lowellian

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I am back! After being bitter; blaming the doc sort of, for my stomach getting bigger and not losing 1/2 even, of the weight I wanted to; I have realized I am SO much better healthwise and happiness wise that I feel I AM a success! I just posted on a message board post of "wows!" and could list 9....so what's so bad about that,eh?
here's my wow list and my post :
I was pretty active on this board as a pre op; and new post op; then just started to "lurk" as I felt I was the exception to the "DS Rule" since I have not made it to goal weight. Not even 1/2 way.

I am now into year 3 and have JUST come to realize how much better my life is in general.
I walk more;
fit into 18's and 20's (was in 24's);
more confidence;
NO DIABETES !;
all my blood levels of everything are great (except low calcium & citrate causing me kidney stones- but I am actively working at this!) ;
feel so much healthier;
do so much, much more than before;
spread the news about the DS as often as possible,
and if I could exercise more I know more would fall away effortlessly! (I have severe Rheumatoid Artritis). The fact that I am not gaining is a MAJOR blessing!!!
Did I count right at 9 WOWS!?

Ok so My DH and I see doc Deveney as planned and I fully expect to get a surgery date for fixing my enlarged stomach. (the upper GI series I had done last time showed it was stretched almost to normal....)
Nope. Not even close....he comes into the room (after I saw his assistant 1st) and asked what I usually eat in a day; etc. etc. and then said he wanted to give me Phen-Phen diet pills to try for 1 month and then "we'll see."  HUH!? He also referred to my "pouch" and I had a DS so I have a different stomach configuration.
My Hubby and I just look at each other- huh?   I say , "well, my appetite isn't huge and I am eating small portions so what good would the diet pill do?"  He say well, he doesn't want to be hasty as going back in in a revision fashion can be tricky and dangerous etc etc.
  HUH?!  Last visit it was all, "Oh it'll be laparascopically done and easy as can be- just basically trim the stomach. It'll be like a gall bladder procedure in duration and recuperation- nothing like the DS surgery."
Sooooo....I am still digesting this info.  I did Not get the diet pill as his assistant came in later and said it would have interfered with my meds so not giong to prescribe it. Again; HUH?! What?
So I am thinking now of writing his N.P. Susan Fee about this past visit and also seeing a colleague of his about fixing what's broke.  Maybe I don't need it- it's ONLY BEEN 17 MONTHS! HUH?!

Well, not one pound lost in over  mos.,....still 69 # from goal. Found out my stomach is too large! Huh?
Yeah- did surgeon get too conservative with me and leave it larger than usual; or did it stretch? Never will know but will likely do a revision (and MUCH less invasive surgical procedure) to FIX it & head on down the scale again!
Good news is: Medicare will cove it since I am at a BMI 39 and have re gained high blood pressure status- yep it is back!

A post today asked in a Fun Poll about things others would not know about us: I posted this....
Okay; I paint landscapes and have actually sold a few (may put some shots of them on my profile page)...

I was a Master Baker (say that REAL fast in a room full of men!)....pastry chef for 20 years.

I collect Lighthouses and memorabilia (I LOVE big ships and cruise as many times as I CAN!-Dad was an Irish sailor so I inherited his wander lust.)

I too love cars- 70's muscle cars are my favs. I owned a 1966 Chev Impala w/ 54,000 mi on it; 396 Big block w/ a 411 posi rear end  till I moved to Or in '95.

I was an original hippie and ran off to CA in 1969 at 16 from VA....lived the hitchiking life till I was arrested & sent home!

My hubby is a guitarist (not professionall) and a recording studio fanatic!

I had heard of the ill fated 6 MONTH STALL...but until you face it , you can't imagine the disheartening, discouraging effects it has on you. I have gone all month losing 1 lousy pound....still it's better than gaining a lb.! Especially since this month I have actually picked up my exercise amounts and cut carbs even more!  I'll keep you posted on next months progress and hopefully it'll be a big drop in pounds by then!

I am constantly amazed how many folks seeking WLS are not aware there is another option: Duodenal Switch! 
My advice if your lurking and looking around to get the "feel" of the post surgery experiences.....check into the Revisions forum and the Duodenal Switch forum and also  read RNY forum and lap band one too.  Be an informed consumer- a smart patient- a sure WLS candidate and find the best fit for you.