Hi Vanessa, Thanks for the email/response. I never went and had the CT scan because deep down I know they won't find anything, so why spend the $. I too was having some problems prior to having my gallbladder removed and then felt GREAT after it was removed. About 2 months post gall bladder removal, stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation kicked in with avengence. I feel the worst in the mornings after my 1st meal and then I'm usually OK by the afternoon. Since having the RNY I have had several unexplained illnesses ie: hives, severe joint pain, fibromyalgia, and now the stomach woes (all of which I never experienced prior to surgery). So, go figure. I too just wish I could get some answers. But, on a positive note at least I'm skinny No seriously, I'm free of diabetes, high blood pressure, severe plantar faciitis ect. ect... I too have been under some stress with work (possible layoffs), so I figure I will wait until that has passed and then make a decision on whether or not to get the CT scan. As for you, you've been under tremendous stress...Your whole life has been turned upside down since Katrina. My heart goes out to you and your family. Has the Dr. treated you with anything for IBS? The Zelnorm has given me some relief. Anyway, keep me updated on how you are doing, and I will keep you informed of anything I discover along the way. I'm experimenting with a couple supplements recommended by my psychiatrist, so I'll let you know if anything helps. Best of luck to you, and God bless. Hugs Dru

It must be catching. I am am the same I am about 36lb from my goal of 150 and I was losing motivation. I am starting to get back on track. I am a terrible night eater and grazer. I have started to substitue what I eat at night, no more crackers etc.. I do carrots of some kind of fruit or veggie. I also have started to stop eating at a certain time, first night was 10p, next 9:30 and so on until I will be done by 7pm. Then no more eating. I know exercising is a hard habit to get into but you just gotta do it. I always feel so much better after. I feel like I accomplished something. Lisa 347/321/188/150

Hi Jackie, First of all I have to preface this with "I am not perfect" -- I'm far from it.. I'm struggling with re-establishing good habits, too so please take this advice with that in mind. If eating meals is something you're not doing -- and grazing is what you are doing (and I presume what you've *always* done), then this is the habit you need to establish. You have to make yourself comfortable with eating meals at mealtimes. This is your downfall -- you know this already -- so this is clearly the habit you need to change. Get yourself into the HABIT of eating three squares a day.. focus on protein rich foods at mealtimes -- seriously.. set an alarm for mealtimes.. give yourself 1/2hr to actually eat the food you have for your meal (and stretch it.. don't gobble it down.. really chew it up and take your time tasting it and dedicate this time to nourishing your body).. then when you feel like grazing during the day, grab a bottle or a glass of water, instead. Water is a natural appetite suppressant and you will be replacing an OLD bad habit with a NEW good habit.. It's not going to be easy but you have to do it.. and you CAN do it. And this is your chance to do it. Stefanie

Clothing needed for Ohio family. Original Post by Loraine May at 3:59 AM EST on 02/24/2006 Byesville, OH - RNY (05/06/2005) - Dean J. Mikami, M.D. I have been so busy trying to get this Extreme makeover home invasion pulled together for my friend Patty that I am plum tuckered out. If anyone is interested in helping with some gently used items for this needy family it would certainly be appreciated. Patty is my neighbor *****cently lost her funding for home health care, and a home health aid. She is homebound and super morbidly obese and can no longer move around. She is responsible for caring for her adult mentally retarded brother and is having real difficulties doing so. I have been working with all my gastric bypass support groups to collect size 6 x women's clothing and size 55 jeans and 3 x shirts for her brother Leonard. They are in desperate need of gently used towels, wash clothes, dish clothes, and personal care items. Baby wipes and Gold bond powder. Toothpaste, shampoo and toothbrushes as well. Since becoming homebound Patty has gotten very depressed and suffers greatly from celulitis and chronic severe lymphadema . I have been helping as much as I can by doing her grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry. When I was doing their laundry that is when I discovered that all of their clothes were stained badly and torn apart. Even at this size, these people deserve the dignity of having decent clothing on their bodies. They are unable to afford personal care items like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, Laundry soap, bath soap etc. They are both in need of undergarments and socks. Patty wears size 6 x and Leonard wears size 55 jeans and size 3 x crew neck T shirts. Since they are homebound any magazines, paperback books, Music CDs and used DVD's would be greatly appreciated. Next Saturday March the I have arranged for a group of volunteers to help deliver these items, and we will clean their home from top to bottom. I have a local beautician who will give them both haircuts, manicures and a day of beauty treatments while we are busy scrubbing and doing laundry etc. I am feeling so blessed by being able to do this for this wonderful dear lady. She is just my age and suffering so badly. I wish that I could convince her to look into gastric bypass surgery, but that has to be her choice. I guess what I am trying to do by "project Patty" is to show her the kindness of complete strangers and that people care about her.and that with the love and support that she can return to life outside of her living room again. I thank you all for listening and hope that you can help by sending any items that you can find around the house that they might be able to use. If you are interested in helping or just sending a card of encouragement please write and ask for my home address. Please pass this information along to anyone who might have gently used items to contribute to help make this project a huge success. If you are interested in being on the cleaning crew please contact me as soon as possible We need all the hands and strong able bodies we can get to help with some spring cleaning and delivering the clothing etc. We are also in need of someone who knows how to hook up a dvd/vcr player up to an older television set. Thank you all for your help. I knew I could count on you to help make this happen. Lots of Love and Hugs, Laura I thank you all for your help.

Thanks Melissa for responding to my question. Sounds like good advice - kind of the same that I have had since I was first overweight. Guess I need to figure out HOW to do this. I am very happy for you. Thanks, Jackie.