MochaWendy

I just bought the large box ( 700 count box ).They will have alot to pull, as so many things are made with Splenda. I sure hope that this doesn't happen.

I only told a few close people at work before the surgery ( I had Open RNY) And that was because I didn't want to hear their made up horror stories. It wasn't long, until my son (whjo works there also) told some of the people that work for me, They were driving him crazy -- They had heard all sorts of rumors, The biggest was that I was dying from cancer. So he told about the surgery, to calm some of them.. I didn't care, the surgery was over. It is a very personal decision, And with the HIPPA laws, you don't have to tell your boss anything. You decide who and when you will tell them , If you decide to. I have been lucky, most people were genuinely concerned and curious after the surgery. No one was really catty with me. In 18 months I had lost 168 #'s. That was almost 18 mths ago. And I haven't gained any back.

<TABLE class=border cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><COLGROUP><COL width="50%"><COL width="50%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>The Sapala-Wood Micropouch® Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2> In the Sapala-Wood Micropouch® operation the very top of the stomach is completely divided. It is not stapled. This division results in the creation of a small “micropouch” completely separate from the lower part of the stomach. This Sapala-Wood Micropouch® is about the size of a grape (1-2 cc). The small intestine is divided into two ends. One end travels upward to be connected to the Sapala-Wood Micropouch®.The other end is attached downward to the side of the distal small intestine to complete the circuit. food travels down the esophagus, through the Sapala-Wood Micropouch®, to the intestine It bypasses the stomach. The bottom of the stomach no longer receives any food or liquids. But the stomach will still function because its nerve and blood supply are intact. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Tracy, When do you feel nauseated? All the time, or after eating? What are you eating ? and When were you banded?

ANY surgery is risky, But I went for the GB as staying at 308#'s. The surgeon and my PCP, made sure that I was well aware of all the risks, the surgeon even stated " YOU CAN DIE, YOU CAN DIE,YOU CAN DIE" ----- I was a walking time bomb. I also went through just about every medical test before being approved for the surgey. They wanted to know everything that they possibly could before the surgery. I am now, 2 1/2 years post op. <TABLE class=outerborder cellPadding=10><TBODY><TR><TD>It is important to remember that there is risk with any surgery. There are some specific risks associated with Bariatric Surgery. 10-20% of patients who have weight-loss operations require follow-up operations to correct complications. Abdominal hernias are the most common complications requiring follow-up surgery. Less common complications include breakdown of the staple line and stretched stomach outlets. More than one-third of obese patients who have gastric bypass surgery develop gallstones. Gallstones are clumps of cholesterol and other matter that form in the gallbladder. During rapid or substantial weight loss a person's risk of developing gallstones is increased. Gallstones can be prevented with supplemental bile salts taken for the first 6 months after surgery. Many surgeons are opting to remove the gallbladder during the initial weight loss surgery. Nearly 30% of patients who have weight-loss surgery develop nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease. These deficiencies can be avoided if Vitamin and mineral intakes are maintained. Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy until their weight becomes stable because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus. Women of childbearing potential should have a pregnancy test before having weight-loss surgery. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

1. Bread ---- Only if toasted, fresh doesn't sit well in my stomach 2. Pasta --- a couple of bites, same reacation as bread 3. Pop --- diet, and poured into a glass with ice --- to much gas otherwise 4. Tortillas --- a few 5. salad --- small amounts 6. Steak --- yes, small pieces chewed well 7. Roast --- same as steak 8. Cereal --- small amounts 9. Hamburger --- with out the roll 10. pizza --- 1 pices max, but bread and sauce don't mix well for me 11. Apples --- yes -- w/o peel 12. chips --- a few but same as most carbs for me 13. cheese --- OH YES -- love cheese curds and cottage cheese 14. Shrimp --- MY FAVORITE ---I could eat it for every meal 15. Pop corn --- yes, but not alot 16. pretzels --- a couple pretzel rods, or a handfull of others Any other questions, ask away Just remember, I am 2 1/2 years post GB Start 308 --- Now 140

I have no idea who may be more likely than another to gain their weight back. But personally I don't think it has as much to do with the type of procedure done as what the person does after. Some can't or won't give up the large quantities of food, and they throw up. Others can't or won't give up the sugars or foods that they like that make them sick. I try to eat right, take my vitamins and get my blood work done regularly. And to MOVE...... I have so much more energy that I had before. I don't want to sit around. And the biggest change for me....... I eat to live, NOT LIVE TO EAT (which is what I used to do)

I can't say why GB patients gain back their weight. I can tell you what I think. I think that they do not eat properly. They eat high calorie foods, candy, ice cream, etc. And they do what is called grazing. They eat all day long. Stop and think about it, We the GB'ers can only eat small amounts. But we could eat every 2 or so hours. I think that some also drink liquids with their meals, causing them to fill faster, but it doesn't hold them. ( Which is why the no liquids before, during or after a meal) Let me add here, I for one am human --- I have eaten a mini candy bar. But that's all the sugar I can handle. I also don't do well with carbs. But for me that's okay, Because I am supposed to eat Protein first, then veggies. And yes I do have to take vitamins for the rest of my life. But I took them before. I also take calcium chews. But I don't drink much milk. And I GLADLY traded my vitamins for my Blood pressure meds, Celebrex, and Prilosec. Any other questions, Give me a yell

SO far -- I have had no down sides to the surgery......... And I can have my surgery reversed. I can't imagine why I would want to? But it is an option if needed for some reason.

I chose GB - an I have not had one regret, I researched the different surgeries, and my PCP and Surgeon both agreed that the Open RNY was the best for me. And since I never went to medical school, I went with their advice. I have had alot of people tell me that I took the easy way out. But let me tell you, I don't believe there is ANY easy way out. I lost 168#'s in 18 months. And have not put any back on in a year. I eat most anything that I want, but in moderation. I have never vomited, or had the pain from overeating. But my Doctor told me I was an abnormal patient. I listened to what they said and I did it. I measured everything that I ate. One of my sisters had the same surgery that I did, and another had Laproscopic, And just last August a friend was banded. I agree that " we are all different" . My doctor told me up front that there may be foods that I can't tolerate. I don't miss anything, and that includes all the meds ( prilosec, celebrex and blood pressure meds) I came here to educate myself on the LB, so I could help my friend. All the surgeries are different, but they are also so similar. We were all heavy, and couldn't lose the weight on our own. My surgeon told me that he would give me the "TOOL" and the results that I got would be because of what I did with the tool. If any of you have any questions about the GB, I'd be happy to answer them.

Vines, Don't be so hard on yourself. "This too shall pass" You are doing great, Stop beating yourself up. Are you eating enough? Are you drinking your water? Are you exercising? If your answers to the above are all yes, Keep up the good work ! And be patient. I don't know if you snack, Being a gastric bypass patient, I am supposed to. They told us that if we didn't eat like we were supposed to, we would not be fueling the fire! And we all need to fuel the fire for our losses. Take care, and stay positive..........Remember all you have accomplished so far.

Hi all, I am looking to understand the life after banding. The fills and when needed, Everything about life after banding. What if anything that you can't eat. ETC........ I had Gastric Bypass Surgery in June of 2003, and have lost 168#'s. Recently a friend was banded, and I am curious as to the differences between banding and the surgery. I would appreciate anything that you would like to share to help educate me in banding, Thanks Wendy

I am the Wendy that justbeingme is referring to in her message. I weighed in at 308 when I had Gastric Bypass Surgery. 2 years later I am now down 168 #'s. I haven't lost anything since Novemeber. But I have met my goal and am maintaining. As far as who you tell and who you don't. Alot of people will watch you after they find out. I found that MOST we just curious because they didn't know anyone who had gone through it. And I considered it a learning experience for them. I decided to educate them. As far as I am concerned, having the surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made. Every one is different and all procedures are different. But I am willing to help anyone. So If any of you have any questions. Fire off an email to me........ And I'll get back to you