18 month check up today

I am actually 19 months out but of course with the holidays and such had my 18 month check up with hottie surgeon was today.....It was sweet. I even learned that our program is now telling patients to do the Calcuim Citrate after 1 month out from surgery. They also got on me about my B-12 and Folic acid....WAY high...And its because I am taking it every other day vs once a week. So here I go to back it off to once a week. The fun begins! Once a week....I better pick a day and stick with it. So I can remember if I took it. I have lost weight so hottie surgeon has me coming back in 6 more months...now that was the best news of all today! Still losing and he wants to see me again! Sweet! LOL. I am going back to the nexium again. I have had some pain in pouch area and well he didn't think it was a hernia but wanted to be sure it was ulcer...wants me to see gastro guy again. Not yet....I am going to do pills first and see how that goes. If it does not improve in two weeks or gets worse then I will opt for the scope. I just remember the last time I had the scope it was not a pleasant experience. It was the only time I puked after the surgery! Nah don't want that again! I even chatted with my nut today and well he has me doing 1400 calories a day with about 90 grams of protein. He even looked over the diary I had and gave me some pointers. One thing I found interesting is that they really don't know what to do with us out past 12 month mark. I guess no one was committed to keeping up with it in the past that they really don't know what the care should be for us. Its hard because it the time I feel we need a closer monitoring....not so much for the surgery aspects but because we have the ability to eat more. I am glad I have support groups to go to and share ideas and thoughts. It helps me where my program lacks. Thanks to everyone for your support....Lets see if we can get another six month reprieve and see the hottie surgeon in Jan 07! Hugs and Fleece Blankets Debbie

Debbie, So glad you get to see Mr. Hottie again . How much have you lost total now? He must of been happy for you. Hope your pain is nothing serious and the meds work. Jan 07 You might be a hottie yourself. Good Luck Girl and keep warm. See you lighter. Joanne

Debbie, Debbie, Debbie ... I have posted to your post three times already and can not figure out where the posts have gone. First time was earlier this morning and I hit the post button as I was leaving the room ... came back and my internet was down. So I tried again, and thought it posted ... but looks like that didn't happen ... well anyway, you get my drift ... if by chance you end up with a dozen posts from me here ...at least you know why and know I have not lost my marbles or any other important part at least for today!!! With that said ... girl ... I am so proud of you ... you have done an absoluetely awesome job. Each and every time I look at your photo, I am reminded of just how far you have come on your journey!!! WOW!!! I also wanted to offer you a bit of unsolicited advice (oh no, here she goes again). Please be sure to keep a close eye on your B-12 levels and watch for signs/symptoms of deficiencies. I know of so many who are had "high levels" according to lab statistics and backed off of their B-12 only to crash in a short amount of time. If interested, I have articles on it and also have others who you can connect with who have dealt with it. Some caught it in time to avoid neurological damage, others were not so fortunate. Keep it in mind for future reference. An FYI for you, I stopped taking the B-12 with Folic Acid & B-6 from Trader Joes and opted for straight Methy-B to keep up my B-12 without maxing out my B-6. Truly it is a game of balance and so often they truly do not know what to do with us as we get further out! . Like you, I also find the support and experience from others who have blazed the trail ahead of me invaluable. AT any rate, keep up the good work ... you are an inspiration to so many of us! OH and I am so glad you get to see your HOTTIE surgeon again!!! Hugs, Tammy

Articles would be a definite send to me.....I appreciated your help with the calcuim and just think if I would have waited to switch I may have had problems there....I definitely have you to thank for that! Your help has been definitely appreciated on this end! Thank you for your support and I hope to see you soon. We need protein balls! Hugs and Fleece Blankets... Debbie

Tammy, where have you found the calcium citrate that is the best for us? Is it chewable? Also I am way over on the b-12. I cut it back to every other day. I still do Trader Joe's brand of b-12/folic brand, have you found another that is better and just as easy? Let me know. Thanks for the offer to hook me up while I'm out of commision. I'll ket you know if I need anything. I'm really not too worried about myself. Just concerned about my Mom, daughter, grandkids and of course Charlie. Being the glue that holds this all together, it's gonna be hard to depend on them for everything. I know I know it's my turn again. I'll do my best and take care of me. My 6 week repreive. wish I was going to Hawaii instead. This time last year that's where I was. OHHHHHHH. Warm carefree and drinking coconut juice ( with Unjury of course). TT you soon. ((HUGS)) Elissa