Hello fellow Oregonians

My name is Glenn, and I am a 38 year old single dad raising two boys, 12 and 15. I am now about 1.5 months post op after a tough Rhoun Y bypass. My surgery was on 11/23, and it was supposed to be Laproscopic. I am too tall, so they had to fini**** open. On 11/28 I was released to go home, and by midnight that night I realized something was wrong. I rushed back to the hospital in the middle of the night, and they determined I had a leak. Sooo, my second surgery was done, completely open. The leak was repaired, and I woke up in the hospital the next day. The surgeons felt it was safest to leave the wound open to heal from the inside out, so I am going through that process now. I have had my JP drain and my interal feeding taken out, and am not on solids and regular food! The only downside is I have a 9" long gash in my chest that is healing from the inside out. Hopefully it will be closed, or very close to it, by February 1st. I am now going through the "where can I get sufficient protein w/out bad taste" and "how much can I eat, and when?" trials, but with time I am confident I will figure it out. I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. As for weight loss, I went in to the hospital at 429lbs. As of today, 1/7/2005 I am 371lbs. I feel good, just not much "motivation" or energy yet. Working on that, I am sure it is just part of finding the right diet. Well, good luck to you all, and if anyone has any tips, or questions, I can be found at [email protected] Regards, Glenn

Glenn, Glad to hear you're doing okay after your ordeal! My heart goes out to you for your troubles. I had a Lap RNY myself in July and doing well aside from strained abdominal walls...but they're getting better. A few suggestions to try eating....refried beans w/some grated cheese melted in, cottage cheese. A friend of mine suggested mashed potatoes (she used instant to be quick) with grated cheese melted in and that was good for a bit more variety. I also got on a Hot & Sour Soup kick...in fact, had it for lunch today! I go to Yan's on main in Tigard and ask them to put in some extra tofu for protein. 1 cup of this soup is 15-20 grams. If you don't have someone to get things for you...let me know and I'll bring you some if you'd like to try it (part of my New Year's resolution to being a better person and doing more for others ) I didn't find any protein powders that I like in my food, so I chose to get my protein w/out it. Best of luck to you! Michele in Tigard Have you thought about attending a support group? Mine is in Beaverton and we're meeting this Wednesday. Let me know if you'd like more info.

Hiya Michelle, thank you for the kind words, and the even kinder offer. I had not thought to try refried beans with melted cheese, it sounds yummy! I have been eating cottage cheese, canned tuna/chicken, and lean turkey slices with cheese. Occasionally an egg w/cheese, or a shake. The Hot and Sour soup sounds great. I know where Yan's is, and may just fetch some and give it a try this weekend. When I was taken off of internal feeding the medical management company left boxes of small cans for me of a product from Nestle called "Replete." It's basically a nutritional drink, the same exact stuff that I was having pumped into my body ;p However, when I drink a can of it, it causes me to "dump" (as in Dumping Syndrome mind you). I think it is the sugar in it. So far almost anything with sugar causes that reaction, so I am avoiding it. I am still trying different kinds of protein drinks, and hope to find a powder or drink that will taste good. Feel free to write anytime, and if you ever need help, support or whatever, just yell. I would love to find out about your support group, but probably would not be able to attend till the surgical wound closes. At the moment it is still open, and about 8" long by 2" wide, and healing from the inside out..yuck! Once it closes up, I will be glad to come join your group. Have a good day, and thanks for writing me. Glenn [email protected]

Hi Glenn:: I'm Pam. My Lap RNY was 8/24/04. I had a hard time finding a protein I liked but I have one I love now. I get it at vitalady.com. It is Nectar. I buy fuzzy navel and kiwi strawberry--then mix them. The nice thing about vitalady is you can buy single serving packages to see if you can tolerate the flavor. Sometimes in the morning I have fuzzy naval by itself because when I add ice cubes it tastes like orange juice to me. Anyway, it has 37.5 grams of protein per serving. Two of those little hummers a day and I'm good to go! Just curious, who was your surgeon??? Good luck. You have a wonderful attitude. Pam

Hi Glenn, Wow ! you've been through a lot, Im glad its geting better for you and you seem to have such a positive attitiude. For Protein check out www.unjury.com they make a unflavored protein power that has 20 grams per scoop. I add it to my coffee, v-8 juice, hot chocolate, egg flower soup. I add a 1/2 scoop depending on the amount Im drinking or eating sometimes 3/4 of a scoop.Its also great in sugar free carnation instant breakfest. I found a meal replacment drink at Fred Meyers that had 20 grams of protein as well, so not only was it a great protein drink it also provided 100% of my vitamins. If you like the unjury protein drink they have a great auto ship program and will send it to you each month.I like that because then I dont have to run out and get it just showes up. Good luck and keep us posted how your doing Gail