Need some help

Good Morning All I know that I have not been here much lately, but I need some help. I have a couple of things with which I need assistance. I am about 14 months out and any help would be appreciated. My church is doing a small weight loss group for some of our members. It is called The First Place Bible studies and is a Christ-centered health program. I am attending, but it is based on calories and I am not sure how many calories a day that I should be consuming. I need the support so I do not get back into my old habits. Can anyone here tell me how many calories? How much protein? I have an Excel program that my son created for me based on the American Diabetes Association's calorie counter, which figures out protein, calories, fat, carbs, etc. according to the number of exchanges you consume at each meal, but I am not sure what my total calories for the day should be. Also, has anyone had a problem with elevated liver functions? Any problems with "blacking out"? On Sept. 14th, I "blacked out" while driving to pick up my granddaughter and hit a road sign. I spent 2 days and 1 night in the hospital for "observation". So far the tests have only shown elevated liver functions, which could mean that I may have Primary Bilial Cirrhoisis, but I have not been diagnosed with that yet. I had another liver function test done last Friday and have not received the results yet. I do not drink nor do I take any medications that would affect my liver functions. Has anyone been diagnosed with Primary Bilial Cirrhoisis after WLS? Sorry this is so lengthy, but it is a bit unnerving to think that I could have cirrhoisis from trying to be healthy. By the way, I have had no gallbladder since 1973 so my liver has been doing all the work for that since then. Thank you in advance for any and all help you can give to me. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda

Brenda, Hello hun ~hugs~ I know for me as I am still trying to lose I stick to 1200 a day or so. That seems to be the healthy number from what i know but maybe others can offer something as well. I know for the protein I am around 80 grams on average. My surgeon says we should be getting 40-60 grams a day but others say as high as 120 grams Know really knows! I wanted to wish you the best and keep us posted hun Debra P

Debra Hello! {{HUGS}} back at ya! Thank you! I have been staying below 1000 a day as I also am still trying to lose. I also get between 70 - 80 grams of protein. I think I may contact my surgeon's nutritionist and see what she has to say. You look great! How is the new house coming along? We have been here for 38 years on October 1st and are still remodeling!!!! It never gets done!!! Have a great day! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda

Brenda, Yes the house is coming along good, though we just found a half wall that was not done right. We thought we would just be able to make a fix to it but it turned out that the wall was not done right and it was unsafe. SOOOO we took it down last weekend and now we have to rebuild the half wall but now it will be done right Yes always something huh? Seems once you get something done then it is time to redo another. I will be very happy once the major stuff is done (the wall) and we can take a weekend to go away! Thanks for your kind words hun and I am still working on getting to my surgeons goal, it is slow going but ok. Thanks again hun and you have a great day as well. Debra P

Deb Don't you love those little "surprises"? You would not believe some of the "errors" we have come across in our house over the past 38 years!!!! One of the worst is that no one ever insulated any part of our house!!! We insulated the attic, which was destroyed when some squirrels took up residence in there and the cellar walls. We also insulated the outside walls of the room we added on in 1976. This winter, we are making our "old" bathroom into a walk-in pantry/store room and we will insulate that room. Eventually, we will have insulation blown into all the walls. Next spring/summer, we are going to work on installing new windows and a new roof. You are right! You finish one thing and something else needs to be done. Have fun doing your remodeling. My pcp called with the results of my last liver function test and it was "greatly improved", but still elevated. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda

Brenda, Hun I am glad that is was greatly improved!!! that is really good news, I guess now you just have to stay on top and have it checked again at your next visit. Are you making sure you get the 64 oz of water a day if not more? Debra P

Debra, Thanks!! Yes, I see the doctor on Oct. 9th. I drink at least 64 oz. of water plus 28 oz. of decaf tea. I get plenty of fluids now that I know that becoming dehydrated can cause me to pass out!!! Because of "blacking out", I cannot drive for 30 days and I am hoping that is all. I guess the state of NY can pull my license for longer!!! I am praying that they don't do that!!! Again, thanks and I will keep you posted. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda

Hey Brenda, As a post op RNYer, the First Place diet may not be the best for you. It is very high in carbs, and may not give you enough protein. It's kind of like weigh****chers when WW use to have the exchange system. So you might go just for the "encouragement" and to deal with your food issues, and follow the diet given to you by your surgeons nutritionist. As for your liver, good luck to you, i hope you feel better. Scott

Scott Hi! Thanks for your info. We don't have to follow the First Place diet. We more or less use the Bible Study and each of us keeps track of our own calories/protein, etc. It is more for support and encouragement for each of us. There is another WLS post op in the group so we deal with our needs per our nutritionist. We also pass along little tips to the others that we have found may work for anyone wanting to lose weight. I eat more 60-80 grams of protein per day. I limit my carbs as much as possible. As for my liver, my last blood test was "greatly improved", but still elevated. I see my pcp on 10/9. Again, thank you for your concerns. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda