Urrrgh!! HELP!!

Hey Ya'll, How has everyone been?? Sorry so long on the boards, just busy as heck lately. Well, okay so I am now almost 19 months post op!! I have gained like 3 pounds in the past month, and it doesn't seem to want to come back off!! However.....mitigating cir****tances. I did go see Dr Whitgrove, Carnie Wilson's doc, and he suggested to go ahead and get the bile duct surgery again, but first have another MRCP done, (MRI of the bile duct) to measure it. I really like him. Well, Dr Whitgrove, Dr Nguyen, and Dr Byrne, and the doc that trained Dr Byrne have all discussed my case, they were at a seminar together this past week....all but Dr Byrne. They want me to have the MRI, then put a stent in my Liver to drain all the duct, and if it takes away the pain, then proceed to the ERCP surgery, like I had in October....he guarantees it won't happen again, as this will take care of any scar tissue, which they believe is blocking the sphincter... SO.....I can't exercise with all the bile duct pain and stuff going on, but I am just going crazy cause I want to get these pesky 3 pounds off....clothes still fit, just a mental thing. I think we are all worried when we see the scales going up, and after 19 months of going down, it freaks me out. I can tell I can eat a little bit more, but I am really trying to stay "on the plan" and not eating bad things. I just can't deal with the protein drinks anymore, they are yucky to me now Any ideas or support would be appreciated. I guess I am just really nervous and scared of gaining back weight, after so many failures in our past, its hard to think about gaining!!! Hopefully everyone else is doing well, and that no one is gaining and someone that is around 18 months, my timeframe, is doing the same thing I am, and can advise?? Love you guys!! I am just trying to get all this bile duct stuff settled in a hurry because I am supposed to start nursing school on June 25th. I am just scared of gaining weight, and nervous I will ultimately fail at this as I have done with many other things. Of course I know God is in control....but it still doesn't quall the feelings I think we all have inside!! I just want the "hunger feelings" to go away again!!! It freaks me out that I have an appetite now....and if I can just see anyone else who is dealing with the same feelings, that will help!! Deb

PS Forgot to mention I feel REALLY constipated!! I have been taking Milk of Magnesia, but it really has not helped much, so I am trying to up my water. I have been told my "weight gain" is really from water and constipation.....but that doesn't make me "feel" any better....ya know??? Also, I am just a little homesick, I know it will be 1 year in August, but it doesn't feel like a year, feels more like a few months....but that is why I think nursing school will be good for me, give me something to look forward to, and to keep me busy!! I just need to poop it all out I suppose. Sorry guys, I am just bumming But, I do love you guys, and miss you all, and appreciate the support more than I can say!!

Hey Deb, You are doing SO great with maintaining your weight loss.  All this ongoing stuff with your innards is just  getting you down, and it's no wonder.  I still go up and down a few pounds, but hang right around the low 140's.  I definitely feel it when things need to move along and it does show on the scale.  Have you tried Fiber Choice chewable tablets?  I get them at Wal Mart.  I only take 1/2 at a time and they help me.  It's frustrating to be stuck, but look how far you've come!  Give yourself a break!  Just take things one step at a time and before you know it, you'll be on your way in nursing school and all of this will be behind you.  You have wonderful doctors and all you can do is trust them.  It sounds like you're in a little lull time for about a month and you need something to lift your spirits.   I hope they get moving on the surgery.  It sounds like what you need to solve your problems.   I miss you and wish so much you were here.  You're in my thoughts and prayers. Love,  B   

I know what you mean...freaks me out when I am actually HUNGRY! It doesn't happen alot but when it does I feel like I am going to screw up totally and not be able to stop myself from gorging! I guess this means that we're just normal! (for us anyway!). As far as the constipation, I have recently been making protein shakes/smoothies with strawberries and bananas. They are delicious and the strawberries seem to get the pipes moving! I think Rachel can attest to this too! When I am having the "blocked pipes syndrome", I feel like I weigh a TON! It's amazing the tricks our minds play on us! Just know that you have and will continue to do great!!! Hope you have a good week! Melanie

Thanks you guys!!  My email is not notifying me when I get the posts emailed?? Anyway, I hope you are doing well Barb.  I know it has been difficult for you these past few months.  I have been praying for you. I just saw on the Graduates board that a doctor recommends a TIMEOUT diet.  You drink only Nectar 3x a day and crystal lite or propel, all you want, no solids.  Kinda going back to what we did before, as a newbie.  I think I might try this and see what I can do.  He recommends 2 weeks, and then if you are good, another 2 weeks, but keeping your doc informed and your blood levels checked. I know its just my hunger pains, but hopefully the all liquid diet will help those too.  I suppose the Honeymoon is Over :(  I hate that, I want the honeymoon back on again!!! Well, I am supposed to go and have a scan done on my bile duct and then see the liver specialist soon, and then get the surgery I had in October done again. All at the same time my teeth hurt really bad, so I am going to an endodontist tomorrow, yuck. Take care, and God Bless!! Love ya Deb