Hi everyone!

April 11, 2005

Hi, Nina.

Although I've been on a plateau for the last 10-12 days, I have lost

40# total and people are really noticing the difference. I'll try to

get a couple of pictures taken and send you my before and " in progress "

shots -- you can decide if they're worthy of publication!!

I have started to do some time on the exercise bike at home and hoping

that will get the weight loss going again.

Jackie S

>

> We are doing anew web pagae for Dr. aceves, actually 2 of them. One

for

> Gastric bypass and one for lap band surgery.

> The people doign this are asking me for pictures of our patients! I

> know many are shy about this specialythe men but I was wondering

if

> anyone would like to have their picture up there. Sort of before and

> after but if you are not down to your goal weight more like before

and

> in progress.

>

> We ( Dr. Aceves and I ) would really appreciate this most people want

> to see if our patients are real!

>

> Thanks,

>

> Nina

April 11, 2005

Jackie,

Thanks send them over and I will submit them, we can always update

them later, when youlose more weight

Exercise should help help you start losing again. At least 30 min 3

times a week is what they recommend. It will certainly get some of

the happy hormones going and make you feel better about everything

Nina

> >

> > We are doing anew web pagae for Dr. aceves, actually 2 of them.

One

> for

> > Gastric bypass and one for lap band surgery.

> > The people doign this are asking me for pictures of our patients!

I

> > know many are shy about this specialythe men but I was

wondering

> if

> > anyone would like to have their picture up there. Sort of before

and

> > after but if you are not down to your goal weight more like

before

> and

> > in progress.

> >

> > We ( Dr. Aceves and I ) would really appreciate this most people

want

> > to see if our patients are real!

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Nina

April 11, 2005

Hi Nina,

Maybe its because I'm a man but I don't want my pictures used. I still

have not told most of my friends or family I had the surgery. If they

see pictures of me on the net it would make it kinda tough on me.

>

> We are doing anew web pagae for Dr. aceves, actually 2 of them. One for

> Gastric bypass and one for lap band surgery.

> The people doign this are asking me for pictures of our patients! I

> know many are shy about this specialythe men but I was wondering if

> anyone would like to have their picture up there. Sort of before and

> after but if you are not down to your goal weight more like before and

> in progress.

>

> We ( Dr. Aceves and I ) would really appreciate this most people want

> to see if our patients are real!

>

> Thanks,

>

> Nina

April 11, 2005

Ricahrd,

I understand donot worry.

What are you telling them now? they have to be noticing the lbs coming off !

Ninarichard_ensley <richard_ensley@...> wrote:

Hi Nina,Maybe its because I'm a man but I don't want my pictures used. I stillhave not told most of my friends or family I had the surgery. If theysee pictures of me on the net it would make it kinda tough on me. > > We are doing anew web pagae for Dr. aceves, actually 2 of them. One for > Gastric bypass and one for lap band surgery. > The people doign this are asking me for pictures of our patients! I > know many are shy about this specialythe men but I was wondering if > anyone would like to have their picture up there. Sort of before and > after but if you are not down to your goal weight more like before and > in progress. > > We ( Dr. Aceves and I ) would really appreciate this most people want

> to see if our patients are real! > > Thanks, > > Nina

Nina Eguia Patient Coordinator, Dr Aceves1800 958 9509 , 760-457-5879nina@...

__________________________________________________

April 12, 2005

I'm telling them the truth just not the whole truth. I eat better and

less and excerise more.

> >

> > We are doing anew web pagae for Dr. aceves, actually 2 of them.

One for

> > Gastric bypass and one for lap band surgery.

> > The people doign this are asking me for pictures of our patients! I

> > know many are shy about this specialythe men but I was

wondering if

> > anyone would like to have their picture up there. Sort of before and

> > after but if you are not down to your goal weight more like before

and

> > in progress.

> >

> > We ( Dr. Aceves and I ) would really appreciate this most people want

> > to see if our patients are real!

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Nina

>

> ---------------------------------

>

July 16, 2005

Tara writes:

and to paraphrase

he told me my pains had nothing to do with my surgery (offered no

further explanation/help) - and that my results still looked beautiful.

Dear Tara,

Your doctor may be totally correct that the pain isn't directly due to his

surgery, but that could have a narrow meaning. Being 'surgically corrected'

doesn't equate to painfree. I am not a surgeon, of course. There could be

explanations for your pain although nothing may show on an MRI. Nerves could be

involved, there could be a level/s that haven't fused...or other explanations.

If

your pain limits your quality of life at 22, you are much too young to settle

for that. Only you know the intensity of that and it's limits. I'm not an

expert on tests, but it would seem that a myelogram, Cat scan, or nerve test

might shed some light. Your age may be working against you because your doctor

may, I feel, dismiss pain complaints the younger w are. (I was young once, but

my first, real pain didn't start until I was 38)

Whether you are scheduled to see your surgeon again or not is immaterial.

YOU set the date if you are in agony. If you persistent enough he may start to

listen. I know that shouldn't be the case, but it may be. If you have no

confidence that he will take you seriously then see someone else who specializes

in scoliosis...check the Scoliosis Research Society list. There must be a

reason for your pain. It may or may not be arthritis. Yes, we all get it as a

byproduct of fusion (the other levels overwork because of the rigidity of

fusion),

but I'm 58 and I only have 'moderate arthritis' and that part of my painful

back is livable...it's the nerve and muscle that are killers.

Jolene

July 16, 2005

Jolene,

Thank you again for your concern. I want to explain that I didn't

necessarily disagree with my surgeon's assessment of my pain (that maybe

it wasn't directly due to surgery)- it was more his attitude towards me

that really bothered me. All I know is that I had no pain whatsoever

before surgery, and following surgery, I had that one spot of constant

pain I have mentioned previously, and I later developed symptoms like

those in seen in arthritis. Due to the fluctuation in my pain (other

than the one spot), I believe I do have arthritis. Nevertheless, I have

been to see a rheumatologist (I also have Raynaud's disease and had one

positive ANA test- followed by a negative one)- and two neurologists.

The first neurologist I went to see prescribed a nerve conduction test,

but I never got to go back to him because my PCP had mistakenly sent me

to someone who wasn't on my insurance (gotta love it)... and the second

neurologist decided I was fine and just gave me some

anti-inflammatories. So I gave up. I am on temporary health insurance at

the moment since I am graduated and no longer on my parents' insurance

and not yet employed. Perhaps once I have better insurance I can try try

again.... I agree with you that no one wants to accept that I have this

pain so young. I can see the hesitation in the eyes of everyone who may

be able to help. I hesitate myself now because my back pain has lessened

significantly over the last year - but I have also been putting much

less stress on my back this past year, so I will have to see if that

changes when I start working.

Sidenote: Just want to quickly vent something - Does anyone else feel

the need to disclose that they had scolosis surgery to anyone who might

be working with you (assuming your back may at times limit your working

abilities)?.... I feel that need, and during one of my first

interviews, I mentioned having the surgery and possibly needing

assistance lifting patients (ususally not performed by one person

anyway) - and the woman I was interviewing with said, " Well it looks

like you walk fine now. " I was too shocked to say anything but murmur

thanks and move on with the conversation, but later I felt so

insulted... thankfully they didnt want to hire me because I wasn't about

to work there...

Tara

Tara writes:

and to paraphrase

he told me my pains had nothing to do with my surgery (offered no

further explanation/help) - and that my results still looked beautiful.

Dear Tara,

Your doctor may be totally correct that the pain isn't directly due to

his

surgery, but that could have a narrow meaning. Being 'surgically

corrected'

doesn't equate to painfree. I am not a surgeon, of course. There could

be

explanations for your pain although nothing may show on an MRI. Nerves

could be

involved, there could be a level/s that haven't fused...or other

explanations. If

your pain limits your quality of life at 22, you are much too young to

settle

for that. Only you know the intensity of that and it's limits. I'm not

an

expert on tests, but it would seem that a myelogram, Cat scan, or nerve

test

might shed some light. Your age may be working against you because your

doctor

may, I feel, dismiss pain complaints the younger w are. (I was young

once, but

my first, real pain didn't start until I was 38)

Whether you are scheduled to see your surgeon again or not is

immaterial.

YOU set the date if you are in agony. If you persistent enough he may

start to

listen. I know that shouldn't be the case, but it may be. If you have

no

confidence that he will take you seriously then see someone else who

specializes

in scoliosis...check the Scoliosis Research Society list. There must be

a

reason for your pain. It may or may not be arthritis. Yes, we all get

it as a

byproduct of fusion (the other levels overwork because of the rigidity

of fusion),

but I'm 58 and I only have 'moderate arthritis' and that part of my

painful

back is livable...it's the nerve and muscle that are killers.

Jolene

__________________________________________________

November 9, 2005

Nina I hope you get the snow and I am sure that snow or not you will have a wonderful Christmas. It will be nice to have your family together. You guys are really spread out.

Remember to get rest and don't feel that you have to do everything that way you will enjoy the visit and holidays more.

I use chewable vitamin C and when I have a cold I suck on them and they help my throat.

Best wishes,

the WV hillbilly

March 3, 2006

Hi, and welcome to the list. Yes, it is hard to see your child

change so quickly. My son's rheumy likened it to a flip switching in the

body. For my son, they believe it was an injury to his knee that flipped

the switch and made his JRA start in his ankle. What you have been

through has been echoed by other parents here. It sounds like your

daughter has systemic JRA. Post and let us know how your daughter is

doing. The people here have definitely been where you are now and we all

know exactly how you feel. You may not find that level of understanding

anywhere else but with parents who have gone through the same things. We

understand that kids get arthritis and how it can affect a child's life.

Hugs to you and your daughter, and let us know what the drs say, Michele

( 18, spondy)

HI EVERYONE!

My name is and I have my Daughter Sasha who recently was

diagnosed with JRA, back in October 2005 she started feeling sick

bicause she was bitten by antz, she started with rash, fever and body

aches, we visited the ER three times and they couldn;'t find why she

was sick, finally she was hospitalized, and it was the monst terrible

nightmare in my life, we spent two weeks in a local

hospital,,harlingen texas, and the doctor decided to transfer her to

texas childrens hospital in houston. after two more weeks without

dignosis and lots of fever and pain,, the doctors tell me that she may

have JRA. it's a long story but is so devasting to see your kid healty

and happy and from one day to another been under close medical

treatments and homebound,,

April 23, 2006

Here goes my two cents worth on Milk Thistle -

First, I order mine from a company on the web called Puritan Pride. They have

a buy one get one free offer all the time - once in awhile they will give you

two free.

Second, my hepatologist told me it was a waste of money for people that have

PBC or AIH (I have both). It was helpful with people that Hep C. Not sure

about any other liver ailments. I keep taking it. Don't really know if it has

made a difference or not. Had one flare up of AIH just recently, but once I was

taken off the Welbutrin my blood tests showed a dramatic drop in my " counts. " in

two weeks.

I have been reading about all the aches and pains. I make myself walk two

miles a day, I try to do yard work, etc. I hurt so bad that some nights I can't

even sleep - every spot I lay in hurts. I am looking for opinions - is this PBC

or AIH related? Is it from medication (I take URSO and Imuran)? I am 53 - is

it arthritis setting in?

Thank you - ALL of you have been more informative then any other website I

have been to. I appreciate all of your answers, real concerns for each and

everyone no matter what. You guys are great!

Nina Eskelinen <nina_eskelinen@...> wrote:

I've been away for a while but I've seen that you guys have been talking about

Milk Thistle!?! Since I got curious I went and bought it (and it wasn't cheap..)

But I'm determined to try it anyway although I'm not quite sure what it is

supposed to do?!?

I've had a wonderful time in Canada with my sister and her children but it

feels really good to be home again. It was quite tuff for me to travel like

that, and I still haven't quite recovered.

Take care!

Nina!

May 17, 2007

Ahhh ... a West Coaster! Welcome! I'm Debbie and my little piece of paradise is on the East Coast of this gorgeous state! Welcome to the group! I've got 60 to lose and am still in Phase 1. Debbie Donna <mermaid021947@...> wrote: I am new to the group. I live in ville, Fl. This is day 5 for me in phase 2. So far so good. I have felt great and have not been hungry at all. I have about 80 pounds to lose. Have monitored the

messages and I think this site is great. It is easier for me because I am an RN. I can't even imagine how intimidating self injections would be if I were not a nurse! So way to go to all of you! I gained 3 lbs. in the first 2 days but on day 5 I am down 5 lbs. So that is right on schedule. Have a great evening.

May 17, 2007

Hi Debbie!

Thanks for letting me know I am not the only Floridian on here.

Got on the scales this morning and I am down 9.8 lbs. in 6 days. It

is hard to believe. No hunger. But have noticed I have been a

little more tired in the evenings than usual. But I have also been

trying to stay busy in the afternoons and evenings because that is

munchie time for me. And it seems to be working!

> I am new to the group. I live in ville, Fl. This is

day 5 for

> me in phase 2. So far so good. I have felt great and have not been

> hungry at all. I have about 80 pounds to lose. Have monitored the

> messages and I think this site is great. It is easier for me

because I

> am an RN. I can't even imagine how intimidating self injections

would

> be if I were not a nurse! So way to go to all of you!

>

> I gained 3 lbs. in the first 2 days but on day 5 I am down 5 lbs.

So

> that is right on schedule. Have a great evening.

>

May 17, 2007

Wohooo Donna!! you are doing great!! i cant wait to get started on

phase 2. My boyfriend lives in florida hopefully next year i will

there too.Then Debbie you and i should have a hcg reunion..lol take

care Janice

May 18, 2007

Hi, Donna! WOW ... 9.8 lbs in 6 days!!! That's awesome!!! I'm sure I'll have fantastic results as well once I start Phase 2! That's funny that you said you were tired in the evening. I am feeling the same way. I can usually tell what time it is by how I feel (between 10 and 10:30 is when I start getting real sleepy). Lately, it's barely 9:00 and I'm EXHAUSTED!!! It was torture trying to stay awake for the season finale of Grey's Anatomy last night!! LOL!!! The protocol calls for chamomile tea in the evening to relax. I don't need it! I'm relaxed enough. I wonder what's making us so sleepy? Do you think it's the cleases and our bodies are just worn slick from trying to rid itself of all those built up toxins? By the way ... I have a question regarding all the stuff you're supposed to

do in Phase 1 ... do you continue to do all of that in Phase 2? DebbieDonna <mermaid021947@...> wrote: Hi Debbie! Thanks for letting me know I am not the only Floridian on here.Got on the scales this morning and I am down 9.8 lbs. in 6 days. It is hard to believe. No hunger. But have noticed I have been a little more tired in the evenings than usual. But I have also been trying to stay busy in the afternoons and evenings because that is munchie time for

me. And it seems to be working!> I am new to the group. I live in ville, Fl. This is day 5 for > me in phase 2. So far so good. I have felt great and have not been > hungry at all. I have about 80 pounds to lose. Have monitored the > messages and I think this site is great. It is easier for me because I > am an RN. I can't even imagine how intimidating self injections would > be if I were not a nurse! So way to go to all of you! > > I gained 3 lbs. in

the first 2 days but on day 5 I am down 5 lbs. So > that is right on schedule. Have a great evening.>

May 18, 2007

Really, Janice? Where in FL does he live? We'll DEFINITELY have an hcg reunion! We can all go out and buy thong bikinis and parade ourselves down the beach!!! Well, I AM 48 so I think my days of a thong swimsuit are long gone!! LOL!!! Debbiejnils03 <jnils03@...> wrote: Wohooo Donna!! you are doing great!! i cant wait to get started onphase 2. My boyfriend lives in florida hopefully next year i willthere too.Then Debbie you

and i should have a hcg reunion..lol takecare Janice

May 18, 2007

Deb excuse the spelling but he lives in bradington east coast.. and as

far as wearing a bikini oh hell yes i am going to wear one..lol i am

51 and but the end of this weight loss cure .. iknow WE WILL ALL LOOK

GREAT! so if i wear one u will have to wear one..lol

May 18, 2007

YOU'RE 51????????? NO WAY!!!! By the looks of your pics I'd have SWORN that you weren't any older than 40 (at the OUTSIDE!!). I'm flabbergasted!!! You already look good in your pics. At least you still have a shape! You're gonna look truly incredible when this is over!!! As far as wearing a bikini, I already have nerve wearing a 2 piece swim suit, but I always thought "tan fat looks better than white fat anyday"!!! LOL!!! That's why I wear the 2 piece ... so my fat will look like dark duck meat ... all succulent and juicy!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way ... I mapped Bradington, FL to see how close we would be and it's on the west coast. I'm on the east coast in a little town called Hobe Sound. It's just south of Stuart and just north of Jupiter. jnils03 <jnils03@...>

wrote: Deb excuse the spelling but he lives in bradington east coast.. and asfar as wearing a bikini oh hell yes i am going to wear one..lol i am51 and but the end of this weight loss cure .. iknow WE WILL ALL LOOKGREAT! so if i wear one u will have to wear one..lol

April 17, 2008

Personally, I think it is useful to track what you're eating

(calories, protein, etc) for a while to be sure you're really " eating

right " . It can be pretty easy to eat too much " not the best food " in

various respects, just until you learn what to do, not do, eat, not

eat, etc. And even when you " have it together " , doing so again for a

week or so every few months can check you're still " doing it right " .

And be sure you're getting in your two to three quarts of water a

day....most of us doin't drink enough.

Let us know more about your age, weight, goal, etc, and we can be of

more help.

dan

Thursday, April 17, 2008, 12:06:04 PM, you wrote:

> I am new to this group. I was banded on Feb 4 and I just got my

> first fill this past monday. My doc put in 4cc's and I feel pretty

> restricted. I was just wondering do any of you still count your

> calorie intake or do you just eat healty foods until you feel

> " full " . If anyone has advice for me being a newly banded that would be

great!!

--

" It's OK to be a little broken, everybody's broken in this life " Jon Bon Jovi

Dan Lester, Boise, Idaho, USA www.mylapband.tk

Banded 4/27/03, Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana

Started at 355, at goal in the 210-220 range for almost 4 years

Ultimate goal of 195 Tummytuck in Boise and SmartLipo in Tijuana

July 21, 2008

I had my TkR on 6/17 and I still have days when I am sore and my knee

will not bend Like I need it too. I takes time and lots of PT to get

you back to where you want to be.

AS to the pillow under your knee, unless the pillow goes from your

heel to your hip, don't put one just under the knee. My doctor

warned me of this over and over as it will cause to have a still knee.

I found sleeping hard at first, but I took a king size pillow and put

it between my legs and turned on my un operative side and this worked

for me. At first I had to have my husband push a pillow under my

back to keep me from rolling off my side. Now I can do without the

second pillow.

We are all different and what works for me may not work for you, keep

trying and talk with your doctor or PT about sleeping

Hope things get better for you. I know they will as soon as you get

the infection cleared up.

Good luck

Lucinda

July 21, 2008

Louise,

You didn't mention if you are going to PT. Once my staples were out at two

weeks post-op (Then my husband had to drive me the 500 miles home) within

about three days I was going to PT every week day for three weeks. It hurt,

but it got me the flexion and extension I needed. You are only three weeks

post-op but should be doing some PT, but also expect to sleep frequently

throughout the day and not be comfortable unless your leg is propped up in

front of you. My job is from home but is at a desk and I found sitting in a

chair with knee bent quite uncomfortable at first but it got easier each

day. I used my rolling office chair to do some " exercises " by pulling myself

around with the TKR leg. It helped with my range of motion.

I also got an infection in my incision and they gave me antibiotics I was

allergic to and so I had hives all over and then I had to take Prednisone.

Made me crazy but helped the hives and my knee. There's a reason athletes

take steroids, inflammation reduction. But I don't recommend it.

do know that at not quite two months post-op, I was able to fly across

country to a three-day conference and did fine. It will get better.

Hi Everyone!

I am Louise, 47 and just had a total knee on July 3rd. I am still so

stiff and sore. The pain is better but I still feel like it just

doesn't want to bend. I have to see my surgeon tomorrow because I have

a low grade infection and he wants to check things out. My PCP gave me

2 shots last thursday after taking out staples. She said it was warm,

and red. It's better now but still not looser! I have alot of trouble

sleeping. I can't change positions easily so i sleep on my back for

the majority and it's very uncomfortable. I put a pillow under the

knee and that releaves some pressure but I can't turn easily and it's

tiring! I have had 3 scopes on this knee the most recent in May 2008.

I couldn't take anymore of the grinding, popping, and pain. i have had

decreased mobility and can't use stairs. I hope 2 months down the road

I will say it was all worth it. I'm not so sure right now! I am off

from work till I think the 4th of August so that helps too. I have a

desk job so doc said I can go back when I was ready. I'm not, yet! I

still have a walker and feel wobbly yet. I was supposed to go back

July 28th but I am going to delay it another week. I don't think I can

sit for too long either so I will go back half time for a few weeks. I

feel very frustrated that it is a slow recovery. I thought I would be

further along by now. I guess maybe the infection has hindered that

too. I hope this week I feel like I am getting somewhere. Well, thanks

for having me.

Louise from Minnesota

married

2 boys (16 and 18)

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

July 21, 2008

Hi ,

Thanks for the info. Yes, I am going to PT 2-3x/wk and doing a home

exercise program as well. I woke up this morning to a very stiff,

inflammed knee. I didn't take my ibuprofen 3x yesterday and I am

suffering today. It really helps with inflammation. the doctor gave me

800mg ones so they are heavy duty. I just have to eat when I take them

but I find it helps. I have an appt with my surgeon today about the

infection so I will see what he says.

Louise

From: DeRouen <asd@...>

Subject: RE: Hi Everyone!

Joint Replacement

Date: Monday, July 21, 2008, 9:44 AM