Dooter

Blackanese...I think you may have typed that backwards. The stomach IS on the left side, so pain there would make sense. You should report the e.r. findings (nothing found, yet still severe pain) to your doc right away. The good news is that there's no leak. (correct?) The gall bladder is high up just right of center and the pain is usually high center and feels like someone is running you through with a sword. I suppose the pain could refer to another spot. Gall bladder pain kicks in after you've eaten any food containing fat and does not let up until you either throw up or it just gets processed, which takes quite a while. Just a few things to think about. I'd be buggin' the surgeon until you get some assurance that you're ok.

Ok, so I've been lurking around this forum since December 9th, so I though I'd better just get it all out there. Let me introduce myself. My name is Danielle- my friends call me Dooter. (That started when I was young, and someone at my church picked it up again because she liked it, now that's just how it is.) I don't like to be noticed or get attention, so this whole blog thing is weird for me talking about myself, but if it helps someone coming behind me in the process, then it'll be worth it. So be it. I have a surgery date set for February 13, and Lord willing, it will go off without a hitch, healing will be quick and the life I've been longing to return to in a manageable body will resume and I will spend many happy days with my husband and my three boys doing things that I've not been able to do being weighed down by this body of death. Grim, I know, but that's how it feels. My only solace in this body is that if it failed today, I'd live forever in the presence of the Lord. However....I'm just not ready for that. I've got lots of work to do here first. Like all of you (I'm guessing) I've been there, done that on the diet circuit. Up and down in weight...ad nauseum. I'm 42, and I figured that if I live to be even 84, I'd have ANOTHER 42 years to live in this body that is fighting me for EVERY pound. I'm done. Done, done, done. Did I mention that I'm done?? Now...I realize this life after surgery is going to be no picnic, but for once my efforts will be rewarded with loss!!!! Now that's gain!! Wait...am I gaining or losing? I'm confused.... Well, what I DO know is that I could lose 200 pounds and not be in any danger of being too thin. I'd be thrilled with 160, but hoping for more. I can't WAIT to start losing! But know this: I am NOT cool, so I will NOT use terms like "onederland" and "surgiversary." Sorry. These crazy lingos irritate me. So that's it in a nutshell. I'll be traveling to the next state for the surgery and self-paying, so once I decided to do this, I was able to just make an appointment. All the testing and meetings and whatnot will be done a couple days prior to the surgery. All in one shot. Nice. Then we hang around for a week and come home. Love it. I've been praying about this for weeks and will keep doing so until all is well. I'll also say some prayers for all of you. God Bless. --danielle

Oh, it never fails for me. The first 10 pounds I lose will be STRAIGHT out of my boobs. Cup size, band size...all of it. Coupla empty wallets bangin' on my knees is what they'll be. LOL Oh well. Smaller butt will be so worth it!

God speed, Pook and K. Can't wait to see you posting later on.... Praying for you..

As far as a Bougie, it turns out my doc (Dr. Kim) will use the endoscope to visualize the inside of the incision, and at the same time use it as a sizing device, which will be roughly a 34. Very interesting! I'm hoping for great loss with the smaller size! And praying for NO complications.

I'm self pay, and I found the best surgeon I could find here in the U.S. and it's going to cost $13,800 and there is no way in the blue blazes of Hades that I expect to gain any weight back, and I will not regret a single penny of it. (I'm not rich, either) I want my life back, and there is NO price I can put on that. We as women are already in great danger of osteoporosis because we eat junk. Even before surgery, we are malnourished because we don't eat lean meats and nutrient rich foods. I am speaking from a 42 year battle with all of this, so yes. Self pay is worth it. IF.....you go into this with the attitude of change. Everything will be different now. All the diet and exercise advice you've always been given will be a MUST, not a suggestion. That's my take on it.

Good advice!!!

Ohhh....interesting. I guess things get a little more intense, acid-wise. That'll be fun. :s Worth it though...

I'm curious why you're on a PPI AND a RX antacid?? That seems excessive... I've been on those kinds of meds for about 25 years, and I've never needed both on my worst days. The PPI should be more than enough. If the acid pumps are shut down, it doesn't seem there'd be a need for the antacid. I may be wrong.....maybe this surgery changes things, I don't know..... Anyone?

Well, it's good to know the cravings are bearable! Ha! Food funerals. Ya, I guess that's what I'm doing. Said so long to Krispy Kreme the other day. Donuts are my downfall. I'm PRAYING that they will be repulsive to me after the surgery. Sounds like that's a possibility. I'm ready.

Seriously though peeps.....I'm still waiting for surgery, and right now I can still eat what I'm craving, and I have to say I am miserable. If I'm going to be miserable over food, I can't wait for it to be in the getting skinny direction. I sat in 2 different restaurants today where I didn't fit in the chair or booth. Where is the joy in that life?? To top it off, my hiatal hernia ....herniated....or whatever it does....this morning, so when I do eat, it's extra unpleasant. When you're having a tough time with the craving, try your hardest to remember what indulging your cravings made you feel like. That instant regret (at least for me). Not to be a downer or anything, but really. I've got the food world at my feet and I can't buckle my seatbelt. Nothing tastes that good. You're doing great!! Focus on how good that tastes!!

email donuts...that's awesome!!!

J, you need to visit the "Food Porn" thread! Hahahahaha!!!

Tuttle, can I ask how your weight loss is going?

I agree with both previous posts. Turn to one One who created you for true comfort. And remember He gave us Doctors and Celexa! There are also natural supplements that replace seratonin, which is very important for mood. Celexa is good for that too on a temporary basis. Gets you "out of the hole" so to speak.

Yes, us "not yet sleeved" would like further input.....what's up??

Well, that gives me hope then! Although I've got hair loss issues due to menopause anyway..... It falls out then grows back. Repeatedly. Blech. I'm going to do my best to keep it, but I'm with bionicbroad.... i'd rather be skinny!

The info pack from my doc stresses the important of protein in regard to hair loss. It says if the body has to make a decision of "should we grow hair, or beat the heart?" It will choose "beat the heart" every time. Hair loses. Unless you are very faithful about consuming enough protein. I've heard that some lose it in spite of their best efforts. I fear this. :s BUT....it will always grow back. That's the good news.

Yup. Needed to hear that.

I'll have surgery in February and will be going home by car (Dallas to Albuquerque) 5 days post-op and Dr. Kim has no problem with it. Not that I'm looking forward to that part of it... :s Keep up your liquids while traveling!

Hey, I have a question....I haven't had surgery yet, but am wondering for the future...does an increase in exercise help bust through these stalls I hear about? Has anyone had that experience?

I started a FEb 2012 thread in pre op.

I don't know about decaf relating to the symptoms you describe, but everything I've ever heard or read says to avoid decaf. Especially chemically decaffeinated coffee. It's even being linked to increased LDL cholesterol rise. You're better off with a real cup o joe. That said, I don't think two cups (total) of ANYthing is going to do what you're describing. Better call right away!!