mylittleblackdress’s Posts

mylittleblackdress
on 9/10/11 1:43 am
Topic: RE: Supplies for staying away from home during recovery
laptop (if you have one) with Skype subscription is nice
favorite pillow
fleece throw--nice to wrap up in on the plane or in the hotel--I used mine a lot
snacks for companion
you might find a nightgown or night shirt more comfortable for lounging around in--no waistband
Crystal Light type mixes to flavor your water
mylittleblackdress
on 9/7/11 12:06 am
Topic: RE: Question about traveling for DS
I went to Brazil for my surgery.  I stayed for two weeks post-op per Dr. Marchesini's protocol then flew home with DH once it was confirmed I had no problems!
mylittleblackdress
on 9/5/11 4:27 am
Topic: RE: is heavy cream just fat? Can i use it for protein shakes freely?
I use about 2 oz. heavy cream and the res****er and it tastes great.
mylittleblackdress
on 9/3/11 10:54 pm, edited 9/3/11 10:54 pm
Topic: RE: For the runners
Try starting out in the late evening or very early AM.  Choose a safe place and maybe have someone run with you until you get comfortable.  It's cooler and there are very few people out.  Those who are are usually focusing on their own exercise.
mylittleblackdress
on 8/26/11 11:51 am
Topic: RE: God hates America!

DH and I went down to the beach this evening to see how things look.  Even though Irene is now several hundred miles away that is one angry ocean!!  The waves were huge! (I'd post my photos if I could figure how to get them off my phone).  We (Florida) got spared the bulk of the mess this time but I worry about everyone else along the east coast.  I have family still up in MD and VA and I have a time share in the Outer Banks.  In fact this is my weekend to be there, but obviously I'm not.  I suspect there may not be much left when this is over as it's such a vulnerable yet beautiful location.

To those of you in the path of the storm I hope you and yours are safe!
Lisa

mylittleblackdress
on 8/19/11 11:57 am
Topic: RE: In Hospital.. Need some advice..
I used to work at that hospital and have been a patient as well as one of my kids was a patient there and unless things have changed dramatically since I left (which was quite a while ago I admit) there is always a nursing supervisor who is over the charge nurses who is available when things get dicey.  They usually cover several floors/departments.  Call her/him.  If that doesn't get you some action call the Director of Nursing who is usually working during the day, Monday-Friday, which won't help you this weekend but someone is covering for her/him.  A hospital of that size is loaded with bureaucracy, but you can navigate it with persistence.

FYI--You probably have been seen by medical residents--they report to an attending MD.  My experience is that they can be stubborn SOBs and will likely label you a whiner and may not help much so you need a vocal advocate.  Get a family member in there pronto to make some noise. Something is clearly not right.

Also every hospital has an Ombudsman to help you when you need an advocate.  Call them!  Put your foot down!

Good luck!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/18/11 12:57 am
Topic: RE: The DS and eating out?
You've gotten lots of great feedback from others but I'll chime in also.  I eat out often but virtually no fast food except for occasionally Chick Fil A.  I usually share a meal with my husband as I can't eat enough to justify an entire meal and it helps keep him from overeating as restaurant portions are so huge these days.  If I'm out alone or with someone other than my DH I always bring leftover food home.  I always go for the protein first--steak, seafood etc.--followed by a little salad or a couple bites of potato or rice.  I fill up quickly so I'm picky about what I eat.  I want good protein for my $ and most fast food is junk so I avoid it.  My one indulgence is wings--we have the best local sports bar and wings I've ever eaten so I do eat them without guilt.  Supporting the local economy and small businessman, you know? 

I find restaurants are great about letting us split a meal with no additional charge and I've gotten over the embarrassment of doing so.  I look great and it works for us!  Only one place added $3.00 for us to do that so I'll never eat there again. 

Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/16/11 3:12 pm
Topic: RE: How often do you weigh yourself?
I weigh myself every morning.
mylittleblackdress
on 8/16/11 2:37 pm
Topic: RE: Updates
Lisa--
You are a strong and incredible woman and I congratulate you for putting yourself first!  In my heart I know all will be well with you!  You are in my thoughts and prayers as always.

Hugs,
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/8/11 10:05 am
Topic: RE: strange but painful symptoms..
Sounds a lot like a nasty UTI.
mylittleblackdress
on 8/8/11 3:55 am
Topic: RE: Swinging critters?
The swinging of all critters is figuratively speaking, of course!
mylittleblackdress
on 8/8/11 3:55 am
Topic: RE: Swinging critters?

The swinging of animals is figuratively speaking, of course!

mylittleblackdress
on 8/6/11 12:42 pm
Topic: RE: Central Florida DS Group
Great to see everyone again!!  Thanks for posting our pics Linda!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/4/11 2:47 pm
Topic: RE: Two year update.
Jessy--
I'll add my congratulations to the chorus!  You've done a remarkable job and have so many reasons to be proud!

Thanks for the update.  Please get the abdominal pain evaluated!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/4/11 2:37 pm
Topic: RE: Dr's name in Brazil that does plastics
Dr. Tolassi (sp?) does plastics in Brazil.  When I was there having my DS another American patient of Dr. Marchesini's was having plastic surgery with Dr. T.  We kept in contact for quite a while and she was thrilled with her results.
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/4/11 2:16 pm
Topic: RE: Biopsy Results = EXCELLENT NEWS!!
Lisey--
That is fantastic news!!  Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 8/2/11 12:39 am
Topic: RE: Update
Lisey--
I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Hugs!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 7/28/11 1:23 pm
Topic: RE: aside from vitamins and protein what can be done to prevent hair loss? or what can be added +
There is nothing you can do except eat lots of protein and take your vits--I added biotin three times/day and my hair fell out by the gobs until I got to the one-year mark.  I did use the Phyto three month treatment regime for hair loss which made what I had thicker and may have helped.  Fortunately the fallout seems to have stopped.  My hairdresser says all her clients who have had significant weight loss go through this and not much helps except time.
mylittleblackdress
on 7/28/11 1:13 pm
Topic: RE: Any recent Joao Marchesini pts?
I went last year and had Dr. M. arrange the hotel, transportation to and from the airport, etc.  You might be able to save $ arranging all that yourself but I wasn't going to be penny wise and pound foolish by doing it myself never having traveled to a foreign country before. That being said, my DH booked our flights on TAM on line like you would if traveling in the US.  Sao Paulo has three international airports so make sure you arrive at the same one you will be flying to Curitiba from.  Transfers from one airport to another within Sao Paulo are not recommended by the US State Department due to safety concerns.  We had no problems at the airport we flew into although they are more disorganized than the US airports and do not post the departure gates until about 10 minutes before boarding.  That was a little tricky not speaking the language but we did fine and did not miss the plane.  We had a long layover in case our flight was delayed so that we would not miss the connecting flight to Curitiba.  BTW TAM is a great airline and I would highly recommend a night flight as they are virtually empty and very quiet so you can sleep and stretch out. 

The total cost for EVERYTHING for two people including surgery, hotel, flights, food etc. was roughly $19,000 one year ago.  FYI--he is an outstanding surgeon and individual and I would do it again in a second!!  My recovery was textbook and easy, I am below goal, maintaining without any problems and loving life!

Good luck!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 7/21/11 1:38 am
Topic: RE: SO OT _ Going to see a medium on Friday

Have done this a couple times.  Either get permission to record the session or ask someone to go along and take detailed notes.  You'll never remember everything that's said and those seemingly minor things that are forgotten may have significance to you later.

Have fun!
Lisa

mylittleblackdress
on 7/3/11 3:38 am
Topic: RE: hair loss
I am a few days shy of a year since my surgery and have had significant hair loss up to two or three weeks ago despite getting well over 100 grams of protein/day and following the Vitalady vitamin plan.  I even added 1000 mcg biotin 3x/day.  My eyelashes look great for the first time in my adult life but I lost quite a bit of hair on my head.  I hated shampooing it due to the piles of hair that fell out each time.  It seems to have stopped but time will tell.  My hairdresser says this is very common in people losing lots of weight, not just with the DS and she isn't concerned.
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 6/28/11 1:42 pm
Topic: RE: The other side of bathroom "issues"
I take two Fiber Choice every day.  It is a good-tasting chewable tablet and you can take up to six/day if needed.
mylittleblackdress
on 6/28/11 1:36 pm
Topic: RE: Shameless AW post--Humor me! :)
Anna--You look fantastic!  Great job!
Lisa
mylittleblackdress
on 6/25/11 2:42 am
Topic: RE: Betrayal.

This is so tragic on so many levels!  Although your world as you knew it is changed forever perhaps those children may find some justice--if they are ever found.

It just goes to show we never know what goes on behind closed doors, do we.
Lisa

mylittleblackdress
on 6/22/11 7:00 am
Topic: RE: OT - about our progress (xpost, if I knew how to do it)
Michelle--
Just wanted to say I'm sorry I missed you in Orlando but have been dealing with my own family crisis!

Best to you and Don!
Lisa
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