Born in Missouri

My Vit B12 was so high that it was out of the highest range possible. I'm talking in the thousands plus. My doctor, to my surprise, laughed. I took that to mean it wasn't the end of the world. She suggested that I take my B12 once or twice a week instead of every day. I showed my sons my results, too (they are both medical doctors) and they told me not to be alarmed either. At 6mos I am slightly anemic as well, but even then, I was told not to be overly concerned. Eat meat. Don't forget to down my iron. Take your vitamins as directed and it will be okay. I wouldn't say this if I hadn't experienced the same feelings as you did. While it is possible to overdo the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), your water soluble vitamins (B and C vitamins) just pass in your urine. It actually takes a long time to get to genuine danger levels. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder). Perhaps you have an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism is extremely common and is easily treated with medication. Write to me privately if you want to talk more or if you'd like me to ask one of my sons about any specific lab results. (Not a substitute for your own doctor... just an offer to perhaps ease your mind until you can see someone.)

Yikes. I didn't even pay attention to the title of this forum. Talk about a dunce. (Picture me in a corner wearing my pointy cap.) Respect gratefully noted, Julie, and apology offered. I should keep my opinions to myself, especially when I don't know where I'm giving them! 😃 In my defense, when one sees a topic on the right-sided column on the main splash page, the forum is not immediately obvious. It's easy to start blabbing away without realizing where one is blabbing.

Is there any reason why you haven't considered the bypass, for example? I can't recommend the sleeve... since I'm totally TEAM BYPASS.

Doctors still recommend lab bands? Why? I'm confused.

“Most obese patients who qualify for weight loss surgery don’t seek it out, and that may be due at least partly to stigma, a U.S. survey suggests.” “Nearly half of randomly-chosen survey participants said they believe the procedure is usually done for cosmetic rather than health reasons, and about 40 percent thought people who choose the surgery have taken “the easy way out,” …” “This is actually a problem with physicians, too. Often they give patients advice to lose weight, but they don’t refer the patient to a weight loss specialist.” Stigma May Keep People From Getting Weight Loss Surgery https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-obesity-surgery-attitudes/stigma-may-keep-people-from-getting-weight-loss-surgery-idUSKBN1OC2JF Weight Loss Surgery Carries 'Easy Way Out' Stigma https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20181212/weight-loss-surgery-carries-easy-way-out-stigma#1

Patients who underwent surgery had a 77% decreased risk of developing hormone-related cancer (breast, endometrial or prostate cancer) when compared with patients who did not have surgery. Gastric bypass resulted in the largest risk reduction (84%) for hormone-related cancer but was associated with a greater than twofold increased risk of colorectal cancer. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180716103541.htm

Fat-shaming in doctors' offices can often dissuade patients who are overweight from seeing medical professionals. “For decades I was told to lose weight — even while I had an arrhythmia that required two different surgeries..." “The effects are real in that if people avoid the health care system so they don’t feel like crap when they go, it might be too late when something is diagnosed that’s not related to their weight.” https://www.scarymommy.com/cancer-patient-obituary-fat-shaming/

I'm one month out from my bypass. Last night, I had intense leg pain in my right calf. Pain has to be off-the-charts for me to even notice. When you take as much morphine as I do (for an unrelated chronic condition), the pain has to be really bad. This was at least an 8 out of 10. This afternoon, after suffering all night and all day today, I finally mentioned what was going on. My daughter dropped by for a visit and she could see right away that I was trying to hide my pain from her. I could have lied, told her it was post-surgery discomfort, but I don't like being dishonest with my kids. Anyway, it wasn't my idea to go to the ER. My daughter insisted. I figured it was a muscle pull or a cramp. I didn't seem to have the the typical symptoms for a clot, so I thought I'd just sweat it out. The ER took my leg pain complaint seriously. They did an ultrasound, took an X-ray, and did a lot of blood work. Everything was normal. I was actually more interested in my blood work. After weeks of lousy Protein and Fluid intake, I figured I'd have abnormal readings. Not so. My protein was within normal limits, my electrolytes were fine.. so was everything else. Do I feel silly for going to the ER? Yes and no. Would I have gone if my daughter hadn't stopped by? Probably not. Would I suggest that someone else with the same leg pain go to the ER to rule out a clot? Probably. It's amazing how we often won't take symptoms we experience concerning our own body seriously, but when it comes to others, we tend to take things very seriously...

Love your reply. I'm going to adopt that attitude as well. Further proof that we can all learn from and be inspired by each other.

Yes! All of your hard work is paying off. I look forward to your next milestone. It's the milestones that keep us motivated. What is your next milestone? 300?

I forgot that I posted this so I had to read what I found out to re-educate myself. I guess I've lost more than just weight... plenty of brain/memory cells as well. I also have an autoimmune thyroid condition called Hashimoto's thryoiditis. It's hereditary. My point is, having an out-of-whack thyroid tends to interfere with one's tolerance for cold and heat. I tend to have a problem with heat more than cold, but after losing close to 100lbs, I'm having a problem with cold more often now. That said, I'm not interested in regaining those 100lbs so I can be warm again!

I remember feeling horribly low when @AlteredReality was losing big time (we had surgery at the same time) and I felt like such a failure. Miss Altered (said affectionately) is still kicking dust in my face, actually, but hey... I'm nearing 100lbs in less than 6 months. That is NOT something I dared to dream. And I'm practically doing nothing. Not exercising (disability) and just eating when I'm able to keep down a few bites (still no appetite... I miss not being able to enjoy a big plate of spaghetti or some tacos, but four bites and I'm at my physical limit.) I hate when people say, "If I can do it, you can do it." But it's in the cards for you, too. I don't know what I'm doing right but I've almost reached my first real goal of breaking 200lbs. Who woulda thunk it? Just make sure you don't ignore your vitamins/supplements. It's easy to dismiss their importance, especially when you start feeling better than you've felt in a long time.

Society has poisoned women into thinking we have an expiration date, so I'm delighted to know that you think otherwise. Every line, wrinkle, or oddly-shaped blob is a badge with a worthy history. Think of all the people who never make it past their childhood or young adulthood or who die before their time. (I know you had a son, Kevin, who passed away; children should NEVER go before a parent; I have a son named Kevin, too, by the way... my youngest medical doctor.)

Being able to sit in "normal" chairs in waiting rooms instead of the extended two-seaters. Not needing an extender during plane rides AND, again, fitting in the seat comfortably without feeling wedged in. More choices with clothing in sizes that don't represent the maximum, some clothing stores, for example, don't carry anything higher than a 4X. (While I enjoy a snugger fit in clothing, I also oddly like that hanging-off-of look as well... sort of like the kid who gets hand-me-downs in a size too large and has to make do. Weird, I know.)

Does your Mother, by chance, have to take methimazole (three times per day)? If so, it's probably the frequency that makes it difficult for her. Have you tried adding her meds to her food? I'm sure you've tried everything, so I apologize if I'm asking dumb questions. Sometimes when a person has a problem taking meds, there is some anxiety associated with the feeling that they will throw up or worse, whatever worse is. What if you try adding it to her food without her knowing? Maybe, psychologically, she's making matters worse by thinking that she'll be unable to keep her meds down. It's an old trick but it might work. I was never able to get down my recommended fluid or protein. Not even close to optimal. I know some people advise others to force down their fluids and protein no matter what. Be tough on yourself, big-girl panties, and all that. I disagree. Listen to your body; it's talking to you. It's trying. You can only do what you can do. It takes months before malnutrition kicks in. Your Mother will be fine. I'd concentrate on trying to get her meds down and worry less about the fluid and protein. I had an abysmal time with my fluid/protein intake, yet when my 3-month labs came back post-bypass, I aced them. My visit to my endocrinologist last week (I have the autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis), also revealed stellar lab results. Excellent A1C, excellent blood pressure... and no meds for either anymore. I also take anti-depressants. I was lucky, I guess, since I could down any size pill immediately after my surgery. Horse pill size, no problem. Even several at once. I think I'm rambling here, moving from one topic question to the next without making any sense. Your Mother's experience with suddenly thinking everything tastes too sweet, etc is extremely common. Post-surgery most everything smells and tastes differently. I'm still noticing this at 5 months out. My main point is: continue to support your Mother by NOT contributing to the chorus of other people telling her that she needs to do this or that and if she doesn't do it "right" then she's a failure. Posting this comment on behalf of your Mother says a lot about you. She's lucky to have you in her corner. Keep helping her by reminding her that her body will sort things out (eventually). She's healing. Keep being positive even when she's struggling. And keep us posted! We care about you and your Mother.

I love you to pieces, @GreenTealael. Your comments, attitude, and your wry sense of humor are always inspiring. As long as you are a part of this forum, I'm not going anywhere. The same goes for you as well, @Matt Z.

I've had at least four colonoscopies, and I do them without batting an eye now. Even though I have no history of cancer in my family of origin, the GI doctor found the beginnings of what appeared to be a polyp during my first routine colonoscopy. He is conservative in his approach, and I am grateful. Both of my husband's parents died of stomach cancer. I see what it does to a family. I am fearful because of the genetics that my children may now carry. A couple of days of inconvenience (the bowel flushing prep) is nothing compared to what is potentially a shorter life because of inaction. Do the colonoscopy. Don't play with your life or the lives of those who love you. I apologize if I've been overly dramatic with my words, but it's frustrating to see someone (who probably has good health insurance) potentially neglect their health because of a simple preparatory step for an important diagnostic procedure. Again, my apology for my bluntness.

I understand about the weight loss decision, just not the decision regarding the sleeve vs a gastric bypass.

Your body is doing a cleanse. It's not enjoyable, but it's not harmful. Hope you don't have to remain far from the throne. Just keep with the program while your bowels continue to shake and bake. We'll be here for the good, the bad, and the not so pretty sounding. Starting weight: 400lb (understandable) Current weight: 400lb (understandable) Goal weight: 400lb (Are you sure about this one?) I see that your surgery is Dec. 19. How did you decide on the sleeve, if I may ask? And are you really 141 years old? (Check your profile page)

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Listen to Matt. Here's wonderfully knowledgeable when it comes to this topic.

I had my bypass a little over five months ago and I couldn't be happier. My 3-month labs came back great, and my visit to my endocrinologist yesterday showed an A1C of 5.1 (I stopped taking my metformin after my bypass). My blood pressure was 112/68 with no lisinopril. I can't remember being this healthy. And the weight is dropping off steadily with very little effort on my part. You'll have a rocky start at first, perhaps, but hang in there and let your body heal and adjust. Taking supplements is no big deal once you know which ones to take (For example: calcium citrate, b12, iron, a good multivitamin with micronutrients such as copper, zinc, and selenium. I also take magnesium for leg cramps.) I still use my C-Pap even though I'm not sure if I still have sleep apnea.

No problem! That's about all I can eat anyway now.

Unfortunately, people (even health professionals) are inclined to believe what they want to believe... even when faced with evidence to the contrary. So many people suffer from pain, the worst pain being pain that no one believes. The reason why being believed is so critical, is because we are expected to "prove our pain" if we want treatment. I don't have fibromyalgia, but I empathesize with those who do. The topic of chronic pain, whatever the source, drains a little of my life force every time I think about all the people who lead dark and desperate lives.

People with fibromyalgia have widespread inflammation in their brains, new research reveals. "Finding an objective neurochemical change in the brains of people who are used to being told that their problems are imaginary is pretty important," explained senior study author Marco Loggia. He is associate director of the Center for Integrative Pain Neuroimaging at Harvard Medical School. https://consumer.healthday.com/diseases-and-conditions-information-37/fibromyalgia-news-310/brain-scans-suggest-pain-of-fibromyalgia-isn-t-imaginary-738325.html Even though this topic is not weight-loss surgery related, I've known people (mostly women who were also obese) chided about their pain being "all in their head". If being shamed about one's weight isn't enough, many sufferers have had to contend with being mocked about their pain as well. Tragic. It really makes my blood boil. “Few things a doctor does are more important than relieving pain. . . pain is soul destroying. No patient should have to endure intense pain unnecessarily. The quality of mercy is essential to the practice of medicine; here, of all places, it should not be strained.” ― Marcia Angell “The erosion of an effective patient-physician relationship has no place when dealing with chronic pain. Worst of all, dismissing the patient's pain is as devastating as crushing a patient's hope.” ― Melissa Cady “The stigma of chronic pain is one of the most difficult aspects of living with chronic pain. If you have chronic pain, people can sometimes judge you for it. Specifically, they can sometimes disapprovingly judge you for how you are coping with it. If you rest or nap because of the pain, they think you rest or nap too much. If they catch you crying, they become impatient and think you cry too much. If you don’t work because of the pain, you face scrutiny over why you don’t. If you go to your healthcare provider, they ask, “Are you going to the doctor again?” Maybe, they think that you take too many medications. In any of these ways, they disapprove of how you are coping with pain. These disapproving judgments are the stigma of living with chronic pain.” ― Murray J. McAlister “I will be living with chronic pain for the rest of my life. I don’t have the mobility, energy or life options I used to have. I work hard to manage the pain, and I want the medical system to be a respectful and effective partner, not a jailer. The opioid crisis is not my doing.” ― Sonya Huber “The addiction crisis is terrifying, and many people don’t comprehend appropriate opioid use. When I first started taking pain medication, I remember a family member saying, “Dianne, you’re going to become an addict!” We need to help people understand that taking pain medicine to maximize one’s ability to be productive and to sustain enriching relationships is very different than the disease of addiction, which limits one’s ability to contribute to society and maintain healthy habits.” ― Dianne Bourque “We have a genuine and devastating epidemic of opiate abuse in this country, and it is of critical importance that this problem be addressed. But we must do so in a way that doesn’t cut off an effective (and often the only) treatment for the chronically ill, many of whom are able to function in this world at all only because of the small respite that responsible opiate use provides.” ― Michael Bihovsky “Since my symptoms began 13 years ago, I’ve tried every form of pain management I could access — NSAIDS, nonopioid analgesics, neurologic medications, acupuncture, laser therapy, physical therapy, prolotherapy, massage, and trigger-point injections. Most of these have been unhelpful; others provide temporary relief, often at great expense. At the end of the day, when my body is fully depleted of its resources and in the most pain, a single dose of Percocet is the only tool that silences the pain enough for me to fall asleep. I honestly don’t know what I’d do if Percocet became unavailable to me, and the very thought scares me. I’ve been taking it for five years. To avoid any chance of addiction, I only take it at night and have stayed on a consistently low dose.” ― Michael Bihovsky “My doctors, who are not cavalier with prescriptions, give me this medication because I have earned their trust. And yet, with mounting government and public pressure, my doctors’ hands are becoming increasingly tied. They apologetically explain to me why they are required to make the medication even harder for me to get, against their own medical judgment. If the day ever comes when they aren’t allowed to prescribe Percocet to me at all, it may well be the end of the minimal quality of life I fight so hard to achieve.” ― Michael Bihovsky “In the debate over opioid addiction, there’s one group we aren’t hearing from: chronic pain patients, many of whom need to use the drugs on a long-term basis.” ― S. E. Smith “Despite what appears to be a low risk of addiction in naïve, chronic pain patients, it is reasonable to ask how much harm is actually done to patients with chronic pain by withholding opiate analgesics.” ― Howard L. Fields “Anyone who takes opioids on a regular basis will become dependent upon them, meaning they will have to taper off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. But very few chronic pain patients exhibit the compulsive drug-seeking behaviors of someone who is addicted.” ― Karen Lee Richards “Chronic pain patients like me are not the cause of the opioid crisis; only 22% of those who misuse opioids are prescribed them by a doctor, and only 13% of ER visits for opiate overdoses were chronic pain patients. Most chronic pain patients are rule-followers who just want to function.” ― Sonya Huber “Personalized medicine is an art that advocates for the patient, not the pocket or convenience of the medical system.” ― Melissa Cady “Government agencies are trying to get doctors to cut back on prescribing opioids. I understand that they need to do something about the epidemic of overdoses. However, labeling everyone as addicts, including those who responsibly take opioids for chronic pain, is not the answer. If the proposed changes take effect, they would force physicians to neglect their patients. Moreover, legitimate pain patients, like myself, would be left in agony on a daily basis.” ― Alison Moore “There are a lot of victims when it comes to addiction. I know there's an overdose epidemic. We see those faces. But then I see these other faces - the ones who commit suicide because they can't handle the pain. Those faces mean just as much to me.” ― Donna Marsh “The stigma of chronic pain is one of the most difficult aspects of living with chronic pain. If you have chronic pain, people can sometimes judge you for it.” ― Murray J. McAlister