Prodigal Daughter returns

Hi all my old friends and to all the new people since I was here last. I am approaching my 3 year anniversary (10/10/03) and am still SMO. Pre-op I was 330, lowest was 255, now at 265. I left for a long time (still get the emails of the posts though) because I failed at WLS and I still am failing. I am back now to ask for help or guidance and to see if my pouch is still effective. I know I can eat literally anything I want, just not quite as much, but close. The only sign of dumping is occassional tiredness. My exercise is a roller coaster also. Pretty good this time last year, but knee surgery in August, got me out of the habit and I haven't gotten back in. I am having the other knee done 6/26, so after I am recovered, I have no more excuses, right? I think one of the main things that has brought me back here is a change in my pain meds about 6 weeks ago. I feel that I have finally come out of the fog I was in and most days the pain is tolerable. I went from 8-10 Vicodin (10/325mg) a day to 20 mg of Oxycontin twice a day. Yes, the sustained release pills work for me, so is my pouch still functional? I do not get the full 12 hours from the meds, but do get 9 or 10 hours of it. I actually have some energy again and I have started to take an interest in life. I had been on Darvocet or Vicoin for approx. 6 years continuously. I do still take all my vitamins like I should, and I am just getting back into the water habit. I was getting fluids so I didn't dehydrate, but it was usually Diet Dr. Pepper. About a 6 pack a day. Plus coffee, milk, SF koolaid, and occasionally water. Anyway, with Jeff back on the road, I have had a lot of time to think and couldn't think of a better place for support than here. I spent the first 34 years of my life SMO, I really don't want to spend whatever might be left of it that way. I have been taking a long look at a lot of things lately and not liking what I am seeing. I sure didn't go through this surgery to lose 65 pounds. Enough for now, glad to be back, Elizabeth

I don't know if I have any words of wisdom for you. Just some observations on my own journey. I am struggling also at this point in time. I am terrrified of regaining. I gained 4 pounds while on vacation and can not get it off. Like you, I can eat anything. I do try to really limit the starchy carbs because of low blood sugar issues but that has also caused a problem. In order to keep my sugar stable, I've been snacking a lot. I need to get to my 2 yr follow up and see if Dr. Sundberg can get me back on track. The obvious question Elizabeth, is have you been back to see your WLS doc? He's your best resource. Have you tried the cottage cheese test to see how big your pouch is? Maybe the outlet has stretched and it needs to be fixed. I think your first step is to get an appointment with your WLS doc and then go from there. Maybe you need to talk to a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I tried that. I know why I eat but just can't figure out how not to. Pretty frustrating. I was 4 pounds away from goal at one time. Now I'm 10! I hate to exercise but I'm doing it. I'd rather be sitting with a book in my hands. Plus I have the metabolism of a three toed sloth. I don't think there are any easy answers. Just keep plugging away and make an appointment with your doc! Lyn

Hi Lyn and Thanks for the reply! No, I haven't been back to see my surgeon. At 9 months out, he told me he didn't need to see me again unless I had problems. My Rheumatologist has been keeping tabs on my bloodwork and up to date. I have NEVER been to a support meeting. When I left the hospital, I saw the surgeon at: about 10 days to remove staples, at 3, 7, and 9 months. That is all. So except for you folks here, I really have been on my own. I need to go to the store tonight so I will get some cottage cheese. I was seeing a therapist for depression, but when she didn't approve of the way I handled a certain situation, and was weined off all the drugs they had me on-wayyy over medicated-she decided she didn't need to see me anymore either. I am breaking in a new PCP as the old one was (not that I can prove it, but sometimes you just know...)trying to push me away because I am on disability and so have Title XIX. He also has been diagnosed with Parkinson's so probably wouldn't be practicing a whole lot longer anyway. You have the same metabolisim I do!! LOL Probably everyone here knows how hard it is to exercise in constant pain. The new meds help, but I am sure the knee surgery will be a big help too. I am in PT twice a week now for a shoulder injury from a roll-over car accident last Dec. They are also working on both knees. The right because the surgeon that did that one, didn't believe in PT and the Left to help with recovery time after this surgery. Like I said, thanks for the reply and the ideas, I will try the cottage cheese test and go from there. Elizabeth

(((Elizabeth)), so sorry you are having to go through this. I so agree with Lyn that you should check in with your dr. There may be a reason why you are having so much trouble. I just wanted to tell you that we are here for you and will try to help as much as we can. Cindy

Thanks Cindy. I will probably have you guys help keep me accountable with exercise and water once I am recovering. It is great to know people are here that have BTDT. Elizabeth

Holy Moly.....it is great to see you Been a long time and I was so bummed when you left. I am not around as much as I used to be, but I too still need the support! I also never got to goal FOr me it will be a life long journey and one that I hopefully won't screw up to badly. On the main board there have been a couple more posters that lost 60-70-80lbs and then stopped never losing more....it is weird how some peoples bodies just stop and then do whatever..... your not alone in that. Some people do the substained released pills fine.....I think it has more to do with your intestines than the actual pouch To figure out if your pouch is working or how well.....cook up a chicken breast and eat it, how much can you get down of just plain chicken?? If you give me a chicken breast maybe can eat half. But if you give me a plate with salad, beans, whatever & chicken and I can eat it all....If I stick with mainly solid protein I do 100% better.....but I have a HARD time sticking to that strict of a diet. I too drink diet pop and I think it makes me wanna eat/snack more But *****ally knows right?? I am glad your pain is a little better controlled also.....I can't imagine what you go thru with that and having to switch doctors and such. Wishing you the best with that. Have you tried water walking??? I hear it is a GREAT exercise for people with knee/joint problems becuase it is LOW impact.....Do you have a YMCA close by or something? I bet you could get a low or free membership since your on disability. Could look into it anyways. Well hope to see you around more......Take Care jesi

Thanks for the welcome back Jesi! I haven't tried it yet, but I am sure I can eat a whole chicken breast (well, half, but you know what I mean) Probably with a little bit of sides too. I was in aqua-therapy for a bit, but I was having sinus/allergy issues with all the chlorine smell indoors. We don't have a Y but I need to call the one motel in Ames that used to let you "rent" the pool for $1. Their insurance only covered paying customers so that is why the fee. I am really hoping that after this knee surgery, i will be able to get back on my walking schedule. The dogs are really letting me know they miss it. It is their way of laying a guilt trip on me-and it works. I do have more energy with the Oxycontin, but my sleeping schedule is so messed up that I am tired most of the time. Part of it is the meds, part is Jeff being gone so much now again. When he is home, I crash for like 8-10 hours, when he is gone, I am lucky to get 3-4 hours in a row. It really is good to be back here, Elizabeth