Good news...bad news...

Well, I have some news: Good news - I finally found a doctor who won't just shove a bunch of antibiotics in my hand and then blame my WLS because they didn't work to clear me up. Good news - They have finally discovered why I'm staying sick with sinuses and headaches. It's allergies. Bad news - I'm allergic to the two things that help me get my protein in, milk (I drink at least a half of a gallon a day and sometimes drink a whole gallon before the day is done) and peanuts (these are usually my brunch snack as a protein boost). I'm also allergic to chocolate, wheat, yeast, corn, a bunch of different weeds, and penicillin. Bad news - Now I must find a way to get around this hump. My diet seems to rely on milk and peanuts for protein. Meat just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My husband has even remarked that I must be a "closet vegetarian". I'm not sure what to eat and drink now (hint, hint for suggestions here). Best news - Ever since I had gastric bypass I have been getting sicker and sicker with different issues, but one of the main ones was the sinuses, colds, and headaches. Everyone was beginning to blame the WLS for my downward spiral, however these allergy test proved something. I've probably been allergic to this stuff all along, however, pre-op, I didn't rely on these foods as my main staple. I relied on diet Mountain Dew to drink and scarfing down greasy burgers. Now, I drink a TON of milk everyday and eats peanuts or peanut butter on a daily basis. Therefore (adjusts her Sherlock Holmes cap), we can conclude that WLS did not cause me to get sick, it was merely the unassuming tool who helped bring to light these allergies. Anyway, I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. If it wasn't for each and every one of you, I would be lost on this journey. You have all been my support, my strength, and my inspiration throughout the past year and a half and I look forward to great things from the Maysters in 2007! Heather 267 (starting) / 150 (current)

Glad you found out what your issues were, Heather! That is good/bad news. Are you allergic to whey from the milk? Can you do soy? They do also sell egg white protein powder too. I do not do milk but definitely do cheese (my fav food group) and half/half or cream in coffee or recipes. Good luck adapting your diet. If you aren't allergic to other nuts.... you can get almond butter, etc. Best wishes and happy holidays and new year! Hope the year 2007 finds renewed and ever improving health. hugs, Kathy

After WLS, I couldnt down milk. It makes me so sick now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE soy milk. I get Silk's Light Vanilla flavor. I have never tried the regular, but the vanilla flavor is awesome!

Hey Heather, This is some good news. At least you know now where to start. Another protein suggestion is perhaps the Nectar brand of protein powders. I think they are BSA proteins, which is bovine serum albumin. This is a protein derived from cow's blood. I know it sounds gross, but it is no different than eating a steak. Many people really like the different Nectar flavors, especially added to juice or Crystal Light. As Kathy suggested, what about other types of nuts. I rely on almonds as a daily mid-day snack. Perhaps a nutrition consult might be in order. My husband has terrible allergies, mainly to environmental allergens, and he often gets horrible sinus infections as a result. I hope these allergy results will be the tool you need to have a much, much healthier year 2007!!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family. Debra M.