Finally Diagnosed w/Cushings Disease

Apr 14, 2010

Well, I finally got my diagnosis!
It has been PROVEN that I do have this incredibly RARE disease... Cushings Disease.
AKA: Cushings Syndrome.

Since my last blog, I have:

Had a lot of medical tests...
Blood work... blood work.... blood work... 
Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling... (what a scary, scary procedure)
MRI's and Cat Scans...

Once I was diagnosed officially, I felt I needed to quickly take care of my hernia prior to my 'brain surgery'!

So, I have had:
Umbillical Hernia Repair Surgery (3 weeks ago)....
And then, I had:
Transphenoidal (spelled correctly?) Pituitary Surgery to remove a benign tumor (exactly 1 week ago today)...

The Pituitary Surgery was unsuccessful...
My 8am Serum Cortisol Level was 24 the morning after surgery, then a 22 the next morning.
To be considered 'cured' your level needs to be under 5, and really, you hope for a 0!
 
I am so devestated...

So,
My Neurosurgeon, Dr. Kristen Riley at UAB, Birmingham, AL. wants to do Gamma Knife Radiosurgery...
another scary procedure...
OR
Another path I could go is Bilateral Adrenalectomy (spelled correctly?)...

The next few months will be full of questions and I am certain more testing now that my Pituitary has almost been totally removed... My hormones may be out of whack now too! UGGGGHHHH...

Now that I have my concrete diagnosis...
I know that my Gastric Bypass was unnecessary medically,
BUT, I needed RNY for my mental health.
Losing 50 lbs has made a huge difference in how I feel...physically and mentally!!!!

If you are reading this and you have:
a 'hard, pregnant-looking belly' (trunkal obesity)
if you have had a rapid weight gain with no excess food intake or major lifestyle changes
if you bruise easily
if your cuts and sores take forever to heal
if you have unwanted hair on your face and other unwanted areas
if you suffer from depression
a 'buffalo hump' on the back of your neck and shoulders
a red, round face (moon face)
extreme fatigue
achy joints
muscle weakness (difficulty doing stairs or rising from seated position)
brittle bones (fracture easily, bone density low, osteoarthritis)
if your Blood Pressure is rising
if your Blood Sugar is rising (pre-diabetic)
if your skin is thin and dry (like an elderly person)
if you develop rashes/skin tags/moles, etc
if the texture of your hair changes (mine was straight and shiny, but, NOW it is wiry, coarse and wavy)

The symptoms I do not have, but are very common:
red stretch marks on the belly and breast area
irregular periods
acne

So, if these symptoms describe you ... Go directly to an Endocrinologist!
Have your Serum Cortisol and ACTH levels drawn because...

YOU may be a CUSHIE too!

I wouldn't wish this difficult to diagnose disease on anyone!
BUT,
I am certain there are a few Cushie's out there that are unaware that they have this...

4 comments

50 lbs at 5 Months Post Op...

Mar 22, 2010

Tomorrow is my 5 month surgerversary...October 23rd to March 23rd...

50 POUNDS GONE... Forever and ever and ever and ever.

I am definitely a 'slow loser' compared to most of you OH RNYers... but, I have lost those 50 pounds nonetheless...

I will continue to follow MY RULES:
Weigh-In on my scale: butt naked, after I tinkle, first thing, every morning
Protein FIRST
Daily journal my food: what I eat/amount eaten/calories/protein grams
Daily journal my sleep and 'potty' habits
Drink Drink Drink... 100 ounces per day minimum!
Take all of my daily vitamins/meds
Eat sugar free/ low carb if possible
Continue to set small goals for myself...then reward myself in some way!

I felt like I had the longest 'stall' ever... these last ten pounds have been slow going!

BUT,
Here I am today 50 pounds lighter...
Only five short months ago,
I weighed 230 (two hundred and thirty) pounds...
That is what my 6'2" husband weighs!

I cannot wait to lose these last: 10/20/30/40/50 lbs ?????

QUESTION:
What is my final GOAL weight?
170/160/150/140/130.....

Only time will tell...



2 comments

Vitamin info:

Mar 22, 2010

Thank you fellow OH member for this great info:

ASMBS suggested supplementation

On 11.16.09, In General Nutrition, Vitamins, By Andrea

The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons has made a series of suggestions for postoperative vitamin supplementation prior to labs dictating otherwise.

Multivitamin
- Adjustable Gastric Band/VSG: 100% of daily value
- RNY: 200% of daily value
- BPD/DS: 200% of daily value

  • Choose a multivitamin that is a high-potency vitamin containing 100% of daily value for at least 100% of daily value of 2/3 of nutrients
  • Begin with chewable or liquid
  • Progress to whole tablet/capsule as tolerated
  • Avoid time-released supplements
  • Avoid enteric coating
  • Choose a complete formula containing at least 18 mg iron, 400mcg folic acid, as well as selenium, and zinc in each serving
  • Avoid children’s formulas that are incomplete
  • May improve gastrointestinal tolerance when taken close to food intake
  • May separate dosage
  • Do not mix multivitamin containing iron with calcium supplement, take at least 2 hours apart
  • Individual brands should be reviewed for absorption rate and bioavailability
  • Specialized bariatric formulations are available

Additional cobalamin (B12)
- AGB/VSG: Not Applicable
- RNY: 350-500mcg if taken orally, 1000mcg / mo intramuscular injection
- BPD/DS: NA

Additional elemental calcium
- AGB/VSG: 1500mg /day
- RNY: 1500-2000mg
- BPD/DS: 1800-2400mg

  • Choose a brand that contains calcium citrate and vitamin D3
  • Begin with chewable or liquid
  • Progress to whole tablet / capsule as tolerated
  • Split into 500-600 mg doses; be mindful of serving size on supplement label
  • Space doses evenly throughout day
  • Suggest a brand that contains magnesium, especially for BPD/DS
  • Do not combine calcium with iron containing supplements
  • Wait 2 or more hours after taking multivite or iron supplement to take
  • Wait 2 or more hours between doses
  • Promote intake of dairy beverages and/or foods that are significant sources of dietary calcium in addition to recommended supplements
  • Combined dietary and supplemental calcium intake greater than 1700 mg/day might be required to prevent bone loss during rapid weight loss

Additional elemental iron
- AGB / VSG: NA
- RNY: Minimum 18-27mg / day elemental
- BPD/DS: Minimum 18-27mg / day elemental

  • Recommended for menstruating women and those at risk of anemia
  • Begin with chewable or liquid
  • Progress to tablet as tolerated
  • Dosage may need to be adjusted based on biochemical markers
  • No enteric coating
  • Do not mix iron and calcium supplements, take at least 2 hours apart
  • Avoid excessive intake of tea due to tannin interaction
  • Encourage foods rich in heme iron
  • Vitamin C may enhance absorption of non-heme iron sources

Fat-soluble vitamins
- AGB / VSG: NA
- RNY: NA
- BPD/DS: 10,000 IU of vitamin A, 2000 IU of vitamin D, 300 mcg of vitamin K

  • With all procedures, higher maintenance doses may be required for those with a history of deficieincy
  • Water-soluble preparations of fat-soluble vitamins are available
  • Retinol sources of vitamin A should be used to calculate dosage
  • Most supplements contain a high percentage of beta carotene which does not contribute to vitamin A toxicity
  • Intake of 2000 IU vitamin D3 may be achieved with careful selection of multivitamin and calcium supplements
  • No toxic effect known for Vitamin K1, phytonadione (phyloquinone)
  • Vitamin K requirement varies with dietary sources and colonic production
  • Caution with vitamin K supplementation should be used for patients receiving coagulation therapy
  • Vitamin E deficiency is not prevalent in published studies

Optional B complex
- AGB / VSG: 1 per day
- RNY: 1 per day
- BPD/DS: 1 per day

  • B-50 dosage
  • Liquid form is available
  • Avoid time released tablets
  • No known risk of toxicity
  • May provide additional prophylaxis against B-vitamin deficiencies, including thiamin, especially for BPD/DS procedures as water-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the proximal jejunum
  • Note >1000mg of supplemental folic acid provided in combination with multivitamins could mask B12 deficiency
0 comments

Labs we need: GREAT, complete LIST...

Feb 15, 2010

Found this GREAT LIST of LABS we need...
Thank you to the OH main forum poster for this great information!

Not to be construed as medical advice, this list includes labs we have had performed as gastric bypass patients. The first group, every 3 to 6 months for life, as we are able. The second group, annually, as long as the results were comfortably within normal limits for more than 2 years in a row.

1st Group

*80053 Comprehensive Metabolic profile: (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose,BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase) (10231)

* 84134 Pre-albumin:

* 7600 Lipid profile: (cholesterol,
HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio)

* 10256 Hep panel: includes
ALT (SPGT) & GGT)

* 84100 Phosphorous – Inorganic: (718)

* 83735 Magnesium:

* 84550 Uric Acid: (905)

* 7444 Thyroid panel: (T3U, T4,
FTI, TSH) (84437; 84443; 84479; 84480)

* 85025 Hemogram with platelets: (1759)

* 7573 Iron: TIBC, % sat

* 83550 Ferritin: (457)

* 84630 Zinc: (945)

* 84446 Vitamin A: (921)

* 82306 Vitamin D: (25-hydroxy) (680)

* 84052 Vitamin B-1: (Thiamin) (4052)

* 84207 Vitamin B-6: (Pyridoxine)

* 7065 Vitamin B-12 & Folate: (82607; 82746)

* 83970 Serum intact: PTH

* 83937 Osteocalcin:

* 84597 Vitamin K:

* 85610 PT:

* 85730 PTT:


2ND GROUP
* 593 LDH:

* 31789 Homocysteine, Cardio:

* 83921
MMA:

* 367 Cortisol:

* 84255 Selenium:

* 84590 Vitamin E:

* 82525 Copper:

Thank you so much!


 

1 comment

RieRie's Advice at 4 yrs post-op...

Feb 15, 2010

Tips and Tricks by RieRie

I saw this on RieRie's Blog and thought it looked familiar...
I may know much of this information, but, it is nice to have it all in one place now.
Thank you so much RieRie!!!


These are tips and tricks that work for me. I advise everyone to do as their surgeon and dietician suggest. You should always follow their instructions as best you can. Ask them if you are not sure, as they are the professionals, not me. Good luck in your adventure and I wish everyone the best that you can achieve in your life. Love, Marie

The right portion ... Is about the size of ...
8 ozs of water/ is one cup
3 oz. of meat or poultry / A cassette tape
3 oz. of grilled fish / Your checkbook
½ cup of pasta or rice / An ice cream scoop
1 oz. of cheese / 4 stacked dice
1 cup fresh greens / A tennis ball
1 oz. of pretzels or other snack foods / A large handful
1 medium fruit or a small potato / Your computer mouse
1 teasthingy of butter or margarine / A Scrabble tile
1 serving of bread or a roll/ 1 small roll A Yo-Yo
5 crackers is a general a serving.


Some general rules to keep you from sliding backwards----

Protein first--veg second

Use 1 cup size bowls and saucers to control portion sizes.

NO SECONDS! No matter how good it tastes!!!

No drinking with meals.

NO SKIPPIN snacks (another issue I am having, I when I skip my 3 pm snack... I have given mental notes to myself that I can have more later... NO! NO!)

Getting in all my liquids. I still mistake feeling thirsty with feeling hungry. A good drink of water and my 'put something in me' desire goes away!

Don't eat in front of the Tv. Always pay attention to what your eating. Tv is distracting. I perfer to eat by myself too. That way I can tell when I am full with no distractions.

Always drink a whole glass of water a half hour before I eat. It seems to help with the fullness. You probably won't be able to do this early on.

After you get where you can eat raw vegetables, keep: carrots, celery, lettuce, broccoli, califlower, in a container to munch on. I find myself grazing, and when I do, I can munch on the raw vegtables. This is better than grazing on high calorie foods.

I also keep low cal lunch meats and cheeses in the fridge to help with protein intake. Just wrap lunch meat and cheese for a wrap to eat.

I also keep boiled eggs in the refridgerator for a quick protein meal. One medium egg is 7 grams of protein/70 cals.

Anchor hocking has some one cup bowls with lids that are good for portion control. They will hold only a cup. You cannot really fill them with more than that. Otherwise it is too full. If you cannot finish the portion, the lid just snaps back on to eat it later.They are also microwavable.

Buy the four ozs family packs of yogurt instead of the 6 or 8 ozs.  I only allow myself two per day too.

Eat one can of tuna per day for protein.

Eat shrimp- it is good in protein. I like the pre-cooked shrimp. I can keep it frozen and just take out 4 or 5 for a meal.

A great dvd for exercise is Leslie Sansone. You can get them at Walmart. They are inexpensive. You can start off slow with them. I just love these dvd's.

For a variety of exercise I keep: a jump rope, exercise springs, and weights. I have them all in a basket sitting in the corner. If I find I have nothing to do for a few minutes (while cooking or something) I do some exercises with them. I found most of this stuff at yardsales and thrift or consignment centers. I have not had to spend over a dollar per item.


Use www.fitday.com to keep track of what you are eating. It is a good site.

If you find yourself sitting doing nothing. Tap your foot or flex your calf muscle. This is extra movement, and helps burn calories. Like at the docs office, sitting at the computer, or when riding in a car.

When tapping your foot, pick a number and don't let yourself stop until you get there. Same thing with repetitive exercises.

Make yourself do some work before you can eat something. Like: do dishes or vacuum before you can have your snack.

When going somewhere: take a bag full of good foods, and lots of water. So, if you get busy, you have healthy foods to eat and it keeps you from eating at restaurants. (This saves money too!)

At home, I only drink water. I treat myself to some green tea from lipton when I go some where.

I drink a 3 cup glass of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also drink a glass of water before bed. That gets me 96 ozs of water everyday and anything else is extra.

I take water everytime I get in the car. I also keep water bottles in the car, just in case I forget. I also keep single packs of lipton green tea in the car at all times.

I ask for a small plate if we go to restaurants. My husband and I order something we can share. (This saves money too!)

My favorite protein recipe:
1/2 bannana (or choice of fruit)
1/2 c. crystal light orange ( or choice)
4 ozs. yogurt Strawberry (or choice)
5 to 7 ice cubes
one scoop vanilla whey protein
Mix with a blender.
Makes a great smootie- it has around 300 calories and 25-30 grams of protein.
I substitute it for a meal.

For juice in protein drink, use flavors of crystal light. This gives it less calories.

Don't take that last bite no matter how much you think you need it. JUST DON'T DO IT!!!!

Always take small bites- use BABY spoons to get used to taking small bites.

Chew every bite 20 times before swallowing. Not only does the chewing help with digestion, but it exercises your face and neck muscles.

Put a rubberband on your wrist and snap it if you have thoughts of eating something you shouldn't eat.

Find hobbies to keep you busy: go to computer profiles, message groups, crocheting, gardening. Anything that will keep you busy so you don't think about food.

Go for a walk. It is good exercise and keeps you from sitting around the house and wanting to eat. I walk a certain distance, and then I push myself by going too far and then I have to walk back.

Keep all food in cabinets. Our of sight, out of mind. That way when you walk through the kitchen you are not tempted.

Exercise while watching sitcoms at night. I find this is a good time to do pilates.

Exercise right after breakfast, this helps to kick start your metabolism and get it 'burning'.

Always eat something for breakfast to start your metabolism.

Get yourself into a routine of taking your vitamins the same time every day. This makes you less likely to forget them. I take mine every morning at the computer desk- while the computer is booting up.

Go to support groups and/or websites support groups. Helps to keep you motivated and stay on track.

Make a lists of books to read and actually read them. Take a class at the local college.

Give yourself rules regarding food. Pick healthy foods. And pick rules you know you can follow. Adding rules helps you to stay in control, instead of food controlling you.

Reward yourself often. Think about the money you are saving. Buy yourself something every time you reach a goal- get your nails done, save money for a vacation, buy a new subscription to a magazine you want.

Make small goals at a time- "I want to lose five, ten, or twenty pounds". When I reach goal, I am getting a new wardrobe. My aunt has already promised me a trip to the mall. I have never been able to shop at the mall. I am excited over this.

Do not Ever, not Ever, feel guilty about throwing food away. It is better off in the trash can,then around your heart.

Eating dense food makes your pouch feel fuller.

Don't get discouraged. You did not put this weight on in one day, and it won't come off in one day. This will take time, and time is all we have. Anyway, it is time to take care of ourselves and the ones we love. Be Happy!!

Eat to Live, Don't live to eat.

Tell yourself you do eat normal. I can't help it if every one else eats too much. I don't want to be fat ever again!

This lifestyle is forever. I will do whatever it takes. I want to be a healthy weight for once in my life. I now have the rest of my life to take care of me.

Put your utencils down between bites.

If you have a craving for sugar, try sugar-free jello.

Give yourself permission to eat. This helps makes good food choices.
But, ask yourself: "Do I need this for nutrition or am I just wanting to eat"?

ONLY take out the amount of food you can eat. Wrap up everything leftover, and put it away. Never sit bowls of food on the table in front of you while you are eating. This will tempt you to put more on your plate later...NO seconds, remember? 

Don't nibble while preparing your meal.  DON'T do it! Keep a glass of water by you to help with breaking this habit. Drink the water instead.

Plan your meals as much as possible. Know what you are gong to fix for a meal. This makes it easier to make healthy choices.

If you find yourself eating our of control- count to 30 and think about your decision.
Remember: It is a matter of choice- YOUR choices!

Never eat out of the bag,and always measure your food. A handful here and there will add calories fast.

I never eat bread, pastas, rice, or rolls of any kind. I don't need the calories. I also don't eat much cereal. I do eat some mini wheats, occasionally, for fiber.

I love Kashi high protein cereal…it is also good fiber source.
You can also throw a handful of kashi in with your high protein pudding to boost the protein grams and add some fiber.

I alway use real butter, instead of margerine.

Spend all of your grocery money on healthy foods.
Don't allow yourself to buy anything but healthy foods.

On holidays, expecially Halloween, buy the kids other stuff instead of candy- pencils, packs of play-dough, apples, etc. So, there is no 'left over' candy.

Chicken of the Sea Tuna packs are really good in protein.

Refried Beans are also a good protein source, especially early out.

PROTEIN IDEAS: PORTION-CALORIES-PROTEIN (grams)

Beans, canned, baked-1/2 cup-123-7
Beans, kidney, canned-1/2 cup-112-8
Beef eye of round-3 oz-143-21
Beef top loin-3 oz-176-21
Cheese, american fat free-1 oz-40-6
Cheese, cottage creamed-1/2 cup-82-14
Cheese, parmesan grated-1/4 cup-128--12
Cheese, mozzarella,part skim-1 oz-78-8
Cheese, part skim riccota-1/4 cup-90-8
Chicken, breast- no skin--3 oz-138-26
Chicken, leg- no skin-3 oz-162-21
Cod, white baked-3 oz-89-21
Crab, steamed-3 oz-82-17
Egg, hard cooked-1-78-6
Flounder-3 oz-62-21
Halibut-3 oz-119-21
Ham, lean, 5% fat-3 oz-133-21
Hamburger, 90% lean-3 oz-169-21
Lobster, steamed-3 oz-77-16
Milk, skim-1 cup-86-8
Milk, skim plus-1 cup-120-11
Peas, chick, canned-1/2 cup-134-7
Pork tenderloin-3 oz-139-21
Pork loin chop-3 oz-172-21
Salmon, baked-3 oz-155-21
Shrimp, steamed-(5 large) 3 oz-84-18
Soybeans (edemami)-1/2 cup-149-14.3
Soy flour, defatted-1/4 cup-81.7-12.8
Soymilk, plain-1 cup-79-6.6
Soynuts-1/4 cup-202-15
Steak, sirloin, trimmed-3 oz-166-26
Swordfish, baked-3 oz-132-21
Tempeh-1/2 cup-165-15.7
Texturized soy protein-1/2 cup-59-11
Tofu-1/2 cup-94-10
Tuna, canned, water packed-3 oz-111-25
Turkey, white meat-3 oz-105-21
Veal loin--3 oz-149-21
Veal leg(top round)-3 oz-128-21
Yogurt(sugar free) frozen,-1/2 cup-80--7
Yogurt Dannon lightn'fit creamy-6 oz-100-8

Great Tips and Tricks...Need to read this monthly to remember my new 'Tool's RULES'...
Thanks again RieRie...
Lisa

0 comments

Still looking for my tiny tumor...

Feb 13, 2010

Well, I spoke to my Endocrinologist yesterday about the next steps in looking for the tiny tumor causing my Cushings Syndrome/Disease, or Ectopic Cushings.

Recently, the MRI of my pituitary came back negative.
Good news, right?
Well, no, because:  research has shown that 60% of MRI's looking for pituitary tumors come back negative, and yet, after pituitary surgery the little +/-2mm tumor is found- too tiny to detect or it is hiding behind the gland. So, it could still be in my brain.

The CT Scan of my adrenals was also negative.
Good news, right?
Well, no, because:  I should have had my pancreas, chest (lungs) and thalymus also scanned at the same time, but, they were not because my Gastric Dr. got me the CT, not my Endo. I asked him to do the CT, so, it is my fault... I was just praying the tumor was on my adrenals so he could do the surgery... Wishful thinking, right?

So, now I get to do another CT Scan.
That means I get to drink that bottle of Barium again... 'gag me'.
It is very difficult to swallow that much yucky, thick, chalky liquid with my new tiny tummy!

Dr. Warriner said that we will do another 8mg Dexamethasone test soon.
We will get an ACTH baselevel drawn prior to the test.

We will also do a couple of Midnight Salivary Tests too...
She thought we had already done the 'suck on the sponge' tests, but I told her "I've never sucked on a sponge"...
So, she said we will do one when I see her the day I have the CT of my chest, etc.

When the next, upcoming, CT Scan comes back clean... if it comes back clean, it simply means it's not ECTOPIC Cushings!
Since we already know it is not Adrenal Cushings DISEASE because of the recent clean CT of my adrenals, then this tumor MUST be hiding in my head on my pituitary gland.

Dr. Warriner has always believed it is 'in my head' because: all of my blood work points to pituitary.
She is trying to take away any hopes that it is not there, because of the final test.
The test to see what side of the pituitary this little tumor is on is extremely scary for me...

This test is called Inferior Petral Sinus Sampling (IPSS).
It is a very 'invasive' procedure conducted by a Neuro-Radiologist.

The IPSS involves no anesthesia or sedation.
The Dr. needs you to be awake during the procedure so you can talk to them.
About what? I do not know.
Anyway, the Dr. inserts a ?wire? through the veins on either side of your groin.
These wires travel up through your torso into your brain. 
They end up on either side of your pituitary gland. 
Once there, blood samples will be drawn simultaneously from each side of the pituitary gland.
Whichever side has the highest ACTH level means that is the side the tumor is on.
This information is necessary for the Neurosurgeon prior to doing your 'brain surgery' to remove this tumor. 

To say that I am anxious about the IPSS, is the understatement of the century. 

Generally, I am not a 'scare-d-cat', but this is different- I'll be WIDE AWAKE!

I have had 4 major back surgeries in the past 5 yrs- 2 were spinal fusions!
I have had Lap RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery!
I wasn't frightened of those surgeries.

YET, this procedure scares me to death!
The idea of being awake while things are being pushed up through my body into my brain is making me NUTS!!!!

I am so ready for all of this to be finished.
I am not really looking forward to my future.
Years of testing/surgery/recovery/remission, and so on...

THE only thing I know for certain IS: 
God, I need YOU.
Please BE with ME!
Amen.

 

0 comments

'About Time' Whey BIRTHDAY CAKE protein powder...YUM!

Feb 11, 2010

AboutTime Whey Protein Powder...
My Favorite Flavor is Birthday Cake...

Go to: www.tryabouttime.com or:  www.shopabouttime.com
or
Just Google: About Time Whey, and you should find it...

Today, I mixed the 'Birthday Cake' single serving packet into a Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding Cup and added a splash of lowfat milk...YUMMY! I ate it with a spoon and pretended that it was chocolate icing...

If you order some of this, YOU will be so glad you did... they have free shipping right now if you buy the 2 pound container for $39.99...

They also have single serving packets to try their 7 flavors:
chocolate/vanilla/strawberry/cinnamon swirl/peaches and cream/mocha mint/birthday cake

I have spent a small fortune on protein powders and these are the best for you...
100% Whey protein. Gluten and lactose free. No sugar. All natural, etc.

Ea. serving for the Birthday Cake is: 123 cal/25 g prot and really nothing else...no sugar/no carbs, etc.
 
They also list their amino acid profile on their package...

VERY SOON, March 1st, they are going to have Ready To Drink (RTD) available AND mix-it-yourself plastic bottles (you just add water and shake). These will be great to carry in my purse (not so heavy as RTD)!
I cannot wait!

Their web site also said they are going to have meal replacement bars...
I think one of them was Chocolate Brownie (I tried to read the picture).

Well, I just wanted to pass along this great 'protein shake find'...
I hope you like it too!
Lisa
0 comments

Labs We Need POST-OP by Nurse Sharon

Feb 11, 2010

Found this GREAT INFO. from a very hostile forum Question.
The responses were...well, you know...something that would've made ME CRY!!!
(because I am a big baby and hate 'strong words' or any conflict whatsoever)
Anyway,
I hated to steal this, but, I am on OH for INFO...
So, 
Thanks to Nurse Sharon, I am the benefactor of her scolding a 'newbie'-
(in one response, someone actually referred to the original poster as a 'toddler'...) :


If your lab draws do not include the following, you are not getting the whole picture:

1759- CBC w/diff

10231 – CMP (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase)

 

84134 – Pre-albumin                                                    

 

593 – LDH

 

7600 – Lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio)

 

10256 – Hep panel (ALT, AST, & GGT)

 

718 – Phosphorous – inorganic                                   

 

83735 – Magnesium

 

905 – Uric acid                                                           

 

945 – Zinc

 

7444 – Thyroid panel (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH)                

 

367 – Cortisol

 

7573 – Iron, TIBC, % sat                                            

 

457 – Ferritin

 

921 – Vitamin A                                                          

 

680 – Vitamin D (25-hydroxy)

 

4052 – Vitamin B-1 (thiamin)                                      

 

84207 – Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

 

7065 – Vitamin B-12 & folate                                          

 

83970 – Serum intact PTH

Again, a 'sweet' thank you to Nurse Sharon...
YOU are a wealth of information for us newbies/toddlers! Thanks!

 



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'Stall Buster' Success Story, stolen, of course

Feb 10, 2010

                      Thank you 'Mountain Mama'
For your 'stall busting' story on your OH profile page...
I stole her story for my blog...
She explains how she broke her 2 week 'scale stand-still'...
READ ON:

"Yep -- I just went through my first stall.  It lasted 2 weeks and 5 days. 

Even though my new smaller jeans were already getting looser in the seat and thighs, that scale just WOULD NOT MOVE!!  And before anyone tells me to NOT weight every day, I don't.  But I'm required to weigh in at my pulmonary rehab twice a week and their scales register 1/2 pound more than the doctor's scales, so I know they're consistent, anyway.

I went through all the emotions of "Why did I have surgery to only lose 31 pounds?", "What am I doing wrong?" depression, disappointment, etc., etc.  If you've been there, you know. . .

After reading around the OH site, I took all the suggestions to heart on how to break the stall.  So for the past 3-4 days, I upped the protein to around 100g/day by adding a Unjury or Chike protein shake, increased my calories by 100/day and added another 16.9 bottle of water/day.  I cut out the carbs (whole grain crackers, FF pretzels, baked Doritos, etc.) and focused on the protein and green veggies.  Lo and Behold -- when I had to get on the scales yesterday, I had dropped 8 pounds!"

Thank you MOUNTAIN MAMA for your story!

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Obsessed with daily morning WEIGH-IN...

Feb 09, 2010

I am obsessed with weighing (naked) first thing,every morning, immediately after my first 'teetee'...

I 'push' the scale around all over my hardwood floors trying to find the spot on the floor that gives me the lowest number...

                                       OR, some days...

I 'kick' it around my hardwood floors when it doesn't give me the numbers that I want!

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