Update

June 17, 2003

:

I was just reminded by Pat not to be too hard on myself, and so I

first want to pass that on to you. We're just babies in this

process, and we need to take things little by little. Goo goo. Gaa

gaa.

Anyway... the way I do my water/fluids is by always having a bottle

next to me--ALWAYS! I take three small sips at a time everytime I

think of it. My first few days I kept a kitchen timer with me and

set it for 10 minutes. Everytime there was a DING, I took three

small sips. It was a pain in the *you know what* but it trained me

like Pavlov's Dog to want to frequently sip water/fluids. Also, I

don't only drink water because other fluids count. I count water,

decaf tea (hot and iced), lactose free fat free milk, crystal light,

and sugar free popsicles as fluids. Even your protein drink counts

toward your total (that's 16 oz of fluids right there, or however

much fluid you add to your protein supplement).

As for exercise, well what's helped me is words from Dr. Fisher and

Steve Brook; they've been very encouraging. And our orientation

binder states, " Studies of patients who have been successful after

gastric bypass surgery indicate that over 75% of them exercise

regularly. " I want to maximize my odds of losing the weight and

keeping it off. Let me tell you, it was not easy at first, but I set

up my environment for success. I invested in a nice treadmill. I

purchased a set of free weights with weight lifting videos (I didn't

know how to lift weights safely!) And pre-op, I exercised 30 mins a

day. That was all I could do. This is all part of changing my

mentality. I want to behave as a normal-weighted person. And

everyday I did it, I was so proud of myself. Small success built on

small success. I also put up a calendar to mark my progress, and I

put up some attractive pictures of people who are in shape. I also

have a small boom box for music with a beat, and I purchased some CDs

from DYNAMIX.com (exercise music for every taste). The exercise area

of my garage is set up for me. It's my little space for just me.

I get up every morning at 5 AM, and by 6 AM, I'm free! I've heard

some music that I love and I've done my workout, and the rest of my

day feels set up for success. I took care of myself, and that is

empowering.

That's what works for me. I'm sure you can find something that works

for you.

I'm going to try to go to the Case Management Meeting on the 19th. I

could use the encouragement, but it depends on my schedule. But I

will surely be there on the 26th.

Regarding going back to work, I understand the physical and emotional

stuff. Physically I think I can handle it. Emotionally is another

issue. And if I'm not ready, I'll take another week.

Didn't mean to ramble on so much. Take care and good luck with the

water and exercise,

Francisco

> Francisco,

>

> I can't tell if I'm full or not but like you I just measure. It

was

> bothering me. I thought I would be full after a few bites. I

still use my baby

> spoons which keeps my portions and my eating speed down. I have

trouble getting

> all my water and exercise in. If you have any suggestions I would

appreciate

> it. Are you going to case management on the 19th? I plan to

attend the 19th

> and also my 1st post op meeting on the 26th. I work for Alameda

County also I

> can't imagine going back to work so soon. Cause even though I'm

healing well I

> do get tired easy and emotionally I'm a little grouchy. Francisco

take good

> care. Peace, Valarie

June 18, 2003

! That's great. Small successes build on small successes!

Thanks for your support and encouragement too.

Francisco

June 18, 2003

Francisco~

I just wanted to tell you how touched and inspired I was when I read

your update. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for

you. It's so wonderful to hear how well you are doing and how happy

you are. It's definitely inspiring for me to hear right now. Thank you

so much for sharing with with us. My prayers and hopes are with you!!!!

327/320/???

> Hello Angie and all you fine folks out there!

>

> I'm doing rather well. I'm getting stronger and feeling better each

> day. Dr. Fisher is happy that I'm working out one hour each day.

>

> I'm so blessed that I have had no nausea, no vomiting, and no

> diarrhea (thanks for all your prayers everyone!). I've also managed

> to avoid dumping by carefully measuring what I eat because I still

> can't tell if I'm full or not. And thank goodness, the water goes

> down easy, so I'm able to get in my fluids. And I have to admit that

> I'm really happy I tolerate lactaid, fat-free milk. It makes the

> protein drink and my decaf tea taste so wonderful!

>

> I don't feel any physical hunger, but the desire to eat forbidden

> foods comes from time to time, and I really have to talk myself out

> of the temptation. Call me crazy, but sometimes I talk to my pouch

> and say stuff like, " Don't worry. I won't overstuff you and rupture

> your staples. " Whatever works, right?

>

> I'm off all my meds: diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol

> medication--goodbye!!! And a special THANKS to Ramona for suggesting

> the Trader Joe's calcium citrate--it's so much easier to swallow than

> other horse pills.

>

> My teeth sensitivity is going away thanks to Sensodyne. And best of

> all, I'm able to sleep on my side, and getting out of bed is now not

> a problem.

>

> I'm scheduled to go back to work next Monday, but I'm not sure if I'm

> emotionally ready for that. The small challenges of everyday seem a

> bit daunting, but mixed therein are the small wonders of weighing 60

> lbs less than I did just a few months ago (my highest weight was 315

> lbs). I humbly thank God for every joy, like being able to cut my

> toenails easily and the feeling of my jaw (I have a jaw bone???)when

> I wash my face.

>

> I also thank God for all of you and the support that has made this

> all possible. Prayers to everyone, especially those about to come to

> the otherside.

>

> Francisco

June 18, 2003

Francisco~

I just wanted to tell you how touched and inspired I was when I read

your update. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for

you. It's so wonderful to hear how well you are doing and how happy

you are. It's definitely inspiring for me to hear right now. Thank you

so much for sharing with with us. My prayers and hopes are with you!!!!

327/320/???

> Hello Angie and all you fine folks out there!

>

> I'm doing rather well. I'm getting stronger and feeling better each

> day. Dr. Fisher is happy that I'm working out one hour each day.

>

> I'm so blessed that I have had no nausea, no vomiting, and no

> diarrhea (thanks for all your prayers everyone!). I've also managed

> to avoid dumping by carefully measuring what I eat because I still

> can't tell if I'm full or not. And thank goodness, the water goes

> down easy, so I'm able to get in my fluids. And I have to admit that

> I'm really happy I tolerate lactaid, fat-free milk. It makes the

> protein drink and my decaf tea taste so wonderful!

>

> I don't feel any physical hunger, but the desire to eat forbidden

> foods comes from time to time, and I really have to talk myself out

> of the temptation. Call me crazy, but sometimes I talk to my pouch

> and say stuff like, " Don't worry. I won't overstuff you and rupture

> your staples. " Whatever works, right?

>

> I'm off all my meds: diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol

> medication--goodbye!!! And a special THANKS to Ramona for suggesting

> the Trader Joe's calcium citrate--it's so much easier to swallow than

> other horse pills.

>

> My teeth sensitivity is going away thanks to Sensodyne. And best of

> all, I'm able to sleep on my side, and getting out of bed is now not

> a problem.

>

> I'm scheduled to go back to work next Monday, but I'm not sure if I'm

> emotionally ready for that. The small challenges of everyday seem a

> bit daunting, but mixed therein are the small wonders of weighing 60

> lbs less than I did just a few months ago (my highest weight was 315

> lbs). I humbly thank God for every joy, like being able to cut my

> toenails easily and the feeling of my jaw (I have a jaw bone???)when

> I wash my face.

>

> I also thank God for all of you and the support that has made this

> all possible. Prayers to everyone, especially those about to come to

> the otherside.

>

> Francisco

June 18, 2003

Francisco~

I just wanted to tell you how touched and inspired I was when I read

your update. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for

you. It's so wonderful to hear how well you are doing and how happy

you are. It's definitely inspiring for me to hear right now. Thank you

so much for sharing with with us. My prayers and hopes are with you!!!!

327/320/???

> Hello Angie and all you fine folks out there!

>

> I'm doing rather well. I'm getting stronger and feeling better each

> day. Dr. Fisher is happy that I'm working out one hour each day.

>

> I'm so blessed that I have had no nausea, no vomiting, and no

> diarrhea (thanks for all your prayers everyone!). I've also managed

> to avoid dumping by carefully measuring what I eat because I still

> can't tell if I'm full or not. And thank goodness, the water goes

> down easy, so I'm able to get in my fluids. And I have to admit that

> I'm really happy I tolerate lactaid, fat-free milk. It makes the

> protein drink and my decaf tea taste so wonderful!

>

> I don't feel any physical hunger, but the desire to eat forbidden

> foods comes from time to time, and I really have to talk myself out

> of the temptation. Call me crazy, but sometimes I talk to my pouch

> and say stuff like, " Don't worry. I won't overstuff you and rupture

> your staples. " Whatever works, right?

>

> I'm off all my meds: diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol

> medication--goodbye!!! And a special THANKS to Ramona for suggesting

> the Trader Joe's calcium citrate--it's so much easier to swallow than

> other horse pills.

>

> My teeth sensitivity is going away thanks to Sensodyne. And best of

> all, I'm able to sleep on my side, and getting out of bed is now not

> a problem.

>

> I'm scheduled to go back to work next Monday, but I'm not sure if I'm

> emotionally ready for that. The small challenges of everyday seem a

> bit daunting, but mixed therein are the small wonders of weighing 60

> lbs less than I did just a few months ago (my highest weight was 315

> lbs). I humbly thank God for every joy, like being able to cut my

> toenails easily and the feeling of my jaw (I have a jaw bone???)when

> I wash my face.

>

> I also thank God for all of you and the support that has made this

> all possible. Prayers to everyone, especially those about to come to

> the otherside.

>

> Francisco

June 18, 2003

Francisco~

I just wanted to tell you how touched and inspired I was when I read

your update. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for

you. It's so wonderful to hear how well you are doing and how happy

you are. It's definitely inspiring for me to hear right now. Thank you

so much for sharing with with us. My prayers and hopes are with you!!!!

327/320/???

> Hello Angie and all you fine folks out there!

>

> I'm doing rather well. I'm getting stronger and feeling better each

> day. Dr. Fisher is happy that I'm working out one hour each day.

>

> I'm so blessed that I have had no nausea, no vomiting, and no

> diarrhea (thanks for all your prayers everyone!). I've also managed

> to avoid dumping by carefully measuring what I eat because I still

> can't tell if I'm full or not. And thank goodness, the water goes

> down easy, so I'm able to get in my fluids. And I have to admit that

> I'm really happy I tolerate lactaid, fat-free milk. It makes the

> protein drink and my decaf tea taste so wonderful!

>

> I don't feel any physical hunger, but the desire to eat forbidden

> foods comes from time to time, and I really have to talk myself out

> of the temptation. Call me crazy, but sometimes I talk to my pouch

> and say stuff like, " Don't worry. I won't overstuff you and rupture

> your staples. " Whatever works, right?

>

> I'm off all my meds: diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol

> medication--goodbye!!! And a special THANKS to Ramona for suggesting

> the Trader Joe's calcium citrate--it's so much easier to swallow than

> other horse pills.

>

> My teeth sensitivity is going away thanks to Sensodyne. And best of

> all, I'm able to sleep on my side, and getting out of bed is now not

> a problem.

>

> I'm scheduled to go back to work next Monday, but I'm not sure if I'm

> emotionally ready for that. The small challenges of everyday seem a

> bit daunting, but mixed therein are the small wonders of weighing 60

> lbs less than I did just a few months ago (my highest weight was 315

> lbs). I humbly thank God for every joy, like being able to cut my

> toenails easily and the feeling of my jaw (I have a jaw bone???)when

> I wash my face.

>

> I also thank God for all of you and the support that has made this

> all possible. Prayers to everyone, especially those about to come to

> the otherside.

>

> Francisco

June 19, 2003

I wanted to add a thought after Francisco's post about exercise...I like the "routine" concept...it's difficult to set the discipline for oursevles...but it's worth it....if you do it the same time every day it's easier....I'm terrible about saying "I'll do it later" and then I get stuck doing it in the evening when I wish I had done it in the morning.

I'm trying to get better about the routine.

-Chris-

Rumsey/PB

6/26/03

350/295

July 10, 2003

Hi ,

This is Carla. I am the woman in the navy blue dress there with my husband Alan. I was sitting on the same side as you a few seats up. Actually, I really like Dr. Fisher, I could listen to him all day (he is a hunk!!) I feel so blessed and confident that he is going to be my surgeon, he seems very confident, wise and experienced. I am TOTALLY confident with him. So you lost 110 pounds in 6 months, that is incredible. Dr. Fisher wants me to loose 240 pounds in 6 months to 1 year. I am committed to doing it. This is my last chance. How much to you exercise every day? How much water do you eat each day? Can your body tolerate fruit? Are there any specific types of fruit you can't eat?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Carla Lambertson

www.thelambertsons.com

Re: Update

Hi: This is . I was at the meeting today too. I was the one who had the surgery at SSF, and was there in support of my boyfriend. Which one are you? Poor Dr. Fisher, he sure isn't a public speaker, but in his way, I'm sure he cares.

July 10, 2003

Hi ,

This is Carla. I am the woman in the navy blue dress there with my husband Alan. I was sitting on the same side as you a few seats up. Actually, I really like Dr. Fisher, I could listen to him all day (he is a hunk!!) I feel so blessed and confident that he is going to be my surgeon, he seems very confident, wise and experienced. I am TOTALLY confident with him. So you lost 110 pounds in 6 months, that is incredible. Dr. Fisher wants me to loose 240 pounds in 6 months to 1 year. I am committed to doing it. This is my last chance. How much to you exercise every day? How much water do you eat each day? Can your body tolerate fruit? Are there any specific types of fruit you can't eat?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Carla Lambertson

www.thelambertsons.com

Re: Update

Hi: This is . I was at the meeting today too. I was the one who had the surgery at SSF, and was there in support of my boyfriend. Which one are you? Poor Dr. Fisher, he sure isn't a public speaker, but in his way, I'm sure he cares.

July 10, 2003

Hi Carla,

I have not been approved nor denied yet I'm like almost there that's why I say I am hanging on the edge by the seat of my pants. my doctor is not doing this out of the kindness of her heart, but rather because I appealed my last pcp's decision to not even consider me or test me for things like diabetes

and hypertension tests. witch to find out I do have both so the committee pushed me into a consult with a PCP not a surgeon he says I have a good chance. and even if I get denied I can appeal so I am armed and ready for battle my pcp just recently said she wants me to join a weight loss group for 6 months and record everything like weight and so on I wanted to wait till after surgery to do that honestly and my husband will not watch the kids unless I have the surgery done then he will only take 2 weeks off I usually just go to the gym or the pool or a 2 mile walk around the park here where I live to help. so I'm like stuck I have been dieting since 1994 fighting this weight up and down I think the lowest I got was 180 with starvation eating nothing only drinking water witch the loss did not last.

I been looking into this procedure for about 2 years now and just started to bring it up for the second time just last year the first time I just was flat out by my pcp so I dumped her and then a him and now have an ok pcp. anyway my hubby just got home so I gotta get of the puter night nice meeting you.

Tina Marie Petaluma

Re: Update

Hi Tina Marie,

My name is Carla, I live in Rohnert Park. I was recently approved for the surgery at Richmond, have met with my surgeon, have been to case management and my orientation is tomorrow. My doctor is requiring me to loose 50 pounds, I felt that was unfair since it was over my 10% body weight, but he said I was young and he knew I could do it. Where are you in this journey? Talk to you soon.

Carla Lambertson

www.thelambertxsons.com

July 10, 2003

Hi Carla,

I have not been approved nor denied yet I'm like almost there that's why I say I am hanging on the edge by the seat of my pants. my doctor is not doing this out of the kindness of her heart, but rather because I appealed my last pcp's decision to not even consider me or test me for things like diabetes

and hypertension tests. witch to find out I do have both so the committee pushed me into a consult with a PCP not a surgeon he says I have a good chance. and even if I get denied I can appeal so I am armed and ready for battle my pcp just recently said she wants me to join a weight loss group for 6 months and record everything like weight and so on I wanted to wait till after surgery to do that honestly and my husband will not watch the kids unless I have the surgery done then he will only take 2 weeks off I usually just go to the gym or the pool or a 2 mile walk around the park here where I live to help. so I'm like stuck I have been dieting since 1994 fighting this weight up and down I think the lowest I got was 180 with starvation eating nothing only drinking water witch the loss did not last.

I been looking into this procedure for about 2 years now and just started to bring it up for the second time just last year the first time I just was flat out by my pcp so I dumped her and then a him and now have an ok pcp. anyway my hubby just got home so I gotta get of the puter night nice meeting you.

Tina Marie Petaluma

Re: Update

Hi Tina Marie,

My name is Carla, I live in Rohnert Park. I was recently approved for the surgery at Richmond, have met with my surgeon, have been to case management and my orientation is tomorrow. My doctor is requiring me to loose 50 pounds, I felt that was unfair since it was over my 10% body weight, but he said I was young and he knew I could do it. Where are you in this journey? Talk to you soon.

Carla Lambertson

www.thelambertxsons.com

July 17, 2003

Latest News on me I just went to see the nutrisionist on the 16th some of the final steps. I go there

10 min late because of traffic, and the nurse didn't tell her i was there for another 5 min. So our appt was only 15 min so we rushed everything. first before anything she said She was not there to disqualify me or judge me to say i do or dont need the surgery. She said if I have made it thus far I am allready set in motion to complete the surgery sometime befoe the year is over.

She asked me if I had any questions.I had a few. She gave me her card asked me about my history of diets and the last three days of what I ate. I was suppose to have recieved these papers in the mail to fill out but I never had recieved a thing so I filled those out to the best of my knowledge in the lobby and left them at the desk. She asked me to sign some papers saying I was willing to follow through with after care also to see if I would be willing to go to a support group after for PB patients of course I said yes. and she asked me if I would follow the rules of eating and keep them updated

about my success. well of course I said I wouldn't expect anything less and of course I will follow the bokklet about what I can or can't eat after hearing everyone here and other places talk about dumping and other things that could go wrong, and she said even if you do have or get the dumping you feel like something is majorly wrong when their is nothing that can be done. Your best off to lie down and not do what you did again to cause it to happen in the first place. to avoid it follow your bookletabout what you can eat and should avoid don't sabatoug yourself we want you to succeed and you want to succeed chew your food to the consistancey of baby food everybite dont drink water till 1 hr after meals and 10 before meals stop eating when you feel full eat slowly always

eat your protiens first take your vitamins daily and of course exersize

and P.S. nuts are ok it is under protein requirementsbut watch out for peanut butter though because the "butter" "sugar" "salt"

your best off getting a good blender and real roasted peanuts no salt or nothing added and make yur own it's yummier for you body anyway and make your own jam to while your at it with fresh strawberries, rasberries, blueberrys, blackberries. Not hard to find if you are near sonoma county like i am alot of farmers with fresh produce and get some fake sweetners "if you have to" that is ok for us to use I try to avoid those to though and allways moderate if you do.

my weaknes still is carbs persoanly I am getting headaches from withdrawl so i push good things onto myself to MAKE my body shut up and adjust wether it wants to or not I am the boss of my body I know whats good for my body even though my brain tends to day dream about cheeseburgers, french fries and pepsi I avoid it by stuffing my mouth with cottage cheese and peaches and a 16 oz bottle of water that shuts me up for awhile and for my headache i take tylonal you'll need it if you stop carbs or caffine

hay anyone that dont realy go to a gym just because how people stair my excuse to for good reason is more than welcome to come over to my place i have 5 pools and a small gym where I live and a nice park for walking with a pedomiter you can get threw kaiser for 30 bucks if you dont mide walking swimming or gyming with a pre op hehehehe I don't bite and I am married with kids Just email me I live in Petaluma allways have free time

Tina Marie in Petaluma

July 17, 2003