Originally Posted by Christie13

Oh Sandra that really stinks. To have doctors be so incompetent is really awful. I am most successful with weight loss when I eat lower carb BUT I do a modified low carb. I am really only worried about avoiding sugars, flours, fruits, and really starchy/carby vegetables like carrots and potatoes. I do not worry about regular vegetables. I also do not worry about milk carbs. That seems to work really well for me. Just a thought. It might work for you. I hope you find a good surgeon soon who can help you. Sending you really big hugs my friend.

Thank you my friend!!
I've been following a moderate low carb for years, since during my long 14 months diet I discovered that if I was eating more than 100gr per day, whatever the calories, I wouldn't lose.
Since the sleeve I was generally around 60gr per day, and did eat once a week a piece of potatoe or carrot, usually grilled or in a soup.
I can't have fruit (except blueberry or watermelon)for months so that point is easy. When we lived in Asia I was sometimes having little rice here and there because....no other choice! but bread and pasta, I avoid it.
Reading all books from Dr Fung plus the affect really low carbs can have to help with joint pain...I'm giving it a try...we'll see...so far in 3 days I got surprising results...
Big hugs!!! take care!

Originally Posted by KiwiGal

Hey Sandra
You have had an awful lot to contend with - and still have!
It's really hard at times like this to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It seems though that you are trying things that are working which is fabulous.
I wish I had something practical to offer but I don't so I will say hang in there, stay strong and we are always here for you to rant to
xxx

Hi Lisa!
Thank you so much for your message and support! that's already a lot!!
take care!
XXX

Oh Sandra that really stinks. To have doctors be so incompetent is really awful. I am most successful with weight loss when I eat lower carb BUT I do a modified low carb. I am really only worried about avoiding sugars, flours, fruits, and really starchy/carby vegetables like carrots and potatoes. I do not worry about regular vegetables. I also do not worry about milk carbs. That seems to work really well for me. Just a thought. It might work for you. I hope you find a good surgeon soon who can help you. Sending you really big hugs my friend.

Hey Sandra
You have had an awful lot to contend with - and still have!
It's really hard at times like this to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It seems though that you are trying things that are working which is fabulous.
I wish I had something practical to offer but I don't so I will say hang in there, stay strong and we are always here for you to rant to
xxx

Oh no. Tummy bugs stink. I haven't had one in years but I think I have a higher tolerance to them because when I was 7 and living in Turkey I got Hepatitis A. Since then whenever I have been with people who have gotten stomach bugs or food poisoning I am usually immune to it.

Originally Posted by Christie13

Oh my goodness. That really stinks. I only had minor issues with raw veggies in the beginning. Now I can pretty much eat anything with no issues. I only have issues if I overeat.

I never overeat, but eating something my stomach doesn't like can have the same "go back where you came from" effect. Argh...

Seems like there is a stomach bugs going around. I might have a weird version of it. Since I have no fever I don't worry too much, but today was a white rice and yogurt day (so much for my low carb goal!) to try to calm down the nausea.

I'm taking more probiotics, hoping it will help! If not...I see my surgeon soon....but I hope I will feel better before Thursday!

Oh my goodness. That really stinks. I only had minor issues with raw veggies in the beginning. Now I can pretty much eat anything with no issues. I only have issues if I overeat.

Originally Posted by Aydensmomma

Take it slow, don't get to the point where your guaranteed to regret doing to much. A little at a time. Do not worry about the gained weight. It will go away once things get to normal. Just concentrate on the days and dont worry about the tomorrows ;-)

Hi Teri!

Thanks for your message!
I do try to be careful. Last week I did commute twice to Paris, was exhausted and in pain the day after. So I didn't do much until two days ago, I felt better and decided to scrub the kitchen. I was in pain again, so resting today.

If it was only the regain from the Surgery in March I wouldn't mind, but I was taking prednisone from October to February and already gained a lot. I stopped it two weeks before surgery, saw my weight going slowly down, then bam, surgery with a weight gain bonus!
So it's starting to really add up!

I see my bariatric surgeon for the stomach repair next week, we will schedule the surgery for May. I will probably gain with that one too. Meds mess up with my hormones big time!

I's just a lot of step back, and my joints and back start to hurt!

I know I will be able to lose that weight without too much issue because it's "only there since October" and not +20 years, but any weight gain is a real bummer..

Take it slow, don't get to the point where your guaranteed to regret doing to much. A little at a time. Do not worry about the gained weight. It will go away once things get to normal. Just concentrate on the days and dont worry about the tomorrows ;-)

Thank you Stacey!!
I hope I will be able to lose a bunch of kilos before the next surgery, it will help the process!

I was really undecided for a while (because it was again an other major surgery) but the specialist did think in my case, since I had so many issues linked to that one, and the fact that I will get a job overseas this Summer or the following, it was too risky to try the conservative approach, since I don't know what country it will be...it could be a place where they wouldn't be equipped to treat me in case of an emergency..I also do trust his judgment. He is a very good doctor (not so many of those out there!)

But so many months being sick feels like getting into one fight after the other!! at least that part is behind me now...

Tomorrow I see the "work doctor" since HR need confirmation I would be able to work overseas in September.....I'm exhausted from meeting all those doctors...

Sounds like you made the right decision Sandra, you will get there. You are superwoman at having it under control. Best wishes for the next operation :-)

Originally Posted by DutchSleeve

That sounds great Sandra!
Finally some good news!
I wish you a very speedy recovery.
You will loos those extra pounds very quickly, once you stop your meds.
Are you still on antibiotics?

Thank you dear Simonne!

I took my last (4th) round of antibiotics in November, that did activate a flare of IBS, I had to stay away from fibers/veggies for a while, and take lots of probiotics to regain "normality" in that area.

But the main issue was the cortisone I took from October to February, never took it for that long before.
It does always mess up my hormones big time.That was the main cause for the huge regain, that and the stress/lack of sleep, since it has the same effect on cortisol hormones.

I came back with a big gain from the hospital on March 2nd (like for the sleeve) so I'm guessing it's from the anesthesia and/or the anti nausea meds (plus I had cortisone right before the surgery to avoid bronco spasm)...so who knows...but I know anesthesia has always had that effect on me..

Plus the first week post op I was not eating much, way under my BMR for sure (I did track my food intake) but I only started to eliminate part of the last 6 kgs from week 2 when I was eating a little more.

Funny thing is I could actually smell the meds on my skin until last week...those chemicals are so powerful!

Anyway...yesterday was a good day! we were all concerned by the pathology report, so it was a big relieve that at the end I had no major issue.
But from now on I will know that MRI are not 100% reliable...

That sounds great Sandra!
Finally some good news!
I wish you a very speedy recovery.
You will loos those extra pounds very quickly, once you stop your meds.
Are you still on antibiotics?

Originally Posted by Tamera2

Glad your first surgery went well. What kind of stomach surgery do you need? I’ve had four surgeries from November thru january. I also have problems with adhesions and make each abdominal surgery take longer. Hang in there. It will make your next surgery possibly easier to recover because you’ll be stronger. It was a big difference with three on top of each other and then waiting a month for the last one. Good luck and don’t over due. Hopefully You got some safe exercises to start with if not walking and stationary bike are good. Hope your recovery goes well and your next surgery goes good too.

Hi Tamera,
I did read about your complications, that's so unfortunate!

My story is a little different, but to make it short, suddenly my bleedings got worth and worth since last Summer (I do have issues for years) but then my immune system took a turned for the worth since my anemia was so bad. So from several infections, then lung infection, my asthma started to be out of control. I had a very bad week of uncontrolled asthma, then awful chest pain and the scan did show a hiatal hernia. So much pressure in my abdomen did push half my stomach into my lung cavity!
Anyway, I sent an email to my surgeon in Taiwan, he told me I had two options, go for a bypass, or try a repair if the hernia was big. Since my hernia has been measured at 4 cms, it's on the large size, and we know now where my chest pain is coming, the staples are also scratching the hiatus, because my hernia is a "bad kind" the one that slides.
So I finally found the right surgeon here in Paris to do the repair, it's called a Hill Gastropexy. Not many people know how to do it, and the first surgeon I saw was only offering the bypass (but anyway I didn't like her).
I wish I could have gone back to Taiwan for my repair, but since I'm not working there any more my insurance would not cover for it...and with a kid in college...counting pennies...

In France unless if it's a life and death reason they would never do a surgery one month after the first one. But at first I was not supposed to have an hysterectomy but an other procedure to scrap the inside of the uterus. That one would have been quick and almost painless, and I could have had the stomach surgery one month after because that first GA would have been only 20 mns. But the professor I saw said it wouldn't be efficient and said the hysterectomy was the only way because we couldn't take any more risks, and I was too sick because of the bleedings.
But for this one GA was +3h, so the stomach will have to wait at least 2 months in between...
My asthma was bad from October to February, so we also had to wait for the asthma treatment to work...my lungs had to be stable enough.

Anyway...one done....one to go!

Real exercise is out of question until my first post op (only allowed to walk, and not get tired doing it), and I'm supposed to be really careful after, I will see a special coach at the hospital probably in June (at my first post-op for the stomach) to know exactly what I can do. But my stationary bike will continue to host dust, I can't use it...

Glad your first surgery went well. What kind of stomach surgery do you need? I’ve had four surgeries from November thru january. I also have problems with adhesions and make each abdominal surgery take longer. Hang in there. It will make your next surgery possibly easier to recover because you’ll be stronger. It was a big difference with three on top of each other and then waiting a month for the last one. Good luck and don’t over due. Hopefully You got some safe exercises to start with if not walking and stationary bike are good. Hope your recovery goes well and your next surgery goes good too.

Originally Posted by KiwiGal

Glad this first part is over for you. Surgery is never much fun but how interesting that a robot was used! Great that there was VIP treatment for you .

Don't overdo things. Look after yourself x

Thank you for your message! And no worries, my feet are up and I take it easy. Do my little walks, drink my little tea...the gas pain is slowly improving.

The robot was an option the surgeon offered. He is well known to be talented and usually does most his surgeries for complex cancer related issues.

I actually picked him because he has more experience in difficult surgeries and since my case was complicated with all adhesion's all over my abdomen(for example my uterus was glued to my bladder) he wanted to use the robot because it gives him a 3D view, and more precision in the cutting, we knew from the beginning it was going to be long and tricky.
Plus when the robot is used it's supposed to be less painful for the patient, and give less bleeding and better recovery.

I didn't think about it for a long time because I did read several papers about " Da Vinci" and it seemed it was the best choice in my case. He actually didn't tell me I was "the first" to get that specific surgery with the robot ...
probably afraid I would say no if I knew!

But overall I'm so far really happy about my choice!

I'm also very happy this is over!! I only wished they could have done the stomach repair at the same time! and I did ask...but both surgeons said it was too risky because one surgery was already 3 hours and combining both would be too long and would put too much stress on my body....argh! I will have to "rejump" the same hoops in about two months...

Glad this first part is over for you. Surgery is never much fun but how interesting that a robot was used! Great that there was VIP treatment for you .

Don't overdo things. Look after yourself x

Originally Posted by AnnieG

Bless your heart! Lots of positive thoughts and prayers for accurate diagnosis and expedient scheduling of treatments. And peace for your husband's state of mind.

So glad you have a good work situation; and insurance.

Thank you Annie for your support!

I know I'm lucky with work and (national) insurance. I do pay extra for a premium and it has been useful because, even if I have been waiting for months to have surgery, it could have been much worth.

One of the test I couldn't have during my one week in hospital was schedule for April, I just went private, my private insurance did refund me most of it. I thought I had jump all the hoops...but no....more waiting!!

Anyway, getting ready for my day at the hospital...I'll keep you posted!

Bless your heart! Lots of positive thoughts and prayers for accurate diagnosis and expedient scheduling of treatments. And peace for your husband's state of mind.

So glad you have a good work situation; and insurance.

Yes..."going nowhere" is exactly describing the situation.

I saw the surgeon in December, from what he said at that time surgery would be in January, after all the tests. But in between, a surgeon left at the (public=not well organized) hospital, so now my surgeon has to take most his patients, and his agenda is now completely overbooked.

At some point, I was so desperate I was considering going back to Taiwan to have my surgeon there do the surgery, but it would be really complicated since the technical difficulties post-sleeve make impossible most repairs (he would only be able to do a bypass) plus the financial impact would be too big (I just paid the kids tuitions, one in private school in France, the other one overseas at uni) not the right year for that kind of spending.

The past weeks have been hard, but at least my asthma seems to get better those past days.
We just take it one day at a time.
My husband is the one who's the most stressed by the situation, the kids seem ok, I'm always communicating with them, the youngest had questions at some point, she was worried when she saw me having so many asthma attacks which is very unusual, but she got her answers and was fine.

For work, I was lucky I changed Department in September, and even more lucky, the person I was supposed to replace has not left yet since HR messed up her assignment, she will only be gone in July.
So I asked my boss to give me different projects in the mean time. The dealines are still very far away, but I know that a few people needed my expertise those past weeks, so some of the files are just stopped for the moment. Lucky again, there is nothing urgent, just work piling up.

Thank you for your good wishes!! very badly needed!! my health issues had so many consequences....I just hope this week we'll be able to plan the surgery date and be over with it. My pneumologist thinks surgery should be ok now...
Tomorrow I see a professor, I know he met several specialists last week to debate my case, we'll see what the result is..

I missed this blog, sorry!
But OMG, this seems to be going nowhere any time soon.
I would think they want you on that operating table as quickly as possible, but that does not seem to be the case... especially when you have "not the best kind of hernia"...

I think you are one very strong woman!
This must be so hard for you.
How are you holding up and how is your family doing?
They must be so concerned and miss you...

You will go back to work in due time, but be careful and don't to go too early.
Your employer will have to deal with you being absent, but you are wright, that is not always the case, you are really fortunate.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you and hope you get a date finally and very soon!
It is time for you to get better and feel well and energetic.
Not for your work, but for yourself and your family.
Hang in there honey, I know you do that already, just keep doing it!

Originally Posted by Katrina

I never did lose the weight I gained from steroids. I went from 102 to 115 in three months, and have never been able to get below 112 since. They didn't help me either, so boo to steroids for me. But you, Sandra, take them if they're helping your lungs. You need those lungs! Get better!

It did help my lungs, but gaining that much is not helping my joints. My knees are not doing good..

So far I never gained that much since the sleeve, so it's hard to know what will happen and how long it will take to go away.
I had to take cortisone during one or two weeks so far since the sleeve (May 2016 and January 2018) but I was eating a little less at that time, plus the treatment was short.

Before the sleeve I had strong and long treatment, gained even more....took me months to lose it. I'm hoping, since I still have restriction, that it will be easier to lose. We'll see how it goes...

Originally Posted by AnnieG

Steroids are good drugs for short term, but I think everyone's gain and loss with them is different. For me its in the face, feet and fingers. I was on 10 days, and was up about 5-7 lbs. After being off 2 weeks, back to normal.

For asthma a treatment can be long. My face is puffy for sure. But I gained everywhere since August. I was on and off cortisone since October, but my treatment has been heavy for one month non stop now.

When asthma is out of control there's not many solutions unfortunately...

In 2016 I had a one week treatment, gained like 7 or 8 pounds, lost it in like 3 weeks. But I was just 6 months post-op and eating nothing.
Now I eat more in quantity, but also the treatment is long, first time it has ever been that long actually.
I hope it will go away in 2 or 3 months, will watch my carb intake to help!

I never did lose the weight I gained from steroids. I went from 102 to 115 in three months, and have never been able to get below 112 since. They didn't help me either, so boo to steroids for me. But you, Sandra, take them if they're helping your lungs. You need those lungs! Get better!

Steroids are good drugs for short term, but I think everyone's gain and loss with them is different. For me its in the face, feet and fingers. I was on 10 days, and was up about 5-7 lbs. After being off 2 weeks, back to normal.

Get well Sandra, get strong and then you'll be able to attack the weight issue. You're a strong person, you can do it!!

Originally Posted by AnnieG

I have Lynch Syndrome -- and celiac disease. But other than the things that would kill me (lol), I think moderation in everything except simple sugars is good. Those I avoid.

I hope you feel better! Food is indeed medicine!

I've been focusing on my diet for over 20 years, the main goal was to avoid "obesity contagion". I did get lucky on that part since none of my kid got obese when living at home and the youngest who's showing signs she has my "bad genes" (she did gained weight with medication at 8 years old, like me) has been healthy so far. She does eat lots of veggies, and does complain about it, like all kids.

My older kid gained a lot in college, and kept the weight with bad new habits she got away from home, her partner is a chef and they eat only carbs and cheese. No surprise here they are getting bigger and bigger each year..and sicker.....it's painful to watch.

But anyway, I'm lucky I don't have celiac, but have many food allergies/intolerance. AND at the same time I have to monitor my iron intake (in food) since supplements alone don't help enough.

What's weird is that with the sleeve, a few things changed in a good way, for example I've been able to eat raw tomatoes post-sleeve, it's not making me sick any more. Well...was not...with all that cortisone I have to be careful right now with veggies because I did have some major issues those past weeks.

Eating became so complicated with the medication messing up my guts! I was hoping the new "plan" would help, but it seems it's getting everything worth...

Originally Posted by Christie13

I can tell you the diary would be the hardest part for me as well. I have milk every day and cheese almost every day. But my day starts with a big cappuccino. I could do the rest but milk and cheese....gah. Too hard. BUT...when it is something that can help your health it would be worth the sacrifice. Good luck.

So far it's been almost impossible to follow those new recommendations 100%!! it goes against my palate by also my IBS had been back with all those medications and there's so many things I can't eat right now that adding that new diet and follow it would let me with nothing to eat...I did try...but raw veggies got my IBS a quick, I switched for steamed...same thing. I mix it with rice...hum...I did decrease gluten a lot...at least that's something..

Originally Posted by AnnieG

Prayers for a complete resolution of all you health issues, and a healthy and memorable new year. You've been through quite enough!

Thank you for your kindness Annie!!

Originally Posted by DutchSleeve

So, here's a project for 2019: first get your health back.

Thank you for your support Simonne!!Health is my first priority for sure!!

I'm really having big hopes in my new medical team and can't wait to be done with my full week at the hospital. I know it's not going to be fun but it's much needed, and they might be able to help on many fronts, I'm interested by finding a solution for those mega huge deficiencies that nothing bit. EVER!!

One of the doctor who called me to prepare my stay is a nutritionist but also specialize in hormones. She said they will focus part of the tests on those issues because it does impact my health a lot.
My ferritin level dropped 20 points again between Nov and Dec. Of course I know why but with all the supplements I take plus my special diet (blood sausage, lentils, etc etc.. each week) it should not be.

Anyway : thanks for your message Simonne!! I will keep you posted!