Re: 6 weeks post-op

April 3, 2004

Was just wondering why you only had 2 feet of your intestines

bypassed. I am 8 weeks out and had 6 feet bypassed, which I thought

was the norm.

in St. Louis, MO

2/3/04 Dr. H

5'4 " 235/204/???

>

> I am experienceing something strange and i wanted to share it with

the

> group.

>

> I am 5 weeks post-op and i started at 275. I had a gstroplaty with

only a 2

> foot by-pass. The first month was awesome. i lost 24 lbs down to

251. The

> problem is with-in the last 10 days i have put on 5 lbs. This is a

concern

> to me.

>

> I can eat almost anything in smaller portions and i seem to eat

every 3 to 4

> hours.

>

> I guess the question is has this problem happened to anyone else.

i know

> the typically response is " We all go thru plateaus however i am

only 6 weeks

> out and i gain weight.

>

> Any thoughts

>

> chris

>

> >From: PittmanFamily03@a...

> >Reply-

> >

> >Subject: Re: Hi all

> >Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:01:49 EST

> >

> >Hi everyone,

> > My name is Marie and I had my MGB three years ago this

month. I

> >can't

> >begin to tell all of you how wonderful I now feel compared to back

then.

> >I

> >would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I weighed 291

pounds when I

> >had

> >surgery and I know weigh 177. I would still love to lose another

20 pounds

> >but 177 is good. I am extremely proud of the way I look now

(with clothes

> >on

> >that is). I haven't had any plastic surgeries yet but I'm

beginning to

> >investigate them now. After three years, I still find that I

can't eat

> >alot of

> >food at one time but I can " graze " all day long. I have actually

gained 7

> >pounds in the last year because of this " grazing " habit of mine

and have

> >tried

> >really hard to stop it. Hamburger is the only thing that gives me

a

> >problem....I

> >still can't eat a hamburger....but ...I can give up hamburger for

this new

> >life I have.

> > My energy level is so high these days but I can still

remember the

> >days

> >of hurting legs, being out of breath walking from the car to the

store,

> >snoring myself awake (yes I have actually woke up hearing

myself " snort " ).

> >I used

> >to hate to shop...now I love trying clothes on and they actually

fit AND

> >look

> >good. No more loose fitting clothes for me!! My husband has

become a

> >different man since my weight loss. My confidence level has

quadrupled

> >and with it

> >came a better attitude about myself and he noticed and now I AM

the apple

> >of

> >his eye.

> > I would love to help others with this surgery...if anyone

knows a

> >person

> >who needs a contact, has questions ...anything at all...please

contact

> >me...I'd love to help " spread the good news " about Dr. R and this

surgery.

> > You can

> >all contact me at PittmanFamily03@a... for listening....

> >

> >Marie P

> >Florida

> >Surgery Date 3/08/01

> >

April 3, 2004

I am not really sure how to respond to this. I am wondering if you could

tell us exactly what you are eating, although it sounds as though you are

doing fine and eating like you should, I mean every 3 to 4 hours. Out of

curiosity, why only a 2 foot bypass? My starting weight was 245 and I had

the full bypass. Also, what kind of liquids are you drinking?

Suzanne

1/24/03

245/145

Re: Hi all

> >Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:01:49 EST

> >

> >Hi everyone,

> > My name is Marie and I had my MGB three years ago this month. I

> >can't

> >begin to tell all of you how wonderful I now feel compared to back then.

> >I

> >would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I weighed 291 pounds when

I

> >had

> >surgery and I know weigh 177. I would still love to lose another 20

pounds

> >but 177 is good. I am extremely proud of the way I look now (with

clothes

> >on

> >that is). I haven't had any plastic surgeries yet but I'm beginning to

> >investigate them now. After three years, I still find that I can't eat

> >alot of

> >food at one time but I can " graze " all day long. I have actually gained

7

> >pounds in the last year because of this " grazing " habit of mine and have

> >tried

> >really hard to stop it. Hamburger is the only thing that gives me a

> >problem....I

> >still can't eat a hamburger....but ...I can give up hamburger for this

new

> >life I have.

> > My energy level is so high these days but I can still remember the

> >days

> >of hurting legs, being out of breath walking from the car to the store,

> >snoring myself awake (yes I have actually woke up hearing myself

" snort " ).

> >I used

> >to hate to shop...now I love trying clothes on and they actually fit AND

> >look

> >good. No more loose fitting clothes for me!! My husband has become a

> >different man since my weight loss. My confidence level has quadrupled

> >and with it

> >came a better attitude about myself and he noticed and now I AM the apple

> >of

> >his eye.

> > I would love to help others with this surgery...if anyone knows a

> >person

> >who needs a contact, has questions ...anything at all...please contact

> >me...I'd love to help " spread the good news " about Dr. R and this

surgery.

> > You can

> >all contact me at PittmanFamily03@... for listening....

> >

> >Marie P

> >Florida

> >Surgery Date 3/08/01

> >

April 4, 2004

Suzanne,

Thanks for taking time to respond back.

To answer your question about a 2 foot by pass: I am almost 6'3 and i

played college football. I felt a good weight for me was around 200. I

started at 280, which was extremely high for me. After speaking with Penny

Belcher and listening how her husband lost too much weight and ended up in

the hospital i decided to go only a 2 foot by pass. Of course it still cost

the same.

As to what i drink i am mainly on Diet V8 splash. good source of vitamins

and minerals and low in calories.

I actually tried to have a milkshake for the first time last night and got

about 25% done and starting feeling sick.

My weight has readjusted and i am down to 247. I feel as though i am headed

in the right direction and hopefully not too far.

thanks for your concern

chris

>From: " Suzanne Neighbors " <sneighbors@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: Re: 6 weeks post-op

>Date: Sat, 3 Apr 2004 23:29:33 -0500

>

>I am not really sure how to respond to this. I am wondering if you could

>tell us exactly what you are eating, although it sounds as though you are

>doing fine and eating like you should, I mean every 3 to 4 hours. Out of

>curiosity, why only a 2 foot bypass? My starting weight was 245 and I had

>the full bypass. Also, what kind of liquids are you drinking?

>

>Suzanne

>1/24/03

>245/145

>

> Re: Hi all

> > >Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:01:49 EST

> > >

> > >Hi everyone,

> > > My name is Marie and I had my MGB three years ago this month. I

> > >can't

> > >begin to tell all of you how wonderful I now feel compared to back

>then.

> > >I

> > >would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I weighed 291 pounds

>when

>I

> > >had

> > >surgery and I know weigh 177. I would still love to lose another 20

>pounds

> > >but 177 is good. I am extremely proud of the way I look now (with

>clothes

> > >on

> > >that is). I haven't had any plastic surgeries yet but I'm beginning to

> > >investigate them now. After three years, I still find that I can't

>eat

> > >alot of

> > >food at one time but I can " graze " all day long. I have actually

>gained

>7

> > >pounds in the last year because of this " grazing " habit of mine and

>have

> > >tried

> > >really hard to stop it. Hamburger is the only thing that gives me a

> > >problem....I

> > >still can't eat a hamburger....but ...I can give up hamburger for this

>new

> > >life I have.

> > > My energy level is so high these days but I can still remember

>the

> > >days

> > >of hurting legs, being out of breath walking from the car to the store,

> > >snoring myself awake (yes I have actually woke up hearing myself

> " snort " ).

> > >I used

> > >to hate to shop...now I love trying clothes on and they actually fit

>AND

> > >look

> > >good. No more loose fitting clothes for me!! My husband has become

>a

> > >different man since my weight loss. My confidence level has

>quadrupled

> > >and with it

> > >came a better attitude about myself and he noticed and now I AM the

>apple

> > >of

> > >his eye.

> > > I would love to help others with this surgery...if anyone knows a

> > >person

> > >who needs a contact, has questions ...anything at all...please contact

> > >me...I'd love to help " spread the good news " about Dr. R and this

>surgery.

> > > You can

> > >all contact me at PittmanFamily03@... for listening....

> > >

> > >Marie P

> > >Florida

> > >Surgery Date 3/08/01

> > >

April 4, 2004

,

Thanks for responding.

I am 6'2 and i my weight at the time of surgery was 280. I heard a few

stories about people losing too much weight and having the go to the

hospital or back in for a revision. i only want to get down to 200-210. I

felt 280 was the heaviest i had ever been. So to be on the safe side I

chose to have only a small by-pass.

Chris

>From: " " <cwebb01@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: 6 weeks post-op

>Date: Sun, 04 Apr 2004 04:23:23 -0000

>

>Was just wondering why you only had 2 feet of your intestines

>bypassed. I am 8 weeks out and had 6 feet bypassed, which I thought

>was the norm.

>

> in St. Louis, MO

>2/3/04 Dr. H

>5'4 " 235/204/???

>

> >

> > I am experienceing something strange and i wanted to share it with

>the

> > group.

> >

> > I am 5 weeks post-op and i started at 275. I had a gstroplaty with

>only a 2

> > foot by-pass. The first month was awesome. i lost 24 lbs down to

>251. The

> > problem is with-in the last 10 days i have put on 5 lbs. This is a

>concern

> > to me.

> >

> > I can eat almost anything in smaller portions and i seem to eat

>every 3 to 4

> > hours.

> >

> > I guess the question is has this problem happened to anyone else.

>i know

> > the typically response is " We all go thru plateaus however i am

>only 6 weeks

> > out and i gain weight.

> >

> > Any thoughts

> >

> > chris

> >

> > >From: PittmanFamily03@a...

> > >Reply-

> > >

> > >Subject: Re: Hi all

> > >Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:01:49 EST

> > >

> > >Hi everyone,

> > > My name is Marie and I had my MGB three years ago this

>month. I

> > >can't

> > >begin to tell all of you how wonderful I now feel compared to back

>then.

> > >I

> > >would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I weighed 291

>pounds when I

> > >had

> > >surgery and I know weigh 177. I would still love to lose another

>20 pounds

> > >but 177 is good. I am extremely proud of the way I look now

>(with clothes

> > >on

> > >that is). I haven't had any plastic surgeries yet but I'm

>beginning to

> > >investigate them now. After three years, I still find that I

>can't eat

> > >alot of

> > >food at one time but I can " graze " all day long. I have actually

>gained 7

> > >pounds in the last year because of this " grazing " habit of mine

>and have

> > >tried

> > >really hard to stop it. Hamburger is the only thing that gives me

>a

> > >problem....I

> > >still can't eat a hamburger....but ...I can give up hamburger for

>this new

> > >life I have.

> > > My energy level is so high these days but I can still

>remember the

> > >days

> > >of hurting legs, being out of breath walking from the car to the

>store,

> > >snoring myself awake (yes I have actually woke up hearing

>myself " snort " ).

> > >I used

> > >to hate to shop...now I love trying clothes on and they actually

>fit AND

> > >look

> > >good. No more loose fitting clothes for me!! My husband has

>become a

> > >different man since my weight loss. My confidence level has

>quadrupled

> > >and with it

> > >came a better attitude about myself and he noticed and now I AM

>the apple

> > >of

> > >his eye.

> > > I would love to help others with this surgery...if anyone

>knows a

> > >person

> > >who needs a contact, has questions ...anything at all...please

>contact

> > >me...I'd love to help " spread the good news " about Dr. R and this

>surgery.

> > > You can

> > >all contact me at PittmanFamily03@a... for listening....

> > >

> > >Marie P

> > >Florida

> > >Surgery Date 3/08/01

> > >

April 4, 2004

Chris

I am four weeks out (five weeks Tuesday) and had the normal 6 foot

bypass. I have gained weight twice a whopping 7 pounds at two weeks

and this past week I gained 4. The first time I was told it was water.

This time I don't know what caused it. The good thing about it is it

comes right back off. After this last four pounds though I haven't

lost any more.

I started at 278 and am now 255 and just sitting. Funny how yours is

24 pounds and so is mine.

By the way hello everyone! I just got added to the post/op board.

Kathy

>

> >

> > I am experienceing something strange and i wanted to share it with

> the

> > group.

> >

> > I am 5 weeks post-op and i started at 275. I had a gstroplaty with

> only a 2

> > foot by-pass. The first month was awesome. i lost 24 lbs down to

> 251. The

> > problem is with-in the last 10 days i have put on 5 lbs. This is a

> concern

> > to me.

> >

> > I can eat almost anything in smaller portions and i seem to eat

> every 3 to 4

> > hours.

> >

> > I guess the question is has this problem happened to anyone else.

> i know

> > the typically response is " We all go thru plateaus however i am

> only 6 weeks

> > out and i gain weight.

> >

> > Any thoughts

> >

> > chris

> >

> > >From: PittmanFamily03@a...

> > >Reply-

> > >

> > >Subject: Re: Hi all

> > >Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:01:49 EST

> > >

> > >Hi everyone,

> > > My name is Marie and I had my MGB three years ago this

> month. I

> > >can't

> > >begin to tell all of you how wonderful I now feel compared to back

> then.

> > >I

> > >would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I weighed 291

> pounds when I

> > >had

> > >surgery and I know weigh 177. I would still love to lose another

> 20 pounds

> > >but 177 is good. I am extremely proud of the way I look now

> (with clothes

> > >on

> > >that is). I haven't had any plastic surgeries yet but I'm

> beginning to

> > >investigate them now. After three years, I still find that I

> can't eat

> > >alot of

> > >food at one time but I can " graze " all day long. I have actually

> gained 7

> > >pounds in the last year because of this " grazing " habit of mine

> and have

> > >tried

> > >really hard to stop it. Hamburger is the only thing that gives me

> a

> > >problem....I

> > >still can't eat a hamburger....but ...I can give up hamburger for

> this new

> > >life I have.

> > > My energy level is so high these days but I can still

> remember the

> > >days

> > >of hurting legs, being out of breath walking from the car to the

> store,

> > >snoring myself awake (yes I have actually woke up hearing

> myself " snort " ).

> > >I used

> > >to hate to shop...now I love trying clothes on and they actually

> fit AND

> > >look

> > >good. No more loose fitting clothes for me!! My husband has

> become a

> > >different man since my weight loss. My confidence level has

> quadrupled

> > >and with it

> > >came a better attitude about myself and he noticed and now I AM

> the apple

> > >of

> > >his eye.

> > > I would love to help others with this surgery...if anyone

> knows a

> > >person

> > >who needs a contact, has questions ...anything at all...please

> contact

> > >me...I'd love to help " spread the good news " about Dr. R and this

> surgery.

> > > You can

> > >all contact me at PittmanFamily03@a... for listening....

> > >

> > >Marie P

> > >Florida

> > >Surgery Date 3/08/01

> > >

April 7, 2004

So glad to hear that things are going right for you. I think all our bodies

try to retaliate to the rapid weight loss and they will do strange things.

Stay on track and I guess you know now that you don't want another milkshake

any time soon!! It was a bowl of Frosted Flakes cereal for me, and oh how

badly I wanted it until it made me very nauseated after only a few

spoonfuls.

Good luck to you and keep in touch with your progress. What college

football team did you play for? My son is only 10 and he is my little

football player. He has played recreational ball for the past two years and

he absolutely loves it, which is great because he does seem to have a true

talent for it.

Suzanne

Re: Hi all

> > > >Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:01:49 EST

> > > >

> > > >Hi everyone,

> > > > My name is Marie and I had my MGB three years ago this month.

I

> > > >can't

> > > >begin to tell all of you how wonderful I now feel compared to back

> >then.

> > > >I

> > > >would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I weighed 291 pounds

> >when

> >I

> > > >had

> > > >surgery and I know weigh 177. I would still love to lose another 20

> >pounds

> > > >but 177 is good. I am extremely proud of the way I look now (with

> >clothes

> > > >on

> > > >that is). I haven't had any plastic surgeries yet but I'm beginning

to

> > > >investigate them now. After three years, I still find that I can't

> >eat

> > > >alot of

> > > >food at one time but I can " graze " all day long. I have actually

> >gained

> >7

> > > >pounds in the last year because of this " grazing " habit of mine and

> >have

> > > >tried

> > > >really hard to stop it. Hamburger is the only thing that gives me a

> > > >problem....I

> > > >still can't eat a hamburger....but ...I can give up hamburger for

this

> >new

> > > >life I have.

> > > > My energy level is so high these days but I can still remember

> >the

> > > >days

> > > >of hurting legs, being out of breath walking from the car to the

store,

> > > >snoring myself awake (yes I have actually woke up hearing myself

> > " snort " ).

> > > >I used

> > > >to hate to shop...now I love trying clothes on and they actually fit

> >AND

> > > >look

> > > >good. No more loose fitting clothes for me!! My husband has

become

> >a

> > > >different man since my weight loss. My confidence level has

> >quadrupled

> > > >and with it

> > > >came a better attitude about myself and he noticed and now I AM the

> >apple

> > > >of

> > > >his eye.

> > > > I would love to help others with this surgery...if anyone knows

a

> > > >person

> > > >who needs a contact, has questions ...anything at all...please

contact

> > > >me...I'd love to help " spread the good news " about Dr. R and this

> >surgery.

> > > > You can

> > > >all contact me at PittmanFamily03@... for listening....

> > > >

> > > >Marie P

> > > >Florida

> > > >Surgery Date 3/08/01

> > > >

July 21, 2005

Wow... congrats and keep up the good work!!!!

ML

********

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW What a Ride!'"

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of vgammellSent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 11:55 AMJoint Replacement Subject: 6 Weeks post-op

Like everybody else, the first 2 weeks are by far the worst. At 3 weeks I started weight-bearing, at 4 was nearly full weight bearing. At 5 weeks I switched to a cane, mainly for stability and to have less of a limp. Now at 6 weeks, I am walking without any cane at all, but I still have a limp, especially when I first get up. Every day is an improvement over the previous, and I would have it done again in a heartbeat. I am optimistic that I can continue to improve and get back to 'normal'. My hip was so bad for so long that I'm not sure what normal is!

July 21, 2005

Same here about being "normal". To me "normal" is "exciting" now that I'm 6 weeks post op on one THR and 3 1/2 months post op on the other. I took my first walk around my block yesterday ... it felt like THREE MILES, but I was able to do it without pain. Still using the cane for some stability, but hoping to ditch it in a couple weeks. I don't think we appreciate "normal" until we don't have it!

6 Weeks post-op

Like everybody else, the first 2 weeks are by far the worst. At 3 weeks I started weight-bearing, at 4 was nearly full weight bearing. At 5 weeks I switched to a cane, mainly for stability and to have less of a limp. Now at 6 weeks, I am walking without any cane at all, but I still have a limp, especially when I first get up. Every day is an improvement over the previous, and I would have it done again in a heartbeat. I am optimistic that I can continue to improve and get back to 'normal'. My hip was so bad for so long that I'm not sure what normal is!

July 24, 2005

I am walking without any cane at all, but I still have a limp, especially when I first get up. Every day is an improvement over the previous >>> Great news victor... happy to hear it. Hope your recovery continues to be a rapid & well one for you~ take care

July 29, 2009

LAUREN,

Thank you for the update, I'll keep you in my prayers

Deronda

From: Luff <lufflauren@...>Subject: [ ] 6 weeks post-op , Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 1:30 AM

Hi there,

I just wanted to touch base with everyone, I haven't been able to keep up with all of the messages coming in.

I have been home now for a week and am continuing to wean off my pain meds. I was completely off the oxy before I left St.Louis, but the withdrawal symptoms lasted for a few nights at home. I'm now cutting back on the Norco, and continue to take Neurontin. I am finding myself feeling more surgical type pain as I decrease my meds, but am able to lay down and get relief.

I went to St.Louis for one surgery, to remove my Harrington Rod, to get fused to the sacrum, and to have a decompression at 2 levels. (in hopes to relieve the chronic leg pain!)

During my surgery, it was decided to do an indirect decompression, the thought being that this would be enough to relieve the pain. (conservatively)

After the surgery, the pain continued. I couldn't sit or walk for more than 5 minutes without pain. Once I was discharged, and on all of the usual pain meds, the pain only increased & increased.

It was decided after several days that I would need a direct decompression, and would then need a surgery 4-7 months down the road, anteriorly, to put in cages.

The second surgery was 17 days after the first, and thus far has relieved my leg pain! He said there was a lot of nerve decompression, and he took out as much as possible. It was exactly what I needed. I do respect that my doctor was trying to be more conservative, and honestly felt my pain would be relieved from the first surgery.

My stay in St.Louis went from one month to 50 days. After a few weeks, I became very homesick! My walks in the hallway got really old, and I ventured outside, but still couldn't go too far. The day my family left after a weekend visit for Father's Day was the WORST day ever. I can still cry when I bring it up.

A huge bright spot of my trip was getting to actually meet some wonderful members in person! I had visits from Eve W. in the hospital, met Dorcas while there, and then visited with her again in the apt, had visits from D., , & in my apt., and even visited Carol C. with Dorcas. This group has provided an unbelievable amount of support, not to mention the many conversations with M. If it wasn't for this group, I wouldn't have learned about Dr.Bridwell!

So, now I'm home and feel tired all the time. I walk a couple times a day, rest, and fill the rest in with not too much. I'm sleeping in segments of 2-3 hours at a time through the night, but can't nap during the day. (I'm either getting up for meds or for the bathroom during the night.) I guess the way I feel is pretty typical after these surgeries.

I have my 8 week check up on August 10th, and will hopefully get more info on this possible upcoming anterior surgery. It was quite an ordeal planning for coverage for my kids/myself, etc... for the last one(s), I'm not looking forward to facing that again!! (nor the medicine weaning!)

I wanted to thank all of you for always sending warm messages across the miles, and to let you know you all continue to be in my prayers.

Feel well,

lauren xo

July 29, 2009

,

I am interested in reading your update, but for some reason your posts come

through on the group as just a blue background...nothing else. I think if people

are recieving emails or digest formats they may be getting your posts...but

please copy and paste into a new post if you get a chance, I know others will

want to read as well.

Thanks, Cam

July 29, 2009

Hi ,

I have not been here that long and rarely post but plan to post more.

I am so happy for the way things went and that you are feeling better. You had much strength to be away from your family but it was for a great cause! I found your doctor to be amazing when there was a complication! My last surgeon made excuses for everything!

Keep feeling better!

Much Peace,

Robin

On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 9:30 PM, Luff <lufflauren@...> wrote: