08232012 GETTING BACK ON TRACK

Aug 23, 2012

I'm 6 years out and have promised myself that I would get back on track and loose the 10-15 pounds I have gained back. This is my start getting back on this forum and in touch again. I start back to school on Monday and can't wait for my Hatha Yoga class. I will be taking it every Mon and Wed night at the college and have signed up at for another yoga class on Thursday at Yoga Synergy, so that will make Yoga 3 times a week . I'm also going to get back on track with eating protein first then good cabs and taking my vitamins on a regular basis.
0 comments

JAN 2011

Jan 24, 2011

Jan 24, 11
Today I started on my promise I made for myself (eating better/exercising more and coming to the OH website ). I started my food journal and will be counting calories and my protein intake. I'm going to do better about getting in more protein and less carbs. I have all my food planned out for the day and can even eat at Panda Express (mushroom chicken is what I'm going to eat)  for dinner in between jobs. Going to hit the elliptical  for 30-45 minutes before I head out to the second job. I will be trying to work out at the work gym 2 to 3 days out of the week and I start my Yoga class for school on Saturday
.
0 comments

OCT 2010

Oct 11, 2010

10/11/10

COMMON QUESTIONS, CONCERNS & INFO FOR WLS 
 

I would also say for those researching WLS, to examine all the surgeries and surgery types available. CHOOSE the surgery type for you and you’re "after" surgery life. 

Decide which surgery fits your life style and the way you want to live. (Look at the requirements after surgery and stick to them.) Surgeons will NOT do this research for you! SOME of them will not present a balanced picture of all the surgeries. Decide what is best for you and your lifestyle, ask questions but do your own investigation.  try not to stress too much!
(added with permission from Dianne from FL) 
 
Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better barometer is the color of your urine: clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

When to seek medical advice:
If you're an adult, call your doctor if:    
 

You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours. 
You've been vomiting for more than two days. 
You're vomiting blood. 
You're dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. 
You notice blood in your bowel movements. 
You have a fever above 101 F.   

http://som.umdnj.edu/departments/clinical/bariatric_surgery/specificrisks.html

Calorie Calculator website for activities: http://exercise.about.com/cs/fitnesstools/l/blcalorieburn.htm 

 

www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?abnum=1&art_id=23561  
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12497    

 

FULL VS. HUNGER
During surgery they cut the nerves that help tell us when we are full and hungry, it takes a while for those feelings to come back. It is very important when you are a new pos-op to measure you food so you don't over eat and hurt your new tummy. Most people get the sensation of fullness back or indicators that you are full like burping, hiccups and such. When you are first out what you think is hunger is not true hunger, its head hunger. Most people get that hunger feeling back (I think people get this at different times). Some people don't get it back (I haven't) I eat by the clock. When you are first out you can eat a few bites to a few ounces, by around 6 weeks or so (estimate) you can eat 2-4 ounce, around 6 months around 4-6 ounces. At about a years time you can eat 1 up to 11/2 cups (about a small size lean cuzine) (stick to your plan that was given to you by your dr/nut)


HOW TO FIGURE OUT YOUR PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT LOST:  

Okay, first you subtract your goal weight from your start weight.  This determines that you had 170 pounds to lose.  Then, you figure out how many pounds you've lost by subtracting your current weight from your start weight and find that you have lost 146 pounds (awesome!).  Next you do the following:
weight lost divided by weight needed to lose equals percentage of excess weight lost
IN YOUR CASE
EXAMPLE: 146 divided by 170 equals 86% of excess weight lost 

SUGAR ALCOHOL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_alcohol

RESIZING AN AVATAR: 
 
http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/resize.php

Hernia:
http://www.medicinenet.com/hernia/article.htm

Dry skin: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dry_skin.html

Gallbladder:
 
http://www.sensiblehealth.com/gallbladder.html  http://www.mamashealth.com/organs/gallbladder.asp  
http://health.ivillage.com/digestion/digallblad/topics/0,,4v25,00.html 
ULCER INFO:  

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/topic114222

DUMPING SYNDROME:
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00715.html    

Muscle pain and working out:

http://www.liveleantoday.com/article.cfm?id=387
http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/lact...intervals.html 


Obstruction of the opening of the stoma: This rare complication occurs in less than 1 out of 100 gastric bypass patients and can occur when a piece of food becomes lodged in the stoma. When this happens, the piece of food is removed through a tube (endoscope) passed from the mouth into the stomach.   (No medical advice is intended, info is from oh) 
 

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/186.html 
http://www.mamashealth.com/Stomach.asp   

 

(really good info from OH home site) 
Making the Weight Loss Surgery Choice: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/choice.html  

Life after Bariatric Surgery: The Weight Loss Surgery Lifestyle: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/lifeafter.html   

Surgery Risks: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/risks.html  

Nutritional Guidelines Following Weight Loss Surgery: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,9212/mode,content/  
Roux-en-Y Bypass Diet and Nutrition Guidelines: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,10282/mode,content/a,cms/
TO-DO LIST BEFORE SURGERY SUGGESTIONS 

Here are some things you might want to do before surgery:
get a comprehensive list from surgeon on the do and don't meds
get a list from nut/surgeon on what you diet is at the different stages
check with hospital to see what they provide you during you in hospital stay
shop for staples for the family and yourself after surgery 
(you might want to make sure you have at least a few weeks worth so you don't have to shop real soon after surgery) 
record your measurments so you have a good starting point to go by on your progress

SUGGESTED THINGS TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL:
loose clothing to go home in
pillow for the car ride (makes it more comfy)
slippers
toiletries  
Lip balm
flushable wet wipes
long handled tongs (to use with wipes to keep you clean after the bathroom)
through away camera for before and after pics 
 
 
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT EATING STAGES:
 ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR NUT/DR FOR  YOUR LIST OF DOES AND DON'TS ON FOOD    

 

 

When you first start eating solids you might get in a few bites to 1oz at a time, by around 6 months out you should be able to eat around 4 oz (depends upon how dense and for some it might be sooner or latter on). By around a year 1 to 1½ cup (about the size of a small lean cosine) this information was given to me by my nut.  

clear liquid stage: clear broth, clear juice, clear soup, sf Jell-O, sf popsicles 
full liquid stage: cream soups (strained), sf yogurt (strained), milk, soy milk, sf pudding, protein drinks 
purer: anything that can be blended to baby food consistency 
soft foods: things easy to chew like soft cheeses and ground meats
full foods: foods cut up to about the size of a pencil eraser  and chewed up finely

Myth Muscle weighs more than fat.   
Truth:
  Muscle is more dense than fat, therefore taking up LESS room.  One pound of muscle weighs the same as one pound of fat.  Just as one pound of feathers weighs the same as one pound of bricks.  The difference is in the VOLUME.  Fat will take up A LOT more space than muscle.   

FACTS ABOUT FATS: 
http://www.healthcastle.com/goodfats-badfats.shtml http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=532 
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/49/40075.htm  

 

 

HOW TO ADD HEALTHY FAT TO YOUR DIET: 
http://www.ehow.com/how_2151746_add-healthy-fat-diet.html?ref=fuel 
http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/Healthyfats07.html

KETOSIS:

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/faq/f/whatisketosis.htm

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/ketosis.html
 

Plateaus/Stalls: Here is some good information I found on plateaus/stalls, everyone goes though periods of stalls which are not plateaus. The body going through an adjustment period and is loosing inches. MEASURE MEASURE! We have stalls throughout our weight loss journey; first one usually is about 3 weeks out. Here is a great detailed article on the subject:
www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?abnum=1&art_id=23561 

HAIR LOSS:
Hair loss may be a temporary problem for some patients within the first three to twelve months after the operation, usually starts around the 3rd month. This is largely due to vitamin deficiency (and surgery). There is no specific remedy other than proper nutrition and multivitamin supplements. Good news is that the new hair growing in is pushing out the old hair, hence the hair loss. Upping protein and taking biotin will not keep your hair from falling out but will help the new hair grow in faster and healthier. Take this time to maybe get a new short sassy hair cut, used cute hats and scarves or maybe a pretty wig. Try not to stress out too much, it will end.  

Vitamin and/or iron deficiency:
This may occur in a mild form in as many as 40 percent of patients after gastric bypass. Iron and some vitamins, most notably Vitamin B-12, are primarily absorbed in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine which is bypassed. Both the vitamin and iron deficiencies are easily treated by either oral supplementation or injections. Women who are regularly menstruating will need additional iron supplements. (info taken from OH complications listed on home page)

Vitamin and iron deficiencies are uncommon after stapled gastroplasty because, with this operation, the food passes through the stomach and small intestine in the normal way.

Low calcium and protein levels and deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E) are known to occur after distal gastric bypass. Gas, flatulence and diarrhea may be more prominent after distal gastric bypass.  

LAB TESTS: 
(Not to be construed as medical advice.  This list includes labs suggested regularly for gastric bypass patients)  

Regularly (every 3-6 months depending on your previous results), yearly as the further you are out and not having any problems. Keep track of any levels that are declining from one set of tests to the next, even if not yet in the low range.  Make any corrections necessary in your diet and vitamin regimen before the levels get too low. 

*10231-COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphates, aspartate aminotransferase)  (Nc,K,C1,CO2,Glu,BUN,Cr,Ca,TP,Alb,Tbili,AP,AST,ALT)*84134 - PRE-ALBUMIN

*7600  - LIPID PROFILE (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio)

((Fasting specimen) , Tchol,Trig,HDL,Calc,LDL)

*10256- Hep panel - ALT (SPGT) & GGT

*593-LDH                                                                     

*718-PHOSPHORUS - INORGANIC

*905-URIC ACID

*1759-CBC HEMOGRAM/PLT/DIFF)
     
                                        
*7065-B-12 & FOLATE

*7573-IRON, TIBC, % SAT (Transferrin)

*31789-HOMOCYSTEINE, CARDIO          

*457-FERRITIN

*4052-Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)

*84207-VITAMIN B-6 (Pyradoxine)

*921-VITAMIN A

*680-VITAMIN D (25-hydroxy)

*7444-THYROID PANEL (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH)

*945-ZINC

*83735-MAGNESIUM

*83970-SERUM INTACT PTH                   

*367-CORTISOL

*496-HEMOGLOBIN A1C

SUGGESTED YEARLY -DEXA SCAN for bone density. 

DIAGNOSIS: 
268     vitamin D deficiency 
269.2  hypovitaminosis               
268.2  metabolic bone disease 
244.9  hypothyroidism                  
250.0  diabetes 
579.3  short bowel syndrome  
  
401.9  hypertension       
276.9  electrolyte and fluid disorders 
579.8   calcium malabsorption 
579.8  intestinal malabsorption

272.0  hypercholesterolemia

275.40 calcium deficiency

266.2  cyanocobalamin deficiency

280.9  iron-deficiency anemia

269.3  zinc deficiency

281.0  pernicious anemia

281.2  folate deficiency

281.1  other B-12 deficiency anemia

285.9  anemia, unspecified

B-12/B-1  INFO FACT SHEET: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Supp&childId=Vitamin_B1 

SUGGESTED VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AFTER WLS: (used with permission from Melting Mama) http://meltingmama.typepad.com/wls/files/vitamins-mineral-recommendations.pdf  


Signs and symptoms Dehydration: 
Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:   
Dry, sticky mouth 
Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
Thirst 
Decreased urine output — fewer than six wet diapers a day for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens 
Few or no tears when crying 
Muscle weakness
Headache 
Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause: 
Extreme thirst
Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults 
Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes 
Lack of sweating 
Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber 
Sunken eyes 
Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold 
Low blood pressure 
Rapid heartbeat 
Fever 

In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness     
 

0 comments

June 10

Jun 14, 2010

062910
I got my approval letter in the mail yesterday, I'm so excited that I get to have my legs fixed. My Doctor is going to do endovenous ablation therapy for incompetent veins, and stab phlebectomy of varicous veins (makes me shudder a little bit).

061410

It seems like I get back on Oh for a little bit then I'm off for several months, need to quite doing that.

Updates on myself, the new girls are doing great, still having some internal stitches rejections going on in my hip, but it looks like its almost cleared up. I messed up my knee and it turns out that I ripped the minuscule ligament in it, so far the cortisone shot is doing its job, hope the knee heals on its own without surgery.

I am no longer in the back clerical office at Target, they moved us to the fitting room where I get to answer all the phones, clean the fitting room and sort out all the junk from the front end and still zone 4 departments. I hate my job there now but the good thing is that is has forced me to address my leg issues. I thought I had just regular varicose veins, boy was I wrong. I have Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS), basically its a conditions that involves a combined vascular malformations (port of wine stains), apparently they can be light pink in color too and I have had one on my leg since I was little. I will be having 3 surgical procedures to fix some of my major leg issues right now and one for my female problems. I set out to take care of myself this year but didn't know that I would be having to have all these procedures done, thank god that insurance will cover them after my deductible is met $2500.00 which is a hefty amount.
0 comments

March 2010

Mar 28, 2010

Mar 28

Wow is been a while since I have posted. I walked my first 5k for Make A Wish foundation. Felt really good. I hope to do some more of those.
0 comments

FEB 2010

Feb 04, 2010

FEB 28TH
I am 4 weeks out from my plastic and now get to wear a normal bra now  (surgical one was getting old). I tried on a whole  bunch of different styles as I didn't know what shape to get. I am wearing a 36c and are very happy with it. Its the first time that I am in proportion to my size, its so exciting.


FEB 4th
Well I'm a week and 2 days out from my plastics. Everyday I am feeling better. Had my first followup and it went well, he took 2 of the 4 drains out. Next week they will take the stitches from around my belly button and the other 2 drains. I'm already really happy with the results.

0 comments

WLS INFO

Jan 20, 2010

COMMON QUESTIONS, CONCERNS & INFO FOR WLS 
 

I would also say for those researching WLS, to examine all the surgeries and surgery types available. CHOOSE the surgery type for you and you’re "after" surgery life. 

Decide which surgery fits your life style and the way you want to live. (Look at the requirements after surgery and stick to them.) Surgeons will NOT do this research for you! SOME of them will not present a balanced picture of all the surgeries. Decide what is best for you and your lifestyle, ask questions but do your own investigation. 
try not to stress too much! (added with permission from Dianne from FL) 

Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better barometer is the color of your urine: clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

When to seek medical advice:
If you're an adult, call your doctor if:    
 

You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours. 
You've been vomiting for more than two days. 
You're vomiting blood. 
You're dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. 
You notice blood in your bowel movements. 
You have a fever above 101 F.   
http://som.umdnj.edu/departments/clinical/bariatric_surgery/specificrisks.html

 Calorie Calculator website for activities: http://exercise.about.com/cs/fitnesstools/l/blcalorieburn.htm 

 

www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?abnum=1&art_id=23561  
ht
tp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12497    

 

FULL VS. HUNGER
During surgery they cut the nerves that help tell us when we are full and hungry, it takes a while for those feelings to come back. It is very important when you are a new pos-op to measure you food so you don't over eat and hurt your new tummy. Most people get the sensation of fullness back or indicators that you are full like burping, hiccups and such. When you are first out what you think is hunger is not true hunger, its head hunger. Most people get that hunger feeling back (I think people get this at different times). Some people don't get it back (I haven't) I eat by the clock. When you are first out you can eat a few bites to a few ounces, by around 6 weeks or so (estimate) you can eat 2-4 ounce, around 6 months around 4-6 ounces. At about a years time you can eat 1 up to 11/2 cups (about a small size lean cuzine) (stick to your plan that was given to you by your dr/nut)


HOW TO FIGURE OUT YOUR PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT LOST:  

Okay, first you subtract your goal weight from your start weight.  This determines that you had 170 pounds to lose.  Then, you figure out how many pounds you've lost by subtracting your current weight from your start weight and find that you have lost 146 pounds (awesome!).  Next you do the following:
weight lost divided by weight needed to lose equals percentage of excess weight lost
IN YOUR CASE
EXAMPLE: 146 divided by 170 equals 86% of excess weight lost 

SUGAR ALCOHOL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_alcohol

RESIZING AN AVATAR: 
 
http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/resize.php

Hernia:
http://www.medicinenet.com/hernia/article.htm

Dry skin:
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dry_skin.html

Gallbladder: 
http://www.sensiblehealth.com/gallbladder.html  http://www.mamashealth.com/organs/gallbladder.asp  
http://health.ivillage.com/digestion/digallblad/topics/0,,4v25,00.html 
ULCER INFO:  

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/topic114222

DUMPING SYNDROME:
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00715.html    

Muscle pain and working out:

http://www.liveleantoday.com/article.cfm?id=387
http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/lact...intervals.html 

Obstruction of the opening of the stoma: This rare complication occurs in less than 1 out of 100 gastric bypass patients and can occur when a piece of food becomes lodged in the stoma. When this happens, the piece of food is removed through a tube (endoscope) passed from the mouth into the stomach.   (No medical advice is intended, info is from oh) 
 

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/186.html 
http://www.mamashealth.com/Stomach.asp   

 

(really good info from OH home site) 
Making the Weight Loss Surgery Choice: 
http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/choice.html  

Life after Bariatric Surgery: The Weight Loss Surgery Lifestyle: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/lifeafter.html   

Surgery Risks: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/risks.html  

Nutritional Guidelines Following Weight Loss Surgery: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,9212/mode,content/  
Roux-en-Y Bypass Diet and Nutrition Guidelines:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,10282/mode,content/a,cms/
TO-DO LIST BEFORE SURGERY SUGGESTIONS 

Here are some things you might want to do before surgery:
get a comprehensive list from surgeon on the do and don't meds
get a list from nut/surgeon on what you diet is at the different stages
check with hospital to see what they provide you during you in hospital stay
shop for staples for the family and yourself after surgery 
(you might want to make sure you have at least a few weeks worth so you don't have to shop real soon after surgery) 
record your measurments so you have a good starting point to go by on your progress

SUGGESTED THINGS TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL:
loose clothing to go home in
pillow for the car ride (makes it more comfy)
slippers
toiletries  
Lip balm
flushable wet wipes
long handled tongs (to use with wipes to keep you clean after the bathroom)
through away camera for before and after pics 
 
 
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT EATING STAGES:
 ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR NUT/DR FOR  YOUR LIST OF DOES AND DON'TS ON FOOD    

When you first start eating solids you might get in a few bites to 1oz at a time, by around 6 months out you should be able to eat around 4 oz (depends upon how dense and for some it might be sooner or latter on). By around a year 1 to 1½ cup (about the size of a small lean cosine) this information was given to me by my nut.  

clear liquid stage: clear broth, clear juice, clear soup, sf Jell-O, sf popsicles 
full liquid stage: cream soups (strained), sf yogurt (strained), milk, soy milk, sf pudding, protein drinks 
purer: anything that can be blended to baby food consistency 
soft foods: things easy to chew like soft cheeses and ground meats
full foods: foods cut up to about the size of a pencil eraser  and chewed up finely

Myth Muscle weighs more than fat.   
Truth:
  Muscle is more dense than fat, therefore taking up LESS room.  One pound of muscle weighs the same as one pound of fat.  Just as one pound of feathers weighs the same as one pound of bricks.  The difference is in the VOLUME.  Fat will take up A LOT more space than muscle.   

FACTS ABOUT FATS: 
http://www.healthcastle.com/goodfats-badfats.shtmlhttp://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=532 
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/49/40075.htm  

 HOW TO ADD HEALTHY FAT TO YOUR DIET: 
http://www.ehow.com/how_2151746_add-healthy-fat-diet.html?ref=fuel 
http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/Healthyfats07.html

KETOSIS:

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/faq/f/whatisketosis.htm

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/ketosis.html
 

Plateaus/Stalls: Here is some good information I found on plateaus/stalls, everyone goes though periods of stalls which are not plateaus. The body going through an adjustment period and is loosing inches. MEASURE MEASURE! We have stalls throughout our weight loss journey; first one usually is about 3 weeks out. Here is a great detailed article on the subject:
www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?abnum=1&art_id=23561 

HAIR LOSS:
Hair loss may be a temporary problem for some patients within the first three to twelve months after the operation, usually starts around the 3rd month. This is largely due to vitamin deficiency (and surgery). There is no specific remedy other than proper nutrition and multivitamin supplements. Good news is that the new hair growing in is pushing out the old hair, hence the hair loss. Upping protein and taking biotin will not keep your hair from falling out but will help the new hair grow in faster and healthier. Take this time to maybe get a new short sassy hair cut, used cute hats and scarves or maybe a pretty wig. Try not to stress out too much, it will end.  

Vitamin and/or iron deficiency: This may occur in a mild form in as many as 40 percent of patients after gastric bypass. Iron and some vitamins, most notably Vitamin B-12, are primarily absorbed in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine which is bypassed. Both the vitamin and iron deficiencies are easily treated by either oral supplementation or injections. Women who are regularly menstruating will need additional iron supplements. (info taken from OH complications listed on home page)

Vitamin and iron deficiencies are uncommon after stapled gastroplasty because, with this operation, the food passes through the stomach and small intestine in the normal way.

Low calcium and protein levels and deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E) are known to occur after distal gastric bypass. Gas, flatulence and diarrhea may be more prominent after distal gastric bypass.  

LAB TESTS: 
(Not to be construed as medical advice.  This list includes labs suggested regularly for gastric bypass patients)  

Regularly (every 3-6 months depending on your previous results), yearly as the further you are out and not having any problems. Keep track of any levels that are declining from one set of tests to the next, even if not yet in the low range.  Make any corrections necessary in your diet and vitamin regimen before the levels get too low. 

*10231-COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphates, aspartate aminotransferase)  (Nc,K,C1,CO2,Glu,BUN,Cr,Ca,TP,Alb,Tbili,AP,AST,ALT)*84134 - PRE-ALBUMIN

*7600  - LIPID PROFILE (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio)

((Fasting specimen) , Tchol,Trig,HDL,Calc,LDL)

*10256- Hep panel - ALT (SPGT) & GGT

*593-LDH                                                                     

*718-PHOSPHORUS - INORGANIC

*905-URIC ACID

*1759-CBC HEMOGRAM/PLT/DIFF)
                                             
*7065-B-12 & FOLATE

*7573-IRON, TIBC, % SAT (Transferrin)

*31789-HOMOCYSTEINE, CARDIO          

*457-FERRITIN

*4052-Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)

*84207-VITAMIN B-6 (Pyradoxine)

*921-VITAMIN A

*680-VITAMIN D (25-hydroxy)

*7444-THYROID PANEL (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH)

*945-ZINC

*83735-MAGNESIUM

*83970-SERUM INTACT PTH                   

*367-CORTISOL

*496-HEMOGLOBIN A1C

SUGGESTED YEARLY -DEXA SCAN for bone density. 

 DIAGNOSIS: 
268     vitamin D deficiency 
269.2  hypovitaminosis               
268.2  metabolic bone disease 
244.9  hypothyroidism                  
250.0  diabetes 
579.3  short bowel syndrome    
401.9  hypertension       
276.9  electrolyte and fluid disorders 
579.8   calcium malabsorption 
579.8  intestinal malabsorption

272.0  hypercholesterolemia

275.40 calcium deficiency

266.2  cyanocobalamin deficiency

280.9  iron-deficiency anemia

269.3  zinc deficiency

281.0  pernicious anemia

281.2  folate deficiency

281.1  other B-12 deficiency anemia

285.9  anemia, unspecified

B-12/B-1  INFO FACT SHEET:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Supp&childId=Vitamin_B1 

SUGGESTED VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AFTER WLS: (used with permission from Melting Mama) http://meltingmama.typepad.com/wls/files/vitamins-mineral-recommendations.pdf  


Signs and symptoms Dehydration: 
Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:   
Dry, sticky mouth 
Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
Thirst 
Decreased urine output — fewer than six wet diapers a day for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens 
Few or no tears when crying 
Muscle weakness
Headache 
Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause: 
Extreme thirst
Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults 
Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes 
Lack of sweating 
Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber 
Sunken eyes 
Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold 
Low blood pressure 
Rapid heartbeat 
Fever 

In the most serious cases,
delirium or unconsciousness      

0 comments

Jan 10

Jan 16, 2010

01/21/10

Everything is good to go, spot turned out to be a cyst with no problems!

01/17/10

I promised myself that I would reconnect this year. I really have isolated myself for the most part since my mom passed away in Aug from lung cancer that had metastasized to her brain. Life has been up and down. This was the first Christmas without my mom and it was pretty rough. I didn't let the kids know how hard it was for me. I really wanted to go all out and decorate for the holidays this year, I just couldn't do it. Its been a rough 2 years, We lost dad 2 years ago and mom this past year. It seem so surreal that they aren't here anymore. I own both of them so much.

This should be an exciting time for me this year, I'm suppose to be having my plastics next week on the 26th, but now I'm in limbo. My mammogram that I had done came up with a 6mm mass in it. They compared my older ones with the new one and its a new development. I had hopped that it was just my old scar tissue from my incident at 18. I go in for a sonogram on Tuesday, I hope to know more that day or Wed. I haven't told the kids anything, I'm waiting to find out if its nothing or not. The big C word is pretty scary. I know I have had that scare before but now it just seems more serious to me, I guess its an age thing or that I had just lost mom to cancer. I don't want to scare the kids, but I'm really worried.
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NOV 09

Nov 08, 2009

111409

Well I went to my plastic surgery consult on Wed and got my estimate for extended abdominoplasty and breast augmentation mastopexy. I can WOW $17,412.00 for everything. Its seemed like a big number to me but in reality its about 1/2 of what it would normally cost. I was feeling very indulgent and guilty about wanting the surgery (I guess its the mom in me). Hubby wants me to use my money my mom left me to do something for myself. After thinking about it for several days and talking to a lot of people I'm going to do it. I will either call the Dr office on Monday afternoon or Tuesday depending upon how busy it is at work. Scary the surgery is a big on but the cost scares me more.

110909

Sorry major rant 
I'm kind of down and really emotional right now. I'm really missing hubby and feeling sorry for myself. I hate that he is gone so much right now. I shouldn't complain as he at least has a job but this 5 weeks gone and 1 week home thing is really getting old.

Boy I was having such an upbeat day yesterday, lots of info/pm and responses to my plastic questions. Well my day ended on a down note. I walk in the door and she decided to pick a fight. I told her I bought a family gift for Christmas and elliptical she got all pissed about that because she doesn't like them and likes treadmill, which I really can't use as much as they are hard on my knees. Which is what I told her. Then she throw at me that I must have consulted with Ryan, like it would really matter. I'm trying to get something that everyone can use not just one things that she likes, those items are too much money for that crap. If she wants a treadmill then she can buy her own (like that's  gonna happen).
 

Apparently I am a horrible mother and treat the boys better then her. So I guess the extra privileges that come with age don't matter, nor do all the things we do for her. Kids can be such selfish B's. She needs a major reality check. Like the cost of keeping her butt. We have just spent a chunck of change on her mouth and are going to get her braces.  

 I don't think asking her to save some of her money to pay for school is asking a lot and nor is applying for scholarships for school either. I asked her earlier in a tex yesterday when she had to sign up and pay for school and books. No response its amazing that when she gets a tex she doesn't like she ignores it like she never got it. We pay her cell phone bill, her car insurance, household goods and gas to school. She has know for quite a long time that her car needs fixed and knows what she needs to do with it (Have Gary look at it), do you think she has done this know, apparently thats my fault too that the car has issues. I told her to be grateful for having a car and she needs to take care of it. She went on to rant that she pays for the things she wants and has a job and the boys don't. Well James can't get a job because the only one with walking distance is Walmart and you have to be 18 to work there. I haven't put him in driving school because I have no way to get him there right now and his car insurance would be a lot. He doesn't mind that when he can drive he will probably drive the white van, which Autumn never would.  

Things are going to be chaining in our house hold, if she doesn't like it then she can be the adult she claims to be and take care of all her living expenses. She needs to get off her butt and help around the house, been giving her a break as she has lots of homework, a job and has been sick. I sent her a tex message to clean her room (so she can put her new dresser in there) and were she has been sleeping. Of course she ignores it, I called her and woke her up at 11 am, said she was tired and hasn't got to sleep in, well welcome to the real world. Apparently she saved all her homework up to do on Sunday (she had a paper due). Her dads side of the bed looks like a war zone (she has been sleeping there), her bedroom is a bio hazard I'm sure and lets not go into her dads car she has been driving while he has been gone. I'm going to start either throw her things away she leaves lying around or throwing them in her doorway. She will have to clean her dad's car out and have it detailed before he gets home.  

I'm pretty upset and pissed at her right now. Sorry with so much ranting, but it makes me feel better just getting it written down.

110809

Boy I never thought it would be possible for me to have plastics. My hubby wants me to use some of the money my mom left for me to have it done. WOW. He things I need to do something for myself. So I had that thought rapped around my head all week. I have started the research into DR in my area. I'm so excited, hope I can at least have the tummy tucks and the girls would be a bonus. 
 

0 comments

OCT 09

Oct 17, 2009

COMMON QUESTIONS, CONCERNS & INFO FOR WLS 
 

I would also say for those researching WLS, to examine all the surgeries and surgery types available. CHOOSE the surgery type for you and you’re "after" surgery life. 

Decide which surgery fits your life style and the way you want to live. (Look at the requirements after surgery and stick to them.) Surgeons will NOT do this research for you! SOME of them will not present a balanced picture of all the surgeries. Decide what is best for you and your lifestyle, ask questions but do your own investigation.  try not to stress too much!
(added with permission from Dianne from FL) 
 

 

Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better barometer is the color of your urine: clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

When to seek medical advice:
If you're an adult, call your doctor if:    
 

You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours. 
You've been vomiting for more than two days. 
You're vomiting blood. 
You're dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. 
You notice blood in your bowel movements. 
You have a fever above 101 F.   

 

 

http://som.umdnj.edu/departments/clinical/bariatric_surgery/specificrisks.html

 

 

Calorie Calculator website for activities: http://exercise.about.com/cs/fitnesstools/l/blcalorieburn.htm 

www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?abnum=1&art_id=23561  
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12497    

FULL VS. HUNGER
During surgery they cut the nerves that help tell us when we are full and hungry, it takes a while for those feelings to come back. It is very important when you are a new pos-op to measure you food so you don't over eat and hurt your new tummy. Most people get the sensation of fullness back or indicators that you are full like burping, hiccups and such. When you are first out what you think is hunger is not true hunger, its head hunger. Most people get that hunger feeling back (I think people get this at different times). Some people don't get it back (I haven't) I eat by the clock. When you are first out you can eat a few bites to a few ounces, by around 6 weeks or so (estimate) you can eat 2-4 ounce, around 6 months around 4-6 ounces. At about a years time you can eat 1 up to 11/2 cups (about a small size lean cuzine) (stick to your plan that was given to you by your dr/nut)


HOW TO FIGURE OUT YOUR PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT LOST:  

Okay, first you subtract your goal weight from your start weight.  This determines that you had 170 pounds to lose.  Then, you figure out how many pounds you've lost by subtracting your current weight from your start weight and find that you have lost 146 pounds (awesome!).  Next you do the following:
weight lost divided by weight needed to lose equals percentage of excess weight lost
IN YOUR CASE
EXAMPLE: 146 divided by 170 equals 86% of excess weight lost 

SUGAR ALCOHOL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_alcohol

RESIZING AN AVATAR: 
 
http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/resize.php

Hernia:
http://www.medicinenet.com/hernia/article.htm

Dry skin: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dry_skin.html

Gallbladder:
 
http://www.sensiblehealth.com/gallbladder.html  http://www.mamashealth.com/organs/gallbladder.asp  
http://health.ivillage.com/digestion/digallblad/topics/0,,4v25,00.html 
ULCER INFO:  

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/topic114222

DUMPING SYNDROME:
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00715.html    

Muscle pain and working out:

http://www.liveleantoday.com/article.cfm?id=387
http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/lact...intervals.html 


Obstruction of the opening of the stoma: This rare complication occurs in less than 1 out of 100 gastric bypass patients and can occur when a piece of food becomes lodged in the stoma. When this happens, the piece of food is removed through a tube (endoscope) passed from the mouth into the stomach.   (No medical advice is intended, info is from oh) 
 

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/186.html 
http://www.mamashealth.com/Stomach.asp   

(really good info from OH home site) 
Making the Weight Loss Surgery Choice: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/choice.html  

Life after Bariatric Surgery: The Weight Loss Surgery Lifestyle: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/lifeafter.html   

Surgery Risks: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/risks.html  

Nutritional Guidelines Following Weight Loss Surgery: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,9212/mode,content/  
Roux-en-Y Bypass Diet and Nutrition Guidelines: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,10282/mode,content/a,cms/
TO-DO LIST BEFORE SURGERY SUGGESTIONS 

Here are some things you might want to do before surgery:
get a comprehensive list from surgeon on the do and don't meds
get a list from nut/surgeon on what you diet is at the different stages
check with hospital to see what they provide you during you in hospital stay
shop for staples for the family and yourself after surgery 
(you might want to make sure you have at least a few weeks worth so you don't have to shop real soon after surgery) 
record your measurments so you have a good starting point to go by on your progress

SUGGESTED THINGS TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL:
loose clothing to go home in
pillow for the car ride (makes it more comfy)
slippers
toiletries  
Lip balm
flushable wet wipes
long handled tongs (to use with wipes to keep you clean after the bathroom)
through away camera for before and after pics 
 
 
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT EATING STAGES:
 ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR NUT/DR FOR  YOUR LIST OF DOES AND DON'TS ON FOOD    

 

When you first start eating solids you might get in a few bites to 1oz at a time, by around 6 months out you should be able to eat around 4 oz (depends upon how dense and for some it might be sooner or latter on). By around a year 1 to 1½ cup (about the size of a small lean cosine) this information was given to me by my nut.  

clear liquid stage: clear broth, clear juice, clear soup, sf Jell-O, sf popsicles 
full liquid stage: cream soups (strained), sf yogurt (strained), milk, soy milk, sf pudding, protein drinks 
purer: anything that can be blended to baby food consistency 
soft foods: things easy to chew like soft cheeses and ground meats
full foods: foods cut up to about the size of a pencil eraser  and chewed up finely

Myth Muscle weighs more than fat.   
Truth:
  Muscle is more dense than fat, therefore taking up LESS room.  One pound of muscle weighs the same as one pound of fat.  Just as one pound of feathers weighs the same as one pound of bricks.  The difference is in the VOLUME.  Fat will take up A LOT more space than muscle.   

FACTS ABOUT FATS: 
http://www.healthcastle.com/goodfats-badfats.shtml http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=532 
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/49/40075.htm  

 

HOW TO ADD HEALTHY FAT TO YOUR DIET: 
http://www.ehow.com/how_2151746_add-healthy-fat-diet.html?ref=fuel 
http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/Healthyfats07.html

KETOSIS:

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/faq/f/whatisketosis.htm

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/ketosis.html
 

Plateaus/Stalls: Here is some good information I found on plateaus/stalls, everyone goes though periods of stalls which are not plateaus. The body going through an adjustment period and is loosing inches. MEASURE MEASURE! We have stalls throughout our weight loss journey; first one usually is about 3 weeks out. Here is a great detailed article on the subject:
www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?abnum=1&art_id=23561 

HAIR LOSS:
Hair loss may be a temporary problem for some patients within the first three to twelve months after the operation, usually starts around the 3rd month. This is largely due to vitamin deficiency (and surgery). There is no specific remedy other than proper nutrition and multivitamin supplements. Good news is that the new hair growing in is pushing out the old hair, hence the hair loss. Upping protein and taking biotin will not keep your hair from falling out but will help the new hair grow in faster and healthier. Take this time to maybe get a new short sassy hair cut, used cute hats and scarves or maybe a pretty wig. Try not to stress out too much, it will end.  

Vitamin and/or iron deficiency:
This may occur in a mild form in as many as 40 percent of patients after gastric bypass. Iron and some vitamins, most notably Vitamin B-12, are primarily absorbed in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine which is bypassed. Both the vitamin and iron deficiencies are easily treated by either oral supplementation or injections. Women who are regularly menstruating will need additional iron supplements. (info taken from OH complications listed on home page)

Vitamin and iron deficiencies are uncommon after stapled gastroplasty because, with this operation, the food passes through the stomach and small intestine in the normal way.

Low calcium and protein levels and deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E) are known to occur after distal gastric bypass. Gas, flatulence and diarrhea may be more prominent after distal gastric bypass.  

LAB TESTS: 
(Not to be construed as medical advice.  This list includes labs suggested regularly for gastric bypass patients)  

Regularly (every 3-6 months depending on your previous results), yearly as the further you are out and not having any problems. Keep track of any levels that are declining from one set of tests to the next, even if not yet in the low range.  Make any corrections necessary in your diet and vitamin regimen before the levels get too low. 

*10231-COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphates, aspartate aminotransferase)  (Nc,K,C1,CO2,Glu,BUN,Cr,Ca,TP,Alb,Tbili,AP,AST,ALT)*84134 - PRE-ALBUMIN

*7600  - LIPID PROFILE (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio)

((Fasting specimen) , Tchol,Trig,HDL,Calc,LDL)

*10256- Hep panel - ALT (SPGT) & GGT

*593-LDH                                                                     

*718-PHOSPHORUS - INORGANIC

*905-URIC ACID

*1759-CBC HEMOGRAM/PLT/DIFF)
     
                                        
*7065-B-12 & FOLATE

*7573-IRON, TIBC, % SAT (Transferrin)

*31789-HOMOCYSTEINE, CARDIO          

*457-FERRITIN

*4052-Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)

*84207-VITAMIN B-6 (Pyradoxine)

*921-VITAMIN A

*680-VITAMIN D (25-hydroxy)

*7444-THYROID PANEL (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH)

*945-ZINC

*83735-MAGNESIUM

*83970-SERUM INTACT PTH                   

*367-CORTISOL

*496-HEMOGLOBIN A1C

SUGGESTED YEARLY -DEXA SCAN for bone density. 

 


DIAGNOSIS: 
268     vitamin D deficiency 
269.2  hypovitaminosis               
268.2  metabolic bone disease 
244.9  hypothyroidism                  
250.0  diabetes 
579.3  short bowel syndrome  
  
401.9  hypertension       
276.9  electrolyte and fluid disorders 
579.8   calcium malabsorption 
579.8  intestinal malabsorption

272.0  hypercholesterolemia

275.40 calcium deficiency

266.2  cyanocobalamin deficiency

280.9  iron-deficiency anemia

269.3  zinc deficiency

281.0  pernicious anemia

281.2  folate deficiency

281.1  other B-12 deficiency anemia

285.9  anemia, unspecified

B-12/B-1  INFO FACT SHEET: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Supp&childId=Vitamin_B1 

SUGGESTED VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AFTER WLS: (used with permission from Melting Mama) http://meltingmama.typepad.com/wls/files/vitamins-mineral-recommendations.pdf  


Signs and symptoms Dehydration: 
Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:   
Dry, sticky mouth 
Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
Thirst 
Decreased urine output — fewer than six wet diapers a day for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens 
Few or no tears when crying 
Muscle weakness
Headache 
Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause: 
Extreme thirst
Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults 
Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes 
Lack of sweating 
Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber 
Sunken eyes 
Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold 
Low blood pressure 
Rapid heartbeat 
Fever 

In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness     
 

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About Me
Wylie, TX
Location
29.3
BMI
RNY
Surgery
07/25/2006
Surgery Date
Apr 23, 2006
Member Since

Friends 192

Latest Blog 42

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