7/6/06:

Well I’ve tried the Devrom (3 at each meal) and while there’s some difference – it’s not enough. As I’m going to begin a new job shortly, I need to get the wind odor under control. I’ve purchased a charcoal filter pillow that I can use on my chair (but obviously not when standing) at work but haven’t given up on the Devrom. It’s not like I pass gas all the time; however, even once can be stressful. Since I’ve elected not to discuss my WLS with anyone outside of my immed. family I’ve decided to say it’s IBS – if asked.

I have an appt. tommorow with my surgeon & nutrit. to go over my 6 mos. bloods so I also will discuss with them if I can take more Devrom, Innermint (which I’ve ordered) and/or chlor. pills. The stool smell doesn’t bother me as much as I can spray the bathroom. However, in an office it’s hard to spray if you break wind. So, hopefully, my bloods with be okay and just need some minor tweaking and then we can discuss this other issue.

Oh, and we also are going to discuss the ‘itching.’ It started in March & I’ve seen two derms. & one allergist but the relief it temporary. My arms & neck have scabs I scratch so much. It gets better & worse, though, so I don’t worry about it that much but I would like to see if it means my Vit. A is low. I’ve heard that may be a sign. Ah, well, just another thing to see about tomorrow.

5/29/06:

Something really cool happened the other day. I was in the supermarket w/my mother. I saw these 'square' bagels she'd mentioned to me a few weeks earlier. A woman came up behind us & said, "290 calories." I said, "Well, I'm not really concerned about calories." (As I don't count them -- I'm much more concerned with the sugar in a product after the DS). She looked at me and waved her hand indicating my body & said, "Well, you. You can eat anything." That was the first time anyone ever implied I was naturally thin. It was funny & flattering. 

4/9/06

My 1-year anniversary is fast approaching. Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. I hadn’t been as diligent with the protein requirement, the last few weeks, so I rededicated myself. I really do feel better when I eat it & am trying to drink a bit more too. Unfortunately, the more I drink the less I eat so it’s a balancing act.

I still have some diet soda every few days but not everyday. That got me a bit too gaseous. Speaking of gas, yes, I do get it. Usually in the evening, but the vial of perfume I carry makes me feel better. Oh, and my mother said something that made a good deal of sense. "You’re entitled to pass gas. You’re entitled to go to the bathroom in public." If it smells when someone walks in then say, “Sorry come back in a minute." I’ve been much too hung up on the smells & am really working on that.

Still have some hair loss but nothing that worries me.

I’ll see what I weigh in a couple of days & see if it’s getting too low for my taste (hey, I was happy 20 lbs. ago, lol). I know some might disagree but a size 8-10 is perfect for me. I’ve been a size 2 & it isn’t for me, any longer. Since I do know there’s generally some weight gain in the 2d or 3d year, I’m not that unhappy that I’m still losing (even though I no longer have an a**, lol).

3/22/06

What a night! Seven hours in the bathroom! I sent an email to my surgeon asking if there’s anyway the chances of this can be prevented or, at least, lessened. When he answers, I’ll also check with him re: Imodium. After all, one of the reasons I had this WLS was that I’d be able to take any time of medicine. I sure hope he says yes to Imodium in the future. I don’t want to go through another night like that & day like today where I lived on dry Melba toast.

Unfortunately, he told me that diarrhea is sometimes just part of the DS & Flagyl is the best thing for it. He said I could try the Imodium if it gets really bad but he’s not sure if it’ll do much good. I felt somewhat down after hearing this news as I’d really hoped for something that worked faster than the Flagyl seems to, with me. Oh well, at least this time it was much easier (except for that 1 night) and, hopefully, I’ll need Flagyl less and less.

3/15/06

Been feeling well & weight loss has slowed (3 pounds in the last 3 weeks) for which I am profoundly grateful. When I saw Dr. Pomp, in January, he said he’d give me another 10 lbs. (I was happy 20 lbs. ago, lol) before he wanted it to stop & would probably have to put me on enzymes. I’ve read about other DSers who’ve done this so I wasn’t alarmed but I’d always rather do things without medication – if possible.

Unfortunately, ran into a slight snag this past weekend. Up in the middle of the night with the “runs” and even when urinating – some stool was coming out. In addition, some severe stomach cramps. I waited till today, Monday, to call the surgeon. His P.A. said a course of Flagyl was in order. Now, I kind of thought so but wasn’t sure since the one & only time I took it was six mos. ago & the problems were much worse then. Besides being up so early & the bathroom so much of the day, I had been exhausted, felt ill & looked so white they tested me for an iron deficiency (which was negative). Thankfully, this bout is much less severe & they’re putting me on Flagyl for only 1 week. I also asked for some extra (as I know of other DSers who take it, sometimes, for a short time if they experience some problems and I kind of wanted that option) as I’m about to look for a new job & can’t afford to take time off whenever my stomach goes haywire like it did today. As for the Flagyl, while I like to stay away from Rxs as much as possible – I know it’s not uncommon for DSers to need it. I know of several who have taken it multiple times in their first few years postop. Hopefully, as the bacteria in the colon (or intestines, I forget which) regulate more it won’t be needed. But, if it is, I’m glad it’s around & glad I haven’t needed it for a full 6 mos. and that this time my problems are so much less severe.

Wish I felt better as its kept me home for several days, but as it took over a week for it to work last time & I feel a bit better by day 3, I’m hopeful I’ll be out & about soon.

1/21/06

Well, it's taken a long time, but about 3 weeks ago I finally began to feel like myself. (At about 6-7 mos. the vomiting finally stopped [for the most part] and I began to feel halfway decent, but it's really taken about 9 mos. till I felt good. Many people online [when I was pre-op] had said it could take 9-12+ mos. to really feel good & I guess, in my case, they were right).

What really seems to have allowed me to turn the corner was being able to understand my stomach. Not when I was full as I figured that out within a few mos., but the bathroom end of things. I had a lot of trouble deciding when I had to go...was this really the time or was it just fullness in my stomach? Could I leave the house or did I need to use the bathroom? And why did I sometimes get pressure low in my stomach late in the day when almost all DSers had their bowel movements in the morning? Once I learned to ignore that fullness I realized it almost always wasn't the need for a bowel movement just something I had to learn to deal with (and, thankfully, it rarely happens anymore).

I also had so much trouble understanding the cramps in the morning. Did I really have to go, was it just gas and/or could I just go back to sleep? Look, I'm not saying I've got the entire thing figured out but I'm a lot happier as I've got a real handle on it now.

I saw the surgeon & nutrit. yesterday for my 9+ mos. checkup. I am now a member of the Century Club & we even discussed how/when the weight loss should stop (I've been wondering as I don't want to go too low as I don't like what I look like at a too low weight). My bloods were all good (except the PTH needs some work but I'm told that since one loses some bone while losing weight they're not too concerned. However, we did change the brand of calcium citrate I'm taking & upped the dosage).

I've been to London [in November] & then to Florida this past week (for 2 days) to attend a family funeral. While I never needed a seatbelt extension, there was always 'seat spillover' & now the fact that that isn't a concern makes the whole thing so much easier. What was sad was I have a feeling I wouldn't have gone to the funeral if I were still so heavy b/c I hadn't seen most of those relatives in 20+ years & I would've been too embarrassed. I loved the person who passed away very much & the fact that I probably wouldn't have made the trip a year ago, just gives me another reason to be grateful for the procedure I had done last April.

One more thing...still had a slight binge the other week (of course, due to what I can fit into my stomach it wasn't that much) but it was a day I kind of blew off the protein requirements & just ate animal crackers (which I discovered I don't even really like that much) & pork lo mein (I did take my pills as I do everyday, though). My nutrit. said it isn't really a binge unless that's how your mind classifies it.

Generally, though, no food really disagrees w/me & I've even introduced cake (very small piece after I finish my protein) & even my favorite food -- Yodels :D. I've learned, though, to buy them in the 3 pack (and not by the box) b/c I don't want to feel nauseous if I tried to eat the whole thing & I don't want to have the whole thing around. Moderation is the key. Easy to say but just b/c you have the DS you still have to work hard to practice it.

Oh, and finally...I can drink carbonated drinks! That was one of the many reasons I chose the DS (the normalcy of eating & drinking) and last Tuesday I had my first taste of Diet Sprite. It was delicious. I’m now having 1 can every day or so & it’s terrific!

12/4/05:

A few more stomach problems last week, but thankfully, nothing as bad as I had in Sept. Chat members (in DS groups) have told me it can take more than the 9-12 mos. (I thought) to really feel like myself & even out. One said it took her 15 mos.

Had 4 Yodels today. Haven't had any since days before my surgery. While my surgeon's nutrit. said portion control is the key (and I should try to have 1-2 cookies at a time maybe once a week -- not sure how realistic that is) I knew when I had the 2-pack of Yodels I was going to have another 2-pack even though I felt stuffed after the first. I then threw out the rest of the box as I don't want to have them around for several reasons: 1. I don't want them to take up the small amount of room I have in my stomach when I have to make sure I get in at least 80 gr/protein per day and 2. They're high in sugar which is something DSers have to be wary of b/c while we don't dump we do absorb 100% of sugar & it can put weight on.

They were quite good and prob. the first 2-pack was enough but you know what -- I've been a binge eater my entire life & it isn't going to go away anytime soon. Thankfully, I was smart enough to throw the box away (from now on if I want them I'll buy them in the 2-packs alone & not a box full) & realize I was uncomfortably full and that it's very impt. to have room for dinner where I need to get my protein. I'm glad I did it, though, as this is really one of the first "junk" foods I've eaten since the oper. & I wanted to see what it would be like & how I'd react.

11/1/05:

Well, tomorrow I leave for London . It's the first vacation I'm taking since '92 so, naturally, I'm nervous & excited. Can't help being a bit worried about the food so I'm bringing some with me just in case (not that British food is bad or anything it's just that diff. countries food is diff. & with the stomach problems I had I want to be careful). Also, a bit concerned on how the whole bathroom thing will go for when I'm away & come home (time difference) but I figure those will be minor. The main thing is I'm flying again & this should be the first of 2 vacations this year. I'm happy & ready to begin this new chapter of my life.

10/13/05:

Still sick till last Wednesday. They finally put me on Flagyl (which I hear is quite common with DS patients). It seems to have settled me down (as I've had 7 days of 'normal' bathroom -- I won't go into the sordid details of the bathroom problems. Suffice it to say they were BAD). I sure hope it continues as I've had plans to go to London (next month) since right after the surgery but won't book a flight till I know I'm going to feel ok.

I'm eating more (yay) but still barf if I eat too much (but I barf a lot less often & if I do, it's a 1/4 of the meal rather than 1/2 of it so I'm happy as this means my stomach's expanding).

Love eating meat. It's great. Can eat fat with it and everything (anyone who reads this -- you just have to figure out if it's going to affect your gas and/or stool).

9/19/05

Whoa was I sick last week. Cramps beginning at 4:30am & then diarrhea till noon. So tired b/c I was getting no sleep & was also in the bathroom so much. Dr. Pomp wanted to see me so I went in on the 16th. They took my blood a month early (Oct. would've been 6 months from the date of surgery) and he said there's definitely a problem but it's just a bump in the road. He decided to take me off the Urso (used to prevent gallstones) early (I wasn't due to come off it till November) as he feels I've lost the bulk of my weight already so the risk for gallstones has lessened. He felt this might be causing my problem as it had something to do with bile production (which I know has to do with the gallbladder but not much more). If this didn't work w/in a week, we'd next start me on Flagyl (which I know is quite common from reading the DS boards) to regulate the bacteria having to do w/stool. Thankfully, I felt better the next day & am feeling even better today. I still am cramping more than I was before (and waking at 5:30am instead of 6:15am) however, everything seems to be "fully formed" in the bathroom dept. I'll speak w/Dr. Pomp in the middle of the week to let him know how things are.

Plus Dr. Pomp told me I won't have to drink 6 glasses a day for the rest of my life. Yippee!! Then perhaps I’ll have room to eat more. Right now the fluid fills me up so much I still usually only get 80-85 grms. of protein a day (even with a protein shake). He said once I'm regulated (whenever that is -- I hope it's w/in the year) I won't have to drink so much. Hooray!!!

Hair loss has definitely slowed. Things are looking good!

9/2/05

Forgot to mention -- hair loss began at about 3 mos. postop. As I've lost hair before, when I've lost weight, I kind of expected it. Since I have long hair it isn't that bad but it has picked up as I head to my 5th month postop. At this point, I hope it doesn't get worse as I can live with this. I no longer wear barrettes or ponytail holders as I don't want to do anything to break the hair. I did speak to my surgeon's nutrit. about it & she doesn't want me taking anything as it could interfere w/absorption. If, GFB, it does get worse then I'll speak to her about external remedies.

8/30/05:

Don't want this to sound like all I do is complain, but sometimes I get so sick of the pills, the drinking, the not sleeping & the bathroom problems. I'm up anywhere from 4-5 am & then only manage to doze for another few hour. It can also take up to 90 minutes to fall asleep at night and naps are a thing of the past. Sometimes I'm up so early because I feel a cramp but can't even "go" for a few hours. Other days who knows why I'm up so early?!? [Obviously, this makes me very tired for the rest of the day as I'm getting so little sleep]. However, I've heard from other WLS patients their sleep isn't so good either. I'm just hoping, so much, it gets better in the near future. The bathroom part is annoying because even after I'm through "going" [which I'd say is one time a day for most days of the week -- once in a while I go twice a day or not at all] -- for the rest of the morning I kind of feel a heaviness in my lower stomach. Thankfully, I've realized this almost never means I need to "go" again so I can leave my apt. & start my day but it also can make the morning difficult as I have this heavy feeling for much of the morning at work.

Only was at work 1 day last week due to such tiredness I thought I'd fall asleep on my feet. My dr. said that if I didn't feel more like myself he'd do the iron study earlier than 6 mos. Thankfully, I felt better at the beginning of this week but it was so odd. Almost like the first weeks postop -- just so tired.

Now on to the good. I'm so much healthier. I try & never forget that or how my back is 90% better. (I used to walk around hunched over like an ape). I try & tell myself that taking all those pills and drinking 6 glasses/day is a small price to pay. Sometimes it works, other times I just feel it's such an annoyance. But I know I have to do it to get all my vitamins & minerals and to keep myself from dehydrating.

I eat about 3 oz. - 3.5 oz. of protein for lunch & dinner. (I have an egg & cheese or 1/4-1/2 cup of cereal and 1/2 cup of milk for breakfast). I remember postop where I couldn't even do 1 oz. so I'm pretty happy. Eventually, I hope to get to 4-6 oz. for those 2 meals and perhaps add in a small salad at some time. I still only have 1-1 1/2 pieces of fruit per week (when I remember to eat it) as I need to get in the protein first. I did get bored with some of my popcorn/pretzels so I've bought some other snacks (nothing really greasy just some chips & stuff from the health food store). It makes me feel better to eat that stuff & have some variety. I looked at nuts today at the supermarket & may try some in the future. They sure have a lot of protein (and I'd like to be at least to 100 grams/day eventually).

Still haven't gotten to the point that "this is the best thing I've ever done" as so many other WLS people say. However, I certainly can't say I really regret it. I guess I'd just like to feel normal for a long stretch & that simply hasn't happened yet (I'm waiting to change jobs till I can be sure I'll be there everyday -- right now I still can't say that).

7/19/05:

The weather is just killing me. For some reason I am so much more sensitive to heat/humidity. It's keeping me from the gym but at least I get to lift weights at home. Sleep still isn't what I'd like it to be but it's improved slightly.

I went for my 3 month post op visit last week. All blood tests (13 vials) looked well within normal range; however, my nutritionist suggested adding vitamin D so my calcium would be absorbed even better. As a matter of fact she told me they will probably be upping the Vit. D requirements even further as part of the protocol for postop patients. She also confirmed what I'd already known. I can now eat anything.

I had a long talk with the surgeon to discuss the fears I had re: all I'd heard at the support groups I'd attended. (In one, the surgeon said she'd stopped performing the DS due to complications 4+ years out such as night blindness, osteoporosis, & persons needing iron infusions. However, she did state that only 60% of DS patients were compliant with their pills & that that could very well be why there were these complications). My surgeon said it is due to non-compliance & stressed how he wouldn't have performed the DS on me unless they knew I'd comply. He then pointed to the thick accordion file I had w/me and laughed. He said it's important to be "somewhat compulsive" if you want the DS as you will have side effects if you don't follow a strict regimen of meds. He's pleased w/how I'm doing but said he'd have no problem w/me having blood tests every 4-6 mos. (instead of yearly) nor with my having a yearly bone test.

I was quite relieved. I realize I need to learn how to filter out things I hear in support meetings. They meetings are important & I want to keep going. I must realize that the operation's done & I can't change that. I must comply to the best of my ability and if something does happen then I'll deal with it. I need to remember why I had this done and that the good will surely outweigh the bad and the disastrous road I was headed down. My surgeon also said it's time to go out & live. He's right.

7/1/05:

Joined a gym about 3 weeks ago. Just cycling for 10 minutes a day (every couple of days) but am happy I've been able to get back. Also, began lifting weights last week at my apt. (I have my own weight bench) and have always loved that. And back to work a couple of times a week. That’s still the hardest due to the subways/train commute. In this weather, more just isn’t possible right now.

Had some trouble with barfing but have gotten that better under control. I'd say it now only happens about once a week & that's generally when I drink (esp. the protein shake) within an hour after I've eaten. I now try to drink the protein shake in the mornings, between breakfast & lunch, and that's usually okay.

Have had only 1 food, out of the many I've added in, not agree with me. It's turkey franks. Why? I have no idea. I followed the advice of my surgeon's nutritionist & had them and then when I barfed (like 4 times) I waited a week but the same thing happened & I was nauseous for days. I think I'll wait a month (at least) this time till I try them again. ;)

Added meat this week and it's all good (as is everything but those darn turkey franks).

I see the surgeon & nutritionist on the 15th & am looking forward to it. Have some questions re: food & about sleeping. Sleeping still hasn't gone back to pre-op conditions. It takes up to 90 minutes to fall asleep & then it's for 4-5 hours max. I then doze (get up to go to the bathroom -- as I'm sure all DSers know) & then, if I'm lucky, doze some more.

Went to a support group at 5 weeks post op & it wasn't good. There were 2 women who had terrible health experiences & just went on & on. If I'd been smart, I'd have left. Unfortunately, the moderator was inexperienced & didn't know how to quiet them down. They really disrupted the entire group. However, I'm planning to try another post op support group on 7/6. I realize they're important & want to give it another try.

One last thing, about 5 weeks post op, I woke up nauseated, with an incredibly aching lower back & feeling lethargic. I read the WLS materials, from my surgeon’s nutritionist, & realized I was dehydrated. I knew I wasn’t drinking enough but thought I could get away with it. I couldn’t! Now I drink 6 (8 oz.) glasses a day. It’s done the job & I haven’t had problems again. The trick, I’ve found, is 2 glasses between breakfast & lunch; 2 glasses between lunch & dinner; and 2 glasses between dinner & bedtime. Thankfully, it’s working for me. :)

5/10/05:

Exactly one month ago (April 11, 2005)I had the DS & today I had my first post-op visit with the surgeon & nutritionist. I was in the Weill Cornell Hospital for 5 days & while the nurses were excellent one of the nursing assistants was not. The care overall, though, was quite good. My biggest complaint (and, really the only one) was they seemed to do everything 1 day too quickly. For example, they took out the Foley after 1 day & then had to reinsert it that night (not something ANYONE would like to go through, believe me). They did the swallow test after 1 day & the pics weren't clear enough so they had to do the whole thing again with my surgeon there so he could make sure he saw what he wanted. I don't know if the push was for ins. reasons (after all they did keep me an extra day -- I'd expected to get out after 4 days, at first) but if they'd have waited 1 more day to do these things my stay would've been easier.

I began walking a lot in the hosp. (I owe that to my mother who really pushed) & kept it up at home. I walk 4x/day & just added a very steep hill last week. I'm exhausted after I walk it but I know I have to mentally push myself & physically my body will follow.

I'm still quite tired (and don't sleep well; 4 hours a night & then I doze the rest) but I've been assured that's normal & that I should consider a nap (which I abandoned the first week in an effort to sleep better & have a more normal lifestyle). I'm also told to try & drink more to help the tiredness & that my surgeon considers me in acute post-op for 2-3 months & I will prob. be tired for that long. Then things should ease up but I've also heard it can be 7-8 mos. till you really feel 'normal.'

He & I also discussed what goes on each morning re: the bathroom. He said he'd warned me (and he did) but I asked if it got better. I told him I need, like, 3 hours to decide if I have to go; how many times, do I really have to or is it a false alarm? It completely sets back my day. He said it will get better. He also said that my body knew 1 way to operate my whole life. Now, it's had 1 month in a totally new way & again, I'm changing things (as of tomorrow) b/c I'm starting new & different pills and adding more foods. I have to give it months to settle down & understand what's going on. I guess this is really the worst part for me -- not knowing if I can leave home or will I have to go some more? Are those cramps or what? As it is, I'm not sure when I will go back to work. I've been recuperating (at home) for a bit over 3 weeks. I hope to get back (very part-time & very short days) before I hit 6 weeks at home but we'll just have to see how I feel.

As for the malodorous gas, et al. -- I carry a pocket-size can of spray with me at all times. That seems to be working.
All in all, though, it was a good visit with the dr. They're all quite pleased with my progress & how much walking I'm trying to do (even though my back is still aching). As soon as I feel up to it, I'll rejoin the gym so I can use its treadmill. The weights will have to wait for at least another 2 weeks (and till I feel strong enough). But the food was different tonight & that's the greatest feeling -- adding more & more foods. :D

4/4/05:

One week to go (had several hours of tests at the hospital today) & I'm kind of uptight. Sleep has pretty much become a thing of the past (even with the help of Tylenol PM). It's funny b/c I've had several orthopedic operations over the last 10 years so it isn't so much the surgery itself -- it's the aftercare. I'm sure I'll get a handle on it, I guess it's just the waiting....

3/05:

Oh, my aching back (and I can't take muscle relaxers this close to surgery). And constantly having to buy larger & larger clothing because nothing fits.

I thought long & hard about having the DS & while I still wish there were another way to go (as I'm going to have to mourn the loss of my best friend, BINGE EATING); I know WLS is the way to go for me.

Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Alfons Pomp, M.D.
Actually, the surgery was performed by both Dr. Alfons Pomp & Dr. Michel Gagner. I liked Dr. Pomp upon meeting him. He spent over an hour with my parents & me explaining & going over everything. He answered every question we put to him. He did say he felt I was too much of a "lightweight" ;) (but I’ve put on a good deal of weight since Jan '05) to have the DS done & really went into the malodorous problems. This was disappointing; however, after the research I did, I knew I wanted the DS. He said he would have no problem performing it if it's what I thought was best. I met with 2 other surgeons and, after extensive research on the 'Net and through medical journals, decided to go with Dr. Pomp. He does have a structured aftercare program. I also have to admit he, the operation & all other matters are covered by my insurance & that did have a large part in my decision. Surgical Competence is much more impt. to me than bedside manner. I've been lucky to have both (for the most part) in previous orthopedic surgeries but care much more about the outcome than the surgeon's smile. Dr. Pomp was very nice & has a good reputation. I'm quite pleased with the fact he'll be performing my surgery.

Insurer Info:
Oxford , Freedom Select
They approved me in a day or two. My surgery is scheduled for April 11, 2005.