Oh Yoo Hoo! Let's have a ROLL CALL!

Where has everyone been?  Hiding under a rock waiting for the sun to come out?  Well, it is out in full force today, so why don't you come on in, tell us what you've been up to, what kind of surgery you had and where (or where you're going to do it) and how you're doing with your program?  We need to get the Oregon board back to being active.  I see there are several members listed in the upcoming surgeries link.  We can all let them know how it's going for us an wish them the best on their journies.

I'm Linda.  I had RNY (proximal) with Dr. Robert O'Rourke at OHSU on July 24th, 2007.  I lost 73 pounds in six months, then nothing for a whole year!   In January 2009, I miraculously dropped another 12 pounds.  It keeps trying to find its way back onto my body, but I'm fighting it off.  I will NOT be one of those people who gains their weight back.  In fact, I have another 30-40 pounds I want GONE!!  I had back surgery in November -- a three-level fusion, so the recovery has been terrible -- but I'm better now and getting back to being active.  I'm so looking forward to the end of the rain and cold.

Now how about you all?  Come on in and let us know how you are!

Linda

Hi Linda---I think the weather has been too nice and more to do outside.  Well the weather is changing so maybe people will return to the board.
My name is Julia and I had RNY three years ago this coming Friday.  I have lost a total of 177 pounds at my lowest and range within 6 to 8 pounds of that.  My surgeon was Dr. Mirande in Klamath Falls and he is wonderful.  One year ago today I had an abdominalplasty and blephoroplasty of all four eye lids.  Six and 1/2 pounds of skin and fat were removed from my abdomen.  Two weeks ago yesterday I had a breast reduction and lift and am doing well.  Lots of bruising which I tend to do, but it was an uplifting experience!!   Dr. Mark Jewell in Eugene did my plastic surgeries. Having gastric bypass surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family and I am so much healthier now.  I was 57 years old when I had bypass surgery and am now 60 years old and know that I would be dead or in a wheel chair by now if it were not for this wonderful surgery. 
O.K. everyone---as Linda said---Let's here from you!  Julia

Wow Julia you look great!!

Tina

Well hello you guys.  I don't come in here much anymore because it is kind of quiet.  I had lapband on August 20th with Dr. Wolfe at OHSU.  I have lost 46 pounds so far (nice and steady).  I am chasing good restrictio (When I lose weight my band loosens and I need another fill). I have a small complication as my port has flipped.  I think due to an unfortunate bang on my gear shift during the first month after surgery (I was reaching from the drivers seat to the passengers side floor and underestimated the stuff in the way!  I would choose this surgery again in a heartbeat despite the complication as I have learned so much about the quantity of food and the speed at which I used to eat.  I feel better, eat better and am more active.  I believe that this will continue as I finish this year or next at my goal weight.  My port revision is at the end of April and I will be on my way again!

Tina

Good luck with your revision Tina.  Your are doing very good.  Keep up the good work.  Julia

Hello all!
My name is Lori I am from Willamina and had a lapRNY with DR.Boulay at Salem Hospital My surgery date was August 18,08.  I have done amazingly well and have lost 185 pounds total.  I have about 30 more that I would like to lose and have been in a stall for a while now.  I have kicked up the exercise and the protein so hopefully that will help.  I love how I feel!  I have so much energy my family is almost annoyed with the whole thing!

                                        Have A GREAT Day!
                                                              Lori

WOW Lori you are an inspiration to all of us. I have never known anyone who lost so much so soon. Have you done anything special to keep your skin looking good? Ellen

Hi Everyone,
I'm Ellen from southern Oregon and I had Vertical Sleeve surgery 3/4/09. Done by Dr Jose Rodriques in Juarez Mx. I am very happy with my choice.

It has been quite the challange for me. My stomach is very quesy and I happen to be allergic to soy protein and intolerant to anything whey. I'm having to eat every 2 hrs to get enough calories yet I am still very low in calories and in protein. Mostly I can get in the 2-3 oz food mainly protein and have no room for anything else (vegies or fruit)  I finally found some plain egg white protein online which should be here this week so that will help. I plan to add some kind of green drink to my water to help with nutrients.I have been weighing my food and its easier for me such that I do not over or under eat. and I can recognize when I can eat a little bit more too.

I have released 31lbs at my 1 month date whi*****luded 10 days pre-op diet. I do not have much energy so thinking of have an infusion at my local naturapath.

I'm so glad to finally check in and say hello.

Blessing to all
Ellen

Hi Ellen - I also am allergic to soy protein.  You may find that after about a year, you may be able to tolerate the whey (which doesn't do you much good right now).  I actually use it and like it now, but I had a lot of trouble with it right after surgery.  Have you tried greek yogurt?   It is very thick and has so much more protein in it (like 20 grams as opposed to the 6-8 of regular yogurt).  Many grocery stores carry it under the brand names Fage or Oikos.  Trader Joe's has their own brand, which is actually cheaper and higher in protein than either of the previously mentioned ones.  Good luck to you.  Sounds as though you're doing well so far!

Linda

Hi Linda!  Good to see you are doing well, and good idea on a 'roll call'.  
I am well, down 80# and NOT gaining...whew!  Still not a diabetic; moving more, but due to Rheumatoid arthritis can't be as active as I sould be- am certain I'd lose easily if I could move more!
3 years post op DS with Dr. Deveny at OHSU, and no complications, no regrets!