Hi dreadlocdiva, You may have what I have...POTS.  Check out potsplace.com and see for yourself.  contact me at [email protected] if you have further questions.  I am pretty close to an expert on this now. Blessings, Peter

I am 9 months post op.  About 4 months ago I started having some anxiety symptoms which my doctor thought would go away while on a 10 day vacation to Hawaii.  While in Hawaii, I was out walking everyday, and totally enjoying being in the sun.  Upon returning home to Alaska where it was 20 degrees and still 3 feet of snow, I got very depressed.  I have had depression for 15 years or so, that has been very well controlled by an antidepressant.  It seemed my antidepressant just quit working. So I switched over to another one.  I began having neurological problems (exaggerated startle reflex, Parkinsonian movements, changed gait, burning lips & tongue, small ulcers on the corners of my mouth, forgetfulness, confusion at times, and muscle atrophy) .  I was taken off the new antidepressant and put back on the old one, but the symptoms didn't go away.  I rcvd a B-12 shot and that lessened the movements dramatically for about 10 days.  I got another shot of B-12 and B Complex and it took care of the movements for almost 24 hours.  When I go shopping, I am shaking and exhausted in less than an hour.  I started daily shots 1ccB12 and 1cc B Complex, as well as daily liquid multivitamins and liquid B Complex, and a sublingual B12 every day.  I take a Vitamin D mega dose once a week.  The surgeon that did my WLS isn't an option for post-op, and my GP has no idea what to do.  The naturopath is the one that prescribed the daily injections.  I am wondering if anyone else has gone through this.  I feel like I am getting weaker every day.  Any suggestions?

Thank you very much!   Pain is a funny thing = you never know how bad it really is until something happens to make it better.

Hello, I had the same concern when I had my surgery.  Things went well for me.  I have not really experienced a lot of problems.  The only thing is that you will no longer be able to take anti-inflammatories.  They will burn a hole in your new tummy.  Now, I have taken some of the forbidden drugs for pain and did not have many problems but it is still a no-no.  I have had one issue since surgery and that is chronic lower back and body aches.  I do not know if my already back pain intensified after surgery but I know I am on high levels of pain meds.  But, you will have to trust in your doctors and put your faith in the Lord and you will make it through.  Don't let fear keep you from being the new you.  Good Luck and enjoy your journey.

hello,  i have had two different rounds of  cytoxan.  the first round was in october of 2003.  i took 2.5 grams every four weeks, six treatments total.  it really helped.  (my kidneys spill protien and blood caused by lupus)  my protien spillage before cytoxan was way over 10 grams probably closer to 12 grams.  after cytoxan it went down to 6 grams and then i started cellcept pill 1000 mg twice per day.  then i had a flare up in may of 2005.  i took cytoxan infusions again, but this time i was supose to take them .5 grams every two weeks for 12 sessions total.  except i broke my elbow and had several other complecations and didnt get to take 12 consec. treatments.  took a 4 week break in the middle of treatments.  this round had no affect on my symptoms.   both rounds made me very sick after treatment for a couple of days.  zofran odt tabs for nausea really helped.  on the first round my hair thinned really bad.  i will not take cytoxan infusions unless it is my absolute last resort.  i am having another flair as of my last lab report.  my doc has increased my cellcept  for a month and if it doesnt work then we will try monoclonal antibodies.  the only problem is it is not aproved to treat lupus only lymphoma.  so insurance has already refused it once will try again, i guess.  my doc is so wonderful!   he recommend lap band to me a few weeks ago.  just began process yesterday.  my insurance is requiring 6 months of medically supervised diet program and 6 meetings with a dietician.  so the countdown has began!