It's been a LONG time
Hey y'all...it has been a long time since I accessed the forum.
I had the bypass Aug 8, 2005. (I have lost 136 pounds.)
One month later...pancreatitis due to gallstones and spent 8 days back in the hospital.
(as a side note...I had NO gall bladder problems before the surgery, but have since discovered that 75% have to go back and have their gall bladder removed after surgery)
I have continued to have problems with mal-absorption and plummeting blood sugar.
The powered protein makes me feel horrible, so I MUST eat lots of "real" protein.
I am now on medicine, that I take with meals to aid absorption and I can really tell it if I get slack.
Blood sugar is a constant worry because I never know if I am going to have a problem, however I am learning to always have something handy and healthy to graze on. I still eat no sugar...and simple carbs are a no-no...but ah well...dang it...sometimes I cant help the carbs.
The doctor who did my surgery....well, he has been less than helpful (to the point of basically yelling at me in his office when I told him the problems I was having). I doubt I will EVER go back to him.
The one *****ally helped me was the gastroenterologist (I am sure I spelled that wrong), Dr. Malik at St. Vincents East. My primary care doctor has been wonderful and has me come in every 6 months to get bloodwork and talk (Frank Rudeseal at Brookwood).
Would I do it again? Probably not. I despise living in fear that I am going to have blood sugar issues (guys, it is no joke...my blood sugar will drop to the 30's, which is coma time). I am hoping as time goes on that I will learn to better cope and live preventatively.
However, having said all these negative things....I love being able to bend over and tie my shoe without having my wind cut off. I am back to riding motorcycles (which I had done most of my young life). I can walk anywhere without being winded. I can buy clothes in the "normal" section of the store. I can shop for clothes places I could not before (ie Chicos). I am finishing my MSW at the University of Alabama and will graduate next May 2010.
So, good things are happening!
Sorry for the book....I should post pictures if I can figure out how.
Valerie
I had the bypass Aug 8, 2005. (I have lost 136 pounds.)
One month later...pancreatitis due to gallstones and spent 8 days back in the hospital.
(as a side note...I had NO gall bladder problems before the surgery, but have since discovered that 75% have to go back and have their gall bladder removed after surgery)
I have continued to have problems with mal-absorption and plummeting blood sugar.
The powered protein makes me feel horrible, so I MUST eat lots of "real" protein.
I am now on medicine, that I take with meals to aid absorption and I can really tell it if I get slack.
Blood sugar is a constant worry because I never know if I am going to have a problem, however I am learning to always have something handy and healthy to graze on. I still eat no sugar...and simple carbs are a no-no...but ah well...dang it...sometimes I cant help the carbs.
The doctor who did my surgery....well, he has been less than helpful (to the point of basically yelling at me in his office when I told him the problems I was having). I doubt I will EVER go back to him.
The one *****ally helped me was the gastroenterologist (I am sure I spelled that wrong), Dr. Malik at St. Vincents East. My primary care doctor has been wonderful and has me come in every 6 months to get bloodwork and talk (Frank Rudeseal at Brookwood).
Would I do it again? Probably not. I despise living in fear that I am going to have blood sugar issues (guys, it is no joke...my blood sugar will drop to the 30's, which is coma time). I am hoping as time goes on that I will learn to better cope and live preventatively.
However, having said all these negative things....I love being able to bend over and tie my shoe without having my wind cut off. I am back to riding motorcycles (which I had done most of my young life). I can walk anywhere without being winded. I can buy clothes in the "normal" section of the store. I can shop for clothes places I could not before (ie Chicos). I am finishing my MSW at the University of Alabama and will graduate next May 2010.
So, good things are happening!
Sorry for the book....I should post pictures if I can figure out how.
Valerie
Welcome back Valerie. I remember you. I checked out your profile to refresh myself.
I'm so sorry you have been through so many medical difficulties since your surgery. I have been blessed with very few problems except for strictures at first. It's great that you have such wonderful primary care and gastro (I didn't attempt to spell it)
doctors.
I understand about being able to bend over and tie your shoes and breath at the same...that is a wonderful feeling! Only someone who couldn't do it understands!
Way to go on the MSW!! I hope the GOOD will eventually outweigh the bad...no pun intended. Please continue to take care of yourself and come back here often to let us know how you are doing. I would love to see pictures. Our very own Vicki Gant is great at pictures and stuff. There is also a photo department on OH, but I don't know how to contact them.
I'm so sorry you have been through so many medical difficulties since your surgery. I have been blessed with very few problems except for strictures at first. It's great that you have such wonderful primary care and gastro (I didn't attempt to spell it)
doctors. I understand about being able to bend over and tie your shoes and breath at the same...that is a wonderful feeling! Only someone who couldn't do it understands!
Way to go on the MSW!! I hope the GOOD will eventually outweigh the bad...no pun intended. Please continue to take care of yourself and come back here often to let us know how you are doing. I would love to see pictures. Our very own Vicki Gant is great at pictures and stuff. There is also a photo department on OH, but I don't know how to contact them.
Christ's peace,
Connie aka Teal Rose
I have pics posted in my profile....couldn't get one tiny enough to be an avatar...
Now y'all dont be too premature on congratulating me on MSW....I still have academic classes through December...then an internship through May. BUT so far..all is well, I did just receive 2 academic scholarships to pay for the rest of my school...so woo hoo!
Valerie
Now y'all dont be too premature on congratulating me on MSW....I still have academic classes through December...then an internship through May. BUT so far..all is well, I did just receive 2 academic scholarships to pay for the rest of my school...so woo hoo!
Valerie
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