New to List

April 7, 2001

In a message dated 4/6/01 11:06:13 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< The DS absolutely can be done laprascopically. In fact mine was. Mine

took

7-1/2 hours though mine was the third or fourth that my surgeon did lap so

that probably is lots longer than most. I think about 5 hours is the norm,

barring complications.

>>

It can be less that five hours... my lap BPD/DS (with gallbladder removal)

was done laparoscopically by Dr. Michel Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC in three hours.

I think that he usually does a three hour + laparoscopic BPD/DS with him as

the surgeon (barring any

kind of complications), but then again he is one of the most experienced in

the field having pioneered the lap BPD/DS procedure (or, one of the forms of

it - he doesn't do proportional limbs, etc.).

Now, there weren't any complications and I hadn't had any previous abdominal

surgeries. I've known others who had more complicated situations having the

lap surgery in five hours or so.

All the best,

laparoscopic BPD/DS with gallbladder removal

Dr. Gagner/Dr. Quinn assisting/Mt. Sinai/NYC

January 25, 2001

76 days post-op and still feelin' fab!

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 " )

now: 269.5/bmi 40

April 7, 2001

In a message dated 4/6/01 11:06:13 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< The DS absolutely can be done laprascopically. In fact mine was. Mine

took

7-1/2 hours though mine was the third or fourth that my surgeon did lap so

that probably is lots longer than most. I think about 5 hours is the norm,

barring complications.

>>

It can be less that five hours... my lap BPD/DS (with gallbladder removal)

was done laparoscopically by Dr. Michel Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC in three hours.

I think that he usually does a three hour + laparoscopic BPD/DS with him as

the surgeon (barring any

kind of complications), but then again he is one of the most experienced in

the field having pioneered the lap BPD/DS procedure (or, one of the forms of

it - he doesn't do proportional limbs, etc.).

Now, there weren't any complications and I hadn't had any previous abdominal

surgeries. I've known others who had more complicated situations having the

lap surgery in five hours or so.

All the best,

laparoscopic BPD/DS with gallbladder removal

Dr. Gagner/Dr. Quinn assisting/Mt. Sinai/NYC

January 25, 2001

76 days post-op and still feelin' fab!

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 " )

now: 269.5/bmi 40

May 17, 2001

Hi Genell, You will learn alot here! It is a very

friendly, informitive group. Best of luck in your

research. One place to start is www.duodenalswitch.com

It is a great site and will answer many of your

questions. Sorry I can't help you with the Dr you're

asking about as I'm from Ohio. There are many good

surgeons out there, you'll find them posted on that

site I was talking about. Good luck and hope to hear

from you again. Angel

--- Genell Pridgen rainbow@...> wrote:

> Hi. My name is Genell Pridgen. I am 32 years old

> and the mother to two

> absolutely beautiful and precious children, Hardy(4)

> and Alena(3). I live

> in eastern North Carolina. I am just in the

> beginning stages of researching

> wls. I am 5'1 " and weigh 292 lbs. I have been

> large and getting larger all

> my life. I have been gaining at about the rate of

> 9-10 lbs a year. Doesn't

> matter what I do. I have tried many diets.

> Physician's weight loss, lost

> about 20 lbs there but they had to get me down to

> 600 calories a day to get

> me to lose anything. The best diet that I ever

> tried was Carbo Addict's. I

> lost about 40 lbs but then plateaued. I didn't

> cheat at all and still

> stayed plateaued for nearly one year. I had to get

> off of it when I went to

> Ukraine in 1999. My husband and I were there 21

> days and only eating 3

> meals a day with no snacks in between I gained 14

> lbs. It was so very

> disheartening. I suffer with PCOS and consequently

> genetics and the weight

> has caused me to not ovulate. So, you wonder how I

> ended up with two

> children. They are both adopted from Ukraine and

> the light of my life. I

> am at the heaviest that I have ever been with a BMI

> of 51. My feet are

> holding fluid now. I am scared. My children have

> already been orphans one

> time, they deserve better than to lose their mama.

> I need them and they

> need me. I looked at wls about 10 months ago, but

> was concerned what long

> term malabsorption issues would do to my body even

> if I take vitamins and

> minerals. I also didn't like the fact that I might

> lose some more hair as

> my hair is already too thin on top right now from

> the PCO. So, I pushed the

> surgery out of my mind. But I know that I can't do

> this with a diet and I

> am scared that I won't even live 4 more years much

> less be around to raise

> my children and possibly see grandchildren.

>

> I have been reviewing some of the old posts and I

> was particularly

> interested in the person(excuse me, I can't remember

> her name) that used Dr.

> Dennis at the Obesity Surgery Center in

> Georgia. I had hoped to get

> the surgery done in NC. There is a surgeon in

> Greenville, NC who does wls

> surgery, but I don't think that he does lap BD/DS.

> I have seen some of the

> pictures of people who had open surgery and their

> scars and staples. My

> mother had colon cancer about 14 years ago and she

> had to be cut like that.

> I just really didn't want to be cut on that much.

> Just a personal feeling.

> Could the person who used Dr. Dennis please

> write to me privately? I

> have many questions for you.

>

> I am so glad that there is an e-mail list like this

> one. I hope to learn a

> lot here.

>

> Genell Pridgen

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

May 17, 2001

Hi Genell, You will learn alot here! It is a very

friendly, informitive group. Best of luck in your

research. One place to start is www.duodenalswitch.com

It is a great site and will answer many of your

questions. Sorry I can't help you with the Dr you're

asking about as I'm from Ohio. There are many good

surgeons out there, you'll find them posted on that

site I was talking about. Good luck and hope to hear

from you again. Angel

--- Genell Pridgen rainbow@...> wrote:

> Hi. My name is Genell Pridgen. I am 32 years old

> and the mother to two

> absolutely beautiful and precious children, Hardy(4)

> and Alena(3). I live

> in eastern North Carolina. I am just in the

> beginning stages of researching

> wls. I am 5'1 " and weigh 292 lbs. I have been

> large and getting larger all

> my life. I have been gaining at about the rate of

> 9-10 lbs a year. Doesn't

> matter what I do. I have tried many diets.

> Physician's weight loss, lost

> about 20 lbs there but they had to get me down to

> 600 calories a day to get

> me to lose anything. The best diet that I ever

> tried was Carbo Addict's. I

> lost about 40 lbs but then plateaued. I didn't

> cheat at all and still

> stayed plateaued for nearly one year. I had to get

> off of it when I went to

> Ukraine in 1999. My husband and I were there 21

> days and only eating 3

> meals a day with no snacks in between I gained 14

> lbs. It was so very

> disheartening. I suffer with PCOS and consequently

> genetics and the weight

> has caused me to not ovulate. So, you wonder how I

> ended up with two

> children. They are both adopted from Ukraine and

> the light of my life. I

> am at the heaviest that I have ever been with a BMI

> of 51. My feet are

> holding fluid now. I am scared. My children have

> already been orphans one

> time, they deserve better than to lose their mama.

> I need them and they

> need me. I looked at wls about 10 months ago, but

> was concerned what long

> term malabsorption issues would do to my body even

> if I take vitamins and

> minerals. I also didn't like the fact that I might

> lose some more hair as

> my hair is already too thin on top right now from

> the PCO. So, I pushed the

> surgery out of my mind. But I know that I can't do

> this with a diet and I

> am scared that I won't even live 4 more years much

> less be around to raise

> my children and possibly see grandchildren.

>

> I have been reviewing some of the old posts and I

> was particularly

> interested in the person(excuse me, I can't remember

> her name) that used Dr.

> Dennis at the Obesity Surgery Center in

> Georgia. I had hoped to get

> the surgery done in NC. There is a surgeon in

> Greenville, NC who does wls

> surgery, but I don't think that he does lap BD/DS.

> I have seen some of the

> pictures of people who had open surgery and their

> scars and staples. My

> mother had colon cancer about 14 years ago and she

> had to be cut like that.

> I just really didn't want to be cut on that much.

> Just a personal feeling.

> Could the person who used Dr. Dennis please

> write to me privately? I

> have many questions for you.

>

> I am so glad that there is an e-mail list like this

> one. I hope to learn a

> lot here.

>

> Genell Pridgen

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

May 17, 2001

Hi Genell, You will learn alot here! It is a very

friendly, informitive group. Best of luck in your

research. One place to start is www.duodenalswitch.com

It is a great site and will answer many of your

questions. Sorry I can't help you with the Dr you're

asking about as I'm from Ohio. There are many good

surgeons out there, you'll find them posted on that

site I was talking about. Good luck and hope to hear

from you again. Angel

--- Genell Pridgen rainbow@...> wrote:

> Hi. My name is Genell Pridgen. I am 32 years old

> and the mother to two

> absolutely beautiful and precious children, Hardy(4)

> and Alena(3). I live

> in eastern North Carolina. I am just in the

> beginning stages of researching

> wls. I am 5'1 " and weigh 292 lbs. I have been

> large and getting larger all

> my life. I have been gaining at about the rate of

> 9-10 lbs a year. Doesn't

> matter what I do. I have tried many diets.

> Physician's weight loss, lost

> about 20 lbs there but they had to get me down to

> 600 calories a day to get

> me to lose anything. The best diet that I ever

> tried was Carbo Addict's. I

> lost about 40 lbs but then plateaued. I didn't

> cheat at all and still

> stayed plateaued for nearly one year. I had to get

> off of it when I went to

> Ukraine in 1999. My husband and I were there 21

> days and only eating 3

> meals a day with no snacks in between I gained 14

> lbs. It was so very

> disheartening. I suffer with PCOS and consequently

> genetics and the weight

> has caused me to not ovulate. So, you wonder how I

> ended up with two

> children. They are both adopted from Ukraine and

> the light of my life. I

> am at the heaviest that I have ever been with a BMI

> of 51. My feet are

> holding fluid now. I am scared. My children have

> already been orphans one

> time, they deserve better than to lose their mama.

> I need them and they

> need me. I looked at wls about 10 months ago, but

> was concerned what long

> term malabsorption issues would do to my body even

> if I take vitamins and

> minerals. I also didn't like the fact that I might

> lose some more hair as

> my hair is already too thin on top right now from

> the PCO. So, I pushed the

> surgery out of my mind. But I know that I can't do

> this with a diet and I

> am scared that I won't even live 4 more years much

> less be around to raise

> my children and possibly see grandchildren.

>

> I have been reviewing some of the old posts and I

> was particularly

> interested in the person(excuse me, I can't remember

> her name) that used Dr.

> Dennis at the Obesity Surgery Center in

> Georgia. I had hoped to get

> the surgery done in NC. There is a surgeon in

> Greenville, NC who does wls

> surgery, but I don't think that he does lap BD/DS.

> I have seen some of the

> pictures of people who had open surgery and their

> scars and staples. My

> mother had colon cancer about 14 years ago and she

> had to be cut like that.

> I just really didn't want to be cut on that much.

> Just a personal feeling.

> Could the person who used Dr. Dennis please

> write to me privately? I

> have many questions for you.

>

> I am so glad that there is an e-mail list like this

> one. I hope to learn a

> lot here.

>

> Genell Pridgen

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

April 22, 2002

> At 11:16 AM 04/22/2002 -0500, wrote:

Hey --

Nice to see a familiar face, although I wouldn't wish this FM thing on

anyone except maybe my worst enemy. Enjoy the list -- it's a great place.

Best,

Em

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

" I can't deal with cleaning up. Let's sell the house. "

I'll sing for my supper, but I won't audition.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 22, 2002

> At 11:16 AM 04/22/2002 -0500, wrote:

Hey --

Nice to see a familiar face, although I wouldn't wish this FM thing on

anyone except maybe my worst enemy. Enjoy the list -- it's a great place.

Best,

Em

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

" I can't deal with cleaning up. Let's sell the house. "

I'll sing for my supper, but I won't audition.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 22, 2002

Welcome, , to our list. It is, in my opinion, a very good list. Very

supportive, caring and loving. If you have any questions, please ask,

someone will be sure to have an answer. Please let us know more about you.

Again, welcome.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

Alice Hoffman.

April 22, 2002

Welcome, , to our list. It is, in my opinion, a very good list. Very

supportive, caring and loving. If you have any questions, please ask,

someone will be sure to have an answer. Please let us know more about you.

Again, welcome.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

Alice Hoffman.

August 7, 2002

Hello, Bec...not that I've got a lotta advice about dealing with CF...I'm new

to the dx and to the group as well...but I'll tell ya, humor is what gets us

all through the day...here's one for ya.....(my EX=hubby told me this one the

other day...)

Osama Bin Laden strode up to the pearly gates and was met by seventy

politicians. To this he threw his hands up and swore, " WHAT is THIS? I

thought I was supposed to receive seventy Virgins!! " and they all replied,

" It's 'seventy Virginians' you idiot! " heehee...(and I'm not being

anti-Islamic...I happen to be Muslim, myself) I just thought it was

hilarious. Hope it made ya smile. love and hugs from Deranda, Mom of

daughter with suspected CF and two other children with multiple handicaps.

August 7, 2002

Welcome Bec. I too am new to the group and am finding it nice to hear of

similar experiences, etc. Hope that we can share a laugh or two.

Deb

New To List

Hello All!

I have been reading the list digest for the last week or so and

thought it time I introduced myself and my ladies. I am the Mum of

twin daughters with CF, they are now 10 months old and despite the

usual run of colds etc they have been really well. I guess what I am

looking for from this group is some advice, information and hopefully

some humour about dealing with children with CF. Not that it is a

humourous business, believe me, but I think we all need to stop every

now and then and have a bit of a laugh.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Stay well

Bec

August 7, 2002

Welcome Bec. I too am new to the group and am finding it nice to hear of

similar experiences, etc. Hope that we can share a laugh or two.

Deb

New To List

Hello All!

I have been reading the list digest for the last week or so and

thought it time I introduced myself and my ladies. I am the Mum of

twin daughters with CF, they are now 10 months old and despite the

usual run of colds etc they have been really well. I guess what I am

looking for from this group is some advice, information and hopefully

some humour about dealing with children with CF. Not that it is a

humourous business, believe me, but I think we all need to stop every

now and then and have a bit of a laugh.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Stay well

Bec

August 7, 2002

Welcome Bec. I too am new to the group and am finding it nice to hear of

similar experiences, etc. Hope that we can share a laugh or two.

Deb

New To List

Hello All!

I have been reading the list digest for the last week or so and

thought it time I introduced myself and my ladies. I am the Mum of

twin daughters with CF, they are now 10 months old and despite the

usual run of colds etc they have been really well. I guess what I am

looking for from this group is some advice, information and hopefully

some humour about dealing with children with CF. Not that it is a

humourous business, believe me, but I think we all need to stop every

now and then and have a bit of a laugh.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Stay well

Bec

August 7, 2002

WELCOME....Enjoy all here. It is a great list

LOVE & HUGS, GrandmomBEV

New To List

Hello All!

I have been reading the list digest for the last week or so and

thought it time I introduced myself and my ladies. I am the Mum of

twin daughters with CF, they are now 10 months old and despite the

usual run of colds etc they have been really well. I guess what I am

looking for from this group is some advice, information and hopefully

some humour about dealing with children with CF. Not that it is a

humourous business, believe me, but I think we all need to stop every

now and then and have a bit of a laugh.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Stay well

Bec

PLEASE do not post religious emails to the list.

-------------------------------------------

The opinions and information exchanged on this list should

IN NO WAY

be construed as medical advice.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE CHANGING ANY MEDICATIONS OR TREATMENTS.

--------------------------------------------------

August 7, 2002

WELCOME....Enjoy all here. It is a great list

LOVE & HUGS, GrandmomBEV

New To List

Hello All!

I have been reading the list digest for the last week or so and

thought it time I introduced myself and my ladies. I am the Mum of

twin daughters with CF, they are now 10 months old and despite the

usual run of colds etc they have been really well. I guess what I am

looking for from this group is some advice, information and hopefully

some humour about dealing with children with CF. Not that it is a

humourous business, believe me, but I think we all need to stop every

now and then and have a bit of a laugh.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Stay well

Bec

PLEASE do not post religious emails to the list.

-------------------------------------------

The opinions and information exchanged on this list should

IN NO WAY

be construed as medical advice.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE CHANGING ANY MEDICATIONS OR TREATMENTS.

--------------------------------------------------

August 7, 2002

WELCOME....Enjoy all here. It is a great list

LOVE & HUGS, GrandmomBEV

New To List

Hello All!

I have been reading the list digest for the last week or so and

thought it time I introduced myself and my ladies. I am the Mum of

twin daughters with CF, they are now 10 months old and despite the

usual run of colds etc they have been really well. I guess what I am

looking for from this group is some advice, information and hopefully

some humour about dealing with children with CF. Not that it is a

humourous business, believe me, but I think we all need to stop every

now and then and have a bit of a laugh.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Stay well

Bec

PLEASE do not post religious emails to the list.

-------------------------------------------

The opinions and information exchanged on this list should

IN NO WAY

be construed as medical advice.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE CHANGING ANY MEDICATIONS OR TREATMENTS.

--------------------------------------------------

August 8, 2002

Hi Bec,

welcome to the list! You're right, a good portion of humour helps to handle

the whole situation. Maureen McIssac, one of our funniest members is offline

at the moment. But here is one of her masterpieces to let you know where you

are at.

Peace

Torsten, dad of Fiona 5wcf

e-mail: torstenkrafft@...

POSITION: Mom

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term team players needed for challenging permanent

work in an often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication and

organizational skills and be willing to work variable

hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts

on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive

camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in faraway

cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also

required.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Must provide on-the-site training in basic life skills,

such as nose blowing. Must have strong

skills in negotiating,conflict resolution and crisis

management. Ability to suture flesh wounds a plus. Must be able to think out

of the box but not lose track of the box, because you most likely will need

it for a school project. Must reconcile petty cash disbursements and be

proficient in managing budgets and resources fairly, unless you want to

hear, " He got more than me! " for the rest of your life.

Also, must be able to drive motor vehicles safely under loud and adverse

conditions while simultaneously practicing above mentioned skills in

conflict resolution. Must be able to choose your battles and stick to your

guns. Must be able to withstand criticism, such as " You don't know

anything. "

Must be willing to be hated at least temporarily, until

someone needs $5 to go skating. Must be willing to bite

tongue repeatedly.

Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go

from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams

from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face

stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget

repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.

Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of

multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social

gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to

be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly

and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery

operated devices.

Also, must have a highly energetic entrepreneurial spirit,

because fund-raiser will be your middle name. Must have a diverse knowledge

base, so as to answer questions such as " What makes the wind move? " or " Why

can't they just go in and shoot Sadam Hussein? " on the fly. Must always hope

for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete

accountability for the quality of the end product.

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and

janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION: Virtually none.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years,

without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that

those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training

offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION: You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that

college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you

give them

whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary

scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition

reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, job

supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life

if you play your cards right.

August 9, 2002

Welcome Bec,

I am a mother of a bi-lateral lung transplantee wCF who is doing great.

Have fun the rollercoaster life has a lot of hard knocks but wonderful love,

laughter and general mischevious. Debi

September 2, 2002

Hi Dawn,

Welcome...

I had my RNY, 23 years ago, July 13, 1979.

Are you on any perscriptioned Iron supplement? I have tried

many different brands over the years (all perscriptioned)

and have found Chromagen Forte to be the most

absorbable..yet I still am anemic and yes, I also suffer

with " low " blood sugar too (actually have since 1981). The

best that my red blood count has been since surgery, was

while taking a protein supplement (which brought my red

count to around 12.0..but since the onset of abdominal

intestinal fistulas from Colon resection surgery (January,

1999) I have been unable to take any protein supplement and

have been very week and lack the vitality that I previously

had...

What liver count are you talking about, yo-yo up and down?

Is it the fat content? I had a fat content rise to over

1500! This was during recovery from my second " unsuccessful "

surgical procedure to repair my intestinal fistulas in

April, 2000. I was put on TPN through a Pic line feed (12

hours/daily) till March, 2001. Since, being taken off of the

TPN, my liver fat count has returned to normal.

Bob

new to list

> Hello all. My name is Dawn and I am new to your group. I

am not new to life after surgery as I had mine May 17, 1993.

I have been looking for others who are long term post op to

compare notes. There are not many resources past three yrs.

post op.

>

> To tell you a little about my history, I weighed 256 lbs.

prior to having RNY. I am 5 5 1/2. After 10 months, I had

lost half my body weight, weighing 128 lbs. During the next

year, I went down to 117 lbs. This was too thin for my bone

structure. My surgeon advised me how to gain a little back.

Now I go between 130 and 135 lbs and have for several years.

I have taken my vitamins religiously, am very active, and

watch what I eat, making sure to get plenty of what I need.

I have had no major complications and have been very

healthy.

>

> At this time, I am living in Denmark. I have a specialist

who follows my health. The only drawback is that no one has

had this type of surgery in over 20 years. Everything is

based on earlier type surgeries. My surgeon always makes

time for me if I call him but it is difficult being so far

away.

>

> My current health is as follows...last year my blood

glucose was below normal. This means my iron is low. I have

been taking extra iron for the past year but feel it is

still low. I will get my newest results within 2 weeks to

know for sure. My calcium levels are a bit low. I was given

a bone density test which showed that my mass is just below

normal. This can be corrected with vitamin D injections.

Also, for the past year, my liver counts have been very high

but jump back to normal then rise again. My surgeon tells me

that it is not normal. My doctor here tells me it is common

with this surgery. A little confusing.

>

> Other than feeling tired, I feel great. I have never

regretted having my surgery. I had the best surgeon anyone

could ask for. As I said, after almost 10 years, he still

takes time for me. My entire life changed for the better

post op and probably saved my life...high blood pressure,

risk of heart failure, etc.

>

> Is anyone out there several years post op? Thank you as I

know this has gotten a bit long.

> Dawn Conner-Jeppesen

> http://www.geocities.com/frwhlngrl/

> http://community.webshots.com/user/frwhlngrl

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date:

8/21/2002

>

September 2, 2002

Hi Dawn,

Welcome...

I had my RNY, 23 years ago, July 13, 1979.

Are you on any perscriptioned Iron supplement? I have tried

many different brands over the years (all perscriptioned)

and have found Chromagen Forte to be the most

absorbable..yet I still am anemic and yes, I also suffer

with " low " blood sugar too (actually have since 1981). The

best that my red blood count has been since surgery, was

while taking a protein supplement (which brought my red

count to around 12.0..but since the onset of abdominal

intestinal fistulas from Colon resection surgery (January,

1999) I have been unable to take any protein supplement and

have been very week and lack the vitality that I previously

had...

What liver count are you talking about, yo-yo up and down?

Is it the fat content? I had a fat content rise to over

1500! This was during recovery from my second " unsuccessful "

surgical procedure to repair my intestinal fistulas in

April, 2000. I was put on TPN through a Pic line feed (12

hours/daily) till March, 2001. Since, being taken off of the

TPN, my liver fat count has returned to normal.

Bob

new to list

> Hello all. My name is Dawn and I am new to your group. I

am not new to life after surgery as I had mine May 17, 1993.

I have been looking for others who are long term post op to

compare notes. There are not many resources past three yrs.

post op.

>

> To tell you a little about my history, I weighed 256 lbs.

prior to having RNY. I am 5 5 1/2. After 10 months, I had

lost half my body weight, weighing 128 lbs. During the next

year, I went down to 117 lbs. This was too thin for my bone

structure. My surgeon advised me how to gain a little back.

Now I go between 130 and 135 lbs and have for several years.

I have taken my vitamins religiously, am very active, and

watch what I eat, making sure to get plenty of what I need.

I have had no major complications and have been very

healthy.

>

> At this time, I am living in Denmark. I have a specialist

who follows my health. The only drawback is that no one has

had this type of surgery in over 20 years. Everything is

based on earlier type surgeries. My surgeon always makes

time for me if I call him but it is difficult being so far

away.

>

> My current health is as follows...last year my blood

glucose was below normal. This means my iron is low. I have

been taking extra iron for the past year but feel it is

still low. I will get my newest results within 2 weeks to

know for sure. My calcium levels are a bit low. I was given

a bone density test which showed that my mass is just below

normal. This can be corrected with vitamin D injections.

Also, for the past year, my liver counts have been very high

but jump back to normal then rise again. My surgeon tells me

that it is not normal. My doctor here tells me it is common

with this surgery. A little confusing.

>

> Other than feeling tired, I feel great. I have never

regretted having my surgery. I had the best surgeon anyone

could ask for. As I said, after almost 10 years, he still

takes time for me. My entire life changed for the better

post op and probably saved my life...high blood pressure,

risk of heart failure, etc.

>

> Is anyone out there several years post op? Thank you as I

know this has gotten a bit long.

> Dawn Conner-Jeppesen

> http://www.geocities.com/frwhlngrl/

> http://community.webshots.com/user/frwhlngrl

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date:

8/21/2002

>

September 2, 2002

In a message dated 09/02/2002 8:28:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

vitalady@... writes:

> Have you had a dexascan to see where your bones are?

Hey ,

I have a dexascan in the early am.. will let you know how this year

compares to last year as soon as I get the results../

Hugs,

September 2, 2002

I'm 8 yrs post-op, RNY distal. What kind of iron are you taking? What kind

& how much calcium? Have you had a dexascan to see where your bones are?

Is your RNY proximal? Distal?

new to list

> Hello all. My name is Dawn and I am new to your group. I am not new to

life after surgery as I had mine May 17, 1993. I have been looking for

others who are long term post op to compare notes. There are not many

resources past three yrs. post op.

>

> To tell you a little about my history, I weighed 256 lbs. prior to having

RNY. I am 5 5 1/2. After 10 months, I had lost half my body weight, weighing

128 lbs. During the next year, I went down to 117 lbs. This was too thin for

my bone structure. My surgeon advised me how to gain a little back. Now I go

between 130 and 135 lbs and have for several years. I have taken my vitamins

religiously, am very active, and watch what I eat, making sure to get plenty

of what I need. I have had no major complications and have been very

healthy.

>

> At this time, I am living in Denmark. I have a specialist who follows my

health. The only drawback is that no one has had this type of surgery in

over 20 years. Everything is based on earlier type surgeries. My surgeon

always makes time for me if I call him but it is difficult being so far

away.

>

> My current health is as follows...last year my blood glucose was below

normal. This means my iron is low. I have been taking extra iron for the

past year but feel it is still low. I will get my newest results within 2

weeks to know for sure. My calcium levels are a bit low. I was given a bone

density test which showed that my mass is just below normal. This can be

corrected with vitamin D injections. Also, for the past year, my liver

counts have been very high but jump back to normal then rise again. My

surgeon tells me that it is not normal. My doctor here tells me it is common

with this surgery. A little confusing.

>

> Other than feeling tired, I feel great. I have never regretted having my

surgery. I had the best surgeon anyone could ask for. As I said, after

almost 10 years, he still takes time for me. My entire life changed for the

better post op and probably saved my life...high blood pressure, risk of

heart failure, etc.

>

> Is anyone out there several years post op? Thank you as I know this has

gotten a bit long.

> Dawn Conner-Jeppesen

> http://www.geocities.com/frwhlngrl/

> http://community.webshots.com/user/frwhlngrl

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date: 8/21/2002

>

September 4, 2002

Hi there everyone. My name is Cathie. I was diagnosed with fms/cfs several years

ago. I have been trying to learn to live a full life with the limitations this

has given me. I am anxious to talk to others and get some support with this as

well as give what I have to offer.

Take Care

Cathie

Re: What I gain from having Fibro

Hello ,

I have CFS. I can really relate to your bit about the childhood abuse. I

always

wanted to make everyone happy too. Or try to save people (like my mother)

from

alcoholism. In my case I often wonder if my health problems, especially my

asthma, stem from the environment I grew up in. My mother drank and smoked

when she was pregnant with me. As a child I was exposed to cigarrette smoke

and marijuanna smoke. I often wonder if I'd be healthy if my mother didn't

treat her body bad when she was carrying me. Well even if I knew the answer

I can't change the past and I guess I'm lucky I'm more or less normal as there

are worse things that can happen to people who's mothers drank while they were

pregnant.

I suffer from the suicidality sometimes. I don't think about it daily like

I used to, but when I have a really bad day the thoughts creep into my mind.

How did you manage to give up your suicidality?

~Jen

I thought the post about what people have to gain from their sickness is very

interesting. I'll give 2 examples how I've felt this impact in my life.

Last summer, I was going through a very dark period in my life and was in and

out of suicidality. My psychiatrist and I had several discussions about what

I gained from being suicidal. What I gained was having that " quick fix. " As

a recovering bulemic and alcoholic who was clean/abstinent for the first time

since I was 8 - I knew the answer. Suicidality had become my drug of choice.

As I gave up my suicidality, I was forced to learn how to deal with day to day

life without any easy outs.

I am also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. My *theory* about why I (and

no one else) have fibro is that it is a result of all the physical and

emotional

trauma held in my body. As an ultimate people pleaser, I kept running myself

into the ground. I could never make room to heal. I could not say " no " to

people - especially those I loved.

Having fibro has taught me to say " no " and it has opened up the doors for me

to allow others to take care of me (I was always the caretaker.) As I find

ways

to manage my fibro, I risk other people beginning to expect more of me. My

personal challenge is learning to say " no " simply b/c I want to and not b/c

I'm too tired, too achy, etc.

Does this mean fibro is all in my head? Well, in my view, yes (kind of.) I'm

a firm believer that body, mind and spirit cannot be seperated. How we think

about ourselves - how we love - or don't love - ourselves influences how we

feel in our physical bodies. As I'm learning to love myself and heal from old

wounds, I find my fibro is more easily managed. As I get sucked into vortices

of stress, I find my fibro worsens.

I want to make sure to qualify the above my saying it is *my opinion* -- it

is what works for *me*. Take what you want and leave the rest.

There are as many paths to healing as there are people on the journey.

Thanks for " listening " ,

---------------------------------

September 4, 2002