Update: Storm survivor Gemma

I've talked to Gemma's husband a couple of times this week and she has really been in a storm after the storm. She was bounced around two hospitals and made several trips to the emergency room. She has had no contact with the doctor who did her surgery, so follow-up is really hard. Everyone who said they wanted to help, here's the 4-1-1: Gemma needs protein sources. If you have supplements you want to send, she likes vanilla and strawberry, but not chocolate. If it's clear liquid proteins, she likes cherry and stawberry. Her husband didn't think she would like fruit punch. If you want to send a protein care package, contact me for her address or you can send it to me and I'll deliver things in bulk. Gemma needs juices, soups, crystal lite, etc. If you are nearby and want to send something, contact me and I'll take it to her or give you her address. Gemma needs vitamins. Ok, here's where I'm most in the dark. I'm a band patient and she's RNY. You RNY folks know what's best, you tell me or send to me. She's getting a B12 shot next week, but she's not on vitamins. She's not allergic to any sugar-free products. I did ask because I can't take some of them. Send all the sugar-free products you would like. She losing weight really fast and will need clothes soon. She started at 350 and is close to 300 now (in two weeks). I'm about there and I'm guessing 26/24s will be her next big need. If you want to send clothes, more power to you. Send to me and I will sort, wash and bring them to her. Contact me for an address to send clothes to. And if you want to send 20-22s, that's a good idea also, because she's losing rapidly. What she doesn't want, I'll take to the shelters or wear myself (yes, shamefully, I'm still wearing the clothes I worn 80 pounds ago!) Finally, if you want to send a check for me to shop for groceries or buy supplies for the family, email me for my address. I could get a big supply of soups, lean protein, eggs, popsickles, etc. I will provide you with a receipt and certify that your funds were used in a relief effort. And finally, finally, if you can only pray....PLEASE DO. Prayer changes things and in my book, that donation is golden. Gemma and so many OH and wls patients from South Louisiana need your prayers and support. This entire region needs your prayers and understanding. When all else fails, pray for us. Onward! Frances

frances....send me your address and i will send you a check for Gemma tomorrow. Here is my email address [email protected] Denise

I have a box of clothes for you or her. Let me know where to bring them. I live right outside of Baton Rouge and can deliver them I also have some strawberry EAS protein drink I can bring. Email me because I don't know if you receive my emails I've sent a couple already. Thanks for doing this for her. I used to talk to her a lot when I had yahoo, but now it won't work on my computer so I can't talk to her anymore. Bless you. Tina

Hi Tina...you are much, much closer than I am! Thank you so much and bless your heart. I'm emailing you now. Onward! Frances

I had RNY...Flintstones vitamins were recommended by my surgeon's staff nutritionist-beginning 1 week post-op: 1 2X daily. At a month post op, I started calcium citrate (Calcitrate) 1 2X daily in between a couple meals and at bedtime until I stop taking stomach acid inhibitor meds. Then I can take any calcium. Flintstones and calcium the rest of my life. Send me an address and I'll make arrangements to get some Strawberry Unjury protein powder sent to Gemma. Just sent all my clothes to Kat in Denham Hills; I understand they arrived Monday of this week (got a confirmation of delivery). I'd be happy to cut a check to buy some vitamins for Gemma. I want to use my donations to help Katrina WLS and other OH survivors. So send an address. 'wish I could afford to transport and sponsor a survivor in my home...but I'm trying to do what I can. And I know how to pray...consider it done. God bless, ...onward AND upward... BS in upstate NY

Bonnie, I made sure she got a few things today including some of the clothes you sent She got vitamins and proteins too. She's on the right track... Thanks for all your help Bonnie & Frances!