Lisa R.’s Posts
Hello,
I'm coming up on my 17th anniversary of my DS surgery. For the most part I've maintained well. Except for this last year - I don't know why exactly. It could be a combination of many things. First of all, so much time has passed. Body changes and I guess possibly old habits returned? Also aging, which is no fun. There was significant stress losing a dear friend who was also our landlord. This necessitated our having to move - purchasing a home is never easy, and doing so while in grief mode was even worse. I also believe I have developed EPI - at first I thought it was a "radio disease" as many stations here in my area air commercials dealing with the symptoms. My primary care doctor referred me to a GI doctor because what I have is real. The incredible bloating, the actual pain, the even more unstable bowel habits. I am a mess.
I have also gained weight. I don't know how much, but I can tell in how I feel. I feel sluggish and tired and just not good. I have looked online for guidance with DS issues and all I've been able to find are things related to a month or two after surgery. And also for maintaining. I am at the point where I need legit guidance from people who know, who've lived it - like this group - how do I regroup, get on track and lose some weight?
Help!
Lisa in Scranton, PA
"yes, I actually DO need all these cats!" 
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Doing that as we speak, thanks!
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Hi, yes I am going to my regular doctor. But the good thing is that in the past two years or so, they have a Bariatric Surgery Center there, also affiliated with my hospital (it's where I used to work, and where I'm going back to in about two weeks, they hired me - hooray).
I'm hoping I get some answers. If needed, I am sure they will refer me upstairs to Bariatrics. I just know I'm tired of being tired - really mostly just feeling...blah. I hate it.
Lisa
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Hi Janet,
Thank you for your response.
I am post-menopausal. My last round of complete bloodwork was probably a year and a half ago. At that time, I took the medications, vitamins and supplements recommended and continue to do so.
I'm guessing the answers will come once the labs are done and read.
This is a good thing - we are leaving on a cruise this weekend. I have never been on one, so this will be exciting. Now that I have insurance coverage, I am hoping the appointment for my physical will be confirmed and I will have a date for this exam in early to mid-February.
I guess as much as I can - do the DS lifestyle, right?
Hello all,
It's good to see many of the same people here for so long. I haven't been on this site in a long time.
I don't feel good. I am tired a lot of the time, and just have that blah no energy feel. When I say I am confused, I just don't know if this is DS-related, if I have something wrong, or is it just simple aging?
I haven't had my labs done in quite some time, due to the fact that I have been unemployed and uninsured. I recently acquired insurance coverage and will be getting a full physical soon.
In the meanwhile, I am trying to stick with a DS-related diet. High protein, low carb. Drink more water.
Do any of you have recommendations on supplements? I have been taking my vitamins and medications as prescribed. There are so many contraindications between supplements and medications, I am just wondering if there are any contraindications with relation to being a DS patient.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Lisa
Thank you for the good thoughts...I really do believe it's time for me to go back to what made me do good from the start, in the first place. Being accountable. Writing things down. Knowing what is right (which I always did, but as time passed, I ignored it) and what isn't.
The surgery is definetly the right thing for me, for myself. For my financial wallet, my financial future - not so much. Ultimately, I hope I'm doing the right thing. No second guessing, just thoughts going through my mind....
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Thank you so much
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Thank you, it's good to be back
I'm on some site for surgeries, and the people there don't....answer, respond? I don't know.
This is the place to be.
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
I have done some financial magic, not without penalties, to make this happen. I wish there had been an easier way, but...
Those pictures, wow! Amazing...
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
I have been away from these boards for way too long.
My DS was done December 26, 2007 - and I have maintained well, for the most part. I'm scared though. Slowly within the last year, my weight has creeped up. By about ten pounds or so. Not that it's a lot, but it is enough to make my clothes not fit and in some cases pushed me way into another size. I don't feel good and I don't look good.
With my TT and lift/implants being done 5/12, I guess I am feeling vulnerable. There is no sense making any major changes now - eating wise or exercise wise - since three weeks from now, I will be feeling very unwell.
I guess I am trying to make a reconnection with what helped me to be so successful nine years ago...
Lisa
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
What about being on the registry list, should I even bother with that?
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Just wondering, and I realize over four years out I should know the answer to this...but for DSers, what is the general rule for donating blood, donating plasma and also being put on the donor registry list?
I have a dear friend who's aunt is fighting an awful type of very rare cancer - we've gotten involved in the lives of her co-patients, and I was wondering how much I could help out even with being a DS patient.
Any help and/or advice you could send my way would be greatly appreciated...
Lisa
(who leaves for Miami in 11 days...)
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
I should know the answer to this, but I don't. As DSers, I know we are not supposed to donate blood, but...how risky would it be for us to put ourselves on the National List? I have a dear friend whose aunt will be in need of "something" to combat her rare form of leukemia. I would like to be tested for her obviously, but I was wondering if this surgery takes us out of the running, so to speak.
I'm over four years out, and I'm doing pretty well. No issues at all...
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
The pain in my arms has never gone away - and it's been long and on-going, not having anything to do with weight. I've had tests with a Rheumatologist and a Nerve Specialist. Nothing definitive has ever been found. I feel like I've been weight lifting, and believe me I never lift anything heavier than an occasional bag of groceries from the store or a slightly heavier than average laundry basket.
I have to coordinate what I tell my doctor on Monday to what my DS surgeon recommends - I still find after all these years when you meet a new doctor and mention the DS you get the "blank stare" look, and quite honestly - it's a little disturbing to see so many medical professionals appear to be so clueless about this operation.
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
I am still on the Keflex, but hadn't even started it when they tested the blood - so sadly I can't blame that. As far as being sick for the past few months, yes I have been - but the cold only really started at the end of September. When I say sick, I've had a messed up thyroid since May, and before that I was seriously deficient in Vitamin D. I have had more aches and pains in the past few months being at the so-called perfect weight than I ever did when I was heavy.
I have been on Metformin in the past; looks like that may be in my future. And I will call Dr. Bonanni - I need to be as informed as I can be. I'm thinking that since it's been almost three years, maybe I need to be "back in the fold" with being on these boards and attending the Support Group meetings - even though I've moved and am about 2 1/2 hrs. from Abington now :(
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
It's amazing to me that within minutes of posting stuff here on OH, I get answers and help - best site out there! Thanks!
Lisa
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
It was not a fasting test...in fact, they'd done the test about 5 pm.
My A1C was at 7. So I guess it wasn't terribly high, but it wasn't as good as it had recently been. My Vitamin D was low, too - at 18. That is much better than it was in March, when I was at a 4. I can't believe how lousy I felt with that number - heart palpitations, body aches. It was rough.
What do you know about Injectible Vitamin D? That's been a very recent topic on a Yahoo group I'm involved with. Not too much information there - yet.
Lisa
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
It seems to be the only thing that helps my chronic arm pain - and lately, my all-over-body aches.
I have an appointment with my doctor (not DS surgeon) on Monday, and we need to talk about alot of things.
Lisa
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
It seems as though you have raised a wonderful, successful daughter, regardless of who she loves. I don't understand how people can be so judgemental.
Sometimes people of a certain generation are just too opinionated, and don't realize how hurtful they can be.
I have always told my kids that I don't care who they're sleeping with, as long as they're decent people and treat whoever they're involved with with dignity and respect.
A cousin of mine was married 25+ years, and her husband died (we think he had 9/11 issues, he was a first responder who survived but many of his co workers did not). Two or so years later she seems to have fallen in love with a wonderful woman and they are happy.
What more can we want as parents, to have our kids be happy?
More power to you, and to your daughter too...she sounds great.
Lisa
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
I'd been sick with a terrible cold recently, didn't go to the doctor...until my ankle blew up and I realized it was cellulitis (again). I got myself treated with antibiotics, and they did some blood work. Things were fine, I was improving...until I got a call from the doctor last night with the results.
Seems as though I am diabetic again. I am almost three years out from my DS surgery, and up until recently they have classified me as "Joe Shmo Average" with my A1C numbers. The doctor wants to see me for an appointment on Monday to discuss everything.
This doctor is relatively new for me, only having gone to their office in the past five or six months. They are not really familiar with the DS surgery. My questions to all of you - what should I be talking about on Monday? What questions should I ask? How will any diabetic medication (he mentioned metformin, which I'd been on years ago) affect me now?
I'm just blown away by this - my husband is very upset, and my sister (also a DS patient) is in kind of shock - we never thought we'd be bothered by the diabetes bug again.
Any help you could send my way would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa in PA
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Now, over two years later I can eat peanut butter at will. And soda, well before surgery I loved, loved, loved diet soda, any and all kinds. Now, I don't drink much - because I just don't want it. And if I do have some, it's got to be regular now. Odd, and I don't understand why really.
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
I woke up thinking it was all over, then the nurse came in and said the doctor couldn't finish because there was "too much left up in there." They were able to get me an appointment for a barium enema at the hospital down the street from the surgery center, only it was three hours later so I still couldn't eat.
No problem, my sister-in-law and I went to the mall - got the test done and results came in a few days later. All was good.
I am sure you're going to be fine. Good luck.
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Next year we will be going to Atlanta, Georgia.
If nothing else, it's a great way to see the country!
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
With the approval of my DS surgeon, my colonoscopy is scheduled for next Thursday. It seems pretty easy, running to the bathroom alot in the day before shouldn't be a big deal for me at all
. My big worry was how I was going to get there and back, being kind of far away from people who know me. My sister in law will be taking me, and bringing me back home. I'm very lucky to have family who knows how to help one another out.Again, thanks for calming me down at a time when I really needed it.
Lisa
(who two weeks from RIGHT NOW will be on the way to the airport to head to Wrestlemania)
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
Moving out of Bucks Co. here hasn't been without challenges - never needed a doctor here until now, can't get a regular physician without a whole bunch of steps, a major hassle.
Dr. Peters - is he affiliated in anyway with Mercy Hospital? I think that's the place that the dr. at Medical Express wants me to go to - I'm open to anything.
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
