3 MONTH CHECK UP RESULTS -70LBS

-70 LBS - that seems so crazy. I've nearly lost the weight of BOTH of my sons, 2 & 6. You think I'd be able to see a bigger difference knowing that! I am so greatful for this surgery and the opportunity to get my life back. I am planning on joining the YMCA the first week in February & I am excited about that. I had my bloodwork done in December, & my protein in a little low, it is 17 & should be at least 20 - they like it to be more like 30. I don't have to have it done again until 1 yr. I don't have to go back to see the PMRI Dr. since insurance won't cover them. Everything else looks good though. I am still having some gallbladder pain but no *major* attacks. The actigall really seems to hold them at bay. When I forget to take it I do get pain - but my gb was bad before surgery. We were hoping the actigall would give my gb time to get healthy but I'm thinking that probably will not be the case. We'll probably have to remove it eventually. But at least I should be fully healed from this surgery. I added popcorn to my diet nearly every day and it help my body to be much more *regular*. Some how, it is easier to remember to eat popcorn then it is to take a pill. GO figure... I really should have signed up for the mental health class. Okay & since I am always testing my limits I found a good treat (not good FOR you - just good) Tastycake makes clear tubs of *tiny* cookies. 1 serving is 12 of the quarter sized cookies - they are thin & crispy. 1 serving has 10 grams of sugar so I had 3 of them & it was really good. I put them in an airtight container becasue there are over 100 so they will last forever - hopefully. Oh & I found a protein bar I finally like!! It is called GeniSoy Low Carb Crunch Chocolate chip. It cost I think $1.30 at the vitamin shoppe. 160 cal 15 g protein 3 g fiber 2 *impact* carbs and get this *zero* sugar or sugar alcohol.

70 pounds in 3 months is great.!!!!!!!!!! keep up the good work!!!!

Go GIRL. 70 lbs is really awesome. Thanks for the encouragement and all the helpful hints. I know I appreciate all that you post-ops share. Be careful of your reasoning. You could probably justify anything if you break it down. I can probably have 1 mouthful of cheesecake or a 1/8th inch piece of chocolate cake. LOL. Then the boundaries start to stretch. Gosh look at me, Miss Negative. LOL. . I promise not to be the food police. ((HUGS)) Elissa

You make me laugh - food police - ha ha - hey isn't that your husband's job? He must be rubbing off on you!! It's the truth, I don't stick to only low carb & high protein only. I guess for me that was too big of an adjustment. I couldn;t do it preop & can't now either. Part of me does not want to, you know. I want to be that "normal" person who can have a cookie if she wants - but stops at one and not 8! Here is the good news. I never eat pasta - and I don't even want it. I practically lived on it and rice pre op. Slowly, I see real habits starting to change. Things that I hope will last a life time. In the mean time... Well talk to one of the other girls/guys to learn how not to eat the stuff you love! Good luck on Monday! I am so excited for you! What was the name of that conditioner again??

Down 70 is awesome You are doing fantastic, and it shows!! ((hugs))

OMG, OMG that is GREAT!, Kathy. You are obviously doing something right. I'm a little concerned about your protein. Even though you don't see PMRI would your PCP or someone else check the level? I read in someone else's profile that a lot of people have their lab results copied and sent to them so they can keep on it themselves. I think I might do that too. Well you look wonderful and I'm reading that you feel wonderful also--so its working very well for you. What an inspiration you are! Hope you put some new pics in your profile, I'm going there now to see. I need to get some pics on (hate it). Dianne

Hi Dianne, Appearently they only do the bloodwork at 1 mo & 1 yr - it does seem like a BIG stretch of time doesn't it! My doctor at Chiras will look at the blood work though, they got a copy. I am going to add 1 additional shake per day thought whuch should make things fine. Thanks

You go girl. 70 pounds come and gone at 3 months is great. And we all notice the difference. Rob

Hi Rob, my husband is considering this operation and I was wondering if you could give us your opinion on what you think of it, how your doing, what kinds of foods and how much you eat, as well as water. He's pretty nervous and we need all the advice we can get, thank you for your time. Belinda

Howdy Belinda, I am a strong advocate for this surgery but I can't recommend it to anyone. It really needs to be your last alternative. The important thing is to get smart about the surgery. Get educated. Obesityhelp.com has a ton of information. For anyone considering this operation I suggest stopping in at one of the PMRI sessions. The topics are usually informative, but meeting people after the session can help you to understand what everyone goes through. Go with your husband when he meets the surgeon, or attends the support meetings. You can ask questions that he doesn't remember or might not want to ask. My surgery has made me a new man. I am almost four months out now and feel great. I have 11 pounds to go before I move from obese to overweight. I go to the gym at least four times a week and do at least 30 minutes of cardio at each session, and weight training. Before the operation I would have been lucky to last ten minutes. I am much more aware of the role food played in my life now. Yesterday I hit a major milestone. Went shopping at Jos A. Bank for a suit and picked one right off the rack. Another major milestone happened also. Some friends from work took me to Outback and I could sit in the booth. Before the surgery I remember my family sitting and waiting with me almost an hour before a table opened up because I couldn't sit in a booth. Talk about being embarrased and ashamed. I couldn't even share that with people last year. What kind of food can you eat? It differs for each person, but the rule is that you get your protein in first, then veggies, then fruit. Carbs are last. You need to get about 8 glasses of water in a day, although you can substitute sugar-free, non-carbonated drinks for some of the water. Protein shakes also count as liquid and protein. I try and eat six meals per day. This is what Dr. Irgaau recommends. Sample day might be oatmeal with protein powder for breakfast, protein shake for a mid-morning snack, 1/2 cup of tuna salad for lunch, protein shake in the afternoon, 1/2 cup of broiled chicken and a little bit of potato for dinner, then a late night snack of pudding or cheese and crackers. I have had trouble with fried foods, and don't even bother with take out. Other people have success, but everyone's tolerance is different. I find I can eat just about any meat, but 1/2 a chessburger (no roll) and I'm full. Right now I'm not hungry anyway. 1/2 cup of anything at each meal is pretty much a standard. Your body tells you when you eat too fast, too much, or the wrong thing. If you or your husband want to chat just let me know. You both should learn about the impact and the seriousness of the surgery. Then compare those consequences with current life expectancy and current state of one's life. Enough preaching. Welcome to our "little" community. This on-line support group has a wealth of good heart, good information, and sincere support and encouragement to share with everyone, regardless of the decision. Thanks for inquiring. Rob