laura_vermont’s Posts
    Post Date 10/28/11 7:16 am
    Topic: RE: Way OT - Do I have a say with my daughter's wedding?

    My dd is getting to that age, and has been living with her bf for several years so the topic has come up.  Any thing that I have suggested that would be cost saving, she immediately tossed.  Finally, I offered a specific sum of money.  That would be it.  Period.  No discussion.  Elope or have a wedding = same money.  It changed her outlook.  She seemed to think that we would fund 100% of whatever.... not.

    When it comes right down to it, a wedding reception is just a party.  The dress should not cost more than the ring -- one you wear for a day, the other for life. 

    It is especially difficult when you have divorced parents (my ex would not contribute at all) and one side of the family is considerably larger than the other (my side of the family would be less than 20 people). 

    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 10/18/11 4:35 am
    Topic: RE: Lap Band vs. Gastric Bypass

    DS or RNY -- best chances of taking care of your co-morbids. 
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 9/20/11 7:47 pm
    Topic: RE: Need advice from DS'ers

    She's not 100% sure, either Dr. Moon or Dr. Hill at Adirondack Medical Center. 

    It's a family thing -- my aunt & I had our RNY's there -- my sister & cousin had DS.  We all got terrible vitamin advice.  My sister ha**** the ICU with her surgery related issues (not compliant with supplemnents or protein).  My cousin has done better but is very anemic. 

    When I went, recommended vits were still flintstones & tums.  I wasn't told about iron or b12 until after my surgery.  Frustrating.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 9/20/11 7:32 pm
    Topic: RE: Need advice from DS'ers

    Thanks for your help.  Fortunately, or unfortunately, we use the same center.  They gave me incomplete information & I'm sure that they didn't give her all the info she needs.  I am definitely going to set her up with the basics and hope that she follows through. 

    Hopefully, she'll stop by here for some advice.  I think she sees the positives -- and maybe isn't aware of the commitment level. 

    Thanks again to everyone who contributed!  I really appreciate it!

    Laura
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 9/20/11 2:21 pm
    Topic: RE: Need advice from DS'ers

    That's good to hear.  Vitalady's schedule seems overwhelming.  I had low D pre-op, so I didn't wait to start dry d3, I'll ask her what her pre-op labs were.  Really appreciate your input.

    Laura
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 9/20/11 2:17 pm
    Topic: RE: Need advice from DS'ers

    Thanks, I'm going to have to read more on the DS board.  I only take vits 3x's a day and that was hard enough to get in the habit of, hope she can do it.  But then, I'm one of those nervous moms and she probably deserves more credit than I give her.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 9/20/11 12:32 pm
    Topic: RE: Need advice from DS'ers

    It's too bad that the multi's with extra ADEK aren't adequate -- I was hoping to keep it simple for her.  Vitalady's schedule seems like a lot, but I'll get her started on that.

    Thanks Ladies!
    Laura
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 9/20/11 11:20 am
    Topic: Need advice from DS'ers

    My dd just finished her pre-op requirements and is expecting to get a date for her DS any day now.  I'm really excited for her and would like to pick up a few things to get her started.  She has mentioned needing her high AEDK vits -- would anyone recommend a specific brand?  Also, are they available in regular pill form (not chewable)?

    Any other suggestions for helping her out would be appreciated too.  I have the RNY rules down, just not clear on anything she might need specific to a DS.

    Thanks for your help!

    Laura
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 4/5/11 6:48 am
    Topic: RE: Before and After WOW

    Happy Suriversary!  You look wonderful!  When I see my before pictures, I think of how sick I look - so poofy.  You look so healthy now.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 4/2/11 8:01 pm
    Topic: RE: Catholic question

    It's so small, it really shouldn't be a problem.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 4/1/11 8:40 am
    Topic: Posting Issues????

    I don't know what is going on -- I just got an email re: a response to a post on the lap-band board.  Indeed, there was a post, with my id..... but I didn't post it.

    Is this happening to anyone else?
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/29/11 4:03 am
    Topic: RE: Weight Regain Six Months Out?

    I had rny - but have also seen weight fluctuations.  You almost certainly could not have eaten enough to really gain weight.  It's probably water retention - did you have some salty foods?  I have mirena too, but had it pre-op, I don't think it hindered weight loss.

    It's normal to have stalls - and weight fluctuations - just keep following the rules your surgeon/nut gave you and you'll start losing again.  You can't be done at 6 months out! 

    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/28/11 8:34 am
    Topic: RE: Waaaaay OT - Financial Questions

    I have worked with people who are having difficult times financially and have recommended non-profit credit counselling services.  Some are better than others -- calling your local legal aid office may be the best place to start -- they should be able to recommend a good agency.   
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/28/11 8:17 am
    Topic: RE: Any suggestions on the HCG diet?

    save your money

    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/27/11 12:02 pm
    Topic: RE: Please help me figure out my goal weight

    I'm also 5'5", my bariatric surgeon set my goal weight at 150.  I made 140 my personal goal weight.  When I went to the plastic surgeon, she wanted my weight at 135 - so it would be "ideal".  I currently fluctuate between 123-125. 
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/25/11 4:19 am
    Topic: RE: My daughter just found out she is Pre-Diabetic and is asking for our help....

    There are so many diabetic friendly websites, and maybe she could pick up a used copy of the atkins (or other low carb) recipe book.  Used bookstores usually have a ton.

    You don't look like you have a daughter old enough to be trying to get pg!  My oldest is almost 23 and struggles too... she is hoping to get a DS this summer.  It's awful to see them battle weight too.  My other 3 children are slim and I know that it just adds to my oldest dd's frustration.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/25/11 3:55 am
    Topic: RE: Vomiting blood

    Not to me personally, but a close family member.  Go to the ER, you could be in serious trouble.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/22/11 9:22 am
    Topic: RE: Pain meds after plastics

    Ooops!  I had panniculectomy, but they found & repaired a hernia at the time of surgery.
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/22/11 5:06 am
    Topic: Pain meds after plastics

    Just wondering how long folks were on pain meds after plastics?  I'm 12 days out and trying - unsuccessfully - to get my self off pain meds.  I did well at 1st, and seem to do fairly well during the day, but then stay up at night with pain.  With other surgeries, I have needed very little in terms of medication. 

    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/20/11 3:06 am
    Topic: RE: Protein bars that dont taste like dirt?

    So far, my favorite has been Oh Yeah!  Peanut Butter Cup Wafers. 
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/19/11 7:25 pm
    Topic: RE: Hard time eating

    I didn't have a DS, but experienced the same thing.  Your stomach is swollen right now.  Things will improve in the next couple weeks.  In the first days post-op, focus on fluids and make sure that you don't get dehydrated - then work on protein.

    Hope your recovery goes smoothly.

    Laura

    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/19/11 12:40 pm
    Topic: RE: belly button

    My bypass was done on 3/31/10 -- almost a year ago.  I had just hit my personal goal when I made the consult appointment.  The plastic surgeon had me lose an additional 5lbs - so that my weight would be "ideal". 

    I also had rashes, skin splitting underneath my panni. 

    Just my experience... but getting approved for plastics was much easier than getting approved for WLS.  Recovery has been more difficult though as I've developed cellulitis around one of my drains - it's been pretty painful.  Hopefully, just a bump in the road. 

    Best wishes,
    Laura
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/18/11 7:16 pm
    Topic: RE: Friday Weighers Check in here! Join us to weigh once a week.

    Just wanted to congratulate you on your amazing weight loss! 
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/18/11 12:39 pm
    Topic: RE: Friday Weighers Check in here! Join us to weigh once a week.

    I had panniculectomy surgery on 3/10... so I suppose I've cheated.  Still have considerable swelling, and have cellulitis -- so I don't feel like eating.  I'm forcing in 3 meals a day.  I'm down 5lbs to 123.  Under all my goal weights considerably - bariatric surgeons goal:  150;  personal goal:  140; plastic surgeon's goal:  135. 
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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    Post Date 3/16/11 7:25 pm
    Topic: RE: flying after surgery...

    I went on vacation at 2 weeks post-op, the surgeon had me drive instead of fly.  He said the concern was blood clots and had me stop every 2 hours for a minimum of 15 minutes of walking. 

    Personally, I wanted to fly anyway, for the reasons mentioned above.... but DH wanted to  be cautious.  BTW, my trip was to FL too.... that week on the beach was exactly what I needed.  Hope you have a great time!
    High Weight 278; consult weight 234; Surgery Weight 219 Surgeon's Goal Weight 150 -10/27/10  
    Personal goal weight 140 - Achieved 12/11/10
    December 2011 - Maintaining between 116-120lbs
      
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