Gwendolyn Smythe

hello everyone, it is now nearly two am and i am about ready to crash. Phyl I took your suggestion and have been reading sixty thread. not going back to the thread of the younger bandits. i can relate to the people in this group. thank you for the excellent suggestion. my name, what ever version of gwendolyn you use is perfect. I have not taken offense from what anyone has written. i am typing in the dark, so please forgive all the lower case letters. well, i lost some weight and my blood pressure went up. wish i knew why. have been going to the gym, walk the tread mill for fifteen minutes, and today started another exercise. i have been to argentina. had a fantastic time. would love to go back. there is so much to see and do. like all the guide books say, leave expensive jewelry home. muggers are in the city and act quickly. if the shop owners keep bugging you to buy things, respond to them in a made up language. we do that, and they do not know how to respond. will write more when i can turn on the light. dh is sleeping and i do not want to wake him hugs to all of you. you definitely inspire me. gwendolyn or what ever

As I sit here feeling sorry for myself I feel ashamed of me. I was comparing how much I lost to other posters. Seemed like everyone lost double what I did - felt jealous. I have been to OA, have gone for years. What I realized this morning is that I am looking down to God (scale) and not up. The scale was dictating how I was feeling. I haven't lost any weight in 4 days. I am so impressed with all of you as I read your post, and think about what you are going through. What impresses me most is your honesty about feelings, and most of all YOU ARE NOT EATING over them. When I take my prescribed meds, sometimes I feel I am taking them because I let myself be controlled by food. They are daily reminders - it is for that reason sometimes I do not feel like taking them. Laura - Nels is so lucky to have parents like both of you. You spoke so beautifully to him. Will admit I was crying as I read your post. Dealing with family issues - can join you there. My brother and sister do not talk to me - why - I have no idea. Sorry I could not put a D in front of their names. Apples - my MIL was not a nice person either to me, my children or her grand son. It is so sad how much damage one can do with a wicked tongue. Gotta go - stove just beeped, and if I do not turn it off - everything will be burnt. I haven't learned yet how to keep track of every ones screen name, sorry about that. You are a wonderful group of woman. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Everyone, Some time ago some one asked what are the 12 steps, that form the base of AA, OA, Al Anon, and other 12 step programs - here they are Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable Step 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity Step 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God Step 4 - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves Step 5 - Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs Step 6 - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character Step 7 - Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings Step 8 - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all Step 9 - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others Step 10 - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out Step 12 - Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Everyone, Great info about coffee. :w00t::thumbup: My doctor and nutritionist do not want me to drink coffee. :rolleyes2::thumbdown::w00t: Hearing that other docs say it is okay, I am tempted to try some tomorrow. I really like the flavor of coffee. Are you drinking regular coffee or decaf? Have an easy day. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Great, Thank you, seems like the consensus is my age which I can not change. The doctor does not want me to drink coffee or take no-doz pills. No-doz was like my life saver when I had no energy. Regular coffee had no effect on perking me up. I guess I will have to accept certain realities of life - like it or not. I liked the way you put it - run over by a truck. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Linda, Must admit I was a little bit taken back by your response. I know I am close to 70, but my mind says I haven't reached my Sweet 16 yet.:smile2: Now for my body - sometimes it feels like it is tired, but then again, I did not think this would happen now. :frown: I thought once I started to lose weight - I would be more like a :Banane11:carrying my weights in each hand. Due to age, date of surgery, infirmities, being the oldest one in this group, can I please be excused from gym? :thumbup: Peas that poem is beautiful. You are smart the way you have been slowly preparing DS for the time you plan to tell him he is adopted. I hope it goes easy for everyone. Indicted on 9 Counts - excellent. Fatigue is setting in, so I will resume my resting post. I am resting on a Victorian fainting couch. If anybody asks why - I simply respond and say "I have a bad case of the Vespers." They then pat my hand. Thank you all for sharing. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hello All, Not to sure what is happening to me. I was feeling great, going to the gym, and now I have no energy. The idea of doing anything on the computer feels like it will take up more energy than I have.:smile2: I am still sticking to my food plan, did call the nutritionist about how I felt, she said I should add some complex carbs to my daily diet. I know I have really decreased the numbers of calories I have each day, lost weight - to me that adds up to more energy. Somehow the energy went south. :frown: Oh well, this too I hope will pass soon. Gwendolyn Smythe :thumbup:

Hello All, Just a quick post. All went exceedingly well at the doctors today. He said everything that I am experiencing is normal. He said the woozy feelings, slight headaches and lethargy will last some time. It is my body adjusting itself to the band, change in eating pattern, etc. I felt so relieved and ecstatic when I left his office. He had a better scale than my gp who I saw yesterday. His scale said I lost more. So I guess you can say I am flying high once again. He also reminded me that when I decided to have this surgery, I signed a five year contract with them. That is it from here. I am going to crash. Thank you all. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Peas, Must admit I did not want to really read what you wrote, but forced myself to do so. The reason I am afraid to tell the bariatric doctor how I am really doing, I am afraid he will say - he has to revers the band. As you can guess I am on cloud 9 since I had surgery, I don't want the band touched. I am following the nutritionist plan to a T - I was banded 12 days ago, I am on liquid protein and some mush. I have approximately 300 to 500 calories a day. I usually make the protein quote - liquids I am up to about a quart a day. She wants me to drink 2 quarts a day. I have high blood pressure, and it was higher today when I went to the doctors. I know what you are saying is correct - I will talk to the doctor tomorrow. Thank you for setting me back on the straight and narrow path. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hello All - I feel like I get a :present: every time I read all the posts. Thank you all for sharing what is going on with your lives. I have a question - saw my GP today, and everything is fine. Thing is I am feeling quite lethargic, spacey at times, and and some new aches and pains. I do not feel like doing anything. I did go to the gym today, and walked 15 minutes on the tread mill. Is this normal after surgery? I have lost 10 pounds since I had the band 12 days ago. That made me feel great :ohmy::thumbup: I see the bariatric doctor tomorrow. :Dancing_biggrin:and am looking forward to that. Well that is it. The 12 step programs are great. Congratulations to your MIL. Gwendolyn Smythe

Charlene, no one said I had to count calories. They only stressed I get enough liquids and protein. I usually come close to slightly over the minimum amount to protein I should have - but the liquids are my downfall. I do keep a food journal. When did you start writing down the calories in what you eat? Thanks, Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi, Sorry I can not find the posting where someone was asking for a no carb protein drink. I went to Body Builders and bought a Whey Protein Isolate from them. Checked the label - no carbs. I was told by my nutritionist only to buy the whey protein isolate. Think she said it was the purest form of protein. Is this the first tooth Nelson has lost? If I was Nelson I would not let anyone pull out my tooth. I just kept touching it and moving it back and forth with my tongue - I do not like pain. :smile2: Not feeling well. Probably from yesterday, when we were outside in high 90 degree weather doing our annual fund raiser yard sale for Revlon Walk Against Cancer. Have an easy day. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi, I am sorry you are experiencing those problems. I did not have any problems, but I had read many people have problems with gas. I bought GasX prior to surgery in case that happened. The high Protein drinks I purchased were from Body Builders. Another poster said she had found these good for herself. From what I have read on this site, not everyone likes what the different manufactures have. I had Isopure, Mango Peach, the first few days. I liked it better chilled than at room temperature. This is a high Protein Drink. Hope things continue to get easier and easier for you. Best, Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to say "Hi", have been busy with our annual fund raiser for the Revlon Walk for Cancer. Being 9 days post op, I will admit, I did not do much. I was going to make a list of who is who on this site. Thank you for giving the summary. One thing that I have to figure out is who is who. You have on line names and then real names. Just call me Confused. Yesterday I walked for 30 seconds longer than I did the day before. Will go back to the gym after I recuperate from the sale. NY where in NY are you going camping? Didn't know if you would be in the mid-Hudson Valley or not. Need to close here, I am tired. Thank you all for posting and being here. Helps me keep on the straight and narrow. Gwendolyn Smythe

That is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was given pain meds after I had the surgery. Perhaps you will get some also, and they will help with your back pain. That is an excellent date to have surgery on, my youngest was born on that date. You are now on the count down. Please keep us posted. I am 8 days post op. Best Gwendolyn Smythe

I DID IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went to the gym. There were only two other people there, and I am happy to report no one even noticed me. I did 10 minutes on the tread mill at 2 mph, and elevation 2. I so wish I could say I felt euphoric - I can say it felt good that I accomplished this goal. :biggrin::thumbup: I am having my first knee replaced end of September - I am just sure you will all find an exercise I can do while I am recuperating. I guess there is no rest for the weary. :thumbup::sad: Please keep us posted on what is happening with you and your doctor. I respond to what ever any one calls me. Would love to share reasons why you hate to exercise. I might have some new ones that way. Welcome PPP. Serious Question - In the past I used to eat, and eat, then I would binge, then I would eat again, then since I was in Deep Respiratory Distress I would cut my eating down to just nibbling - besides there was nothing left to eat. What do you do not when you feel strong negative emotions - anger, stress, fuming, etc. I think you get the idea? Enjoy life - I am in the mush stage, and as usual I am liking the mush to much. Gwendolyn Smythe

I have a confession to make. I HATE TO EXERCISE. Saying that I bought a membership at the local gym prior to surgery. Each day I am going, but being a procrastinator to the Nth degree, I still haven't gone. Well I read what everyone says, and I want this procedure to be a successful one, so with two knees that need to be replaced year ago, banded a week ago, I will limp and hobble to the gym today. :mad2: I just hope I do not faint when I get into the gym.:thumbup: I will also have to walk up 6 steps to get to the gym. Are you feeling sorry for me yet - you can feel free to tell me not to do it.:tongue2: I hear no responses. So off I will go to my first day of torture. In all honesty, thank you all for writing about the importance of exercising (something I knew, but do not like to remember), I feel if I want to be part of this group, I better start walking the walk.:thumbup: Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Isa, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! I had no nausea from the surgery. The first couple of days I only drank clear Isopure with no problem. I did not feel hungry. I tried on of the Protein shakes that contained milk on the 4th day, and that upset my stomach. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi , Putting you under a healing white light while you sit in the dentist chair. You are very brave to be doing this - I run from pain. Now you can do ads for the most beautiful teeth -:tongue2: Hope we meet one day, but promise you will not look at my teeth. NY Sparkle, I agree that poem is beautiful. The first time I saw it I cried also. Have a wonderful time with your daughter. Question - since surgery I am having a hard time falling asleep. Yesterday I was up for about 40 hours, decided to take sleep meds, and today I feel great - not sleeping is that part of what you experience. Have to go clean. Is that one of the rewards of feeling better?:thumbup::frown: Gwendolyn Smythe

Charlene What is the menu you are referring to and can I have a copy of it. I was banded one week ago, and would like some menu guidelines. Thanks. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hi Mrs. Bubba, I respond to anything. I would be shocked to receive such a letter. Please also consider that she may be sending this letter to many of her patients. We just received a letter from the President of an organization - reason major illness. She did state this in her email to us. Just a thought - might be other personal reasons. Perhaps send her Thank You flowers, and see what kind of response you get. Can also find out if she is accepting new patients. Another suggestion would be to do a mass mailing; AMA, DA, Senator, BBB, etc. Not to sure if she will take you back, but you can see if she informs anybody why she sent you the letter. If it was me, I think I would send them certified with signature. Might be good to ask if you send out the letter why she sent the letter and that you have been unable to get info on Mayo - which I assume is important to you. She may not change her mind, but she will be plenty busy responding. Think this last one over carefully as I do not know if there would be any repercussions. Even is she took you back I am not to sure what your relationship will be like. Just my thoughts, which may not be the best of advice. Gwen

Hi Jodi, I have the poem in my files and thought I would just send it on. Hope it helps. Gwendolyn Smythe The Rainbow Bridge inspired by a Norse legend By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done. For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued. They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack. For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last. The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together. © 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved.

Happy band anniversaries - just think you are only 359 days or so ahead of me. Then again whose counting. In 10 hours or so, I will have been banded one week. I am flying high. I am saving what ever pain pills I have left over from this surgery for my knee surgery. All I keep hearing is how painful it will be. The first surgeon I saw said he did not believe in pain meds. I went out that door so fast - First - I do not like pain. Second - I do not like the slogan - "No pain no gain." Third - I do have other items on my list. I do not want you to think I do not like to do anything - I like to :grouphug::party: and I wish I could go to Vegas with all of you. I just love the glitz and bright lights. I think as I lose weight I will be going out more. I have been so self conscious of my self, that I do not join different events. Need to correct the last statement - that is unless I can hide out in the kitchen with the food. Gwendolyn Smythe Banded by Drs. Anthony and Edward Pucci

I would love to go Vegas and meet all who go. If I do that my marriage may end and my children will disown me. I plan to have knee surgery the end of September. I should have had this done years ago, but since the pain has hit new levels of high it was easier to agree to have it done. Will have the surgery in Florida, the village house has no steps to walk up and down. Please keep me posted on future trips. I am a travel agent who loves to travel, and if I can help you please let me know. So from Italy Ciao Gwendolyn Smythe