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Topic: Calling all Obesity Help Friends
Please join me as a team member on the 50 Million Pound Challenge I think if everyone joins our team can be rank No. 1 Please go to www.50millionpounds.com and join once a member go to team and do a search and find our team Obesity Help Friends and join the team please pass this on to all your obesity help friends let show them what we can do.
Topic: RE: WHERE IS THE VSG FORUM????
VSG 5/17/10 HW 298 GW 145 CW 143
Kathie
"Shame is the lie someone told you about yourself." Anais Nin
Kathie
"Shame is the lie someone told you about yourself." Anais Nin
Topic: RE: Anyone have pain when full?
Wow, I did not know that the stitches last up to three months. That is interesting. Did he check the gall bladder? I had my out years ago, but I have read that some people have had that issue after surgery. That pain is very similar. It is in the stomach as well as the upper/mid back. Especially if I ate a fattier meat.
I can only eat 1/3 cup of food at a time. I can eat four ozs of cottage cheese because it is mushy type food. I can now eat a few blackberries with it, too. But meat, like ham, I can eat a few small pieces and nothing else. The best meal for me is hard boiled egg, canned chicken packed in water, and fat free mayo in the food processor. I have enjoyed that, and now with a few ff saltines.
Good luck to you.
Happy Holidays and I hope they find the problem source of your pain. Its no fun.
Take care.
Topic: RE: Anyone have pain when full?
Yeah, I went to Dr.;'s Thurs....he thinks it's my dissolving stitches. He said they last up to 3 months and that I might have torn or pulled them some how. My wife (the Doctor in her head) thinks it's an ulcer. I think it might be scar tissue too...I have had the pain last anywhere from 5 minutes to over 6 hours....and I mean Excruciating pain too, where I can't talk or breathe normal....I go back at the end of Dec.
As far as eating, I eat lots of Protien. He said I was eating correctly...I'm not measuring my food, but I think I eat about 1 cup of protein (Ground Beef 93/7)...
Happy Holidays! and hope your pain gets better...
As far as eating, I eat lots of Protien. He said I was eating correctly...I'm not measuring my food, but I think I eat about 1 cup of protein (Ground Beef 93/7)...
Happy Holidays! and hope your pain gets better...
Topic: RE: Anyone have pain when full?
I honestly think it's scar tissue that is causing my discomfort. I had my VBG lap in 2004. Dec. 2009 I had a lap hysteroscopy and laparosopy to look for endometriosis and explore my fallopian tubes as DH and I were trying to conceive. It seems the pain is coming from the spot where endometriosis was found and "zapped" by laser.
I was reading that eating certain foods, can cause the intestine to move or spasm which can aggrivate scar tissue. I also had my gallbladder removed lap in 2007 and noticed that high fat foods cause me the most issues.
I was reading that eating certain foods, can cause the intestine to move or spasm which can aggrivate scar tissue. I also had my gallbladder removed lap in 2007 and noticed that high fat foods cause me the most issues.
A l y s i a (pronounced like A l i c i a)
Total weight loss since HW of 475:
Pounds lost since band revision to DS
Total weight loss since HW of 475:
Pounds lost since band revision to DS
Topic: RE: Old WLS is causing lots of new problems. Need help!
To my fellow guinea pigs: I am so grateful for your response. I have truly felt alone in the world because I have so little info about my surgery being that I was one of the youngest people to have it in the country, according to the surgeon who performed the procedure. Interestingly, I do recall that she was a General Surgeon who had performed a number of these surgeries, but back then bariatric medicine was a fairly new and controversial idea.
When I had the surgery, I truly was alone, since this surgery then was a last resort for morbidly obese people with extreme weight related health issues.
I was barely 17 and had no such health issues, but I was depressed to the point of non-functioning so they opted to go through with it at my request.
Now, it's much more common to see, but whenever I find out that "so and so" had her stomach stapled, I don't run up to so and so and introduce myself as her sister in WLS. Why? Because, I do not look like a person who has gone through such surgery should look. I am fat--not haven't left the house for 2 years fat..i'm fairly healthy, functional, married, kids, house, etc. but if I told a new WLS patient that I had done it, I imagine it might be discouraging for them. Plus, it's really kind of embarassing.
When I have complained about my weight to close friends, they have suggested.."Have you thought about an operation? A lapband or something?"
Poor things, they only want to be helpful--I hate to see their faces when I say.."Oh, yeah..I did that already" What's your next suggestion?
Someone was talking about never eating a banana, etc. This is my experience. Soft, fatty foods go down the easiest, and it was not long before I had developed extremely poor eating habits even if I was no longer overeating.
I have very expensive dental issues but it's not from vomiting or acid. Mine is from constantly and obsessively chewing ice for 2 and a half years when I was suffering from iron deficiency Anemia and didn't know it. A common symptom of anemia is Pica, or a constant compulsion to chew on items that are non-nutritional. Ice is a common one. I have cracked most of my back molars and required root canals. I have had to replace several crowns at 1000 bucks a pop.
Thank God, the compulsion for ice stopped when the anemia was treated.
I plan to see a bariatric surgeon so I can finally get some insight into what my body looks like inside and why I suffer so much. Sometimes, the acid burns so horribly that I feel like I will pass out from the pain. None of the medications offers total relief from this.
I fear the pressure of having another surgery. I don't want to have my stomach restricted to the size of a newborn again. It's not natural and it taught me nothing. If I never lose another pound, I would be okay with it. I just cannot stand this pain, constant belching and the nausea that comes from nowhere at the worst possible time.
I want to be healthy and fit, but I am not convinced that a person missing 85 percent of their stomach can be healthy and/or fit. Also, I contracted a MRSA from an outpatient brachioplasty (batwings--for the uninitiated among us)several years ago and I feared for my life. I had to have IV Vancomycin for 4 hours a day for 3 weeks followed by 3 more weeks of Bactrim before I fully recovered. My infection was so bad that my newly tightened upper arms burst open at the incision seam only 2 days postop. My hands became so swollen with infection that they looked like Popeye's. I was extremely ill and vowed to never, ever go under the knife again unless it was truly a life and death matter. I guess that is my dilemma.
Thanks for the support, old-timers. It's nice to know you are out there!
Courtney
When I had the surgery, I truly was alone, since this surgery then was a last resort for morbidly obese people with extreme weight related health issues.
I was barely 17 and had no such health issues, but I was depressed to the point of non-functioning so they opted to go through with it at my request.
Now, it's much more common to see, but whenever I find out that "so and so" had her stomach stapled, I don't run up to so and so and introduce myself as her sister in WLS. Why? Because, I do not look like a person who has gone through such surgery should look. I am fat--not haven't left the house for 2 years fat..i'm fairly healthy, functional, married, kids, house, etc. but if I told a new WLS patient that I had done it, I imagine it might be discouraging for them. Plus, it's really kind of embarassing.
When I have complained about my weight to close friends, they have suggested.."Have you thought about an operation? A lapband or something?"
Poor things, they only want to be helpful--I hate to see their faces when I say.."Oh, yeah..I did that already" What's your next suggestion?
Someone was talking about never eating a banana, etc. This is my experience. Soft, fatty foods go down the easiest, and it was not long before I had developed extremely poor eating habits even if I was no longer overeating.
I have very expensive dental issues but it's not from vomiting or acid. Mine is from constantly and obsessively chewing ice for 2 and a half years when I was suffering from iron deficiency Anemia and didn't know it. A common symptom of anemia is Pica, or a constant compulsion to chew on items that are non-nutritional. Ice is a common one. I have cracked most of my back molars and required root canals. I have had to replace several crowns at 1000 bucks a pop.
Thank God, the compulsion for ice stopped when the anemia was treated.
I plan to see a bariatric surgeon so I can finally get some insight into what my body looks like inside and why I suffer so much. Sometimes, the acid burns so horribly that I feel like I will pass out from the pain. None of the medications offers total relief from this.
I fear the pressure of having another surgery. I don't want to have my stomach restricted to the size of a newborn again. It's not natural and it taught me nothing. If I never lose another pound, I would be okay with it. I just cannot stand this pain, constant belching and the nausea that comes from nowhere at the worst possible time.
I want to be healthy and fit, but I am not convinced that a person missing 85 percent of their stomach can be healthy and/or fit. Also, I contracted a MRSA from an outpatient brachioplasty (batwings--for the uninitiated among us)several years ago and I feared for my life. I had to have IV Vancomycin for 4 hours a day for 3 weeks followed by 3 more weeks of Bactrim before I fully recovered. My infection was so bad that my newly tightened upper arms burst open at the incision seam only 2 days postop. My hands became so swollen with infection that they looked like Popeye's. I was extremely ill and vowed to never, ever go under the knife again unless it was truly a life and death matter. I guess that is my dilemma.
Thanks for the support, old-timers. It's nice to know you are out there!
Courtney
Topic: RE: Old WLS is causing lots of new problems. Need help!
Add me to the "guinea pig" crowd. I've experienced what you are going through from Day 1 after my VBG in Jan 99. Have suffered every day since. The GERD, the reflux; not the aspiration, thank God. I had gained about 50% of my weight back... 350 to 160 to 250.
I've seen so many gastroenterologists that I became familiar to them like an old friend. I've had ulcers and throat lesions from all the stomach acids and my teeth look, and feel, horrible, from all the missing enamel which cannot be replaced. I am currently in need of $3500 worth of dental work... that's the part my dental plan DOESN'T cover.
However, that will do me no good without a revision first. My bariatric surgeron is going to attempt an Anastomosis between the walls of the staples. Not easy considering that it is an area prone to low blood supply. If that doesn't work... and he says he will be able to tell while in the OR... I will have a RNY Bypass.
Like the poster before me, I recommend a referral to a GOOD bariatric surgeon. Nevermind how far you have to travel to get to one. Do your research and find one that accepts your insurance. Get your referral and make a written list of ALL your problems and all the meds you've taken over the years. Go in with you head held high and don't accept "no" as an answer. Chances are, you won't have to anyway. I went in to my surgeons office ready for a fight. It never occurred. He ordered an
upper GI for 3 days later and was there when the procedure was done... ask for this... so he/she can see EXACTLY what is going on. I took three small sips of barium before he and the radiologist both knew the problem. The area around my band is closing with scar tissue and normal tissue growth. The passage was closed all but a small drip.
I'm having surgery this Monday afternoon, 20 December. I hope to be home for Christmas but it's doubtful. My surgery will be invasive which leaves a greater chance of bleeding and leakage, not to mention the pain. I told my surgeon that I just want to feel normal again. I haven't eaten a banana is 8 years. Or bit into an apple. Or eaten an orange. Or steak. And chicken has been a big no-no since '99. I took the easy way out and ate what went down the easiest... junk food. Chips disolve without coming back up.. hence my weight gain. I'm sure you know what I mean.
So, seriously, locate that bariatric surgeron and get that referral. It's the best place to start. I'm just upset that I waited so long to get to the right doctor. A gastroenterologist can tell you the problem, but he won't fix it. So don't waste your time there.
Many prayers and blessings that you find the right doctor... and soon.
God Bless !!
~~Maggie
I've seen so many gastroenterologists that I became familiar to them like an old friend. I've had ulcers and throat lesions from all the stomach acids and my teeth look, and feel, horrible, from all the missing enamel which cannot be replaced. I am currently in need of $3500 worth of dental work... that's the part my dental plan DOESN'T cover.
However, that will do me no good without a revision first. My bariatric surgeron is going to attempt an Anastomosis between the walls of the staples. Not easy considering that it is an area prone to low blood supply. If that doesn't work... and he says he will be able to tell while in the OR... I will have a RNY Bypass.
Like the poster before me, I recommend a referral to a GOOD bariatric surgeon. Nevermind how far you have to travel to get to one. Do your research and find one that accepts your insurance. Get your referral and make a written list of ALL your problems and all the meds you've taken over the years. Go in with you head held high and don't accept "no" as an answer. Chances are, you won't have to anyway. I went in to my surgeons office ready for a fight. It never occurred. He ordered an
upper GI for 3 days later and was there when the procedure was done... ask for this... so he/she can see EXACTLY what is going on. I took three small sips of barium before he and the radiologist both knew the problem. The area around my band is closing with scar tissue and normal tissue growth. The passage was closed all but a small drip.
I'm having surgery this Monday afternoon, 20 December. I hope to be home for Christmas but it's doubtful. My surgery will be invasive which leaves a greater chance of bleeding and leakage, not to mention the pain. I told my surgeon that I just want to feel normal again. I haven't eaten a banana is 8 years. Or bit into an apple. Or eaten an orange. Or steak. And chicken has been a big no-no since '99. I took the easy way out and ate what went down the easiest... junk food. Chips disolve without coming back up.. hence my weight gain. I'm sure you know what I mean.
So, seriously, locate that bariatric surgeron and get that referral. It's the best place to start. I'm just upset that I waited so long to get to the right doctor. A gastroenterologist can tell you the problem, but he won't fix it. So don't waste your time there.
Many prayers and blessings that you find the right doctor... and soon.
God Bless !!
~~Maggie
Topic: * Reminder about new MEN's Plastic Surgery Group *
It can be found here -> http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/male_plastics/welcome/
We have 19 men who have joined us so far. Feel free to join and then stop in and introduce yourself if you have had or are considering plastic / reconstructive surgery post weight loss!
Cheers!
Tom
I have created this group to help those looking for information and photos from other men who have gone before them seeking surgery for excess skin removal etc.
We have 19 men who have joined us so far. Feel free to join and then stop in and introduce yourself if you have had or are considering plastic / reconstructive surgery post weight loss!
Cheers!
Tom
About
Welcome to a new online support group for men who have had or are considering plastic - reconstructive surgery after weight loss surgery. It's hard for men researching this topic to find others in the same boat.I have created this group to help those looking for information and photos from other men who have gone before them seeking surgery for excess skin removal etc.
HW 341/SW 309/CW 169/GW 190 172 lb. loss with my DS - Subscribe to me on YouTube!
Plastics with Dr. Sauceda 1-11-11 Lower Body Lift, Thigh Lift, Upper Body Lift, Arm Lift and Male Breast Reduction
If you are a MALE and are interested in MALE PLASTICS AFTER WLS click to join our OH Group!
Topic: RE: Anyone have pain when full?
Yes, I have the pain if I overeat on the right side as well as the across my stomach. It lasts for 5-20 mins. I have to measure more, I had when I guess how much to eat. I can eat 1/3 cup now three months after surgery. I try to stop drinking at least 30 mins prior to eating; measure the food, eat protein first, try to add veggies/fruit.
I hope this helps.
Pat
I hope this helps.
Pat
Topic: RE: Anyone have pain when full?
I have been having pain myself..Very Sever pain kinda in my stomach area. It gets so severe that I keel over and hold my stomach. I also, had a CT Scan. I go see my Dr. on Thurs. Mine don't hurt when I over eat, just hurts alot all the time. If I press on the scar over my stomach that is where it hurts the most. I would get the pain occasionally a month ago, but lately it's been all the time..Someone suggested it might be scar tissue...I had my surgery on Sept 20, 2010....it might be possible...but who knows...
Let me know what you find out..and I will as well....
Let me know what you find out..and I will as well....
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