October 5, 2019

Some talk about WLS led me to write this short post.

I had the Bilio-Pancreatic Diversion with duodenal switch. My stomach was made to the size of 6 oz not a pouch. My common channel is at present 100 cm. More on that later.
I had surgery in 2005 and have been maintaining a healthy weight of 135 for almost 14 years. This last year however I dropped a lot of weight partially due to a massive bowel obstruction which had nothing to do with my surgery and most likely everything to do with prescription Opiods. Namely Oxycodone and Fentanyl patches for Fibro and RA.

My weight dropped to 99 lbs and I was very ill. I got sepsis due to an infected medi-port that we were administering TPN through and quickly found out I was allergic to Bactrim. I almost died the allergy was that severe.

I've not been able to regain a whole lot of weight and I'm having surgery on the 9th of October to revise the length of my common channel to 200 cm. This will allow for more absorption but little weight gain.

I would have this surgery again. It was a life saver in that I went from 302lbs to the 135lbs in a very short time.

I would NOT recommend the surgery to anyone but would speak of my experiences. Recommendation must come from qualified professionals.

Do your research folks. KNOW what you're getting into. Choose your surgeon wisely. Accept ONLY the best. You only get one life and surgery may be the ONLY way to live that life longer.

I have Lupus, Fibro, Chronic Fatigue, RA and ITP ... so that all had to be factored into my decision and my recovery.

aA
kesha

October 5, 2019

Some info about 'me'

I had the Bilio-Pancreatic Diversion with duodenal switch. My stomach was made to the size of 6 oz not a pouch. My common channel is at present 100 cm. More on that later.
I had surgery in 2005 and have been maintaining a healthy weight of 135 for almost 14 years. This last year however I dropped a lot of weight partially due to a massive bowel obstruction which had nothing to do with my surgery and most likely everything to do with prescription Opiods. Namely Oxycodone and Fentanyl patches for Fibro and RA.

My weight dropped to 99 lbs and I was very ill. I got sepsis due to an infected medi-port that we were administering TPN through and quickly found out I was allergic to Bactrim. I almost died the allergy was that severe.

I've not been able to regain a whole lot of weight and I'm having surgery on the 9th of October to revise the length of my common channel to 200 cm. This will allow for more absorption but little weight gain.

I would have this surgery again. It was a life saver in that I went from 302lbs to the 135lbs in a very short time.

I would NOT recommend the surgery to anyone but would speak of my experiences. Recommendation must come from qualified professionals.

Do your research folks. KNOW what you're getting into. Choose your surgeon wisely. Accept ONLY the best. You only get one life and surgery may be the ONLY way to live that life longer.

I have Lupus, Fibro, Chronic Fatigue, RA and ITP ... so that all had to be factored into my decision and my recovery.

aA
kesha

July 19, 2016

Thanks, I did a very little bit of research and found this interesting.

http://supplement-geek.com/thrive-w-review/

Thrive W: Detailed Review of Ingredients
By Joe Cannon

Thrive W (also called “Thrive For Women”) is a supplement touted to have multiple benefits ranging from weight loss to supporting muscle growth. Judging from all the emails I’ve been getting lately, Le-Vel supplements have been generating a lot of interest on the internet. This review will be specifically about “Thrive W” (not to be confused with Thrive M, which is marketed to men). My goal in this review is to try to find out if it really works and if it does, try to figure out which ingredients might be responsible for its effects. I’ll also look at the company too. Let’s see what we can discover. Also see my review of Thrive Premium Lifestyle Mix and the Thrive Patch.

March 31, 2016

I'm not alone in my thoughts. I'm #5

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Defending right wing Republican attacks against Democrats.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Thu Mar 31, 2016, 03:59 PM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: It would have been nice if Democrats had done their duty and investigated the Bush administration. You know, like we did Watergate.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: She's defending the system, not attacks.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: This seems to be a factual description of what is awaiting Hillary Clinton in the very near future. Plus, this DUer has long been a member of this forum, and not someone who would defend "right wing Republican attacks."
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I don't see this as an attack. The piece is truthful, not hateful and has only facts. Leave it be. Stop putting candidates on pedestals regardless of what party they represent.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Since when do we alert on truth?
Juror #7 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Glad to hide this. And really, not the first tie I've wondered about this poster in a long time, even before primaries. I don't think it bothered her one bit to repeat right wing lies.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

December 24, 2015

I want you all to know

that even although we have never met, never spoken or exchanged more than just our heartfelt emotion here on DU that my wish for each of you is peace and love this holiday season.

May you find comfort in the memories of your cherished family and friends no longer with you.

May you find strength in the love of those who surround you day to day.

Please know that you are always wished only the best of love and comfort at all times.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or just simply best wishes today and forever.

Happy New Year.

kesha

May 23, 2015

Memorial Day can be a tough one. One that triggers such grief and pain for a lot of people.

Be gentle with one another and take the time to listen.

Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give someone. Don't be afraid to say the name of the deceased. Acknowledge their presence in the lives of so many when they were physically here.

Above all, take a moment to think of our fellow members who walk this path with us. It ain't easy . . .


aA
kesha.

February 10, 2015

Being divorced and having moved so far away from family and friends I find

myself in this predicament far too often.

Another (former)relative has passed away. My 1st husband's Uncle. He was such a wonderful hard working family loving man.
A pig farmer, father of 3 strapping young men, devoted and loyal husband, terrific friend and Uncle to all he knew.
Frank understood me. He listened to me when I needed an ear not a judge. He loved me unconditionally and accepted me into the huge family that was my husband's.

All that changes somewhat when divorce happens. I no longer am a part of that loving family. Some were so judgemental (bible thumpin' christians). Some just totally disowned me for divorcing.

Uncle Frank I will miss you always. You loved me, you listened, you laughed and I know I saw a tear once in a while. You were a great Father to your sons and a most wonderful Husband to your wife of nearly 60 years.
I am thankful that you didn't suffer a long and painful passing.
I wish I could attend your funeral because I would be there.
I'll mourn in my own way and celebrate the man I knew in my heart to be one of the best ever put on this earth.
I'm too ill to drive anywhere and it's a 6.5 hour drive. My driving privileges have been restricted temporarily due to illness and honestly I just couldn't do it.
I'll send a card with a note, make a donation to a charity of the family's choosing.

Rest in sweet peace dear Uncle Frank.
Thank you for saving my life more than once. I have the strength to go on when I remember your words to me in my times of distress.

I am going to miss you. It's different now. Before, I knew you were there even if you were far away, now I know you're gone. My world is different.

Y'think maybe he and my former father-in-law might be fishing in that big stream and catching some really big ones? I'd like to think so.

Back to bed I go .. perchance to dream of a Man I was so blessed to love and be loved by.


good night friends.

aA
kesha

December 25, 2014

And so this is Christmas -

First of all I really need to apologize to each and all of you for my absence from the group. I have been very ill these last few months and between hospital stays, Dr visits and home nursing care I've just not had a lot of energy to post.
I have been reading the group though and I want you all to know that there isn't a day goes by that I don't think of you all and pray for peace for all of us.
Christmas can be so hard, can't it?
My sincere wish is that today, as all days you take a few moments to reflect on all that is good in your lives, the memories, the joyous times you had with loved ones gone.
Let the joy and the grief soothe your soul. Reach out if the pain is unbearable. Reach out if the joy overflows and you have some to spare.

Thank you all for looking after each other this past year. Welcome to the newest of us here.
You've found a place with people who have traveled a similar path, a group no one really wants to join. But, here we are.
Merry Christmas friends.
All my love to each of you.

aA
kesha.

November 22, 2014

I will vote in the next election now that it's legal ! ! !

Yesterday, November 21st, I was sworn in as an American Citizen!!!!!


yay me.

Another 'thing' to thank Canada for eh?

Just thought you'd like to know.

I've been quite ill lately and hopefully on a learning road to recovery but this was one thing I wasn't going to postpone.

aA
kesha

March 27, 2014

So, you say I took the easy way out. A surgeon's perspective on Bariatric Surgery.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/surgery-is-not-the-easy-way-out-a-bariatric-surgeons-perspective

Let's discuss ...

Obesity has genetic components, well documented in the medical literature. There are socio-economic factors involved. Many of our patients have an abuse history, and sub-consciously shroud themselves from unwanted physical attention through their weight; hence, obesity has a psychological component. There are numerous metabolic issues at play, such as diabetes, hypo-thyroid issues, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, and leptin insensitivity.

Now consider the thought process involved in undergoing surgery. Patients need to admit to themselves and their families that they have a disease that is so profound that they need to see a doctor to treat it. Then they have to see a mental health provider, to evaluate them for untreated mental illness and coping skills. Next they have to see a dietitian, and may need to undergo 6 months of medically supervised weight loss, depending on their insurance. Then they have to have a major surgical procedure. Granted, it’s typically performed laparoscopically, but they still need to undergo general anesthesia, and have someone operate on them in order to help fight this disease. They may incur significant expense, loss of time from work, and/or time away from school. Finally, they have to take vitamins for the rest of their lives, and they have to follow up with a mean surgeon (me) forever!

Does that sound like the easy way out? How do I explain to a woman at a party that, without surgical intervention, only 30% of my patients would live to see their 65th birthday? How do I explain the humiliation involved in asking for a seat belt extender on an airplane? To not be able to go to a movie, or an amusement park. To have to have a family member do your toilet care because you simply cannot reach? To not be able to run after your child when he or she is in danger? To have people judge you as lazy and slovenly before even shaking your hand? To be discriminated against when applying for a job, just because of the way you look?

Obese people are the last population that folks think of as socially acceptable to ridicule. Yet, over 30% of Americans are considered overweight. While I’m thrilled that the AMA has declared obesity a disease, how long until the rest of society recognizes that ruling and stops discriminating?