Question

First I want to say Hi to everyone old and new. I know I havent' been around in a while, life has been so crazy. I'm doing well though considering i'm 1 year and 9 months out and I have lost a total of 110lbs. started out at 250 and I'm down to 140 which is my goal. I'm feeling good with the exception of the fact that over the past week or so I have had lower left side abdominal pain. I have not had any tests to determine wether or not I have hernias and I do some lifting at my job so I'm worried that that's what it is. It is harder now to stay focused now that I am so far out but for the most part I make the right choices. I have to admit though I have been very bad about taking my vitiams on a regular basis . Anyway I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to what I should do about this pain. I was thinking about just going to my PCP to get checked out since it is so much easier for me to do that rather than go to my surgeon, but any suggestions would be great. I hope all is well with everyone. Take Care, Elizabeth 9/8/04 250/140 goal

Hi Elizabeth, I definitely reccommend seeing your PCP or Surgeon about the pain. I had lower left abnominal pain which turned out to be kidney stones, but there are so many different things that can cause pain. Please go get it checked out. Now, about vitamins. I have a friend who is a Bariatric Surgeon. He did not do my surgery due to him living too far away, but I do get alot of personal attention and advice from him. (My surgeon's office is great with support/follow up, etc., but this friend is someone I can talk to as well when the office is closed.) Anyway, he tells me over and over and over......as time goes by, you will possibly become more lax about things, but one thing you MUST REMAIN FAITHFUL TO is TAKING YOUR VITAMINS!! You can devleop a whole bunch of problems if you are not keeping up with these. I am not telling you what to do...........heck, I am not that great with them....but I have started carrying them with me so, if I remember when I am not home, I can take them right away. He stresses all the time that this is a very important aspect of staying healthy. Finally, I want to say, YOU LOOK GREAT. I am so proud of your success....you are an inspiration to me. I am 10 months out, and still losing....hopefully. I started at 265, and now weigh about 155. I hope to get to about 140, like you. My biggest fear is maintaining, but is seems to me that you are doing a good job of that so far, so maybe I can too. Please check with your doctor about your pain, and keep us updated. S

Congratulations on reaching and keeping to your goal. I keep my vitamins with me and they are chewable. This way, I can eat one twice daily. My calcium is also chewable (viactive or other brand) and sometimes a regular one that is also in my purse or pocket that I can take with water. I also take iron first thing in the morning and sublingual B12 right before bed. The only other item is zinc sulfate 220 mg, that I take with water during the day. When you put them in a baggie or small container and carry them on your person, it is much more easier to remember to take them. They are mandatory and your mind should always say take one with every meal. Good luck with keeping these essential items in your daily routine. It's still all new everyday...we completely understand. Take care, Linda M 230/140/115 (my personal goal)

First congrats on getting to goal and maintaining thats great! Next you know the deal, go see the PCP or Surgeon and have the pain checked out , could be anything....they are the only ones who can determine. Last like what was said before, pack the vits in a baggie and just have them in your bag. The best one are the chewables because you feel like you are snacking on some candy when you eat them....thats what helps me remember. Keep up the good work and after you see the doc update us. LisaMarie

Liz, Hey you... ~Hugs~ Glad to see you are doing great hun and about that pain.....GET to the Dr to find out what is going on with you. Ok so now that motherly feeling is gone Well i am so glad to hear you are doing great with the eating hun, remember we have to watch this for life! We never really recover from our over eating but we are just in remission. It was so nice to hear from you today and please come back more often, miss seeing your posts Debra P

Thankyou to everyone for such great responses. I made and appt with my PCP to get checked out. And I'm making a promise to myself to take my vitiams everyday I am going to get those little mini zip lock baggies. Thankyou all again for such great advice and I will definately keep you all posted on this pain that I"m having. And i just wanted to say congratulations Debra you look amazing keep up the great work. I'll will definately be around more often. Enjoy the first day of summer. Elizabeth 9/8/04 250/140 goal!

Hey elizabeth, Unfortunately from reading these boards, a lot of PCPs are ignorant of the issues that most WLS patients encounter. I'd go see your surgeon, it's probably the same co-pay and your more likely to get a diagnosis. scott

Hi Elizabeth, I'm online a lot so I set computer alerts to take my pills if I get forgetful. Fortunately with the weight loss, I've gotten some of my memory back I also use my cell phone for reminders too. I hope you feel better with your side pain. Kristine