Sadly Saturday

Don't ask...lol The little fun romance has sizzled out it seems anyway, but we'll see who gives in first...lol Still not getting any comments on my blog so I will probably be shutting it down soon as I have no feed back to work off of. Take care to take care.

Sunny Sunday

Hello all, I am getting closer to having my first set of plastic surgery Oct 8th to be exact. I will be getting a breast Aug and Lift, Full face laser, upper and lower eyelids and possibly a mini face lift. I will go on to other areas as time and financing become available.Still carrying on a causal relationship and enjoying myself thus far.I am trying to work on stocking up on my protein intake before surgery in hopes I heal well.I also am still taking all my supps. I will post again after I am able. Take care to take care. Hugs,Pam

Marvelous Monday

I've been busy spending time with my new bow something very nice about him he show's respect and that means a great big deal to me. So on another note my plastic surgery plans have been put on hold until my pcp and the surgeon talk...Sigh So in the mean time I plan on upping my protein intake and watching how much I eat.Anybody with suggestions on how I can lose 20-25lbs? Til next time folks, take care to take care,hugs Pam

Tinted Tuesday

Hello to the world, I'm feeling pretty up beat these days, since meeting a nice gentlemen, that respects me. I really feel comfortable with him, something I would not feel if I had not lost all the weight. I am trying to stock up on my protein because I am going in to do some plastics next week. I know with protein we are able to heal much faster. I hope for the best results. I will post about it as soon as I am able to following surgery. Til next time take care to take care. Remember to take your vits, supps and protein.

Don and Vitalady need our Prayers

This is what Michelle (vitalady) wrote:

Please join me in sending healing thoughts and prayers...




We were wondering if a small fall on Sat had anything to do with it.

slipped off bottom rung of wet ladder while washing car. fell on butt, no

damage.



ok, going back to Aug 20, Don had a kidney infection. It was serious. He

was lethargic, basically got nothing done at all for a week. Moved from bed

to recliner and back again. Yes, saw doc, was tested, treated and fixed in

a week. passed tests. but didn't feel well. kidney infections cause the

plumbing not to work right, so take in all the water you want, but it

doesn't run thru the system properly. result: impacted bowel, visit to ER

Aug 27



ok, now all fixed by Monday, give or take, doing ok, still picking up speed

from being in slow motion. Fall from ladder Sat, so 9/1? or so? No reason

to think (even now) that it has any bearing on anything.



went to bed normally Monday night, got up to wee about 3am, still fine.

Somewhere just before 6am, he had chest pain. Not reflux, not gas, nothing

he could ID as familiar. He went to stand to walk it off and..... I woke

up to "thud", turned on light at 6am. Don was on his back, not able to move

arms/legs, fingers..... ..... He said to call 911 and they were there like

RIGHT NOW. Strapped him to a board and they had him gone by 6:15. EKG

going, etc.



I get to hospital more like 8am (no point in getting there so they can toss

me out), and he has started blood work, CT and so on. All blood work is

ruling out heart problems. Tests every 2 hrs til noon and no heart issues,

no stroke, nothing to describe why he felt chest pain.



No heart problem.



BUT the CT and MRI did show a problem with C4 (middle of back of neck),

pinching spinal cord. The words are hard to even say, "spinal cord injury".

He was transferred to another hospital where the neuro was working yesterday

and he will have surgery on Thursday, later afternoon. as of today, he got

to sit up for the first time, though his head is still in a brace. he was

able to actually feed himself some turkey bits. But he can't manage any

fine motor things, like grasping a straw or picking up a cup. His

hands/fingers are way too sensitive. Touch of blanket feels like fire to

him. Feet are only slightly better but not as likely to be touched. He

didn't pass the "prick test" (how many stickers do you feel?) . So, not too

good.



Again, during the transfer I waited about 2 hrs, so only met part of the

team. We had the expected battle with the hospital re: his supplements. I

can out stubborn them, for sure.



I won't know anything til later Thursday afternoon, and then I expect,

"Surgery went well, don't know how he'll be for a week" kinda thing.



You have my permission to share this poorly written story on OH or your blog

or to people who might care. And thanks to those who have already sent

supportive messages. Although Don's hands don't work, brain, eats, mouth

all work fine, so you've put a smile on his face.



Thanks,



Michelle

Vitalady, Inc T

www.vitalady. com

Thinning Thursday

I'm feeling left out and without a cause...lol I haven't much to say because I haven't got any comments to keep me feeding off of so I'm at a loss of words I quess. Hope I hear from some on lookers soon. Take care, Pam

Tinker Tuesday

Wow long weekend! My yard sale was basically a flop....lol But I'm happy my weight is down and I'm hoping it keeps going down...Sigh Some days it is just hard to keep up with filling up my pill trays and even harder to take them all...Sigh But it is a must! So there it is I MUST....LOL

Frying Friday

This weekend  is a busy one so I'll be brief in writing until I come up for air on Monday. Birthday party tonight and yard sale sat and sun and I'm not looking forward to dragging the stuff out and back in and back out and in...lol Then Next week looks a little quieter have another birthday party and day trip hopefully to Mexico to see a plastic surgeon. That will be next Saturday. Then after all that is in perspective I am planning on going back to playing bingo again and shopping my two favorite past times. I need an outlet and my own activities, I need to fill this lonely feeling with some favorite past times. Take your vits and supps and eat and or drink your protein. Take care

TWISTED THURSDAY

Sorry for the outburst in my blog yesterday, I'm having a little break down. I suppose I will be back up and feeling fine soon, after all I'm a woman ya know....lol So on another note, I really wished to get some feed back from on lookers would like to know where I can post my blog link to? Well if your out there please make a comment or suggestion. I need feed back so I have something to work with. Take you vits, supps and protein. Take care to take care.

MIA Tuesday...lol

I was lost on Tuesday out and about and forgot to blog...lol So this is Wednesday folks. I have a decision to make about plastics I need so much done it's horrible and I can't afford it all so I have to pick and choose carefully what I want. But I can't find a doctor that is willing to touch me because I'm what they call high risk so if they do anything it's going to be in little bits which will cost me more that way. I am considering going over the border for sure I have someone taking me on the 11Th to see a Dr in TJ. So we'll see? I'm depressed I hate the way I look. I wished I had the money to get it all done and without risking my self.

Mooney Monday...lol

I know not what I came to that header from???..lol I am happy I am getting somewhere with my plastics and my surgeon Dr Crookes at USC is wonderful he always takes time out of his busy schedule to answer me even while on his vacation he is a great man! My pcp may have found a solution for the dizziness I have been dealing with since losing all my weight I have been fighting near pass outs and actual blackouts so he suggested I wear support stockings and a girdle and this would force the blood flow back or whatever, anyway it seems to be working go figure..lol I have been living with this dizziness for 7 years now and this trick seems to be what I needed..lol I will hopefully be finding out why I have a bulge at the top of my stomach that doesn't appear to be a hernia. That has also been there since losing the weight, if anyone else has this please let me know. I will be getting a ct scan sometime this next week. Take your supps and vits and don't forget your protein. Hope to hear from some of you soon. Take care, Pam

Duck Sunday...lol

I'm going on a duck tour today...lol Anyway you will notice that my page now has the links to places I use for supps, vits and info. I hope you find them useful. Have a great day folks ttyl

Sadly Saturday

Why? Because I didn't win the mega lotto...lol I had really high hopes of winning it or at least some part of it. Oh well Not much to say today am pushing my son to get the things I want for my blog done so I can stop talking about it and just have it on here dang it!!...Lol Well have a wonderful Saturday ttyl..Pam

Freakin Frazzled Friday

Just kidding....lol Just wanted to head it with something using F word's ...lol I'm busy but bored does that make sense? I have things I have to do but I'm looking to get done the stuff that needs to get done over with. I can't handle  a lot at one time I kinda freeze when I have too many things going on at one time. Still waiting on my son to help with before pics and some links I sent him and weather they can be added as a permanent item or if I can only add them to a blog writing? Either way I will be getting them and my before pics up very soon. Hope everyone has a great week end. Take care, Pam

Thirsty Thursday

Today I came across a article about artificial sweeteners and I thought it would be good to share it with everyone.

Cutting excess sugar from your diet can be extremely beneficial, as sugar overload has been linked to health problems such as diabetes and obesity. But if you're turning to a sugar substitute to get your fix, you may be in for a not-so-sweet surprise - some sugar-free substances may negatively affect your health. Consider the following pros and cons of five popular sweeteners:




Aspartame

Better known by the brand names Equal® and NutraSweet, aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many foods and beverages. It's roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar, low in calories and does not promote tooth decay.



Aspartame has generated a great deal of controversy since its initial approval in 1974. Some claim the ingredients (specifically the amino acids aspartate and glutamate) may act as an "excitotoxin," overstimulating and potentially damaging neurons in the brain.



While there is very limited conclusive research regarding specific risks, there are certain individuals who should avoid aspartame, including those with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) and advanced liver disease, as well as pregnant women (because their bodies cannot metabolize phenylalanine, a compound found in aspartame). Others may experience aspartame sensitivity, which can trigger headaches, dizziness and nausea.



Sucralose

Delivering up to six times the sweetness of sugar with no calories, sucralose is now found in many "diet" beverages and foods in the form of Splenda®. Although it's made from sugar molecules, sucralose is not natural - it's actually the result of several chemical modifications. These modifications prevent your body from metabolizing sucralose, keeping the caloric content at zero.



Although the long-term effects of sucralose consumption in humans is still unknown, several short-term effects have been observed in rats. One study in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health involved male rats who were fed Splenda® for 12 weeks1. After 12 weeks, researchers discovered a significant reduction in beneficial bacteria within the gut, as well as an increased level of P-glycoprotein, a substance that can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of medication.



Stevia

Natural stevia sweeteners are generally derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant native to south and central America. The extract of this plant produces a unique taste that is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, although some products may have a slightly bitter flavor.



Stevia may be especially beneficial for those with blood sugar concerns. A study recently published in Appetite concluded that, when compared with sucrose and aspartame, those who ate meals sweetened with stevia experienced a significant decrease in post-meal insulin levels2.



Xylitol

Found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free gum and candies. Xylitol tastes very similar to sugar and can be used to sweeten beverages, baked goods and other foods.



Dentists are particularly impressed with xylitol due to its ability to reduce the prevalence of cavity-causing bacteria within the mouth. A recent study showed that chewing gum with xylitol significantly reduced levels of mutans streptococci (a strain of bacteria linked to tooth decay) in the mouth3. Researchers also noted that this affect was still measurable up to 30 days after consumption of xylitol.



Be advised, however, that xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.



Honey

This naturally sweet substance is produced by bees using the nectar from flowering plants. Although raw honey contains calories, it also provides beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Honey also possesses anti-bacterial properties, and may have a soothing effect on the stomach.



Due to its caloric content and potential to contribute to cavity formation, honey should be used sparingly. However, just a small amount of this viscous and flavorful substance may be more than enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.



Conclusion


Stevia appears to be one of the best sweeteners available today; however, more research is needed to clarify its safety.




I suggest limiting your intake of sugar (including honey), as well as limiting your overall intake of sugar-free sweeteners. Try to consume unprocessed food as much as possible; processed food and beverages often contain added sugars and many other unhealthy ingredients. To satisfy your occasional craving for a sweet sensation, I recommend eating more fresh fruit.



As always, to your health

David N. Ilfeld, M.D.





1. Abou-Donia MB, El-Masry EM, Abdel-Rahman AA, McLendon RE, Schiffman SS. Splenda alters gut microflora and increases intestinal p-glycoprotein and cytochrome p-450 in male rats. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2008;71(21):1415-29.



2. Anton SD, Martin CK, Han H, Coulon S, Cefalu WT, Geiselman P, Williamson DA. Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Appetite. 2010 Aug;55(1):37-43. Epub 2010 Mar 18.



3. Fraga CP, Mayer MP, Rodrigues CR. Use of chewing gum containing 15% of xylitol and reduction in mutans streptococci salivary levels. Braz Oral Res. 2010 Jun;24(2):142-6.

Happy hump day for sure

I'm happy I got a response from a reader and a popular one the boards to top it off and she gave me some useful tips to add to my blogging posts. So I put up some info about me / my surgery on my profile I'm still going to try and locate those before pics and upload those if I can figure it out. Sad thing is. I have a son that is a Network Eng, But never has time to work or help me figure out my stuff....Sigh I will be posting links to places I get vits and supps from and groups I get great info from. I am hoping that it will help someone in their process of getting surgery or following surgery. Take care everyone til next time. 

Taco Tuesday...lol

Well so I'm told that is what Tuesday is for anyway...lol Not much to say today still not getting any response's from anybody. I have never done this sorta thing, talk to myself ...lol But as I go along it's not so bad but it sure would make life easier if I had someone were asking me questions I could go off of.  I would like to talk to someone that has a blog that can tell me how to make mine more personal add some things to it if that is possible? So I am here waiting for someone to jump in and keep me going...lol

Manic Monday

What's a person gotta do to get people to follow? I'm new to this blogging thing, I kinda like the idea it gives me a place to unload my thoughts and I have plenty. But I guess I would do better about unloading though if someone were to get me started by asking a question or stating something I could go off of. I'm not really one to talk to myself...lol So what say you? Give me something to work with, give me a base to jump off of.  On another note (W)eight (L)oss (S)urgery wise I dropped some weight this past week  6lbs like in a few days just been busy and too hot to eat and just not hungry. I would like to add to that by 10-15 lbs...lol Then I will be ready for some plastic's...sigh

Frazzled Friday

Here to say I'm glad this week is almost over and I'll be even happier when this month is done, gone! I have too much going on at one time and my head is spinning and I don't like that feeling. It's hard to keep up on my self nutrition when I have so many things to do. Thank goodness for my protein shakes they give me my needed energy and get up and go factor when I can't. This is why I believe in getting it in, along with the vits and supps. They pick you up when your feeling run down. So again I repeat take your vits and supps and protein. Broken record I know, but it will be the best you have heard when the going gets tough. Til next time, take care...Pam

Finding the ups and downs of WLS

It's one heck of a ride people and unless you are of a STRONG SOUND MIND, DO NOT ATTEMPT HAVING WLS !! It could cost you your life or your sanity. You have to be able to fore go all your old eating habits and rely on minimal portions for at least the first 1 1/2 to 2 years. No more indulging just to indulge or to entertain yourself in times of boredom or drama. But you must also commit to taking your supplements EVERYDAY!! Not just here, there and whenever EVERYDAY! I'm talking handfuls of stuff 3-6 times or more per day. Then there is the protein shakes and or food you MUST keep up also! This is no walk in the park, believe me. Let's not even get into the expense of these vits, supps, and protein way over the top, it can be very expensive.  You must have a strong support system in place or be a very strong willed person to get through all of it yourself. I would like to start recommending or sharing some of the sites we get our "stuff" from so share away people....lol

Happy Hump day... I guess

I don't see what is happy in the middle of a heated week but to get along I'll just say it....lol I'm still not getting any feed back from any on lookers and therefore it's going to lead me into babbling soon enough and then we're gonna have problem's. I would like to get on topics of vitamins and protein as far as what other's are using success and the amounts and location of such products. I would just like to be a source of resource for people that have had or are planning on having WLS so if you are peeping in make a comment, drop a suggestion and help out a brother or sister...lol Til next time , be safe take your supplements. Pam

M I A on Monday...lol

I missed Monday Folks, don't know where I left it? I can't seem to find it either...lol I am on a mission these days to stock myself up on protein and vits and get geared up for what will be the first in a round of plastic surgeries that I so so desperately need after losing 179lbs and regaining 40 then losing 15 of that, leaving me at 185lbs and needing and wanting to lose at least 20 -25 more before I have a TT but right now I am considering over the border options but don't have anyone to go with me so I don't think that is going to fly too good. Anyway as with any surgery it is important that you bulk up on your protein and make sure you are getting all your supplements in too. Please leave any suggestions and comments you might have love to hear fro you. Take care, Pam

Lazy Sunday

Just stopping to write that I am LAZY...lol Trying to get my house in order and cleaned is always a task best left to a team of demolition people really. I need to be on that show the hoarders buried alive! Getting older hasn't helped either...SIGH I don't have the same get up that I used to. But my head has all kinds of plans for me that my body says NO WAY!...Lol I just dream now about how my house used to be so clean...lol It would be nice to get some input from other WLS people on lifestyle and whatnot things going on.Would
love to meet other single wls people especially,as this I find difficult to deal with in a world of Normie's.

Protein shakes

Personally I have used mostly Body fortress sold at Wally world... lol It does the job for me and I can afford it. I can't afford all the higher priced protein mixes along with all the supplements I have to take too, So it has been  okay for me though I don't mind trying other's just can't afford them is all so wally mart has it ranging at times from 12.98 to 15.98 for a 2lb container they have vanilla & chocolate. I have bought both and both are good. I prefer the chocolate though. The Vanilla is good for when you want to add other stuff to it to flavor it. Does anyone have a low cost favorite mix they can share  about?

WLS can be a lonely journey

I have yet to be accepted in the wls world because I am without some before and after pics how sad is that? Why would anyone want to fake having wls ?? Believe me I have the ugly hanging skin and the scars to prove I had not one but two gastric surgeries done, the most recent was 12-14-2009 with Dr Crookes. to stop acid reflux. he reduced my stomach again and took out the thingy that produces acid and I get to NOT eat much and I've only lost an additional 15 lbs Never ending is this weight loss surgery process. The saga continues.

Here to help is all

I just want to pass on any info that may help a newbie or someone that is considering surgery and something to pass the time I'm not here to hurt anyone or scam anyone. So please just relax and accept that I'm just here to help anyway I can, be it with a company that has good prices on supplements and or protein I would like to pass on what I am using or have been using over the years. No crime, no harm. You can take it or leave it and best of all it's just my opinion and it will cost you nothing to get..lol Happy hump day people. Peace and love,Pam

Why do people get so

Uptight? I just wanted to start this blog to meet and help if possible. People seeking info from someone that has had experience and I believe I qualify as I had the DS 7 years ago but instead what I got was disbelief and criticism.n Not believing I had the surgery 7 yrs ago. Because there has been no known activity from me since 2003 Well being deathly ill and very very sick I doubt I was thinking of posting here or anywhere.

http://wlsinfojouney.blogspot.com/

http://wlsinfojouney.blogspot.com/

Nuther day and handful of supplements

Just like the days before and the days to come I begin my day with a protein shake and a handful of supplements and I end my day the same way and in between I am taking in my calcium citrate to keep my levels up. I Must also keep the fluids up as we tend to get dehydrated easily. It's constant work, so if you are thinking of having this surgery do your homework first and be sure it is what you can commit to. Also know that you will not know a regular meal for at least 11/2 years possibly 2 before you get to eat anywhere near normal and if you don't want to deal with the problems that accompany the certain foods after surgery you will have to refrain from eating sugary foods and carbs as those tend to keep us from losing and even gaining some weight back as well as bad gas issues to boot. Do your research gather as much info as you can and make informed decisions because this can turn deadly if your not informed and committed to do what needs to be done, don't think it's just vitamins what can be the harm a lot because the vitamins we once got from food is no longer an option we MUST take them in supplements or face serious effects including death. Not something to mess with folks. Again if there is anything you wish me to post about email me direct psal79@yahoo.com and I will do my best to accommodate that request. Til next time ....Stay safe and healthy take your supplements and protein. Peace and Love

Welcome to my world of 7 yrs post op weightloss surgery

My name is Pam I had weight loss surgery in 2003 I had what is called the Duodenal switch "DS" for short.
I weighed 321lbs and was at death's door with my sugar as high as 600 and that was taking both oral meds and insulin shots. I felt I didn't have much of a choice but to go forward and give myself the chance to live. So I did it and I lost the weight and along with it I lost the diabetes the lowest weight I have seen is 142lbs I now hoover around 175 to 185 most days. Since having the surgery I have had to commit to taking the many, many required supplements needed after having this particular surgery. A, D. CALCIUM, B12, B6, B1, B-COMPLEX and of coarse protein mix for drinks. Various companies have these products and I will provide info on contacting them in my future blogging posts. But for now I just wanted to say a few things for opener's. I will write more again soon. If there is anything you would like to see included please email and I will do my best to accommodate you.Take care and take your supplements and stay well people, til next time.