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About this blog

a place to share and discuss the cross effects of weight loss surgery on Fibromyalgia and vice versa

Entries in this blog

 

Dry Heaves

My Fibro experience includes Irritable Bowel Syndrome [iBS] and immediately post op I didn't notice any difference. Now that my FM pain has died down, I can see the difference.   It seems every other day I'm having dry heaves. Now that the bowels are coming back to life, I have dry heaves on the days I have a bowel movement.   This is worse than my Irritable bowel because I could control it with Alka-Seltzer® but now that I am post op, I can't use this prouduct anymore.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

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The WLS, "Food", and Fibro

I saw the nutritionist yesterday and she told me I can start a protien diet tomorrow. She says I can not start a full liquid diet until Septemember 12 and won't be able to move to soft foods until September 26.   I'm glad to see so many earyly Augusters have already started soft foods. I know that the LCMH crew wants me to lose at much weight as quickly as possible but I do want to take it slow so I can begin exercising and strengthening muscle along the way.   Have a comfortable day everyone.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
 

Fibromyalgia and Insulin Resistance

I’m not saying that severe Fibro symptoms is only experienced by overweight people with FM. I know several pwf who are average or underweight. I also know a few people with diabetes who are average or underweight. By providing the info below, I am acknowledging that some of us do need to know this info.   Fibromyalgia and Insulin Resistance   The pain, stiffness, malaise and fatigue of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)] often cause people with FM or CFS/ME to become sedentary. This sedentary lifestyle may lead to severe weight gain and obesity. Obesity has been linked to insulin resistance. Researchers have found that “insulin resistance is a fundamental aspect of the etiology of type 2 diabetes and is also linked to a wide array of other [conditions] including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis. . . the metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, and, polycystic ovarian disease.” [1]   MedicineNet.com reports, “insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is an essential hormone that has many actions within the body. Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which the normal response to a given amount of insulin is reduced within the body. Higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its proper effects. So, the pancreas compensates by trying to produce more. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for development of diabetes and heart disease.” [2]   So what does all this have to do with Fibromyalgia? Well, how many of us with Fibro, [overweight, underweight, average weight], have experienced the cognitive impairment referred to as Fibro Fog. Fibro Fog is that episode of forgetting words, walking into a room and forgetting what we went in there to get, losing thoughts or words, etc. One study found that an increase in insulin resistance in people with FM [pwf] may be a risk factor for increased Fibro Fog. [3]       Endnotes: _____________________________________________________________________________   [1]Obesity and insulin resistance, Barbara B. Kahn, Jeffrey S. Flier, Published in Volume 106, Issue 4 J Clin Invest. 2000; 106(4):473–481 doi:10.1172/JCI10842 [2]http://www.medicinenet.com/insulin_resistance/article.htm#what_is_insulin_resistance [3]Insulin resistance possible risk factor for cognitive impairment in fibromialgic patients. Fava A, Plastino M, Cristiano D, Spanò A, Cristofaro S, Opipari C, Chillà A, Casalinuovo F, Colica C, De Bartolo M, Pirritano D, Bosco D. Metab Brain Dis. 2013 Jul 28.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

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Gluten and Weight Loss

We'll talk about Gluten in this feed, but watch the Dr. Oz show at http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/gluten-secretly-destroying-your-health
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

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Nightshades, Fibromyalgia, Weight Loss, OH My!

Since I'm starting the elimination diet phase of post surgery and will now have to live on a restrictive diet for the rest of my life, I decided to talk about food and Fibromyalgia. Before deciding to go through with the verticle sleeve surgery, I began developing food allergies to items I have been eating since a baby. My allergist and Fibro specialist both agreed that Fibro may be related to this frustrating phenomenum.   Not much research has been conducted on the connection between food and Fibro but many years ago I attended a support group lead by a leader named Neava. Neava studied this connection because she personally suffered many food allergies and sensitivities. One topic she discussed was Nightshades.   The nightshade family encompasses some common fruits and vegetables, including:   *Potatoes (but not sweet potatoes) *Tomatoes *Eggplant *Sweet & hot peppers *Ground cherries (a small orange fruit somewhat similar to a tomato) *Goji berries   Like many people and some researchers, Neava strongly believed that nightshades aggravate the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue CFS/ME. There is a chemical in these foods, glycoalkaloids, that some people with FM (pwf) may be sensitive to - like some people are sensitive to gluten.   he only way to know for sure how foods impact your symptoms is to experiment and pay close attention. One great tool for that is the elimination diet, and it also helps if you keep a detailed food/symptom diary.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

2
 

Family Support: Thanks for those special BFFs

So this past weekend was really bad. I was home alone and dry heaving and could not reach any of my children, family or friends on the phone for comfort. Suddenly, I received a text message from my best friend who lives on the opposite side of the country.   This simple text said, "I've been out of touch cause I'm working at a Bariatric Center as an emergency medical director (she's a doctor) and I'm just checking on you. How's your oral intake?"   I realized that I had not had all my daily fluids. Once I began drinking more, I began feeling better.   Yeah for BFFs
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
 

Today is a bad day

Ok so someting finally hit me worse than my normal Fibro and IBS. Darn it had to happen on a day that I am home by myself.   I've been crawling back and forth to the bathroom all afternoon. ARGGGH.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
 

Post Surgery: Things That Make You Go HMMM!

I've been home for a little over 24 hours now. I freaked out when I realized I gained 15 pounds in the hospital on the clear post op diet
my feel and ankles look like those of an elephant.
Then I remembered what Tony said, "As long as you sip and pee all day long, you're doing fine". Ok really, my son remembered. I called Tony at LCMH and he said this is normal because I was being pumped full of fluids and will eventually urinate out all the excess fluids and swelling.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

5
 

My Special Surgical Experience

Ok, don't think I'm silly but I'm ready to share my s urgery experience. Let me preface by saying I have a twin brother named Bev. Bev is 3 minutes older.   Wonder Twin Powers . . .   So the only thing I remember about surgery is “Ninja woo ha”. I thought I kept seeing a puff of black smoke and hearing a faint whispered “ninja woo ha”. I would then see my twin brother Bev appear out of nowhere intently looking over the surgeon’s shoulder.   At one point I thought I was standing next to my twin looking at the operation and taking to him . . .   Me: “look you can’t keep Ninjaing in and out of the OR.”   Bev: “I’m just making sure the doctor doesn’t make any mistakes”.   Me: “ahhh, you really do love me better than Greg and Bea”.   Bev: looking all pouty faced, “Na uh”   Me: “so how are you able to “ninja” in and out if we don’t do the Wonder Twins Power Activate” thingy?   Bev: “I’m the oldest, smartest, and I am a 7th degree black belt in taekwondo! Duh.”   Me: “well you know this is awwwkward, I am naked down there.”   Then I hear, “Ninja woo ha”, see a puff of black smoke, and with that my twin is gone and I’m waking up in recovery with my twin brother Bev and son, Phil staring at me like I’m some kind of alien survivor of a crashed UFO.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

2
 

Welcome to my weight loss blog: Fibro Diva's Bariatric Blog

Welcome to new and returning visitors, thanks for stopping by and showing interest in my Fibromyalgia and Bariatric surgery blog.   Feel Free to like and follow my blog.   Feel Free to invite your friends, family members, and support group members to stop by and like and follow my blog.   Most importantly feel free to join a conversation or start one.   Fibro Diva's Bariatric Blog is a gathering of those thoughts that escape the Fibro Fog, both those concerning bariatric surgery and Fibromyalgia and those on Fibro only.   Fibro Diva's Bariatric Blog is a place to discuss the unique concerns of people with Fibromyalgia who are considering and/or who have undergone surgery to help control their weight, [and possibly take charge of their FM].
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
 

A Spoon Full Of __________

My surgery was Thursday August 01, 2013. I have Fibromyalgia and high blood pressure. Two of my meds are crushable; two are in capsule form and cannot be opened so I have to work with my doctors to find a liquid or crushable version.   I was in the hospital for 4 days. While there, I worked with my post-op nurse on this issue. We discovered that the two medications that are crushable will go down better and stay down if I sprinkle the powder over a teaspoon of warm chicken broth, or, plain tea or coffee and sip the mixture down and then quickly sip a second teaspoon of warm liquid.   CAUTION: make sure you work with your personal health care professional. Some medication is not intended to be crushed, even if it is a tablet and you can physically crush it.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

2
 

Fibromyalgia And Surgery: What Did I Learn?

I'm back home from the hospital and learned a few things about surgical floor staff and Fibro. [1] Just like any other area of health care that does not see a lot of people with Fibromyalgia, there are surgical staff members whose eyes glaze over when you say "I have Fibromyalgia", and there are those whose eyes light up with recognition and respond, "don't feel shy about speaking up for yourself when your pain level increases.
[2] Don’t be afraid to ask for extra blankets. I needed a total of 3 to keep warm.
[3] Don’t be afraid to ask to have the air conditioning in your room turned down, or the heat turned up – depending on the time of year.
Remember cold aggravates Fibromyalgia and increases your pain and stiffness. You might not be able to turn the air conditioning off if you have a roommate. I had a private room so there was no problem. If you can’t get the air conditioning turned off, or the heat turned up, get as many blankets as you can stand to lay under. The weight of 3 blankets was my threshold. [4] Remind everyone from the pre-op registration desk, to the OR personnel, to the recovery floor staff, “I have Fibromyalgia and it may affect my recovery, the actual physical surgery may exacerbate my Fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibro and physical injury seem to form a vicious pain cycle so I will be requesting my post op pain meds.”
My doctor informed me that due to recent change in legislation, a post op patient has to request certain pain meds when their pain level increases, even if it is prescribed by the surgeon to be administered at certain intervals. If you have break through pain in-between the scheduled dispensing times, YOU must say something.   You are your best advocate. If you think you will be unable to speak up for yourself, hav a family member or friend do so.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
 

Free At Last, Free At Last

I'm finally home. Got out yesterday, August 05.   I had problems swallowing and my creatin levels went waaaay down.   I've been home for 24 hours and my legs are swelling. So now I'm calling the doctor.   Gotta say, once a couple of issues were addressed: removing the drain tube
turning the air conditioner off and piling on 3 blankets [da Fibro]
Figuring out how to take my crushable meds despite the taste.
The pain is bearable. I have severe Fibromyalgia so I live with excruciating pain every day.   When Dr. Cahill's assistant, Tony, came into my room I told him "if you don't discharge me today, my 18 month old granddaughter is going to break me outta dis joint see."
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
 

Family Support

As a divorced mom, I was the sole source of support and motivation for my children. My daughter is now a news producer and my son is a photographer [he's photographying my weight loss journey]. Now my children are my support and motivation as I battle to get healthy. They watched my struggle to get control of Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, they are confident I will take control of my weight.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

1
 

Discussing Fibromyalgia and Surgery with my surgical team

I have an evening appointment with my surgeon's assistant tonight. The purpose is last minute instructions and Q & A. I found a patient education sheet "Guidance for Fibromyalgia Patients who are having Elective Surgery" on the website of the Fibromyalgia Information Foundation.   I'm printing out a copy and taking it to my appointment tonight. Everyone at the hospital seems knowlegeable about FM and its affects on post-op recovery but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

1
 

1 week pre-op

It's been a long road to get to this point. I've walked this road with my 2 children, my sister, and my best friend [who just happens to be a doctor]. For years my doctor's have been warning me to lose weight. My sister and I have tried various programs [diet and exercise] to no avail.   I didn't come to the decision to undergo surgery at the flip of a coin. I purposely waited until today, 1 week pre-op, to tell my extended family and friends because they are not always supportive of what I want to do for myself. Also, my mother's side of the family is Nawlins born and bred. They are the biggest [no pun intended] weight loss sabatougers. They think I am too skinny.   Well, I made my announcement today and most of the family ignored me.   I'm turning all the phones off.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

4

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