looking for a partner

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

My date is August 24, I hope there is someone with the same date so I want be

all alone. I guess I am kinda of nervous and very much excited. It would be

nice to have someone who knows how you feel.

keep me in your prayers

Dena

[Guest guest]

Hi Tara,

Can you tell me when you started eating solid food. Your weight loss is

GREAT in just 3 months. I was wondering is you did so good because of

staying on liquids for a long time. I am waiting on my insurance to approve

and trying to get all the information I can.

Thanks,

Debbie

Raleigh, NC

[Guest guest]

That is great Tara, you have been busy !! Thanks for all the info. I

appreciate you answering all my questions, it really helps.

Have a good Labor Day,

Debbie

Raleigh, NC

[Guest guest]

Dena,

My surgery was June 3rd - but I just wanted to let

you know that anyone who is post-op knows how you

feel. I think pretty much all of us went through that

nervous/excited feeling prior to surgery. Just know

that on the other side it will all be worth it! Best

of luck!!

Tara Lynn

down 65 lbs in 12 weeks!

--- SHAKA1363@... wrote:

> From: SHAKA1363@...

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> My date is August 24, I hope there is someone with

> the same date so I want be

> all alone. I guess I am kinda of nervous and very

> much excited. It would be

> nice to have someone who knows how you feel.

>

> keep me in your prayers

> Dena

>

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

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

I actually had the open procedure with a

different surgeon so I was never on a " liquid " diet

after the time I was released from the hospital (3

days). I was simply on a soft food diet which included

things like yogurt, cottage cheese, fruits and

vegetables and of course juices which I really never

drank (they were too sweet)! I stuck to the soft foods

for about 2 weeks and then stated introducing rice and

pasta in slowly - but not very much. By 6 weeks

post-op I was able to tolerate pretty much anything -

just in very small quantitys. I am never hungry and I

have never had dumping or vomiting. I know I have been

very lucky - but my biggest help this summer was being

busy. I run my own children's theatre company and had

over 150 children enrolled in summer camp. I directed

8 shows in 6 weeks - so I didn't have much time to

think about food and I was always on the run. In fact,

I had surgery on a Thursday morning and was

auditioning kids the day after I was released form the

hospital(4 days post-op). I was determined not to let

the surgery slow me down and I didn't!!! I know I have

been eating more since the camp ended 2 weeks ago -

but I have still managed to lose 3 to 4 lbs a week -

hey, works for me!!! Best of luck and feel free to

write with more questions!!!

- Tara Lynn

--- DebbieW930@... wrote:

> From: DebbieW930@...

>

> Hi Tara,

>

> Can you tell me when you started eating solid food.

> Your weight loss is

> GREAT in just 3 months. I was wondering is you did

> so good because of

> staying on liquids for a long time. I am waiting on

> my insurance to approve

> and trying to get all the information I can.

>

> Thanks,

> Debbie

> Raleigh, NC

>

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

[Guest guest]

Tara,

I think that is my problem. I need to be more busy, but I am extremely

exhausted. When will this pass?

Has anyone tried caffeine-free herbal teas or spiced apple cider during the

" liquid " phase? I would love to try something different because I'm getting

sick of juice. Also I am going to try applesauce (in the little 6-pack). I

am 9 days post-op. Any comments or suggestions would be most helpful.

in MD

post-op 08/27/99

[Guest guest]

What I found helpful was a pot of homemade veggie soup.. ate just the broth

but it was great for the taste buds. Too often I found that cold juices did

not satisfy me, I wanted something warm in my stomach. Also, try some

chocolate flavored ensure warmed up to sip. Those first few weeks seem

forever with just juice, key thing is variety. Broth, yogurt, juice ...

chicken noodle soup was another favorite. The salty broth seemed to satisfy

something in me. Good luck!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/05/1999 12:00:05 PM Central Daylight Time,

Migawil@... writes:

<< Any comments or suggestions would be most helpful.

in MD

post-op 08/27/99

>>

I still have a lil ways to go ..yes I am a preop. But as somebody said

last week, they owe all of their weight loss from putting off solids for as

long as possible. I can tell by a few of the emails that people are feeling a

bit discouraged or down. It is easy for me to say because I haven't walked

in your shoes YET, but just think of how much better you are gonna feel, how

much healthier you are and will be... how much better you will look to

yourself. There are so many liquid diets out there so keep that in mind and

stay strong. )

Rae

[Guest guest]

Does anyone know where i can find out who else does the mgb out west. I

don't think my ins will pay for me to go back east. what is the process to

find a doctor out of state? i see the local doc in less than a week. i have

decided to have it. however i am not sure i will go through with it till i

can have the laproscopic. i have enough surgery scars.. i don't want to open

myself up for more potential for lesions from scar tissue. and honestly i

don't think i would have the courage to have an open incision again. i mean

i was ok with i had the hyster but it was a whole nother thing as i was not

working and i didn't ahve to worry about going back to work at any time

after. i do now. granted i have a easy desk job it just can't picutre me

doing the open belly. ok enough whinning thanks and any ideas or

suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks,

diana

[Guest guest]

Try the Alameda Clinic in San Diego.

[Guest guest]

-

I second the hot broth of any kind of soup you like. I had some cream soups

that were very satisfying and felt like really eating something. Also,

mashed potatoes go down really well--not too thick at first.

Katy Musolino

[Guest guest]

RE: staying on liquids

I also agree that the longer you can stay on liquids, the more likely you are

to have a larger weight loss in the beginning. But don't force it if you're

feeling miserable. You are not on a diet anymore. Try not to feel deprived.

A little something besides liquids can make a big difference in the way you

feel.

Katy

[Guest guest]

--

try the Alvarado Center in San Diego. Their web site is

www.gastricbypass.com. They've been doing a lap procedure for quite a while.

Not exactly the same procedure Dr R uses, but definitely a lap. I spoke to

someone there on the phone several years ago, and they were very nice.

Katy Musolino

[Guest guest]

One thing I want to stress is that what ever choices you make, please

consider how much nutrition is in them! Yes, I too went through a watermelon

and cucumber stage, but there is limited nutritional value. Keep in mind,

that you are only absorbing a portion of whatever you eat, such decide

carefully! Consider watermelon a treat instead of a meal. Chewing is the

key to this surgery. You should not have to puree any foods if you chew them

enough. Also, remember there is a difference between psychological and

physical hunger. Is your body truly hungry? It will let you know! Hope

this helps.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/06/1999 8:59:04 AM Central Daylight Time,

KMusolino@... writes:

<< --

try the Alvarado Center in San Diego. Katy Musolino >>

Isn't that where Carnie had her procedure?

Rae

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/06/1999 12:20:25 PM Central Daylight Time,

GRL1DR@... writes:

<< OK I am gonna sound dumb. How would you describe psychological and

physical

hunger?...what are the differences?

Rae >>

Hey I want to elaborate on why I asked the above question. I like to get

people thoughts on this. How they view psychological and physical hunger. I

know what they are, just like to get everybody's feed back on it. It is

interesting seeing how people react to the two. For the post ops, after

having this procedure, how long before you stop having the psychological

feeling of needing food if you ever did. This is truly a tool and making

changes is the key.

Rae

[Guest guest]

Psychological is emotional eating when you are bored, frustrated or whatever

.... also consider that " scheduled " mealtime as psychological.. you have to

eat since it is 12 noon. That type of thinking versus listening to your body

signals for signs of hunger. Small frequent meals are the best. Have

healthy choices around for snacks such as fruit or fresh vegetables. Hope

this helps.

[Guest guest]

There are still times when I cannot tell the difference between psychological

or physical hunger. After 9 months post-op, it can be difficult to

distinguish the two.

The key for me was to realize why am I hungry? At first it was from boredom!

Take the opportunity to develop new lifestyle changes ... exercise, hobbies

what ever is new! There is going to be so much to learn about yourself as

you change that you will be amazed. For me, writing in my journal has been a

tremendous help. Make new friends.. start a list of things you are thankful

for.

One thing I would like to stress to those of you that are considering the

surgery or newly post-op ... please do not get in the habit of using a

blender to puree your foods.

The key to success with this procedure is developing new habits and that

means learning to eat all over again for some of us. Yes, that simple act of

chewing your food enough. It helps to learn how to chew your food. Your

meals last longer when in social situations, people notice less of how little

you are eating. Too many times when I go out with friends, someone always

comments on how little I am eating. Now, I take a normal serving of food at

a buffet, just eat what I want and enjoy good conversation. This surgery has

not hindered my social life in any way.. in fact, it has improved more than I

could have ever imagined. No longer do I fear sitting in a restaurant not

knowing if I will fit in a chair or a booth.

Hope this helps, if not, please let me know.

Take care,

12/7/98 BMI 61

9/6/99 BMI 40

Yes, I have a while to go, but thus far I am very pleased with the results

and would do it over again if I had to!

[Guest guest]

,

I also have to agree that hot broth really does

something for you that nothing else can! Even though I

was not ordered to stay on the liquid diet for very

long - I could only have ice chips the first day

post-op, and juice on days 2 and 3 - boy - when they

gave me that chicken broth on day 4 - I felt like I

was eating a feast!!! It felt more like real food.

Those first few days with apple juice really did it

for me - I was unable to tolerate juice almost from

the time I got home. It has always seemed way to

sweet! Even though my doc considers it a " soft food "

diet - I can tell you after being on this board for 6

months that I ate much of the same things that the MGB

post-ops eat. Mashed potatos were a little too heavy

for me and yogurt and cottage cheese made me sick to

my tummy. In the early weeks, my prefferred choices

were very soft vegetable soups and WATERMELON!!! There

is something VERY pleasing about watermelon and I

think most post-ops go through a watermelon phase! I

did not have to blend anything - but I did make sure

to chew VERY well! - and I did fine! Best of luck!

Tara Lynn

--- KMusolino@... wrote:

> From: KMusolino@...

>

> -

>

> I second the hot broth of any kind of soup you like.

> I had some cream soups

> that were very satisfying and felt like really

> eating something. Also,

> mashed potatoes go down really well--not too thick

> at first.

>

> Katy Musolino

>

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

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/06/1999 1:37:34 PM Central Daylight Time,

APEXKAS@... writes:

<< Hope this helps, if not, please let me know.

Take care,

12/7/98 BMI 61

9/6/99 BMI 40 >>

You made a very good point , you said to think about why you are eating

before you are eating. That sounds so simple but it actually isn't. I know

there are times I would and still do eat just because it is " dinner time. " I

have two children a 5 yr old and a 19 month old. You know they have the

faster metabolism. I am thinking now of ways how I will prepare foods for

them and my husband after this is over. I think this change will benefit us

all. My husband is so supportive of this, but he says...you won't be able to

eat this or that. lol He is a steak and potato man. I have to brag here and

say I am a good cook. I cook for taste rather than health and I didn't grow

up like that. At this point in my life I am ready to make a change in a big

way. I am ready to put food as a necessity rather than want. Does that make

sense.

Rae

[Guest guest]

Rae,

I call it tummy hungry( your tummy NEEDS food) and mouth hungry ( your mouth

WANTS food) again, my .02 Paige

>From: GRL1DR@...

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: looking for a partner

>Date: Mon, 6 Sep 1999 13:18:30 EDT

>

>From: GRL1DR@...

>

>In a message dated 09/06/1999 11:30:39 AM Central Daylight Time,

>APEXKAS@... writes:

>

><< Also, remember there is a difference between psychological and

> physical hunger. Is your body truly hungry? It will let you know! Hope

> this helps. >>

>

>

>OK I am gonna sound dumb. How would you describe psychological and physical

>hunger?...what are the differences?

>

>Rae

>

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

[Guest guest]

,

I totally agree with you on the chewing thing. I have been trying to do the

20 chews per bite before swallowing since I amde my mind up to do this

surgery. I happen to do a lot of blending at home now and I have not had

surgery:) I use it to make things that are texurally difficult for me

tolerable ( bananas ACK!, but in a shake not so bad) I try to get all my

vitamins in my food. I learned the mouth hungry and tummy hungry thing about

ten years ago, but in the long run all it did was make realize how often I

ate out of boredom or emotional issues. I got much better about 5 years ago

when I stared to eat on a schedule and man o man did the tummy hungry come

to the fore!!!! All of a sudden I felt " tummy grumble hungry " and that was

NEW! I hope my new habits will help and not hinder! Paige

>From: APEXKAS@...

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: looking for a partner

>Date: Mon, 6 Sep 1999 14:37:17 EDT

>

>From: APEXKAS@...

>

>There are still times when I cannot tell the difference between

>psychological

>or physical hunger. After 9 months post-op, it can be difficult to

>distinguish the two.

>The key for me was to realize why am I hungry? At first it was from

>boredom!

> Take the opportunity to develop new lifestyle changes ... exercise,

>hobbies

>what ever is new! There is going to be so much to learn about yourself as

>you change that you will be amazed. For me, writing in my journal has been

>a

>tremendous help. Make new friends.. start a list of things you are

>thankful

>for.

>

>One thing I would like to stress to those of you that are considering the

>surgery or newly post-op ... please do not get in the habit of using a

>blender to puree your foods.

>The key to success with this procedure is developing new habits and that

>means learning to eat all over again for some of us. Yes, that simple act

>of

>chewing your food enough. It helps to learn how to chew your food. Your

>meals last longer when in social situations, people notice less of how

>little

>you are eating. Too many times when I go out with friends, someone always

>comments on how little I am eating. Now, I take a normal serving of food

>at

>a buffet, just eat what I want and enjoy good conversation. This surgery

>has

>not hindered my social life in any way.. in fact, it has improved more than

>I

>could have ever imagined. No longer do I fear sitting in a restaurant not

>knowing if I will fit in a chair or a booth.

>

>Hope this helps, if not, please let me know.

>Take care,

>

>12/7/98 BMI 61

>9/6/99 BMI 40

>

>Yes, I have a while to go, but thus far I am very pleased with the results

>and would do it over again if I had to!

>

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

[Guest guest]

Rae,

After watching soem people that have had trouble with the food thing, I am

glad I had already started working on this awhile ago!!! If I had to do it

now I might explode!!!. My hubby is worried but I love veggies and such so I

am not worried I guess I am worried about not being able to eat salads but I

think my taste buds will turn " off " the sweets not the good stuff like

veggies and meat! At least I hope so!!! Paige

>From: GRL1DR@...

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: looking for a partner

>Date: Mon, 6 Sep 1999 19:31:18 EDT

>

>From: GRL1DR@...

>

>In a message dated 09/06/1999 6:26:59 PM Central Daylight Time,

>ragtime74@... writes:

>

><< Rae,

> I call it tummy hungry( your tummy NEEDS food) and mouth hungry ( your

>mouth

> WANTS food) again, my .02 Paige

> >>

>

>

>This is a good explanation, Paige. This is how I feel at times. MOUTH

>HUNGRY! The urge to nibble. This is where I start my new relationship with

>food. )

>

>Rae

>

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

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/06/1999 3:45:50 PM Central Daylight Time,

taradim@... writes:

<< my hubby has probably gained a few lbs

since my surgery. I don't eat as much and he kinda

picks up the slack! I guess I should start preparing

less food but I haven't figured out how to alter my

recipes like that yet!

Tara Lynn >>

Tara Lynn,

That is what my husband does now...he is the clean up man at meal time and he

is gaining weight from that too. lol And he won't eat new veggies...if he

didn't eat it growing up he won't. lol I want to start cutting back on how

much I prepare and what I prepare. The husband complains about not having

leftovers because something tasted so good. lol I freeze a lot of leftovers

when I can for another time, especially living in Oklahoma it is hot and

heating up the house isn't a good thing in the summer months. lol I fix a lot

of sandwiches and one pot dishes in the summertime. When I make lasagna, I

freeze the other portion and casseroles are the same and I nuke them. He

knows after this that things will definitely change. He said he is sort of

looking forward to it, he can stand to loose some pounds himself. But he

said I should stop trying to make him eat Brussels sprouts, beets, and those

weird beans, which I love. lol

Rae

[Guest guest]

Makes more sense than you may realize.. too often as we all get heavier, we

tend to cook for taste not nutrition. Besides, since when did eating healthy

have to taste good? Please tell your husband that he is in for a shocker! I

can eat anything I want with no problem. Depending on what I am eating,

determines how much I can eat.

Honestly, I tend to cook healthier now, but still enjoy my favorite foods.

This weekend I made some homemade minestrone soup that I found in the

magazine Cooking Light. It was delicious!! Try new things.. You may be

surprised at how your taste buds change! ( My sister that also had the

procedure done in June swears that Dr. Rutledge does something to your taste

buds and not your stomach! ) All I know is that I do not crave sweets at all.

Every now and then I do enjoy a sucker or skittles. Not many just a few

skittles to take that sweet desire away, so far, no dumping syndrome.