Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Today, marks my 23rd anniversary, since I had my 'Open "

gastric bypass. It is very important for you and everyone

that has surgery to lose weight, NOT to get caught up in the

frenzy of reaching a " pretentious " weight goal. This will

completely undermine your joy, in a worthwhile new

lifestyle!

Don't you remember how hard it was to be the object of

public critisim and the stares, glances when you was at your

peak weight? If you just get on a daily exercise routine

(even just walking will benefit you greatly, you don't need

the power exercise stuff) and then watch the amounts of food

intake, you will do fine. Stay off the scale, your body has

gone through a traumatic stress, and now you are adding more

stress to yourself by looking a reaching a pre-conceived

weight level. You can't enjoy your new life, this way..

remember, your body has a metabolism and your metabolism is

going to try to maintain a " safe and self-survival range "

for you, that is best and you don't need to fight it each

day, it will get the best of you.

My advice, be happy at the GREAT results that have been

accomplished since your procedure. This is why you did

it...then stop watching the scale, I know it is hard to do,

but believe me you will achieve an inner peace that will

allow you to enjoy what you are now experiencing and to tell

you the truth " YOU HAVE REACHED YOUR GOAL " ! You just

mentally, haven't realized it yet.... Congradulations your

are doing awsome, keep it up

I take daily count of my protein intake of my diet, but I

don't put much faith into the absorbtion of it, if it was

effective, I would NOT have to supplement my diet with

protein shakes to help build my red blood cell count....

///Bob

Virginia Beach

525lbs - 01/1978

413lbs - 0713/1979 " open " RNY

195lbs - 09/1980

160 to 170lbs - at present

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

Introduction

> Hello, I am Judy from Chattanooga. I had a lap RNY

by Dr.

> Champion in Atlanta on 2/27/2001. I started out as 5'1 "

and 269 with

> a BMI of 51. I am now at 124 with a BMI of 23.5.

>

> I am 5 pounds from goal and have been there since March.

I realize

> that this is a small amount and I am eternally grateful to

be here,

> but I would like to say " I'm at goal " at least for a day.

>

> I have not had any complications, labs are ok and I feel

great. I

> have a dexascan (thanks for the info group) scheduled for

next week.

>

> I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on Tuesday to

get

> some 'estimates' kind of like a car repair. I am pretty

sure that

> insurance will not cover any of it so I may have to wait.

>

> I have lurked on this site for many months and have been

meaning to

> post, but I really wanted to be at goal first.

Apparently, I am not

> going to get there.

>

> I have really enjoyed each and every post, good, bad or

indifferent.

> Each one has meant something to me and I read them in

their

> entirety. I have ordered smelly gas spray, bought the

right kind of

> calcium, ordered a dexascan and gotten emotional and moral

support in

> many ways. I have the web site for vitalady bookmarked

and I plan to

> order some protein drinks shortly.

>

> I have not had any protein shakes since my surgeon

counsels strongly

> against them. I wanted to follow his instructions

implicitly until I

> reached goal. But figure I should go ahead now. I have

gotten all

> protein from food sources up to now except for the odd

shake now and

> again.

>

> Sorry for the length of this, but I had many things to

share and

> thought the middle of the night was the right time.

>

> sincerely

>

> jcs

>

>

>

> Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

>

> Unsubscribe:

mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

How are you NOT at goal? I am confused. A normal BMI is 20-25. With a 23.5

you are almost smack dab in the middle of the normal weight range for your

height. Normal according to those stupid charts. And you want to lose more?

Why? I don't get it. You are beyond where most people would want to be ... I

just don't understand how you determined what your goal is.

Rasley

mailto:drasley@...

BTC, Columbus, 10/7/98

Lost over 90% of excess and maintaining

Gained a beautiful daughter on 8/9/00

> Introduction

>

>

> Hello, I am Judy from Chattanooga. I had a lap RNY by Dr.

> Champion in Atlanta on 2/27/2001. I started out as 5'1 " and 269 with

> a BMI of 51. I am now at 124 with a BMI of 23.5.

>

> I am 5 pounds from goal and have been there since March. I realize

> that this is a small amount and I am eternally grateful to be here,

> but I would like to say " I'm at goal " at least for a day.

>

> I have not had any complications, labs are ok and I feel great. I

> have a dexascan (thanks for the info group) scheduled for next week.

>

> I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on Tuesday to get

> some 'estimates' kind of like a car repair. I am pretty sure that

> insurance will not cover any of it so I may have to wait.

>

> I have lurked on this site for many months and have been meaning to

> post, but I really wanted to be at goal first. Apparently, I am not

> going to get there.

>

> I have really enjoyed each and every post, good, bad or indifferent.

> Each one has meant something to me and I read them in their

> entirety. I have ordered smelly gas spray, bought the right kind of

> calcium, ordered a dexascan and gotten emotional and moral support in

> many ways. I have the web site for vitalady bookmarked and I plan to

> order some protein drinks shortly.

>

> I have not had any protein shakes since my surgeon counsels strongly

> against them. I wanted to follow his instructions implicitly until I

> reached goal. But figure I should go ahead now. I have gotten all

> protein from food sources up to now except for the odd shake now and

> again.

>

> Sorry for the length of this, but I had many things to share and

> thought the middle of the night was the right time.

>

> sincerely

>

> jcs

>

>

>

> Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

>

> Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi to another Judy and welcome to the group. I see

you've received several responses to your comment on

your goal weight. I think just about everyone ends up

adjusting their goal weight. You are much closer to

your original goal than most. Can I strongly suggest

you go to the Messages section of the group site and

read the article in Message 25184, written by one of

our members. This article really clearly addresses

where you are at now. Please go read it, it's an

important piece that will help you a great deal. I

think you are doing just great.

=====

judy in austin

American by birth, Southern by Heritage and Texan by the Grace of God.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Meghan,

So young and with so many problems, I am sorry you

have to deal with these things instead of enjoying

your youth. I wish there was some way to make all of

the pain and sickness go away for the young... you

miss so much when you are cooped up all the time.

I hope you start feeling better soon, you have found a

great place to make friends and gain knowledge... I

know I have done both int he short time I have been

here!

Take Care Meghan.

{{{HUGZ}}}

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Meghan,

So young and with so many problems, I am sorry you

have to deal with these things instead of enjoying

your youth. I wish there was some way to make all of

the pain and sickness go away for the young... you

miss so much when you are cooped up all the time.

I hope you start feeling better soon, you have found a

great place to make friends and gain knowledge... I

know I have done both int he short time I have been

here!

Take Care Meghan.

{{{HUGZ}}}

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Deb, in Australia, welcome to you and your family to the most informative

list for

parents of cfchildren in cyberland. That is because people like you join us!

Thank you very much. It will be good to hear from you,

n Rojas, wcf, mom of 3 ADULTS, 1 wcf--I am widowed, but " kids " are doing

well, me, too, quite fortunately--love to your house from our house in

California!

[Guest guest]

HI Debs,

1. Not everyone gets deathly ill from an ERCP, but I sure do. I think most

do, but in your case since you are a new patient, you probably should have

it. Ask for an MRCP instead to see if you have duct abnormalities.

2. I work and function, lots of people do.

3. Pancreatitis is not a death sentence.

4. You definitely need to find a pancreatitis specialist. Don't look just in

your area. If there's not one close by, travel to get to one.

5. Bile duct disease is not the same as pancreatitis.

6. No one in my family ever had this either.

Jerry/NC

**************************************

Introduction

>I suppose the only way they can find anything out is to do an ERCP which

will

> (from all of your emails I have read) will set off an attack and I will

be

> in worse shape than I am now. Is this correct? Does everyone get deathly

ill

> from this disease or can some people still function and work? Is this a

death

> sentence? I think that I would seriously seek out Dr. Sutherland once I

got a

> confirmed diagnosis if that is the case. It sounds as though I should

find a

> pancreas specialist in my area who I can get into sooner than the GI

doctor

> here. I live in , Michigan - 35 miles west of Ann Arbor. Does

anyone

> know any specialists in this area? I found a Dr. at Henry Ford Hospital

> while on the internet who specializes in bile duct disease is that the

same

> as a pancreas specialist? Also, no one in my family has ever had anything

> like this.

> Thanks for listening.

> Debbie

[Guest guest]

HI Debs,

1. Not everyone gets deathly ill from an ERCP, but I sure do. I think most

do, but in your case since you are a new patient, you probably should have

it. Ask for an MRCP instead to see if you have duct abnormalities.

2. I work and function, lots of people do.

3. Pancreatitis is not a death sentence.

4. You definitely need to find a pancreatitis specialist. Don't look just in

your area. If there's not one close by, travel to get to one.

5. Bile duct disease is not the same as pancreatitis.

6. No one in my family ever had this either.

Jerry/NC

**************************************

Introduction

>I suppose the only way they can find anything out is to do an ERCP which

will

> (from all of your emails I have read) will set off an attack and I will

be

> in worse shape than I am now. Is this correct? Does everyone get deathly

ill

> from this disease or can some people still function and work? Is this a

death

> sentence? I think that I would seriously seek out Dr. Sutherland once I

got a

> confirmed diagnosis if that is the case. It sounds as though I should

find a

> pancreas specialist in my area who I can get into sooner than the GI

doctor

> here. I live in , Michigan - 35 miles west of Ann Arbor. Does

anyone

> know any specialists in this area? I found a Dr. at Henry Ford Hospital

> while on the internet who specializes in bile duct disease is that the

same

> as a pancreas specialist? Also, no one in my family has ever had anything

> like this.

> Thanks for listening.

> Debbie

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Welcome to the PAI forum. I wish we could meet under different circumstances,

but I am glad that you found the forum.

I live in Battle Creek, MI and so far the only GI I have found that is willing

to treat pancreas (in this area) is Dr. Mark McCormick out of Bronson Methodist

Hospital. He is the one that referred me to University of Indiana, Doctor Glen

Lehman for my second ERCP. I have had two, both made me sick, but the second

was much worse because they found I had SOD along with pancreas divisum. (you

can find info about both of these problems here on the forum by doing a search

of the posts.)The second ERCP was June 27th and I am still having problems.

If you have any other questions, post away, there are lots for people with great

information and lots of support. Best wishes to you and yours!

{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}

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

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Welcome to the PAI forum. I wish we could meet under different circumstances,

but I am glad that you found the forum.

I live in Battle Creek, MI and so far the only GI I have found that is willing

to treat pancreas (in this area) is Dr. Mark McCormick out of Bronson Methodist

Hospital. He is the one that referred me to University of Indiana, Doctor Glen

Lehman for my second ERCP. I have had two, both made me sick, but the second

was much worse because they found I had SOD along with pancreas divisum. (you

can find info about both of these problems here on the forum by doing a search

of the posts.)The second ERCP was June 27th and I am still having problems.

If you have any other questions, post away, there are lots for people with great

information and lots of support. Best wishes to you and yours!

{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}

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

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Welcome to the PAI forum. I wish we could meet under different circumstances,

but I am glad that you found the forum.

I live in Battle Creek, MI and so far the only GI I have found that is willing

to treat pancreas (in this area) is Dr. Mark McCormick out of Bronson Methodist

Hospital. He is the one that referred me to University of Indiana, Doctor Glen

Lehman for my second ERCP. I have had two, both made me sick, but the second

was much worse because they found I had SOD along with pancreas divisum. (you

can find info about both of these problems here on the forum by doing a search

of the posts.)The second ERCP was June 27th and I am still having problems.

If you have any other questions, post away, there are lots for people with great

information and lots of support. Best wishes to you and yours!

{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}

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

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Welcome to the PAI forum. I wish we could meet under different circumstances,

but I am glad that you found the forum.

I live in Battle Creek, MI and so far the only GI I have found that is willing

to treat pancreas (in this area) is Dr. Mark McCormick out of Bronson Methodist

Hospital. He is the one that referred me to University of Indiana, Doctor Glen

Lehman for my second ERCP. I have had two, both made me sick, but the second

was much worse because they found I had SOD along with pancreas divisum. (you

can find info about both of these problems here on the forum by doing a search

of the posts.)The second ERCP was June 27th and I am still having problems.

If you have any other questions, post away, there are lots for people with great

information and lots of support. Best wishes to you and yours!

{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}

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

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Some people can still function and work depending upon how

far along the disease process they are. I'm at early

end-stage of chronic pancreatitis, but I'm still able to

work as long as I have the pain medication to cover the

pain. A pancreatic specialist is a good idea, but some only

take patients on a referral from a GI, just as an fyi.

Searching out Dr. Southerland is a good idea if you intend

to have the surgery. Just remember, it's major surgery and

with all such surgeries, there is a mortality rate (it

wouldn't be considered major surgery if there wasn't), so it

shouldn't be taken lightly. I would talk to him as well as

people who have had the surgery done by him. Bile duct

disease is not the same as pancreatitis or pancreatitis

specialist. Just one who works in the same ballpark area.

Many people have idiopathic pancreatitis (no known cause),

so it's not necessary to have it in the family. It is not

necessarily a death sentence, although it can kill in

certain circumstancees.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Southwest Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Some people can still function and work depending upon how

far along the disease process they are. I'm at early

end-stage of chronic pancreatitis, but I'm still able to

work as long as I have the pain medication to cover the

pain. A pancreatic specialist is a good idea, but some only

take patients on a referral from a GI, just as an fyi.

Searching out Dr. Southerland is a good idea if you intend

to have the surgery. Just remember, it's major surgery and

with all such surgeries, there is a mortality rate (it

wouldn't be considered major surgery if there wasn't), so it

shouldn't be taken lightly. I would talk to him as well as

people who have had the surgery done by him. Bile duct

disease is not the same as pancreatitis or pancreatitis

specialist. Just one who works in the same ballpark area.

Many people have idiopathic pancreatitis (no known cause),

so it's not necessary to have it in the family. It is not

necessarily a death sentence, although it can kill in

certain circumstancees.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Southwest Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Some people can still function and work depending upon how

far along the disease process they are. I'm at early

end-stage of chronic pancreatitis, but I'm still able to

work as long as I have the pain medication to cover the

pain. A pancreatic specialist is a good idea, but some only

take patients on a referral from a GI, just as an fyi.

Searching out Dr. Southerland is a good idea if you intend

to have the surgery. Just remember, it's major surgery and

with all such surgeries, there is a mortality rate (it

wouldn't be considered major surgery if there wasn't), so it

shouldn't be taken lightly. I would talk to him as well as

people who have had the surgery done by him. Bile duct

disease is not the same as pancreatitis or pancreatitis

specialist. Just one who works in the same ballpark area.

Many people have idiopathic pancreatitis (no known cause),

so it's not necessary to have it in the family. It is not

necessarily a death sentence, although it can kill in

certain circumstancees.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Southwest Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Some people can still function and work depending upon how

far along the disease process they are. I'm at early

end-stage of chronic pancreatitis, but I'm still able to

work as long as I have the pain medication to cover the

pain. A pancreatic specialist is a good idea, but some only

take patients on a referral from a GI, just as an fyi.

Searching out Dr. Southerland is a good idea if you intend

to have the surgery. Just remember, it's major surgery and

with all such surgeries, there is a mortality rate (it

wouldn't be considered major surgery if there wasn't), so it

shouldn't be taken lightly. I would talk to him as well as

people who have had the surgery done by him. Bile duct

disease is not the same as pancreatitis or pancreatitis

specialist. Just one who works in the same ballpark area.

Many people have idiopathic pancreatitis (no known cause),

so it's not necessary to have it in the family. It is not

necessarily a death sentence, although it can kill in

certain circumstancees.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Southwest Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

[Guest guest]

Hey Patti, You are not alone, and I personally thank you for sharing

with us.

I am 5 years post op, and it is still a daily journey. You hang in there

kiddo, you are doing awesome. Feel free to email privaytely if you would

like to chat a bit more.

Craig

Big-T and the Bada-Bings

www.BigT-Music.com

---- " Patti " plewis1@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> I just wanted to introduce myself. I am 18 months post op, down 145

> lbs. I still want to lose 25 pounds and need a little plastics. For

> the fist 12 months, I made the huge mistake of believing that the surgery

> had cured my disease. The last six months have been a real eye opener.

> I am very involved in the wls community in my local area of Houston

> but am backing away to join the graduates and spend more time on myself.

> I also have two lovely daughters, one has the haunting call of food

> the second could care less. But I worry everyday and try to teach

> and not preach to them. My addiction to food is a struggle I face

> every day but I have increased my protein shakes and will improve my

> vits to try and curb those gravings.

> Any other suggestions for grazing?

> Patti

> plewis1@...

> LAP-RNY Dr. Wongsa

> 3/8/01 320 - 175

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi !

Welcome to our graduate group! Be sure and start preloading up with those

protein shakes as your tissues and muscles will be a LOT healthier for you to

undergo the plastic surgeries. You will heal better and come through things

a whole lot better!

Welcome again, and keep on posting!

B

Folsom, CA

Distal RNY 12/95

275/155 5'8 "

[Guest guest]

, welcome, and not only have we not heard too much, we are looking

forward to hearing more about you. Maybe some day TT will be considered

reconstructive too, Fay Bayuk 300/182 10/23/01 open RNY

[Guest guest]

, welcome, and not only have we not heard too much, we are looking

forward to hearing more about you. Maybe some day TT will be considered

reconstructive too, Fay Bayuk 300/182 10/23/01 open RNY

[Guest guest]

Hi Rose - welcome. I a " newish " also. Joined this group a few months ago.

Find it very worthwhile. We have our height in common 5'4 " ... However, I am a

little over 1 year post op. I weigh 182-lbs, wearing a size 14 jeans (alittle

tight). I am glad all is well with you. Hopefully, we'll be hearing more from

you.

Janene Pahoulis

Introduction

Hello, everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. I joined the

group today.

My name is Rose, I live in Nashville, TN and will be 2 years post op

on January 2nd. WOW, how time flies when you're having fun and

enjoying life. I am 5'4 " ; my starting weight and BMI were 247 &

42.4, respectively and is now 127 & 21.8 (holding steady for about 8-

10 months now). I went from a size 22 to a happy, healthy 4s & 6s.

Blood work looks amazing! And I feel even better.

Thanks for listening, I look forward to sharing and hearing how

everyone else is doing.

Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

[Guest guest]

Hi Rose - welcome. I a " newish " also. Joined this group a few months ago.

Find it very worthwhile. We have our height in common 5'4 " ... However, I am a

little over 1 year post op. I weigh 182-lbs, wearing a size 14 jeans (alittle

tight). I am glad all is well with you. Hopefully, we'll be hearing more from

you.

Janene Pahoulis

Introduction

Hello, everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. I joined the

group today.

My name is Rose, I live in Nashville, TN and will be 2 years post op

on January 2nd. WOW, how time flies when you're having fun and

enjoying life. I am 5'4 " ; my starting weight and BMI were 247 &

42.4, respectively and is now 127 & 21.8 (holding steady for about 8-

10 months now). I went from a size 22 to a happy, healthy 4s & 6s.

Blood work looks amazing! And I feel even better.

Thanks for listening, I look forward to sharing and hearing how

everyone else is doing.

Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

[Guest guest]

Hi Rose - welcome. I a " newish " also. Joined this group a few months ago.

Find it very worthwhile. We have our height in common 5'4 " ... However, I am a

little over 1 year post op. I weigh 182-lbs, wearing a size 14 jeans (alittle

tight). I am glad all is well with you. Hopefully, we'll be hearing more from

you.

Janene Pahoulis

Introduction

Hello, everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. I joined the

group today.

My name is Rose, I live in Nashville, TN and will be 2 years post op

on January 2nd. WOW, how time flies when you're having fun and

enjoying life. I am 5'4 " ; my starting weight and BMI were 247 &

42.4, respectively and is now 127 & 21.8 (holding steady for about 8-

10 months now). I went from a size 22 to a happy, healthy 4s & 6s.

Blood work looks amazing! And I feel even better.

Thanks for listening, I look forward to sharing and hearing how

everyone else is doing.

Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

[Guest guest]

Hi !

Nice to "meet" you! I would see about going to a new allergist and get another opinion on the soy and corn. How positive did he test? Were his numbers high? is sensitive to dairy and soy. They cause severe eczema. He didn't test positive to them though with a skin test. The only thing that he tested positive to was peanuts and tree nuts. They were HIGH numbers too! Definitely a deathly allergy. They said that they wouldn't retest for those because the chance that he will outgrow them is slim to none. The corn and the soy though, I think there is a possibility to outgrow. hmm.. Anyway, I live near you sort of lol! I live in Connecticut. New York is about 3 to 4 hours away depending on where in the state lol!

I look forward to chatting with you!!!!

Alyssa

Introduction

I finally have a chance to introduce myself (baby is asleep and the girls are watching a movie).I'm mom to 3: 8yo dd with NKA.6yo dd allergic to amoxicillan and has EA's, we think. She has been on Singulair for a month for a constant cough. Not only has it helped her cough, it has helped her disposition, too. Ethan is 18 months old and is allergic or tested positive to a lot of foods and environmental stuff. He has reacted to dairy, bananas and oranges. He tested positive to these, plus peanuts, eggs, soy, corn, tomato, dogs, cats, molds, dust mites, grasses, weeds, and trees. All the food items have been eliminated from his diet.He has been to the allergist 3 times, since he was 9 months old. The allergist and his NP seem to stress the EA's, even though the environmental stuff isn't bothering him this summer. We don't get much help in the food department and have questioned repeatedly when we can introduce foods he tested positive to but never had reactions to prior to testing (soy and corn mainly). We were told not to give them to him, yet they will not be testing him in the fall either. I guess I should ask more questions. Anyway, based on stuff I've read, I have decided to try introducing soy and corn to him very slowly over the summer. In the fall, we will speak to his pediatrician and will possibly find another allergist.I'm currently a SAHM but work during tax season for a CPA firm as an accountant. I'm trying to decide if I will return part-time in the fall. I have a difficult time finding someone I trust to be able to handle Ethan's allergies. My DH is a vice president in a public relations firm. We live in NYS.Wow, that was long. I look forward to posting and reading more here.

[Guest guest]

Hi !

Nice to "meet" you! I would see about going to a new allergist and get another opinion on the soy and corn. How positive did he test? Were his numbers high? is sensitive to dairy and soy. They cause severe eczema. He didn't test positive to them though with a skin test. The only thing that he tested positive to was peanuts and tree nuts. They were HIGH numbers too! Definitely a deathly allergy. They said that they wouldn't retest for those because the chance that he will outgrow them is slim to none. The corn and the soy though, I think there is a possibility to outgrow. hmm.. Anyway, I live near you sort of lol! I live in Connecticut. New York is about 3 to 4 hours away depending on where in the state lol!

I look forward to chatting with you!!!!

Alyssa

Introduction

I finally have a chance to introduce myself (baby is asleep and the girls are watching a movie).I'm mom to 3: 8yo dd with NKA.6yo dd allergic to amoxicillan and has EA's, we think. She has been on Singulair for a month for a constant cough. Not only has it helped her cough, it has helped her disposition, too. Ethan is 18 months old and is allergic or tested positive to a lot of foods and environmental stuff. He has reacted to dairy, bananas and oranges. He tested positive to these, plus peanuts, eggs, soy, corn, tomato, dogs, cats, molds, dust mites, grasses, weeds, and trees. All the food items have been eliminated from his diet.He has been to the allergist 3 times, since he was 9 months old. The allergist and his NP seem to stress the EA's, even though the environmental stuff isn't bothering him this summer. We don't get much help in the food department and have questioned repeatedly when we can introduce foods he tested positive to but never had reactions to prior to testing (soy and corn mainly). We were told not to give them to him, yet they will not be testing him in the fall either. I guess I should ask more questions. Anyway, based on stuff I've read, I have decided to try introducing soy and corn to him very slowly over the summer. In the fall, we will speak to his pediatrician and will possibly find another allergist.I'm currently a SAHM but work during tax season for a CPA firm as an accountant. I'm trying to decide if I will return part-time in the fall. I have a difficult time finding someone I trust to be able to handle Ethan's allergies. My DH is a vice president in a public relations firm. We live in NYS.Wow, that was long. I look forward to posting and reading more here.