Fifteen (15) Vials of blood!

. ....yep, that's right, 15 vials of blood were pulled on me yesterday for about 25 tests (assuming it's based on labels printed and initialed off on)! The lab techies were absolutely flabbergasted that the doc wouldn't break up the lab work, maxing it at 7 or 8 vials, but I'm GLAD she didn't. Actually, Im pretty much RESPONSIBLE for it - I don't have a Gastric Surgeon I can visit for on follow-up care, he's in Washington state. Those that know me, know that Ive NEVER been impressed with the military hospitals/docs (sorry if that offends any). I'm a military brat, from way back - father was a lifer in the army, ex-hubby was an army dude and then of course, my soul-mate is in the Navy. 40+ years of Military living/medical/insurance, etc later and it ALL still SUCKS!!! I've been in VaBeach for 3 years now and have gone through 6 different PCP's. I have to reintroduce my freakn self/case, each and every time I'm seen. Thankfully, I finally found a PCP that I like. She's got a good soul, truly wants the best for her patients, but once again, is clueless to the gastric bypass needs. Fortunately for me, she's willing to TRUST my research - with little to no argument. Good damn thing Im my BEST advocate for long term health, huh? Anyway, I did some snooping around on several other weight loss surgery sights (specifically the OSSG Grads board and the OSSG-Weight Loss Gone Wrong Board) and came up with additional tests that should be run on a LONG term post op which isn't included in the Chem-25 panel I always request. Im going to update my "Lab Work" info on my profile in the next week or two, to reflect the additional tests. IT'll be interesting to see if anything shows up LOW or outta whack. Our bodies are great at "warning" us when something's wrong. If we just take the time to see the signs! I'm one of the STRICTEST people I know, when it comes to taking ALL my vitamins (about 25 a day) and getting in my protein shakes. I put additional pressure on myself because I'm a DISTAL bypass (most RNY's are Proximal) which makes me a higher risk. Regardless, even with my strict self imposed routine, my body is coming up short. WHY, is yet to be determined. I'll have the results back on my labs within 2 weeks - we'll take it from there. Trust me when I say, I haven't missed a day of vitamins in 3 years, 2 months, 2 weeks and a coupla days! Signs of problems: Brittle nails, Hair loss (still), memory loss, chipping teeth, laziness -- a snail has more energy then me, mental confusion, massive drops in blood sugar, black outs, slurred speech, oh and my blood pressure is HIGH again. The last six months have been averaging mid 150's over high 90's. Joy! The doc also ordered a full physical that I go back for in two weeks. We'll review the labs at the same time. Soooooooooooooooooo - for those that might need it? Here's your daily reminder TAKE YOUR VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENT YOUR BODY!! If you think it's not necessary, you're WRONG! Just that simple. I'm living proof of someone who can absolutely attest to having done it RIGHT and still, my body is coming up short. Have you taken your vitamins today? What about your protein INTAKE? Have you choked back the shake(s) and or monitored the protein counts in food, maxing not minamizing? - Lei .

I'd be very interested in all the tests she ran and what they showed. I've charted my lab tests since before WLS and my WBC is trending downward and is low (3.3). I'm wondering why. I'm going to print off my charts and send to both surgeon and PCP. I've said it many times -- we have to take charge of our own health. The doctors are too busy with too many other people. Deb

Ask for a manual differential on the CBC to see if there are any abnormal cells (or just less mature cells) on the peripheral smear or if there is a shift in the normal WBC populations (like more lymphs than segs). This could help with the whys of the low WBC, or not, but it's a place to start. Your bone marrow puts out cells, either yours is slacking on the job or they are being knocked off so to speak after they are made. You need those white cells to fight off infection, so definitely be persistant in finding out why its low/decreasing. Good Luck Mic

Hello Deb - I'm going to work on putting the LAB data together in a word doc then update it to my profile -- I'll also post it here to the grads boards, under a new post, hopefully in the next few days! I can say that what she ordered is what "I" requested, so I feel comfortable that I'll cover all the tests in my write up. Some of it is part of the Chem-25 panel (and the details for that is already in my profile under the LAB WORK link near the top) ....that's the same area I'll update the new stuff too, okay? GOOD FOR YOU on charting your lab work. I've been doing that since about six months PRE-OP, on an Excel Spread sheet - every time I go in to see a PCP (since they're always different) I hand them my flow chart. Anything that has DROPPED I color code in red, so it leaps off the page and smacks 'em upside their head. Since the military is CONVINCED that patients only need about 3.5 minutes of actual conversation time with their docs, I find these kinds of tricks help. Good luck to you ...please let us know what you find out on your WBC! Lei

Thanks for this post. I am not as good as I should be with my routine and I am back on the boards to help stay on task. I need these reminders! Laurie

Hello Laurie - Staying connected with the message boards help me to stay focused too!!! I don't do local support groups, not cause they're not a good thing, they're just not good for ME (lol, or at least the few Ive been too, just plain suck --- too much whining, ******g and moaning that it takes twice as long to eat a Big Mac now) ...anyway, I digress. I find that the message boards on OSSG and OH are all the support I need to stay focused and on track. Good luck to you - Lei

What is the OSSG message board? Can you please send me a link? Kathy

Hello Kathryn - There are SEVERAL other OSSG weight loss related boards hosted through yahoo.com (hope I got the gist of the connection right). One of the better ones is for GRADS, one year or more, post-op. It's very active and there is a lot of seasoned posters (5 years or more out) that provide some pretty valuable info. I have it set up to email me the daily updates in lists of 25, so Im not bombarded with tons of mail. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG/?yguid=222845444 Lei

YIKES Lei - I'll be interested in your results as well and I'll move ya up on my list of prayers....keep the faith

Thanks, sweet lady - I'll be sure to share the results of my labs in a couple of weeks when I get them back. In the mean time, I'll be working on updating my profile portion of "labworks" with all the new tests ran.