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Eliza55’s Posts

Eliza55
on 9/16/12 1:05 pm

Hi Liz
I'm trying to gain a bit still, as I have no energy reserve, and I am about 2 lbs from underweight, and fighting protein deficiency that reared its ugly head again a month ago.

Last week: 122
This week: 121
I haven't seen my previous set point of 124 for weeks.

As my trainer says - I'm on the "eat more to weigh less diet", but last week, I couldn't even finish a half-hour workout.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 9/16/12 6:46 am, edited 9/16/12 8:30 am

Topic: RE: Sunday Weigh In

Hi Liz

Thanks for the concern.

My doc is all over this - just had my labs done last month (and he's already scheduled follow-up labs every three months) - which showed up the protein deficiency and low blood counts (also attributed to protein deficiency). So he put me on Creon to aid in protein absorption. I've been told to keep protein above 100 (which I had been doing), and switch to a higher fat protein shake. Calories are at about 1500 these days - the nutritionist wants that at least 300 higher with protein shakes and greek yogurt. The goal is to keep the volume down so I don't stretch my pouch.

Everything else is ok, but my doc and I agreed to up my iron and D3 as they were starting to slip.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 9/3/12 9:36 pm

Topic: RE: Anyone have any experience with Creon

Thanks Gina. I'll see if anyone on the RNY forum has any info.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 9/3/12 2:35 pm

Topic: RE: XPOST Pain at 3 months

I'm not sure where your larger incision is, but I recommend that you talk to your doc. I had (and continue to have) abdominal pain, and my surgeon and primary care doc are both very vigilant about the pain. He's done every test multiple times, and monitors it closely.

That being said, I also have a different pain in my ab muscles from a slight tear that I did a couple of weeks ago. It hurts when I exercise or lie down, as I use those muscles to stablize my core. This particular pain responds to treatment with ice for 20 minutes every couple of hours.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 9/3/12 2:28 pm

Topic: RE: Anyone have any experience with Creon

I also posted this on the RNY board -

Does anyone here have any experience with Creon? My doc has me on it to increase absorption of protein? I'm wondering how long people are on it, how much weight did they gain, how their protien levels responded etc.

I started it a couple of weeks ago - it makes my pouch picky again, and my reactive hypoglycemia worse, so I hope I don't have to be on it more than a few months.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 9/3/12 6:11 am, edited 9/3/12 6:12 am

Topic: RE: Sunday Weigh In

Hi Liz
I've been travelling, so I haven't been around much.

This week I saw 119 for a couple of days, but put on clogs and jeans for the doc, and got up to 122. So I'll call it 121, which is not good.

I'm protein deficient again (currently getting 100-120 grams per day), and only a couple lbs from underweight. I look less than I weigh because of muscle mass, but when I don't exercise, my weight plummets. Doc is not happy - put me on Creon (blech) and wants me to gain 5-10 lbs. Nutritionist says I'm eating more calories than most bariatric patients... and yes, I do eat fried chicken, with lots of breading.....

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/17/12 1:55 am

Topic: RE: Good Morning. Carbs are evil let us count the ways

I have found that fruit makes me very hungry. I do better keeping with veggies like green beans, tomatoes,etc.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/17/12 1:52 am

Topic: RE: Carb count in maintenance ?

I don't think that you can get one answer that fits everyone for this question. You have to see what works for you. There are many folks on this board who can hardly tolerate any without gaining weight. There are others (like me) who need some higher levels to help with nasty hypoglycemia. But both groups should keep an eye on them, because they can get out of control so easily.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/17/12 1:25 am

Topic: RE: Poll: once reaching maintenance ...

Tazz

I know exactly where you are - I really need to gain a couple of pounds now, and it terrifies me. Actually, I don't mind how I look, but my doc has been right on for everything, and he says I need a little more weight because where I am is risky from a nutritional standpoint (and he's right, because I became protein deficient again) I still don't have complete control over carbs, and the days I give myself free reign, it's not a good thing. I never anticipated that learning to eat right would be this hard.

Good luck in your journey!

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/17/12 1:20 am

Topic: RE: Poll: once reaching maintenance ...

I will add to the chorus of yes answers.

I did not log food during the first 6 months - I just made sure I got 70-80 grams of protein. But I didn't get enough calories, so I became protein deficient. I started logging food again, and upped my calories, but still didn't get enough in to stop losing weight, or to prevent hypoglycemia (yes, you can get it even without eating much of any carbs - I sure did!) So I upped food (added some carbs for exercise) and upped protein again to about 90, logging all the while. and I am now able to manage the hypoglycemia.

I have noticed that if I don't log, my calories go into the range of 700, and my protein drops below 80.

All this being said, I'm protein deficient again, and my doc wants me to put on a few pounds (I'm 2 lbs from official underweight) - so I'm upping my protein to well over 100, logging away so I can use the records for discussions with my doc and nutritionist.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/17/12 1:10 am

Topic: RE: OT: Newest puppy

Chloe is very cute. I think that you two have give up an abundance of food for an abundance of pets

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/15/12 7:40 pm

Topic: RE: Good Morning. Carbs are evil let us count the ways

Gina
Carbs just lead to more carbs.... too bad I need some to keep my hypoglycemia at bay.

And your comment about good, fast and cheap - I'm not so sure about good. They taste good, but how good are they for you??? I read somewhere that there was an increase in obesity during the depression (yes, when people did not have enough to eat). Carbs were cheap, so the percentage of carbs rose in many diets, and the result was obesity.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/15/12 7:35 pm

Topic: RE: I'm in the hospital...please pray

Tonya
I'm sorry that you're not doing well. This has been a tough year for you!

I'm swinging lots of lizards.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/14/12 9:46 pm

Topic: RE: Some questions on eating?

I would like to add my two cents as well concerning vitamins etc. You're really early out, and I didn't have any problems that early out. But if you look at my posts, I've been having difficulty with protein levels for 6 months and now vitamins and iron. I even had problems with Prilosec, which I used before surgery, but stopped working after surgery. That's been addressed by switching meds, but it took about 6 months to find one that worked. Bottom line, you don't want to get where I am now.

You should track all your labs - even though you are "only" a VSG, you're not eating that many calories, and it's hard to get in all the vitamins, mineral, and protein etc without supplementation.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/14/12 9:27 pm

Topic: RE: Labs aren't where they should be

Gina

Thanks for the info. I'll be ordering the Tender Iron from Vitalady to see how that goes. I'm still in range for iron, but it's good to address it while it's still in range. As you can see from my post to Tazz, I'm also increasing my D3, which is in range, but on the low end.

As for the protein, my doc thought that my energy level is pretty good, but he's very concerned about my low weight (I'm two lbs from officially underweight) and low protein, which occurred despite the increase in food and decrease in exercise I've done over the past 3 months. He is putting me on pancrease (Creon) for 3 months, and wants my protein over 100 grams. The nutritionist also wants carbs in the 100 range. I'll have my protein checked again after 3 months time.

I appreciate all your help!

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/14/12 9:12 pm

Topic: RE: Labs aren't where they should be

Tazz
Thanks for the information - You're always a good source! There was agreement, and although my D3 is in range, it is in the low half, so, I'm raising it some.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 8/13/12 2:43 am

Topic: RE: Labs aren't where they should be

I've been missing for about a month because I got somewhat over committed, and you can imagine the rest of the story...a little stress, a lot of not writing down everything I ate for about a month

I had my labs done a couple of weeks ago, - only about a week after I stopped writing down meals, but my protein dropped, so I'm protein deficient again - this time worse than before, as some of the markers other than total protein are now out of range. I have been getting about 90 grams of protein a day in, but obviously that's not enough for me, and if I don't write it down, I sometimes get less (like 70 grams).

RDW is out of range (high), could be due to hemoglobin and ferritin near the bottom of the range (need to up the iron) White blood cell count is out of range low.

I also have high ALT (again) and now high parathyroid....

Good news is that B12, B1, and D3 are ok.

I see the doc on Tuesday, so I'm sure he'll have lots to say....

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/11/12 5:13 pm

Topic: RE: How did you choose your surgery?

I had an RNY, and my decision was based on lots of discussions with my surgeon on the pros and cons for each surgery. I did not take NSAIDS, but did have a lot of issues with reflux, so this surgery was the best for me.

You will need to make permanent changes in your life, regardless of what surgery you have. I must admit that these changes have been harder for me than what I anticipated after surgery. You need to exercise routinely, eat according to the plan forever.

Good luck in your journey!

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/11/12 5:06 pm

Topic: RE: LIGHTWEIGHT ?

You're doing fine! 17 lbs in the first month is a lot for a lightweight.

I started out around 240 as well, although I'm taller than you are. I've lost about 116 lbs, which corresponds to about 115% of my excess body weight when I started this journey. - I never lost 30 lbs in one month, and my weight loss was slow and steady until I started to work to turn it off at about 9 months.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/8/12 8:27 am

Topic: RE: Sunday Weigh In

Wow Liz! You are really making that switch work for you!

I'm holding steady at 124 - was up to 125 a couple of weeks ago, but took down the carbs and I am back where I want to be. (Except for the peach cobbler I made from wonderful fresh peaches yesterday

- a girl's gotta have some fun!)

I had a vanity sizing experience yesterday - I have a job interview tomorrow, and tried on my suit, which was too big, so I went to a Jones NY outlet to get a new one. Size 4 pants fit me perfectly.... trust me, I am not a size 4, and never have been. But I also took the time to get a nice manicure and hair touched up. I always feel so much more confident when I look nice, so I'm ready to go!

Keep cool.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/3/12 1:18 pm

Topic: RE: NSV single digits

Tonya

Welcome to the world of 8's. I'm mostly there (with an occasional 6 thrown in). I even tried on a Junior size 9 the other day (VERY SKINNY Jeans). They fit, but I didn't like them.

I so love my RNY too!!!

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/2/12 4:59 pm

Topic: RE: Menus and Miles Monday July 2nd

Hi Roz

I didn't post over the weekend - similar rationale as Gina's was today. You all have an imagination about a day with poor dietary control. Today was much better.

I did read your suggestion about having a protein shake instead of some of the carbs - but a lot of reliance on protein shakes makes my hypoglycemia worse, and then I roller coaster around. My lactose intolerance is improving, so today I tried protein mix with greek yogurt, and that seemed to do well, so I'll try it a few more times this week.

Goal: Include carbs, protein and fat in each of 6 meals a day to minimize hypoglycemia and stop weight loss

Breakfast: 1 scoop of Isopure in 8 oz of Lactaid Skim Milk (33 protein, 13 carbs, 195 cal)

AM Snack: 1 slice homemade whole wheat bread with sunflower seeds and walnuts, and 1.5 tsp Smart Balance ( 6 protein, 22 carbs, 221 calories). This was a good pre-workout snack.

Lunch: 6 oz Greek yogurt with 1 scoop Isopure Chocolate, 1 tsp Davinci Choc Syrup, 4 pretzels (46 protein, 31 carbs 315 calories)

Afternoon Snack 4 pretzels and 1 oz Oscar Meyer Rotisserie Chicken (10protein, 24 carbs, 140 calories)

Dinner - 1/2 c home made sloppy joes (no bun) 1 slice 2% milk American Cheese, 1/4 cup baked beans, about 1/4 c coleslaw with low fat dressing (17 protein, 29 carbs, 275 calories)

Evening Snack - None

Miles: 52 min elliptical (3.5 miles, 650 calories) followed by 30 min superset strength training.

Total: 112 protein, 119 carbs, 1150 calories -

I'm Ok with this level of protein and carbs - The exercise that I do is really draining, and the only useless carbs were the 8 pretzels.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/2/12 4:24 pm

Topic: RE: Over whelmed

Good luck in your journey. Your whole life will change, and it is something that you need to learn along the way, because each person's journey is slightly different. I certainly had to completely change eating habits to keep from having protein deficiencies and reactive hypoglycemia. It is an ongoing journey for me.

A loss of about 70% excess body weight is average. Some people do more, and some less. My doc said I'd lose 70% of my excess body weight, and he also encouraged me to exercise vigerously, and as a result, I lost 115% of my excess body weight by 9 months out, which is 6 lbs below my fantasy goal. For me, the combination of exercise and strength training was one of the keys. I am now in maintenance mode, trying to keep my weight steady, and continue to develop good eating habits.

I had to continue to do protein shakes because I couldn't get enough protein in without them (I got protein deficient). Now, I do one or occasionally 2 a day, as I'm trying to get most of my protein from food. I need at least 80-100 grams of protein to maintain adequate protein levels, I found I need some carbs to keep hypoglycemia at bay. With an RNY pouch, I really need the concentrated protein in a shake, so I can fit in some carbs.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/2/12 5:25 am

Topic: RE: Home from Hernia Surgery....

I'm swinging lizards for you. It's good that you're home and can recover with your family. Get lots of rest and protein.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight

Eliza55
on 7/2/12 5:23 am

Topic: RE: Inspirational Thought

Dare To Believe. . . .

Know that. . .

You can't be all things to all people.
You can't do all things at once.
You can't do all things equally well.
You can't do all things better than everyone else.
You are human like everyone else.

So. . . .
Find out who you are, and be that.
Decide what comes first, and do that.
Discover your strengths, and use them.
Learn not to compete with others,
because no one else is in the contest of being you.
Then you'll have. . . .
Learned to accept your uniqueness.
Learned to set priorities and make decisions.
Learned to live with your limitations.
Learned to give yourself the respect that is due.
And you'll be a most vital mortal.

Dare To Believe. . . .
You're are a wonderful, unique person.
You're a once-in-all-history event.
That it's more than a right to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve,
but a gift to cherish.
And you'll be able to stay one up
on anything that tries to get you down.

Eliza

Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight