My Journey will never end

Tuesday, August 18, 2015
We may want a journey to end to come home or to explore. A new place is a highlight for me. Yet, I title this entry; My Journey will never end. I do come home. I do see many people in many places. I explore and learn all about this journey I am on to conquer obesity.

Last week, I flew to San Antonio to the Obesity Action Coalition's #YWM2015 Convention held at the Marriott Rivercenter. Next year, it will be just a few miles outside of DC. I want to post this before I get too far into the post and forget.

I love that the weight loss community has expanded to include those who are seeking information, those who have had the various bariatric surgeries and those who are losing significant amounts of weight through diet and exercise regimes.

We must support all who are in this journey at each step. As a post op, I still struggle with my weight. I have lost all of my excess weight. Yes, it is gone but my brain or my mind chooses to make bad choices. I struggle in those choices in a self sabotaging way. I have had to talk myself down from the ledge. I have had to walk the perimeter of the grocery aisles and not look in those aisles that I am passing.

So my joy in the journey is when I get to meet those people who are struggling as I am and learn techniques through conventions and conferences where some experts help us see how we can bypass those choices. How we can select that which is good that which we crave may be a need for a certain element not the direct need for chocolate!

Those of us who gained weight later in life with medical conditions or medications that lead to weight gain as well as stress or through injury are in the same boat as those who started out as an overweight child and struggled all through life. Those who have had injuries or physical challenges to exercise can find exercises to match our needs. There are now new medications that can curb weight gain that have been approved by the FDA.

Because obesity is a disease you will be able to take these medications even post op if you are suffering with weight regain. Thankfully, there are senators and congress persons who are signed on to a bill in both the Senate and Congress to allow us to see nutritionists, dietitians and nurses or nursing assistants who can help us with our weight loss goals. I know that if you tell your story and urge your senators and congress person to sign on to TROA2015 we will have more than a few minutes with our PCP to discuss our weight.
I want to recap this year as far as my journey goes, I have seen my bariatric surgeon where I learned that I exceed the norm. I went from losing 78% of my excess weight by 6 1/2 years to losing 100% of my excess weigh by 7 1/2 years post op.

To further recap the year, I want to describe the fun I had on various vacations. I traveled to San Diego for the WLSFA.org meet and greet. Some went on to cruise but I chose to go on home. I think the highlight of this conference was speaking with Carnie Wilson again. She has struggled with her weight loss and overcome the lack of satiety.

I was also able to sneak a weekend in down in Atlantic City. I drove there in my brand new car and back with just dead bugs as a consequence which are now washed off. Well, a little more than that I have ongoing issues with my knees and my left knee reminded me that dancing following an extended ride in the car means that I was still hurting despite Tylenol and sleep. I think that I found the hotel we should stay in next year, The Chelsea is right on the Boardwalk and elegant in all aspects.

Our family vacation down on Cape Cod was a wonderful respite for my husband and I. Thoughtfully, my daughter and her boyfriend provided the food. He can grill and make the chicken so juicy.
Next month, I travel to many cities in Central Europe. I would list them but you would be jealous. I will exceed my steps that I did down on the Riverwalk. I feel like packing now. We will be staying in apartments that have washers so I am sure I can pack a lot less for the trip from Sept 15 to Oct 5 than I did for the trip to San Antonio where we had to dress up and wear a costume.

I am excited to go with my traveling companion Caryl. We have been traveling on three trips put together by ourselves. Last October, we left London to go to Paris and Amsterdam. It was an eye opening experience in the Imperial War Museum and Anne Frank Home for us. A relaxing highlight was the cruise on the river in Amsterdam. Our trip this year will include a cruise on the Rhine River as a day trip from Bingen to whereever we want to take the train back to Dusseldorf. This part of the trip we will just have our overnight clothes in a back pack.

I always bring a protein powder that I mix to help me complete my protein intake that is necessary for the continued weight goal. If I feel the meal was not sufficient, I have a snack protein bar that I might take. My favorite protein powder is made by Jay Robb and is 100% Whey Isolate. I have tried many products along these years of my journey and still go with Jay Robb for the benefits I receive from drinking his protein drink.

I am 147 pounds. My original goal was 139 in a post that I put in at 174 pounds. I think that is not realistic for me. It would be a dream.

Yet, I am still traveling on this journey.

OAC YWM2015 Convention and Maintenance Regain Stress

I made a video in which I discuss that there is less than a month before I'll be packing to go to the OAC's convention in San Antonio. I see this as another opportunity to learn. I especially like the finding healthy along your weight loss journey session. 

I talk about how I used an industrial scale to weigh myself and mention that I took all weight articles off like my coat and shoes. In the video, I didn't mention that at any time someone could have witnessed my weight so that I was very cautious. The scale was two sided with an office on one side where people would work. Also, there were multiple entry points on the dock where I would be seen. 

I mentioned that I start my day with a Jay Robb Protein drink. I made mine with Lactaid Milk and blended it. On many occasions, I will add fruit, produce and chia seeds. I did not because I was making a video...no seeds in teeth! 

In my years before learning that I did not need to travel to have weight loss surgery, I had thought of plans to go to Atlanta to where my cousin had RNY surgery. My weight was going up as I stepped on that scale. I did not have a home scale. I would not be within the parameters of a home scale. At the doctor's office, the 250 block was always added plus more weight!

I began losing weight in February 2007 after seeing a digital photo of me sitting reading to pre school children in Marigot Dominica. I lost weight on the trip. I continue to lose weight on trips. 

My plan was hatched over the months following where I wrote everything down in a Little Black Book put out by dailyfooddiary.net that helped me tremendously. I would check calories for my food with the Calorie King calorieking.com book. I began to make more of my own meals and eat more meals at home. Lastly, I would drink a protein drink. 

I talk about stresses and regain during a time that many close family members were dying of cancer. I talk about how that manifest in weight gain and a superficial ulcer. I'm sure glad it wasn't a full blown ulcer because it was very painful. My water intake was increased and I was waking up at night more often to walk and burp and pee of course. The soothing effects of the water did nothing to alleviate the pain. I was going back to see my surgeon four months after my annual check up because I had regained. No scale at home at the time, but my clothes were fitting better and I was in smaller clothes! I love shopping in my own closet! 

I had to schedule another operation that was day surgery and found out the pain was from a superficial ulcer and had my opening widened to half an inch. I thought this would help me eat more. I still eat very little solid protein 

My daughter does 5ks and cross fit training with squats and deadlifts 215 pounds. My injury means that I cannot do repetitive motion and my knees means no running. I do walk and get as much time moving as possible. 

My original surgeon retired five years ago, I have the other senior surgeon in the office and have been very successful in my maintenance to the point of losing  more of my excess weight. At 6.5 years, I had lost 78% of my excess weight. At 7.5 years, I have lost 100% of my excess weight. 

No sitting back on my laurels.  I'm going to the Your Weight Matters #YWM2015 Convention August 13-16 would be a nice place for you to increase your learning about your weight loss. I hope to see you in San Antonio next month. 

Renewed Strength

As I ponder all that has been given me through this surgery, I am amazed at the vigor that I have. My surgery was January 3  2008, I was given a reconstructed stomach and a surgically place new beginning to my intestinal track. I had Roux en Y, or gastric bypass surgery to help me in the never ending struggle to lose weight. 

I have been successful and enjoy renewed strength and activities. Yesterday, I worked cleaning a backyard of leaves with our sole youth who was able to come to rake and our youth leader. It was a long and arduous task. It was a cold day and yet my heat energy from working very steadily kept me warm.  

I go for my eighth trip to Dominica on Saturday morning with two other women and five men to work on the community building and cement our relationship with the two faith communities in the two towns that we have worked with since Hurricane David shortly after their country gained Independence 35 years ago. 

To all who are contemplating surgery, I hope you have a renewed strength and vigor. I wish you many blessings as I have been blessed. 

What would you do now that you have not been able to do? Where would you put your energy? 

Grace Emerges: Faith. Hope. Love.

Grace Emerges: Faith. Hope. Love.: by Brad Duncan According to the apostle Paul in I Corinthians 13, in the spiritual life of following Christ, three qualities rise above a...

I am going on faith that all will work out with my daughters as they strive to live in unconditional love.

Please pray for families who are going through tough times whether family strife, illness or addictions.

Lean on God who can accomplish all that he promises.

"You are Bound and Determined not to get Fat Again"

Last night was our kick off event for our circle at church. We are a welcoming group of women who do verious things in and around our communities. Some are for fellowship and some are for outreach and service. We had a chance to meet some new women who wanted to join.

I sat down at the table with two new friends and three friends that I have known for almost 40 years. As I put my plate down with a very small salad and a partial cup of fish soup, my friend spoke out about the scant offerings. I looked across the table to one new friend and said I weighed over 360 pounds at one time. No one really knew how big I was because they thought I was in the 200s. The cat was out of the bag! Basically, this did not become a topic of conversation, I would have told of my struggles and possibly much more. I say my new friend but once hearing her name, I recalled how my daughter went to a prom with her son more than 20 years ago. We had spoken about this in our church hall after her and her husband became members. The other woman and I have had some small chats but only to learn that she had been in the area for a year following the sudden death of her husband. Her daughter and family live near.

I have been eating out with several friends for more than a year after church. Some of them have lost their husbands through death and divorce. It is just a nice way to keep connected with women that I have known for 40 years. We have tried breakfast restaurants as well as simple places. We seem to like Panera's which opend a new restaurant close to church. It is where there is a choice of salad or soup.

Yet since the church school year started up again and our youth group meetings begin at 12, I had not been able to attend these social events. I wanted to tell you this because the woman who made the statement always attends these lunches. We even have called ourselves the SUMC Lunch Bunch. It has included men at times who find themselves in need of sustanence.

My dear friend is very outspoken. In fact, I never know what she will say next. She has caught me off guard many times. She lead Weigh Down Workshop Program with her husband which I attended and did very well following the program. I was amazed at her remarks. She had us all go up front of our congregation and talked about how we had spent 12 weeks on this Biblically based weight loss program. I did not know that she would say that I had lost 55 pounds with this program.

So, you see that I have come a long way since that time. I let it run to its conclusion. I made a statement to clarify why I was eating such a small portion.

Is it one thing to tell to the larger community what your issues are with weight and eating? Is it easier to discuss it with a small group?

In this social setting the conversation did not go further. At times, people have said that they have lost weight and need some advice. Mostly, I feel like the food police have gone on to other people. In fact, other than asking me if I was going to take leftovers home. It usually is not a point of conversation as to what I eat.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

My weekend was very full with my youngest grandchildren visiting overnight. I have been mentoring with our youth group since last year. It was something that called to me again.
My love of children has lead me to teach Sunday School, work on Education Commission in my church, be Sunday School Superintendent, teach Vacation Bible School, work at a Christian Camp while on vacation from my job, work with youth while my older daughters were toddlers, work with youth when my youngest daughter was in youth group, do family daycare, become a foster parent as well as Advent Workshop crafts for all generations for many years. I have worked with children most of my life. My being the oldest in our family perhaps has been the source of this talent working with children.

What is your birth order? How do you relate to children and youth?

Apple picking is a highlight every fall. It is wonderful that we can get out in the sunshine. There have been years that it has been a chilly day. There are many apple orchards close to our home. It is become a big business to offer picking. We arrived just past noon and had little lines ahead of us. As we left, there were many many cars filling the parking lots. It is a great activity for young and old. I heard and saw many interactions with families and friends.

I am looking forward to more fun fall events. Perhaps a hike is in the offering in the future. I know that on Saturday our youth group will be going into the Museum of Science to view the Dead Sea Scrolls. It will be an awesome exhibit to view. I do not expect to be allowed to photo the exhibit.

My Abusive Parents, My Fears, My Insomnia and My Obesity

Please read this article from Slate Magazine. What Do Grown Children Owe Their Terrible, Abusive Parents? http://www.slate.com/articles/life/family/2013/02/abusive_parents_what_do_grown_children_owe_the_mothers_and_fathers_who_made.html?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=button_chunky via @slate

My parents have died. My dad died suddenly when he was 49 back in 1975. That there was no way to confront him as I needed to is not lost on me. I was pregnant with my second baby. He was the father of a little girl from his second marriage.

My mother had a lingering cancer and passed last year. My uncle had challenged all the family members to "step up and help" my mother. It was abrupt and came out of nowhere as far as I was concerned. I learned something from my aunt and later my cousin that I did not know. I have a Youtube channel, AwesomeForever where I show how my mom's apartment was when I went down to Macon GA where she lived next door to my aunt. It was my aunt's building and mom had lived there for many years. My mom was sick and in the hospital. My aunt and uncle must have had a serious discussion about how would my mom live in the apartment when released from the hospital. My aunt was sick with cancer again. She knew that she was not strong enough to care for my mom. I spent a good two hours talking to my aunt. I learned that my mom was a hoarder. Her apartment was covered with so much stuff that she would come out and meet my aunt instead of letting my aunt come up and see the apartment in it's disgraceful state.

Why did this happen? How was it that we were not told sooner? I was used to my mother's rationalizations. I could not sway her to do something that she did not want to do. She had often been sick and would not follow up with a doctor's visit until she was so sick she ended up being hospitalized. We had lost touch over the Internet when all the stuff encompassed the space where she would have sat down to the computer. It was hard to talk with mom because she had needed hearing aids for years and would not get them. She had barely any space to get around. Mom needed to see the phone light to know it was ringing.

I think my aunt believed my mom when she said she would sell some of her nice things. She would help pay her back for the car and all the utilities that my aunt had paid for mom over the years. My aunt was still working at the school where she had been a kindergarten teacher as a tutor and aid in the office. It was not a lot of money. She sacrificed to provide for my mom.






I am really not sure why I bring this up now. It is late on a Sunday so I am reflecting on what was said to me last week. We were talking of what we did back in the summer of 1963. One of the members of our Bible Study group was going to Washington DC for the March on Washington 50. I knew that I was too young to go to DC in 1963. I was too young. I knew that I had a lot of heartache that year. I spoke of my mother leaving home ten days before I turned sixteen. How I had to cook and carry on helping my six siblings. How my parents had constantly argued. How a discussion about what went on in DC on the national level sparked the reminder of the pain of that summer is beyond me. Did you forgive them, I was asked?

How can I answer this question quickly as I am more prone to long answers as I speak I hear what I say. I add to what I say as I remember. Let's just say that there are many memories of abuse from lack of care to out and out abuse. We were stood in a line and asked to admit to some misdemeanor. I remember feeling that I had no answer that would suffice to give my father. Who had done what he viewed as wrong? I am empathetic person and would suffer for my sister or brothers in the punishment that would be handed out. Did you ever stand in the corner? We had to stand in the corner with a leg up! Oh, I often had more punishments added to the original one. I fell asleep standing up. When we moved to Sudbury, we had arrived in the winter, one punishment was walking around the house in the winter until we could come back in.

Really trying to remember other punishments beyond being pushed into the ladder for the bunk bed marked by a dent on my eyebrow line or pushed down the cellar stairs. We knew the fear of getting up at night when there were angry confrontations in the hallway.

How did I develop a fear of heights, I remember asking my mother? I asked her many times about the time I was carried down the sidewalk to a waiting ambulance. She said it did not happen. This nightmare persisted for many years beyond the time of her leaving all of us. Why is it that I have insomnia? I could be awakened by my parents arguments.

Yes, I have been away from that situation for many years. I felt that the early years were gone. I was over the abuse of my childhood. How then did I become obese? How did the eating get out of hand? Was it part of my makeup to turn to food? Our childhood was not marked with abundance of food. It was a lack of care.

Posting My ObesityHelp My Journey Answers

I wrote the statements below to help me remember how I felt leading up to gastric bypass surgery. It was not an easy task answering the questions posed on the ObesityHelp website. You have to look deeply into your being to answer some of the questions. Of course, you are putting yourself out there for others to read. Is it important to you to help others? I think it is in our nature. It also helps us to clarify where you were and how you were feeling prior to surgery and through it. Weight loss surgery reconstructs your stomach. You have to continue to do the work that was started by the operation. It is a lifelong task.

I went to the Obesity Help conference in Chicago a year after my surgery. I know I was thinking that I had to stay connected to people who had had surgery. In seeing people who have had surgery face to face and sharing we learn so much. The meet and greets around the country that I have attended have been filled with fun, adventure and learning. I appreciate that I found a support system in the weight loss community online on YouTube and Facebook as well as Sparkpeople, BariatricTV, Thinnertimes as well as some other websites that are escaping my memory right now. In Phoenix, at the Obesity Action Coalition Convention, one woman told me that she found inspiration from my Sparkpeople interaction with her years ago. I am going to another ObesityHelp Conference October 4-5 2013 in Anaheim CA.


Obesity & Me



Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I felt that my excess weight would always be a part of me. I struggled to keep a happy face when I heard comments from strangers and friends about my excess weight. I would promise myself each day to lose weight. Yet, sometimes at night the promise forgotten I would search for that roll of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies to eat one or two which would morph into eating every single one. I would try to stop myself by freezing the cookies. It did not help. When I found a new diet I relished in the weight loss only to rebound when the spark of newness wore off. I spent hours pouring over weight loss magazines or cook books just to lose interest in cooking. I would cook and freeze recipes. They would be there in my freezer waiting to eat. Yet, I chose the easy way out many times by going out to supper as it was late, I was tired from a long day, it was on the way home, no mess at the end of the meal at home...each and every excuse you could come up with spurred me on to eating out. I had to stop this yo yo dieting, I knew. I started tracking each food item that I ate. I bought a calorie count book that even had the common restaurant food items listed. I put everything down. I even tracked my water intake. What more did I have to do? I spoke with a nutritionist and made several appointments. She would ask me what I was doing? She would suggest options. I felt that it was good to see her, and be weighed in. It was more accountable than some other plans because this went on a permanent record.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
It was affecting my health and well being to be overweight. My blood pressure rose. At first, I had been proud of my low blood pressure. I thought it was good. I thought it was only high when I was sick.I was wrong. Yet, it cause me some health issues and left permanent problems with my legs.My legs are discolored where the blood pooled beneath the skin and could not rise back to my heart. I was prediabetic and feeling the bad affects. It was the constant forgetting of things that I should know that made me realize I had a sugar high that I needed to come down from to help me be connected to the world. I had sleep apnea that was on the bi-pap level of 17 intake and 11 out. I was lowered to 6 on the c-pap. I think the sleep apnea is part of our family genetics as I can tell you stories of great grandmother not sleeping well, mom would be up at all hours like me, and my sister who is on a c-pap.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
Fit places, and not worry about breaking a chair! I did that at a friend's home once.

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?
My sister had the surgery five years ago in November. My sister has done well. Next, my cousin had the surgery four years ago in January. I was wondering if I could lose weight and sustain the loss if I chose the surgery. I wanted it to work. I kept reading about the surgery in the newspapers all I saw were negative comments. I followed along with that consensus thinking that it may not be right for me. Yet, I still wanted to know where I could have it done. I wondered if I should ask my doctor, and what her reaction would be. It had not been suggested as an option. I went from weight in the 200s to weight in the 300s. I needed to lose more than two hundred pounds at my highest weight. Could I find a way out of the ever increasing weight gain? Would it help me? Would I be a good statistic or would I die from the procedure? I needed to do a lot of research.
Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?
I had been going to the doctor for weight problems for quite a few years. I had it documented that I had tried different methods. I had been exercising and not losing. I feel that the insurance approval following the consultation with my surgeon was quick. He had a form that we filled out that had us list our attempts and regains. When I went for the consultation, I met with a psychologist, dietitian, and nurse all on the same day. I found that very convenient. I had been losing weight and had my weight chart from the Primary Care Physician with me to add to my file. It showed the dips and the mountains... I think the documentation is the most important step for the insurance company. Try to get this information down on paper so that you will not forget it.
What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?
By the time, I saw the surgeon I had researched the operation I wanted on ObesityHelp.com I had seen many YouTube videos posted by people who had RNY surgery, I had even seen a video of an actual operation, and had read books on the subject. I felt I was well prepared. That is the important part that I want you to know. Just going in with your excess weight will not be enough. It helps to be prepared. It helps to know what the procedure will be and to have questions written down ahead of time. It helps to know what your co-morbidities are and ask how the surgery will change them. It is helpful to bring questions. It will be an emotional time when you make the decision to have RY surgery. Let the feeling wash over you and live in the knowledge that you will succeed. It will be possible to be a healthier weight. It will subtract from your real age...so that you are younger than your age. Yes, you will succeed. Blessings to you as you chose weight loss surgery.
What made you finally decide to have the surgery?
I had felt that I was doing well losing weight but did not want to rebound. I came to the decision after many years of excess weight. I went places but could not keep up with the other because my knees were hurting so much. I remember thinking if only I could stop and sit down. I went on a trip to England. We walked all over but I kept being the slow one. Three years later, we went to Scotland. It was suggested that I cross a bridge and wait for the others to go the long way around where we would meet up again. I wanted to be part of the group that went around. I always felt a pressing need to use the toilet because my bladder was compromised by the excess weight. My friends waited for me at intersections yet when I arrived off we would go crossing the street. I had to take a cab back after supper. So, though, I wanted to be part of the group and to chose another activity I would go back to the room to read. It was a sobering thought that I could not keep up with some who were twenty years older than me.
How did you decide which proceedure to have?
I had decided that RNY was the best type of surgery as I felt that I had the disease of eating too much. I wanted it permanently corrected. I felt that I would be best served with the method I chose. I knew the surgeon had an excellent reputation, and felt confident in his abilities. I knew the hospital was excellent. They had learned that the hospital had over-sized beds for the weight I carried on my body. I knew that the nursing staff was great.
What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?
I had fears that were alleviated with my research. I know my family had fears. Yet, I explained that it was a necessary surgery as I would surely die sooner if I did not have the surgery. I knew that dying was always an option but felt that the surgeon and the support staff who had me in their hands were excellent. Fears are part of our make up as humans. It is not easy to dispel fears. I have a fear of heights and an open stairway frightens me initially. Yet, I take the stairs as it leads me to where I need to go. Take the stairs. Lead yourself to better health.
How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?
Many people who knew of my struggle to lose weight cheered me on as the weight dropped in my year before the surgery. Many of these same people asked me why since I was successful would I chose surgery. I had people asking me the day before the surgery if I was still going through with it. At that point, I felt calm and at peace with my decision. I said that the surgery would lead me to a healthy weight. It would continue the work that God was already doing in me. I have the best friends who comment on how well I look. I am listened to as I tell my tale of losing weight. In most cases, the joy I see on my friends face reflect their love of me. I can communicate with those who give the comments that they would not take this step. I can say, it was right for me. I know that my healthy approach to eating now is seen by many. I feel bolder now that I am smaller. Is that a contradiction. Life is good.
How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?
I did not tell the boss why I had the surgery. I just had to put in the necessary paperwork for the weeks I chose to recuperate. I took off seven weeks. I was going to take off just six weeks. I had my surgery in the winter. I was glad not to have to go out in the ice, and snow. I thought that was a great time to recuperate. I chose Walk Away the Pounds that was free on my cable channel because I could not walk outside. I took an extra week off because it was school vacation week for my grandchildren. I wanted to be part of the joy of that week. I could keep up with them better.
What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?
My stay was longer than some. I was there from early in the morning on Thursday until Sunday afternoon. I had a bad reaction to the protein drink. I also had some blood pressure issues, and a slight fever on Friday. I was initially placed in a semi private room. The other patient had emotional issues, and was constantly having the doctor and nurses come into the room. I already had sleep issues, and told the nurse on duty that I felt I needed something not for pain but to sleep. Well, she found an empty private room that she made ready for me. I went to that room at midnight. Everything was transferred from the phone system so that I would get my calls from friends. I was all set to get sleep at midnight. It was a tough situation. I was so pleased for the outcome. You are constantly monitored for well being check ups. It is only small naps that you will get. I brought a nightgown, robe, and slippers for my walks in the corridor. I did not want to expose myself to drafts. I did have the IV trolley to contend with and the catheter bag to carry along as I strolled. I had several magazines and a book that I was well into to read. I was tired and could not break into a new book in that setting. I brought a note book and pen. I did not bring my own pillow but do recommend that you have one to hug for the ride home. Your abdomen muscles will notice all the potholes and rough spots on the ride. I brought my own shampoo and facial cleanser. I found that I could only have sponge baths in the hospital. I was glad I brought my sense of dignity. You have so many who see the underside of your clothing! I did not have a size larger pair of pants to wear home. My pants were stretchy but were still too tight with the water gain from the IV fluids.
Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?
I had no pain from the surgery. I had started to walk the evening of the surgery. I would have been walking sooner yet the other patient was using up my nurses time. I was able to get moving with the help of a nursing assistant once I made my wishes known. I already stated that I did have an initial intolerance to the protein drink, high blood pressure, and stayed an extra day. I had a huge gas bubble that passed through my system while I had company. It did not cause me embarrassment though. I also had a bout with diarrhea that I was unable to get to the toilet in time. It was embarrassing to say the least. It was treated with dignity by the personal assistant.
In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?
I wished that I had a sooner surgery date, I supposed it would take a long time. I was told of the date in October less than a week after my consultation. Yet, because it was following the holiday season, I thought that was the best time. I did not have any anxiety over the surgery. I just hoped that I would be a good candidate following the pre-surgical tests. My sister and cousin had had gall bladder surgery. I was wondering if I would need it. I was given an ultrasound that showed I had a healthy gall bladder. My RNY surgeon would have removed my gall bladder had I needed it. I kept on researching this surgery. I know I stayed up late some nights online. It was part of my coping mechanism.
Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?
I was happy to be out of the hospital and getting on with my life. I ate small portions. I had prepared a pureed version of my favorite soup that I froze in an ice cube tray. I kept putting things away in the fridge that were tiny. You need tiny containers. It was easy to follow the surgeon's instructions as you know that you just had major surgery. I would have bursts of energy and want to tackle huge projects only to have the energy dissipate. I was glad that my husband was able to stay home the first week. He helped my in my need to purge the cabinets, closets and brought the salvageable goods to St Vincent de Paul. It was the first of many visits to give away clothes that I had under grown. My friend offered to take me out. I knew that I only had a certain amount of energy, and time away from my water. I did let the visit to the store drain me. It was tiring just poking around a store in the first few weeks.
How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)
I went to a hospital that is twenty minutes away as the crow flies. I have a support system in that there are twice weekly seminars. I love this about the hospital. My surgeon or his partner will always be at the seminars. I have grown to love the psychologist who presents topics as well as the different WLS post ops who tell of their experiences and answer questions.
Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.
The first four weeks, and some of the next few weeks, I ate pureed foods. I even had baby food turkey which surprisingly tasted good. My first intolerance to milk lead me to drink soy milk. It was tasty. I made my own non sugar added applesauce and pear sauce. I had pureed soups that I had previously made. I did not experiment often as I found things that worked and stuck to them. I had issues with egg beaters feeling heavy on my pouch. I also had issues with vomiting of chicken. I knew I was eating slowly so I stayed away from these foods for months. I was just able to eat chicken successfully twice last week.
What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?
I was a burst of energy and then fizzed out. I went to the treadmill to have only four minutes as a struggle on the level...it was a comeuppance. I am more active now.
What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?
I take a multivitamin, B12, and calcium. I took iron but it caused me to be constipated. My iron is now just in my multivitamin and foods.
What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?
I did not feel that I had many instances of dumping. I eat well. Yet, I do vomit. Though, not in the last three months. I am a year out. I have felt uncomfortable. I can eat a prune or two but three are too much. I did not lose my hair. I was taking Biotin for most of the first 8 months. I only have some nausea but I think it is when the sugar level is high based on the amount of food. I know that I cannot tolerate fat. I tried Chinese food only to learn not to go there!
What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?
I am trying to think of an answer to this question. Let me see if I can get back to you on this question.
What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?
I can go twice a week to a support group situation. Many people attend. I would say sometimes there are more than 50 people in attendance. It is very helpful. I also feel I can help with my remarks.
What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?
My scars are tiny. Yes, I did not expect anything large. The biggest one is three quarters of an inch.
Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.
I have had many plateaus. I feel that if I do not eat the amount of protein I do plateau. I find that the days where I feel the meat is stuck are the days I do not lose.
Do you notice people treating you any differently now?
Yes, if you can say that clerks come up to you to wait on you in stores is a plus. My co-workers who had not found time to talk to me often will make an opportunity to compliment me.

RNY, Obesity Help Conference & Other Travels

<a href="http://events.obesityhelp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Join me at #OH2013" src="http://events.obesityhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/attending.png" width="200" height="200" /></a>

I made all the arrangements for travel and hotel to attend the Obesity Help Conference in Anaheim. It will be my first trip to CA other than the layover for my flight back from the Mother of All Meet & Greets in May '12. This time I hope to get to some famous places right by the hotel. I have never been to any Disney theme park. Let's see what I do there.

I have not been on a roller coaster in years and my last trip to a theme park was when my grandchildren were young. I hope some of the people will be up for a day at Disney. It is adventure that I would love to share.

I have but a few minutes before I get going to my bible study class today. We met weekly during the school year and have met once in July and this day in August. I was glad to hear that we are meeting today as I have missed my friends. I spent two Sundays in the nursery at church, this past weekend away in Phoenix, and I am ready to see my friends.

I love to travel and I love to be home. My church family makes up for my family being spread all over the country. I will be able to see my sister in law next year two different times as I will be going to Tampa in April and Orlando in September. I am glad that it is late September as I plan on going to England in early September.

I keep to my schedule of eating with the RNY protocol of protein first everywhere I go. I bring along individual packages of protein powder to add to my protein intake for the day. I usually start with my protein before breakfast. I make it and drink some while taking my vitamins. It is very important to keep up your vitamin regime as an RNY post op. My first task when packing is to ready my vitamins in SMTWTFS compartments. I make sure that I take extra just in case there are delays in travel.

I do hope to see you in Anaheim in October. Please get in touch with obesityhelp.com to attend if you have not already done so.

Weight Loss First Year of RNY Surgery (Read Up)

16 Mar 09	147.1 lb	Reasonably Well
16 Feb 09	150.7 lb	Reasonably Well
31 Jan 09	153.6 lb	Reasonably Well
03 Jan 09	158.0 lb	Reasonably Well
18 Dec 08	158.0 lb	Reasonably Well
11 Nov 08	165.0 lb	Reasonably Well
28 Oct 08	166.0 lb	Reasonably Well
02 Sep 08	168.0 lb	Reasonably Well
05 Aug 08	177.0 lb	Reasonably Well
07 Jul 08	183.0 lb	Reasonably Well
23 Jun 08	186.0 lb	100%
03 Jun 08	192.0 lb	Reasonably Well
16 May 08	194.0 lb	Reasonably Well
02 May 08	202.0 lb	Reasonably Well
18 Apr 08	203.0 lb	Reasonably Well
02 Apr 08	216.0 lb	Reasonably Well
05 Mar 08	225.0 lb	Reasonably Well
06 Feb 08	239.0 lb	Reasonably Well
23 Jan 08	245.5 lb	Reasonably Well
18 Jan 08	248.0 lb

I came to this website after I had surgery. I was home for several weeks and searching the Internet on my new laptop computer. I was thrilled to find a way to keep a chart that would help me see how I lost. Now, I am excited to be able to show newer post ops how I lost weight in small increments. Thus not to worry when they stall and reach a plateau. I weighed far in excess of this original posting back in February 2007. I went on my own self determined weight loss for the umpteenth time. I did have help from a dietician during some of the months in the summer of 2007. I would bounce what I was doing off her with the hopes of a new direction should I need it.

I lost 81 pounds prior to surgery and was probably a fit and start loser during 2007. I did lose 12 pounds while away in Dominica with all the steady walking over the hills in the high humidity. Yet, I came back to work with the same restrictions and lack of thought by my supervisors to properly use me at work. It had been 7 years since my on the job accident. There were days when all they would have me do was office work. Granted that I spent a lot of time walking around the workroom floor but it was not fully utilising me. It was in those months that I learned about RNY surgery from my friend Pat. He was to have the surgery in July. In August 2007, I went with him to an informational seminar at the hospital.

At that time, I had lost 50 pounds. I was on my way to losing more but knew that one time I had lost 55 pounds on a weight loss program and gained all that back and more. We are cautioned not to think about the numbers on a scale. I was enjoying the new energy associated with losing weight as well as the control I felt each and every meal. I was eating sufficiently for my health needs.

I was continuing my traveling with a week long family trip to DC that summer. All the walking and needing to find a bench often to sit on made me realize that I needed to address the problem with my knees. I did find an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in knees. I was able to get cortisone shots in my left knee. What a difference. I was walking longer and at a faster pace.

I was told that I could return in three months and did for more relief. To my amazement, he reintroduced himself as he did not recognize me at a smaller weight. This happened another two times and he must have made a notation in the charts because now he knows me.

I am sure you have similar incidents to report where people do not recognize you at a smaller weight. I have many even from people who worked with me for 25 years and saw me from a distance or from behind! You will have many instances where you will think am I losing fast enough? is this surgery working? am I stopped right now? amd I done?
I hope my chart shows you that you can lose and will lose at a varing pace. This is only the first year. I had surgery in 2008, I have had peaks and valleys in my maintenance. I arrived back from a trip to Europe lower than I had left. It was a great trip with many of long days walking from the days at The Louvre, The Vatican, Pompeii and a concentration camp in Germany.

Your life changes and your activity level will vary. I am retired and home most days. It means that I have to work harder to maintain my weight.

I would love to hear your story. I would love to hear if I have helped you with this chart.

#RNY #Gastric #bypass #surgery #weightloss #community

You Need to Remember All the Hard Work You Have Accomplished.

Looking Back Before RNY Surgery

Infant Maya, 2004 

2007

Some early photos prior to surgery. 

Advocacy Training at OAC Convention

I am fired up and ready to go to Washington to advocate for the Treatment and Reduce Obesity Act. 

It was my second day of advocacy training as I went last year. I felt like a fish out of water last year. I learned a lot from the people selected to be on my advocacy team in the mock visits to the legislators. It is right and a good thing to share our story. 

The training gets you to focus on why you are there and to ask for support of the bill. There will be points brought up that may lead the conversation away from asking the question we learned. The legislator's aid will not want to say no. Steering the conversation back and telling why you personally are an advocate for this bill with a concise telling of your story is what you can do.

How did obesity effect your life? How would early intervention therapy have helped you? This bill is aimed at changing the benefits for Medicare recipients. Please go on line to see this bill and write your representative and senators to advocate for their sponsoring of this bill. Email the Obesity Action Coalition and find out how you can get more involved. 

In the Air and I am Awake

Today, I flew from Logan at six am. It was a sleepless night. I am not going to sleep on this plane, I am sure. Have you ever just known that you wouldn't sleep? I am an insomniac and have less sleep per week then I should have.  I get four and a half hours steady at the most at night or in the early morning. 

Since I am retired and do not have a set place to go, I can sleep in mornings.   Oh, I get up and get busy most of the time but this past week has been harder than usual. I could say that I was on Phoenix time. All week, i was awake until three or four in the morning. I was up all night for no reason too many days. Why? I have no stress or anxiety there is nothing that comes to mind as a reason why I am up. 

I do go to bed many a time and just lat there unable to sleep. I get comfortable let my mind settle yet sleep doesn't come. I could be there hours. I know get up you might say but I want and need rest. So, I try.

How do you get your rest? Do you hit the bed and fall right to sleep? 

I am up in the air and up most nights! I see many who are awake who have had weight loss surgery as I have had. I had sleep problems before I had surgery. So, I am wondering if you did also or did it come on after surgery?

I am up in the air where thinking is limited due to less oxygen and my system is dehydrated. I know that my nose was going to need help so I put saline solution in my nostrils this morning. Look it up! You now know that I am up in the air. I am awake. I am above the clouds heading to Chicago. 

#insomnia #weightlosssurgery #rny

Through the Ages

I enjoy traveling. It is easier now on many different levels. First of all, I no longer require a seat belt extender. I no longer have cruel people directly trying to hurt me because of my size. 

On one of the trips pictured below, I had a man's elbow stuck in my arm the majority of the trip because he felt it was necessary to cross his arms because an obese woman was next to him. In reality, he could have changed seats with his wife who was on the window of this three across seating. 

How have you been treated as an obese person? Did anyone make fun of you with snide remarks? Did anyone do something offensive to you?

Another incident happened when sitting down in an extra room seat on a plane. I needed the space because my left knee has no cartilage and the journey was far too long to have my knee cramped. 

I sat down and for some reason, perhaps swallowed wrong, I started coughing. Did that ever happen to you? I wasn't sick. I covered my mouth. Yet, the woman next to me started complaining. She wanted me moved. I was obese not a leper. 

I show photos of me large and small. I was on the top of Mt. Snowden and asked that the leader of my group take my photo. It was a raw crisp day on the top of the mountain and I wanted it documented that I was there. I was so happy that I bought the wrap around scarf down in the gift shop on the base where it was delightful, warm and sunny. 

This is my first time adding many photos and I was unaware that they would be ordered backwards. 

The top one is me relaxing on my deck. I love that it was sprinkling out but I am able to sit and read on my new lounge. 

  

The next photo is of me and two of my siblings. I am the oldest. My sister had already had weight loss surgery and is 4" shorter than me. My brother Bobby is lucky that he got the tall genes as he followed the two of us in birth order. 

After traveling to Europe for five week and just back for a few days in October 2010, i was off on another trip. I went to San Antonio Texas to meet some people in the YouTube community. Rosemary, Connie and I went to an indoor market the name of which escapes me now where I found this nice shirt and skirt outfit. 

My grandson is now almost twenty and a Marine. I was so happy that his mom had moved back from Texas.  They stayed with us for some time and I would get to hold him after work. I think, I might have left my jacket on because Letter Carrier uniform shirts get all gross from the ink and was too dirty. 

One year after going to Dominica with the youth of my church, our plane was diverted from landing in San Juan Puerto Rico. We were circling for hours then landed in St Croix. It was a beautiful island resort that we we put in overnight. I didn't get to see much of the island until the next day when, the ride to the airport was in daylight. 

My first trip to England, I debated whether to go on a trip just for pleasure. Yet, I was going to go with church members from my church and other people who my former pastor knew from his other appointments. This is a photo of me at not my largest size. I had a great time and enjoyed this trip so much that I signed up and went on many other trips with Don Rudalevige. I have plans to go again next fall, 2014! 

I could not imagine climbing into the front of this transport in 2002, when I first went to Dominica. This was taken 6/12. 

10/10 in San Antonio

6/12 Dominica waterfront in Marigot. 

Here's my Marine, Anthony, the last hour that he was home. Off to boot camp at Parris Island the next day July 9 we always had a special bond. Having him living minutes from us and getting unexpected visits when he came to eat, use our gym facility, eat, swim, eat...hug, eat. Did I mention he ate what I made. It was easy to get him over, I would post a photo of what was cooking and the phone would ring or his pals would bring him over. So sorry that Facebook was bombarded with meals back then! Not. 

I hope you enjoyed through the ages. 

#travel #weight #loss #surgery #weightlosscommunity #rny #gastric #bypass

Completely Real

http://youtu.be/ByLLY3w0D18

Please note I am proud to have lost all this weight through RNY surgery.
I I had lost 193 pounds. It was a great accomplishment.

It was more than I wanted to confess to my friends. The friends who thought I was in the 200s when I was actually much higher in weight.

One young friend had the look of shock when he asked a question and I actually went further and told him how much I had lost. He is a tall well built man who probably weighs 250 or more. I can't imagine what went through his mind when I said I had lost almost as much as he weighed.

My PCP gave me a copy of what I weighed for my physical. I was 186 at the time. A dear friend, Marily, who is tall and thin said I was losing too much weight. Have I told you that she thought I was her weight? She is perhaps 5 9 and weighs 126. I was 60 pounds heavier than she was and she thought I was her weight.

Are people telling you that you have lost enough weight? The very same people who saw you wearing clothes that had multiple Xs or numbers now made to look smaller than they are. I think some stores that I do not need to frequent now have 1s and 2s which are certainly not true 2s.

So you will see if you watch the whole video the completely real me. I was far over 300 and my clothes did not have those pretty fake numbers. My clothes were tight my clothes were not quite in fashion and my clothes did not coordinate with anything much. I either wore something that came as a set or wore jeans.

Life is real. It is what you make of it. I chose to make my reality different. How about you?

Helpful Hints Go Along Way; Post Op Eating

http://youtu.be/e0V42gsnHjY

I came across this wonderful video today. I needed to share this idea. I did the very same thing when I was pre op so that I would have the nutritious foods that I knew I needed. I made lovely soups. It was just a matter of getting some plastic ice cube trays at the dollar store blending my soup and freezing it. You just wait until it is frozen and pop them in a freezer storage bag.

My ice cube trays were more like 2 ounces so one was suffiient for me early on. I had so many mini containers of other foods in the fridge that would often grow hair!

Be aware that you eat very little. Those tiny containers may seem appealing but you will like something one day and not another day. It matters to me to have variety. Early out, I was sticking to easy things that I could cook and puree. I made my own applesauce so that it was not laden with sugar. All the commercial ones had more than what I was willing to eat in carbs.

I did not favor eating potatoes but cooking up a sweet potato and adding it to my soup was a benefit to my body. Yes, I know whole ancient populations survived on potatoes but in this century there are healthier alternatives to the mashed Idaho or Maine potato.

Leftovers are an issue with post ops. It may look like a great idea to take some food home with you. It has to be well contained to stay fresh. Those white plastic boxes are not what I mean, seal out air to keep in moisture. Leftover chicken can dry out in a container and you will either reject it in less bites than you need or hurl later. I have had that experience.

Speaking of chicken, many find that the fibers in the chicken are hard to digest. One example, is that I needed to eat after spending more time than I needed to get my new uniform pants. I had lost so much weight that the belt was around to the middle of my back and of course my pants were longer. I was tripping over them. The uniform store was three towns away but along a busy highway made even more difficult because the road resurfacing of an on ramp caused rerouting. Just imagine my chagrin as my husband steamed in over an hour of slow down. That was all said to let you know that two hours after leaving work, I was in need of food.

 We stopped at a Boston Market and I ordered roast chicken and green beans. How do they roast the chicken, I wonder? I just had hoped to get in the nutrition that I needed. Knowing that the green beans were not going to be eaten by me, I had already asked for a to go box. It was given to me with a bag. More about the bag later. Well, perhaps you can guess, I used it. I was following all the rules of chewing many bites and putting the fork down between bites. I was unable to eat more than three tiny bites and one green bean.

The highway was much clearer near 7:30 than it was three hours earlier. My husband was driving the speed limit when I asked him to slow down, he said I am not speeding. I felt each and every bump and curve in the road. We had good suspension but my RNY smaller stomach was not buying it. I again asked him to slow down as I was feeling quite sick. I did grab the bag in time!

Was it the chicken, the method that the chicken was cooked, did they add flavor enhancing fatty product to cook it? I was put off chicken for a few months after that incident. I know that chicken had to be moist. I had learned that at a group support meeting at the hospital.

I made my own chicken and wrapped it to keep it moist. Still, had an issue. Well chewed though it came back to haunt me. Seriously, I was off that bird for several more months. Wouldn't you be when it hurt to vomit after eating a meal. It hurt the next day. I had to rest my little RNY stomach with soft foods again for a few days. This is what I recommend if you vomit and it hurts. Rest your stomach, go back to the earlier stage.

One thing that I know now is that chances are I will not eat the leftovers that are as much as four more meals for me. Unless, I really feel that I may eat it, I leave it there. That being said, if I feel that my husband would eat it I do bring it home. He does not eat black bean soup. My friends encouraged me to bring my leftover soup home from Paneras. I opted to do it one time but did not manage to take it with me the next time. Bobby would not eat it.

Post op, I learned more of what did not suit me than what did. I learned that dense meats were not my friend. I may have said this before on the blog. I feel like I am going to be an old lady in a nursing home asking for ricotta cheese, 0% Greek yogurt plain and filet mignon.

How about you? What hints do you have for a new post op? How do you store your leftovers? Do you even eat leftovers?

What is it that causes us to feel low?

I often wonder why things happened the way they did in my family. I was the eldest of seven children. I should have had a great life with no worries.

Yet, my parents fought and I tried to hide behind the closed door and pretend that I did not hear them. I woke so many nights to the sound of their fights. About what you might ask. I do not remember. I have lost a lot of my early years by selectively forgetting. I do remember things that I was told did not happen. Yes, this is disturbing to be told that it did not happen when clearly I see it when the nightmares came on.

I wonder why I am someone who has insomnia. I write this blog at nearly two in the morning.

There was so much that happened that I was never able to tell school friends. Who wants to say that your parents are fighting when they gush about the new tv or getting to go shopping all day on a Saturday. We never went shopping on a Saturday.

My mom was raised by her mom very strictly. She remembers being hit with a broom handle. You would think that mom would have protected me and not let me get hurt. I do believe that she could have prevented what happened to me.

Do you forget your childhood or do you know that there are parts missing? One day, I was home from work and put on the tv. I rarely watched tv but I thought I had time to sit while the supper was cooking. No one was home and I suppose it was curiosity that had me put on Oprah. Friends talked about DVRs and taping her shows to watch later. It hit home that the woman who was interviewed went from a poor broken woman to one who succeeded despite the hardships that could have kept her down and hopeless. I learned that some believe that it is good to have the hardships in life because we are strengthened by them. Wait, hold on, I do not feel strengthened I feel like my power was taken away. I felt that my childhood was taken away.

I know that I felt a lack of empowerment and a fear of authority throughout my growing up years. I feared authority and I was a rebel. I fought for justice for me for women for minorities and still do.

It was not just the times as people like to say. I went to a school in Sudbury that prided itself on being progressive. We were able to choose our classes and not restricted to a certain level or track. I have always felt pride in my education. My teachers were eclectic and some were down right odd especially the teacher of Russian Studies. Times were tough but not as tough as some parents have it today. I came from a large family. My dad made good money and worked hard. My mom went to work as I grew into my teen years. We had food. Not the best or the most healthy but sufficient.

Before I go off to bed, I want to ask if you think that problems at home contributes to obesity. Are we trying to hide behind the fat? What are your thoughts?

People Seek Advice in Facebook and on Youtube; Here is One Response I made to a Query about a Last Meal

I know you are seeking advice. A lot of people may eat the way they were eating prior to surgery or going for a last meal as if it were Thanksgiving with all the fixings and eating two portions. My advice from one who had surgery five years ago and have witnessed through Youtube, Facebook, hospital support and personal friends is that we are doing this surgery for our health.


We have known all along how to lose weight. It is a matter now of getting our mind ready for the task at hand. If your surgery could work on your mind as well as your stomach and in my case intestines, it would solve a lot of problems.

Please note that I wish you well. It is not in jest that I answered your post. I truly want to see you succeed.
I wish you many blessings as you go forward. Peace in your decision.

I saw a photo of myself that I had asked a friend to take to document me as I was reading to preschoolers in Dominica. I was wearing a 4X National brand house dress because of the extreme heat my extreme size and the need to be comfortable in the humidity as well. I had to wear shorts under because my thighs rubbed together if I did not.

At the time, women were expected to wear dresses. We were there for 9 days. I saw the photo and immediately decided to stop eating so much. I saw that the woman in whom house that we stayed had cooked an extra chicken leg for me. I left it in the plate. I lost 12 pounds that trip. Lots of volcanic hilly roads were walked to get us around certainly helped as well as cutting down my portions.

I go back there now not overheated because I am wearing too many clothes or wearing those dresses that really are meant to be worn around the house. I lead teens that go on the work team up and down the hills to visit the elderly homebound who live in the most precarious of homes and along the hillsides.

Please take note; I would have still gone again and again. I am just more able. I went on a trip of five weeks with a friend to Europe. I was able to eat. I do not mourn food. I am healthy. In fact, it has been the most healthy period of my lifetime.

BTW, on an earlier trip with this woman, she suggested that I cross a bridge and find a bench to sit on while the rest in the walk went on and met me on the other side. Obese and unable to catch up to them, my friend was trying to do me a favor. In Florence and in Rome, she called out to me to slow down.

I have knee damage and no cartilage in my left knee. I will eventurally need knee replacement. Originally the surgeon predicted that I would need it in 2009. It was 2007 when he said it. Now, he does not discuss surgery.

Thank you for reading this message. I will be praying for you.

Next week, I go to the Obesity Action Coalition's conference in Phoenix. I will listen to many informed professionals as well as hear stories from peoplejust like you and me, pre and post ops.

She replied This was great. Thank you.

I had to private message her as the others were way over the top in response saying that they binged all along going for one than one last meal or getting in foods that they would never ever eat again. Dang, I thought, I do not want to get into a row with those people. Back off, regroup and do not answer in anger it worked. You can see that she appreciated the advice.

That being said, please do not take Internet advice as gospel. Really and truly, you have professionals who can help you. Sure you can seek advice from friends but know that most of us are not nurses, doctors or dietitians. I was a Letter Carrier, a home day care provider, a postal clerk, an inspector at a check printing plant, a Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, mother wife sibling, my advice is valid to a point. My advice to some inquiries is to get yourself to a professional. If it is pain, fever, swelling, red, pus etc do not spend moments in time questioning whoever might be awake at the hour you post.

Just saying, as I write this blog that I can see where social media helps but we are not the only advisors you need.

This being said, how do you respond when a question arises in your Facebook groups? If you see a video are you apt to give advise? What about the people who say that they cannot stomach their vitamins and do not take them?

I was advising this young woman against having a last meal binge. It is another when the long term health consequences are not evident to a young person. Drinking from a straw, drinking caffeine, alcohol, transfer addictions all warrant your input. But make sure you do it with aforethought that many of these people you will only know online. You may not know of their total family situation and what lead to the question.

Please comment below.