, Karen Karen

Well, thanks for this, Karen! I just called my PCP and asked him to add onto my standing bloodwork order: the Vitamin D Hydroxy, Parathyroid, and Calcium screenings. The last time I had my bloodwork done, my calcium was very low and both my doctor and my WLS surgeon said my system was leaching calcium from my bones; had a bone density scan and that came back as pre-osteoporosis - but all anyone has done is told me to make sure I take calcium supplements - which I've always done. So thanks for this tip - I don't think general PCPs understand the nature of our malabsorption issues so it's very important that we be pro-active about our own healthcare. And sharing valuable information like this is so important! I'll let you know the results, am going in on Friday. You sound SO GOOD! I'm SO PROUD OF YOU!!!! Reenie

Happy Thanksgiving! Well, my PCP did my bloodwork about 4 months ago, and it was perfect...even better than the last visit with my WLS doctor. I haven't seen him in quite a while, since I moved away from where he is, and I should follow up with him....my only problem is the poop issues...or lack of movement on a steady basis. I've been working on this with my gastro doctor. So far, I am down 8 pounds since starting Weigh****chers....only about 6 pounds to go to be back in my size 4/6. All in all....life is good. Leaving for vacation tomorrow so I will be out of touch for 9 days. To Reeenie and everyone...be thankful. We have a lot of good things going for all of us. Use all the gifts we were given to their fullest potential. Love, Joanie

Joanie, you sound fabulous - you really have found what works for you and you seem to be at such peace with everything. Please stay close to us - success stories are real motivators to people like me who are struggling. I'm very happy for you and very proud of you. Love ya, Reenie