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Greetings everyone:

Wow!  Sunday was a most interesting day.  There I was, brousing my Sunday newspaper, when I had to use the facilities.  While using the toilet, I guess my heart stopped beating.  But, I couldn't get down to the floor because ....  So, I passed out.  Then, I fell to the floor, split my forehead open and permanently etched my reading glasses so I could not see out of them.
What a way to start a day!  In retrospect, I belive what I had was a negative reaction to my vegas nerve.  When the vegas nerve gets disturbed through such things as turning the head, straining, or pooping too much, it goes into shock, or something. 


Initially, I went to bed for 10 minutes.  Then, feeling just fine, I got up, called my doctor to see if I needed stitches, and then drove myself to the hospital urgent care section.  Well, I felt fine, thank you very much!  I really felt fine.

They kept me and wouldn't let me go home.  A cardiologist was called in to come in and see me.  Well, my pulse was 33!  I think that is really, really slow.   Surgery for a pace maker was performed Monday @ 10:00 a.m. 



Wow!  I now have a warm body, warm feet, warm hands, warm ... everywhere!  I have so much energy!  I feel wonderful.  The neat thing, is, the doctor set my minimum pulse at 60 beats per minute!

I was released yesterday, can't drive for 10 days or so, can't clean my garage for 10 days or so, can't lift things like my cat, can't put my hands over my head, but, I have so much energy now that I didn't have before that I am thirsting to walk!  I am thirsting to use my eliptical, but not sure yet if I can.  But, I can walk!  And, I want to walk.  Having my minimum pulse at 60 is incredible.  

So, celebrate my joy with me in being in a better position to reach one of my goals which is to live to be 150 years young, climbing Mount Killamajaro as well as swimming the English Channel, if that is what our Lord wants me to do in order to save just one more soul!  With my defective heart now fixed with a pace maker, and eating the right foods, as well as continuing to get sufficien****er, protein, vegetables, fruits, and exercise, I challenge everyone to want to an thirst to live to be 150.  That way, there will not be one singular authomatic negative thought ruining your life, because your focus will be on very, very good things.



We really had an exciting and wonderful telephone chat this last Saturday.  It was a wonderful and exciting time of sharing for 45 minutes on our private conference call line with wonderful ladies from Maryland, Ohio, California, Eastern Washington, Auburn, WA, and Redmond WA.  So, do come join us!  The call in # is 1-712-432-0800, Pass Code 697817#.  Time PST is 10:00 a.m. 

Blessings,

Christine Gibson, MS, MA
OH Coach & OH WLS Support Group Leader
North West Weight Loss Surgery Support Group
[email protected]
425-885-2634
 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so happy that I was well enough to participate in this morning's phone conference! 

My name is Amy and I had VSG with Dr. Srikanth at St. Francis Hospital in WA on 11/19/2008.  I am 38 years old and live in Auburn, WA with my spouse (Joel), two cats (Seymour and Sidney), and dog (Max).  Please feel free to peruse the blog on my profile (which needs to be updated with a 3 month post-op message).

I have always has a weight issue.  Fortunately, I was somehow funny or smart enough to have always done well socially and professionally.  Prior to two years ago, I was a relatively happy and "healthy' obese woman.  I do have a variety of medical issues (migraines, PCOS, Fibromyalgia. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, arthritis) and as I got older, my symptoms progressed. I was miserable and depressed.  I hit bottom after a visit with my regular physician (whom I adore) in late August 2008 and after a small pity party, I decided to do the one thing I knew I could do for myself that would help me feel better physically and mentally - I decided to have WLS.  As I was a self pay patient (based on employer exclusion), it took me about a month to get the funds together and I attended the required seminar on 10/06/08, had my initial consult on 10/18/08 and scheduled surgery for 11/19/08. 

As soon as I decided to have WLS my entire life changed.  It was like a light bulb was turned on in my mind.  I realized that I was responsible for my own life and my attitude would determine my reality.  I am fortunate to have stumbled across OH when I researching surgeons and it is a tremendous resource.  I met Christine at a WA Forum get together that I hosted in January.  I like to attend support groups because I like to learn and meet others.

I look forward to learning about all of you and our future calls!

Amy

Greeetings everyone:

I thought it would be helpful to everyone if I addressed the concerns addressed in the following e-mails I've received from others on the subject of how much protein should be eaten every day.  I've just posted this information in our Blog area.  Your comments are appreciated.

Blessings,
Christine


Comments I’ve heard from others:   Maureen, USA My doctor doesn't want us to replace meals with a drink. I just do it to reach my 60 protein daily goal. (Christine Gibson’s Note: Maureen has had RNY surgery.)   Sharon, Canada My doctors must have a total different take on by-pass surgery because I am to eat protein only for the first eight weeks, and today is my ninth week. I can now start to add one vegetable a day, which is low on carbs. They do not want us to get our protein in liquids unless we have to.   “Susan", USA I don’t know what type of surgery I had. It was in 1985 and the doctor has retired. I had something done 7 years ago but am unclear about it as well. I know my stomach was stapled; but, I don’t know about anything else. I just don’t feel good.

My hat is off to you with the Sunday school.  What age group do you teach?  Is this something you have always done or since you have lost that one person?  Some of my fondest childhood memories are attending VBS.  It was fun. 

I actually think I over did it yesterday.  Feel uncomfortable this morning (stingy) or maybe that is healing.  I made my son mac & cheese for lunch yesterday, swept the entry to back door, and loaded reloaded the dishwasher twice yesterday along with the wiping of counter tops etc.  Guess I wanted to be a part of the family goings on with everyone home. 

I seem to be progressing with my pureed foods and have noticed that when I get that protein in I feel better.  Decided to make that the first thing I drink today, my Isopure.  Makes me wonder about several of my vegan friends who get very little protein.  I would like to hear what your thoughts are on protein. 

Hi Tammi,

Congrats on being one less person,  you must feel so much better. 

I am one week out from my RNY.  Visited OH in the past year or so while making my decision but have not pursued any contact until I read a Q&A on hair loss and protein.  Christine's comments sounded so intriguing. 

Prior to my surgery I was into nutritional foods and have been very concerned with not only the malnutrition but being able to continue with the foods we make at home.  After a phone conversation with Christine last evening I am so excited about being able to continue with natural foods for my family and myself. 

Excited to be here.  Looking forward to joining the Saturday phone conference.