natalie_christin

I added psyllium fiber but it didn't help... I ended up trying MiraLAX which has helped and and worst case scenario my doctor suggested mineral oil… Good luck

I would check with your doctor about mixing things with the Protein shake – I know it varies from doctor to doctor but I know personally I wasn't allowed to mix anything other than Water with the Protein Shake for at least the first few weeks… Just a suggestion as it was a point of confusion for me. I didn't realize until the last minute. What is the things that really helped though was being able to add extra X to the shakes – vanilla extract is a biggie and there's also, and strawberry extracts as well. There's others but those were the main ones I used. Good Luck

I thought I would put this out there and see if anyone has any ideas/suggestions and if we can generate some ideas, maybe we can help one another. I'm 32 years old but I became disabled many years ago due to chronic pain, health issues, etc.… I have a lot of physical limitations and also constant severe pain to contend with. I had my sleeve done in September 2013. I've lost a good amount of weight but, I would like to lose more. Even though I have physical limitations, I wanted to see if anybody might have some ideas when it comes to exercise. I need to work on those "flabby areas" and I know that that's going to require lifting some weights. I would like to also strengthen my back – but I have had seven spinal surgeries. I also know that I need to work on my core but I also have nerve damage in my abdominal wall and have to be careful there as well. I know that's a lot of things that I can't do but I'd like to find some things that I can do. I'd like to work on the typical problem areas – my flabby arms, my legs and all-around exercise. I honestly haven't been able to really exercise since having surgery due to all of my medical situations but, I'd like to try to do whatever I can and I would appreciate any suggestions, ideas, and resources. I really want to make my goal weight and I know that I can only do that if I start becoming more active. I'm hoping my medications will begin to allow me to move around a bit more. I downloaded a couple of applications – including MyFitnessPal… Most of them though are for keeping track of activity and not really suggesting activity. Thanks for taking your time to read this and thanks in advance for any information you might have.

Mongos – and I actually joined one… Unfortunately, the pool is outdoors and not covered and because of the rheumatoid medications – I can't be out in the sun at all. I learned a lesson the hard way. As it was explained to me, the rheumatoid medicines are like chemo meds and they lower your immune system and also have a lot of side effects. Last time I was out in the sun at all, I ended up with grapefruit size growths and blisters all over. As far as the gym is concerned, it's golds gym and none of the classes are very disability friendly and it's the machines are cram so tightly in there that anyone with a cane or difficulty walking has issues – I already checked everything that she and several times. I signed up for the membership there because of the silver sneakers but, it's very hazardous. It's a great benefit to have but I've just been unlucky.

Oh well sweetie – I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. I've been in those classes two – where they're supposed to be especially for people that are disabled and – I don't think they really know what that is until they go through it personally. If your equilibrium is off, what about chair exercises? I know that they've been mentioned here as well. I don't know where you're located but I believe that PBS has some classes on TV. I've been trying to record them so that I can go back and do them. I haven't been able to start yet but I'm working on it. My dad has really bad equilibrium two – we live together that way, I can keep an eye on him. Just keep going – you can do it! :-)

I am so sorry sweetie.. You have definitely been through it.. I hope that despite everything you're going through and the pain you are dealing with that you are doing okay. I couldn't imagine. My mom had a similar situation with her head – her hip actually disintegrated because of the medications the doctor pumped into it. She passed away at 38. I sometimes feel like I'm following her for footsteps. I know that nerve pain can be one of the worst. Good for you going to rock concert! Who was it? I wouldn't mind trying to fit bit – unfortunately I'm on a fixed income so – I'm barely making it – if you want to call it making it LOL I'm month-to-month. I'd like to do physical therapy and have a trainer and all those things that everyone has suggested – I greatly appreciate everyone's suggestions. But, I'm just trying to do what I can do as I can do it. Part of the problem I have is I have multiple disabilities and they're all over my body. My entire abdominal wall has nerve damage and endometriosis, PC OS and is very painful I also have the rheumatoid arthritis in my ribs, arms, legs, feet, knees, fingers, toes, I definitely my spine– they didn't catch it until was already in severe range. I'm hoping that once I get my rheumatoid/psoriatic arthritis meds backing me that I'll be able to move around a little bit more. I had an infection so I had to stop everything.

I'll have to look into that. I honestly don't know where one is here in San Antonio but I would assume they have one. It sounds like you've had your fair share of health issues as well. I hope that you're feeling better.

Thank you Lisa :-) I looked online and found a few pages – I even found one for tai chi. I know it's supposed to be low impact. I never tried it before but if I could do it, it would be a great accomplishment. Again, thank U for your input.

Hi Kathleen, I actually used to go to that Healthlink there. I went in for physical therapy. Min was a very good therapist. Unfortunately, it was quite the distance for me to even go for physical therapy (I live at Highway 90 and Loop 1604 area) and the gym membership cost was quite expensive for me. Don't know if it's changed at all but I can always check it back out. I just wish my co-pays weren't so darn expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for having insurance but when you're on a limited income, and you have a bunch of specialists, it doesn't leave much money for alternatives.

I agree, I definitely have to be careful. I used to do yoga – before I got sick and I really miss it. I tried to take a yoga class at the gym but, it was way beyond anything I could do. I did buy a DVD specifically for people with disabilities but it seems to have disappeared. I've been trying to look for it again. I really appreciate your input. I also will check out the info you gave me. I don't know if they have that type of program down here in San Antonio.

I appreciate your input. I have been trying to look into some chair exercises. The only problem that I find is I try to do something and ended up paying for it many days at a time. I know I have difficulty but I hope overcome but i'm hoping to get into the routine and maybe it be easier on my body. I technically have a gym membership – my health insurance company actually pays for it. They are also very kind and "gifted me" soon personal training sessions. That unfortunately, I haven't been able to move around too much if at all and I really want to make the sessions worthwhile and get as much out of them as I can. Money is a definite factor for me. I'm on a very strict and limited income. I do enjoy getting in the pool but I need one that is handicap accessible. They have one at the gym but unfortunately it's outdoors and not covered and it's the rheumatoid medication I'm on are also Chemo meds and I learned the hard way – when it says not to be out in the sun, I can't be out the sun… I always thought that the side effects wouldn't bother me but I paid for it big time. I tried going to the pool at night on occasion, but the pool staff doesn't enforce the rules when it comes to kids swimming/diving/do what they're supposed to do… And then I also encounter people in the pool Makian out or being inappropriate public place like that… LOL – so I haven't been back. I was really hoping to go even if it's just for a little while. The hot tub helps when i'm hurting too. Hopefully I can get over this hump and try to start getting back into it.

I would love a form of gentle yoga. I don't know any organizations that do's death like that here in San Antonio. The pool is definitely an option but the only downside is, I cannot go in the pool a while it's light out – the chemo meds that I'm on really affect me badly when I interacted the sun whatsoever. So, going the pool route is important to me– I just have to work around it by avoiding the sun at all costs. I never thought that I would experience the side effects that the medication worn dad but LOL… I learned my lesson the hard way.Thank you so much again for your input

Kathy, Thank you so very much for your uplifting message. You're right, I'm doing the best that I can with the situation I've been given. I have multiple disabilities but I also have difficulty in getting the proper treatment that I need in order to get better. For example, physical therapy is something I should be doing but at $40 a session times three times a week, it is definitely something I cannot afford. I know I have to be careful but, I also have to find a workaround and find that path. Thank you for the suggestions on the chair exercises. I will definitely look into those. On a side note, I do have a gym membership – my insurance company pays for it. But unfortunately, the classes they offer are not geared to individuals that are in my circumstance. Again, I just really wanted you to know how much I appreciated your input.

I appreciate the suggestion – typically I would jump at doing any water activity but the pool that I'm able to use is connected to the outdoors and with the medication, I am on, I can't be out in the sun/water… I unfortunately learned that the hard way. I think one of the things that is hurting me is the stress I'm under. I'm trying to work on releasing stress and also trying to clear things on my life that are stressful… That's easier said than done but I'm just trying to take one day at time. I really appreciate any help or guidance you guys are provided. I don't really come on the boards a whole lot but, maybe hear more would help as well. Thanks a bunch and hope everyone's having a good day, Natalie

I decided to come here for some sort of support. Please on the first say that I am just looking for support – not criticisms or negativity of any kind. I'm going through a lot right now – divorce, domestic violence and A protective order later, I'm just trying to get with life and move on. I really am trying to not only get on with my life but in the process, I trying to lose the way that I know I have the ability to do. I was sleeved in September. I was doing pretty good weight Wise until semi recently. My spirit is somewhat squashed right now – I don't know if that's the right word to use or not, but I really want to get back on track. Things got squashed back in December when my husband attacked me and read injured my spine and other areas of my body. I was on a plan to exercise and things of that nature but the domestic violence and injuries involved set me back. I really need to Start exercising and make the dream happen. I am disabled so, pain management and trying to control the pain has been an issue with exercising. I just know that I have to take one step at a time and one thing. I'm the type of person that tries to take everything on it wants but I know better than that right now. As far as my plea in the beginning, a while back I posted song information as far as things that I was eating that wasn't right with the postop diet and I feel like I got reamed out by a few people. To me, this should be a healthy and positive environment and that's I wanted hoping for. I would just really appreciate a buddy or encouragement or anything of that nature. I don't want to bother anyone but I just would appreciate an opportunity to talk to somebody that is going through what I am. Maybe we can support one another – who knows. I would appreciate any communication or discussion. I just really need to find the encouragement inside myself. It's freaking me out that I've gained weight.

I know what you mean about trying to take control of her medication everything. I've been working hard on ridding myself of what doesn't work just trying to take what does work. It's a never-ending battle is something that I know will get through whatever comes.. I'm just so cool and so many directions with the divorce and having to do things that I never thought I would have to do. I just want to be healthy and happy. As far as oatmeal is concerned, I thought I had too many carbs? Honestly didn't get very good start with my dietitian – I paid to see her several times – money I didn't have in the first place but I try to make sure everything was absolutely clear before and after surgery but she never would answer questions correctly give me a straight answer. I'm trying to figure out where I can add protein and still be healthy or not if that makes sense… I have enough trouble getting enough protein. I am more than willing and would welcome any diet suggestions that you have as far as where to add the protein. I've been trying to stick to chicken or turkey as they have a higher protein levels – but that's when I can eat… I have Protein powder that I can mix and stuff that is unflavored but, it can't be over a certain heat temperature… I really appreciate the support that everyone's offered loans I would greatly appreciate any guidance you guys are willing to offer – I'm all ears. I really want to come back from all of this better and stronger. But right now I feel like I'm buried can't keep my head above Water. Much thanks and appreciation, Nat

I have a lot of health issues and unfortunately letting them get in the way of my successfulness of my weight-loss. I wanted to see if there was a buddy or someone that would like to act as a mentor right now. I live in San Antonio Texas but, I'm willing to have an online buddy or even one in town… I would love to have one or more people where we could support one another in this journey despite having other health issues and disabilities. Thanks a bunch, Natalie

Hello everyone, I'm so sorry I haven't been online – I haven't been feeling well. I'm amazed and really appreciate all the responses. There been times where I haven't really felt… Welcome here – I don't know if that's the right word. Sometimes it can be a difficult place to be with varying opinions and such. That was originally when I first joined first had surgery. Anyway, Moving on to bigger and better things :-) to answer some of your questions, as far as my disabilities are concerned, I've had approximately 20 surgeries – seven of them spinal and the rest of them abdominal. I do have a lot of pain every day and it's impeding my ability to try to get out and move around and try to exercise bands to make things worse, I'm having a hard time eating. That is a problem within itself as I'm not getting anywhere near the correct amount of Protein that I'm supposed to have. I know that something I have to work on and I'm trying my best to not only work on my intake but also keep it down. As far as my illnesses are concerned, I have three forms of arthritis – osteoarthritis which I've had for many years but most recently, they diagnosed me with severe rheumatoid as well as psoriatic arthritis as well. I've had spinal fusion and my cervical spine – I was told I had no other choice and I honestly only thing that made part of it worse but, I also have chronic migraines and chronic abdominal pain due to nerve damage in my abdominal wall and all the surgeries that I've had. I also have some phenol issues that cause a great deal of pain as well. And my back – well, six surgeries and my thoracic spine and then one of my cervical spine – doesn't make for a good body… LOL. I have difficulty walking at times and have Constance shooting pain, numbness, tingling, etc. going down my arms legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes… having the surgery was a big deal to me – already had a great deal of abdominal pain from previous issues and I didn't want to create more problems. I also suffered from chronic nausea before all this as well. But, I thought that having the surgery was something I had to do for my health. I lost my mom at 38 – I was only 17 and once I didn't want to continue in her footsteps or at the rate that I was going. She had severe rheumatoid – which is how I got it… To aggregates, I'm going through a very difficult divorce. I don't have any contact with my husband because I have a protective order/restraining order against him. Domestic violence drove me to follow through with that… He decided to walk out of our marriage in July without warning. Hey just came home one day from work and said he wanted to divorce and left. And, then he attacked me a few months ago. While I was lucky that he didn't do any severe damage, he just agitated my already spinal issues. He's bipolar and he got more and More filled with rage and it scared me – I was afraid he was going to hurt my family as well as our animals (dogs.) I know you guys didn't ask about that but, that's a great deal of stress for me right now. And unfortunately, being disabled doesn't leave you with much – don't get me wrong, another their people that are disabled that do not receive benefits and I feel blessed that I do receive some benefits, but when you're disabled at 27, you don't accrue much. So, I also have a great deal of stress with financial circumstances. He has an attorney and I do not. His father paid for it. I don't have a way to pay for one. He's also made this process very difficult. I just wanted Over with. I'm sure you can see that I'm kind of being pulled from many different directions right now and I don't want to give you a sob story, that is not my intent. I'm just stressed out and trying to deal with my health issues, the divorce, financial issues, and surviving in general. I know that stress doesn't help the situation at all and I'm trying to keep it in check but, it's getting exceedingly hard to do. I have dreams just like everyone else and I really hope to be able to get as healthy as possible. But, it's hard to do that without being able to have around. No one of you asked about my weight loss – I did really well in the beginning but, I really faltered lately – I think I stopped losing weight and probably November? I know a lot of it has to do with lack of protein – and I'm really trying to work on that but when you have difficulty keeping things down, you don't get very far. To make things worse, I think it's reflecting my blood work as well… I just got some blood test results back and while all of the generic stuff was decent, it seems like my nutrition level is affecting my blood work now. Where the things that I'm having a difficult time with as well is a couple of my rheumatoid medications – I didn't know that rheumatoid was as big of a deal as it is. It's an immune suppressant disorder and pretty much a text somebody so I in turn have to take medications to try to keep it from attacking my body but the medications break down my body even worse… A couple of the medications are chemo type meds – actually one of them is the chemo meds. I had to go off of them before surgery because they break down my immune system even more and it would cause me not to heal and develop infections and they never had this type of effect on me before and now, they're making me sick as a dog. I'm hoping that once they're in my body and I get used to them again(usually takes about six months,) that I will hopefully have some relief but in the meantime, I'm just kind of curled up in a ball all the time in pain and sick. Again, I don't want this to sound like a sob story but… I figured it's better to be honest then to leave a bunch of missing pieces out. I would appreciate any feedback or discussion or help or anything… I also really appreciate all of your responses. Like I said, I was really surprised. Thanks so very much for listening, Natalie Oh, and my email address is natalie_christin@yahoo.com

I have my surgery back in September – while I've stopped losing weight – mostly because of my lack of moving around these days... (Other health issues/ disabled.) For the past couple of months, I have had trouble eating- even if I have tuna/chicken salad, Soup, and other soft items.. On top of having problems eating, my stomach is no for the lack of a better word seizing up.. I realize the stomach is a muscle, but even if I chew it up completely, take time, and eat soft foods, my stomach starts spasming but, it's thousand so much where it feels like… I'm not sure how to describe it but, the spasms so bad that it takes my breath away and very painful. But when it spazzes, it's almost like it's seizing up – it doesn't go away immediately each time it "spasms", it'll last for a good while. Part of my problem also is that with me not feeling well, time gets away from me and I do forget to eat – I don't know that's it contribute factor not but, i'll send out but I'm not getting enough Protein. It's like, my stomachs going into shock when I finally eat. I've been making a real effort the passion days to try earlier and I know I really need to work on getting more protein in my diet because if I'm only eating wants, the most protein I'm getting is maybe 20 g a day… I know that's not good either but, I plan to just at least have a shake or something like that at least once a day and then have a light meal. There are times when I'm lucky if I can get a couple spoons of chicken salad or tuna salad in me.. I'm not eating bread or Pasta or any carbs and that nature… But, I've been getting really nauseous – more than normal as well. Their times it's so painful that it takes my breath away and then I started getting clammy and feel like I'm going to vomit. So sorry, not trying to give tmi but I'm not quite sure how to word it. Is/has anyone else going through anything like this? The doctor did run a test on the a month or so go where they had a drink I think a little bit of barium and they watched it go down my throat and into my stomach because I was having problems swallowing/things going down… It felt like my esophagus was full and the food wasn't going down… The barium and went down without problems but even drinking Water Stomach just feels like they get stuck either my throat or in my "stomach"… now my stomach seizing up... Causing lots of problems.. Any suggestions, ideas or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure how to describe what I'm experiencing.

Thank you all for your messages of hope and support. For those that would like a buddy and mentioned private messaging me, I would love that… Please send me a PM whenever you get a chance. I am really trying to log myself in on fitness pal.. The wait is fluctuating a bit. The highest I got was 330. Prior to the surgery I was at 312 and now I am about 269. I did get down to 262, then back to 272... 269 pounds is not My goal. I'm realistic about Michael's but that's not my goal. I'm trying to eat simple things I am not trying to eat carbs or anything like that. Really try to take it back to basics. What's crazy is I'm hungry all the time – that doesn't make sense. We only have this little sleeve. I shouldn't be hungry all the time. I've never really experienced this type of thing – prior to surgery I really didn't eat all that much to begin with so my body wasn't burning the calories that need to two. I know I can still lose weight. I just need to get exercising and it's probably get my stress levels under control because stress can cause over eating or at least that's what they say. I'm not blaming it at all on that but I think it does have something to do with it. I just need things to be good little while at least. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone. Things are good for little while, I can build up my strength and my reserves for things… Blessings to all, Natalie

Hello everyone, I know everyone's experience changes from time to time as far as their experience with their surgeon and dietitian, etc.… My name unfortunately hasn't been the best. My surgery was in September and I've honestly lost a good amount of weight but I do think it would be more if I was doing a lot better diet wise and exercising as well. I thought I would reach out there and maybe we can have a discussion as far as diet is concerned and what works for one another. I suffer with chronic pain and other disability issues, so convenience is extremely important to me. I am not really spoiling or eating the things that I'm not supposed to but there are many times where I'm not hungry. And also times where I know that I'm getting little to no Protein which is not good obviously... I recently received some samples of a product called unjury. They sent me their flavorless Protein powder that can be added to a variety of things… I was thinking or hoping I could add it to a Breakfast or lunch item and kick off my day with getting protein I need. How is everyone else doing with their diet? I would love to hear others' ideas and/or suggestions as to what works for them. Have a good day, Natalie

Thank you for that information – how do you add it to your veggies – just out of curiosity? Thanks a bunch

They sent me a sample of their unflavored powder… Can you tell me how you use it? What do you add it to? Thanks a bunch – I'm looking for any and all ideas.

By the way – I'm not trying to promote that company or any thing like that it's just a resource that was given to me and I thought I would share. I just don't want it to seem like I'm promoting them or anything.

One of the problems that I have or have is the fact that the dietitian didn't help me at all – even after paying her for several visits… That's why I'm going out alone and talking about it here. This is a site that unjury variety and they also have an email address where you can actually ask their dietitian questions. It's totally free and I just thought it it's at least a resource… https://www.baribest.com/store/baribest/ Askthedietitian@unjury.com