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.