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Chronic Pain & Diets & LapBands- OH My!!

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Posted 12/5/2008 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone... this is a spin off on a thread if a different topic that was begining to become large. Our friend Moondancer has been approved for lapband surgery. So I figured not only could this be a great thread for support, but since a lot of us suffer from obesity as another side effect well, perhaps we could discuss diets, healthier eating & of course the surgeries (if anyone has had lapband or gastric) so Moondancer can get some good advice/support. And maybe even a good way to vent on, in my opinion, one of the worst prejudices that are out there. I know it is a sensitive subject to me, the only one that really gets me upset, so if you do post in here- I am asking politely- to please be respectful of what you say as it usually is sensitive for most people battling weight issues. Other than that, I am appreciative of the kind words & hopefully together we can have a wonderful brainstorm.
Posted 12/6/2008 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
This isn't a topic that relates directly to me, although my eating habits have surely deteriorated since I was injured. But I would be concerned if people get into offering advice about specific diets and such as professionals know "diets" - any short term eating plan - don't work. Long term changes in eating do. But there's been a huge industry out there making money on vulnerable people who want to lose weight. That's just my two cents.

I wonder if anyone has ever asked the administrator about a section of Healing Well for obesity, which is a major health issue? Just a thought. And I hope nothing I've said is construed as being judgmental toward anyone but an industry that has preyed on people's vulnerabilities to make money. Maintaining healthy eating and a healthier weight is certainly something I struggle with, too, but I've been making a lot of poor choices lately! (like M&M's!)

PaLady
Posted 12/6/2008 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thats a great idea about a forum for that, PALady. And I hear you about the m&ms, I have a weakness for turtles!! :) I was hoping to help out Moondancer. I know that weight can contribute to back pain- one of the PRN's at my drs office is a stick & lets me know everytime I need to lose weight. I normally see the same dr but he had an emergency so I was stuck with her. I finally got upset enough to complain about her. The girls at the desk laughed and said she gets on any of them if they even have a soda..... (they are all thin & beautiful) so it makes me feel better. :) I remember though I used to love peanut m&ms in college.... they were perfect to feat when I had a boring professor. Maybe you are on to therapy about the m&ms...... There is actually an m&m store in our mall- have you seen one? They have a million different flavors, colors, its insane! Let me know if you ever want a certain kind, I would be happy to ship them to you. :)
Posted 12/6/2008 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
OMG an M&M store??? shocked smhair turn

It's a good thing I've never seen one!

PaLady
Posted 12/6/2008 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
there is even an M & M online store as well and I get e-mails from them, they sure can be a weakness.
Maybe a therapy session for chocolate in general, some medical says chocolate is good for you,
yet it has caffine in chocolate which can be bad for you, so the debate of whether chocolate is good or bad
continues...
hey moondancer will be thinking of you with lots of hugz and prayers...
Good luck with the surgery and come back to us soon....
Posted 12/6/2008 2:41 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Kttn for starting this new thread, I am scared, happy, nervous and yet excited about this surgery. I have heard a lot of pro and cons, that is why I chose lap band versus gastric bypass..this one is reversible if there are problems. Now I have tried every diet that was made to no avail and a lot of that is because of the pain..I can not excersise very much, and I would comfort eat when in horrible pain. believe me this was my LAST resort, and I chose this over feelings of not wanting to live with this pain any longer. I hope it helps take some of the pain off of my back and joints. Every time my weight fluctuates up and down, it seems the pain is eased so much when I am lighter :-) . I appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions and encouragements too.  all I ask is for your prayers that everything goes well. Thank You Everyone...will update in a couple weeks when not feeling so sore. shocked

Blessings, Patty

Posted 12/6/2008 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
and yes there are M&M stores out there...when I lived in Las Vegas and drove a tour bus I would pass it several times a day, so one time I stopped and went inside and OMG I was addicted from then on. every color you could want, specialized ones with your own name on them, valentine sayings, ect..ect.. MMMMM, thats why I related to PALady
Posted 12/6/2008 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
There is a HUGE M&M's store in Times Square in New York City. I've always wanted to go in it when I'm in the city, but I've never made it :( Maybe next time. I hear it is amazing.
Posted 12/6/2008 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have not been in the one in NY Times Square, but I have been passed that one several times too, I live in Brooklyn..never had the energey to go in there, now after surgery I won't have a reason to go
Posted 12/7/2008 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
HA! we need to change this to an m&m thread. How funny! PALady you would not believe everything that is in these stores..... EVERY imaginable flavor of m&m..... mint, raspberry, starbucks, strawberry.... its insane. They have m&ms for causes, breast ancer (they are all pink), autism & lung cancer.. (& more) all the colors you can imagine.... you can get your name on them like mondancer said, wedding dates, birthdays, anything on them... massively huge m&ms. Then they have soooo much merchandise. shirts, hats, bedsheets, toys. I have never seen so much devotion to a candy! Its almost like a coca cola store if you have been in one of those. Just flavors & colors... very imaginative. You should see one sometime. I couldn't imagine it being my favorite candy I would be lost!! And this on a post to help talk about obesity. HA HA HA.
Posted 12/7/2008 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
i sidetracked the thread with many apologies!! Seriously!! I can't afford to eat or think about M&M's anymore!!! (because if I do one, I have a tendency to do the other)

I try to eat healthy and M&M's all day long doesn't fit in that plan. I finished my bag last night and i am going to do everything I can not to buy more. I hope they're no longer on sale next time I'm in CVS!

PaLady
Posted 12/8/2008 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Oh gosh, now that Christmas is coming on us I am buying bags of the soft Brachs Perppermint Nougats and I am having root canals done & crowns on 2 teeth, shame on me. Bring on the Peppermint. Susie

Oops, I did this at Halloween on the peanut butter Mary Janes & kisses. Gotta stop this bingeing,lol.
Posted 12/8/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Bingo, Susie! Mine started at Halloween, too! Next year I'm not going to buy candy. I'll give out dollar store toys!

PaLady
Posted 12/8/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
HA HA HA HA!!! now you guys are too funny, thanks for making me smile

on this night before surgery...and all through the house...

my husband hid the M&M's so they wouldn't go in my mouth!!!!

but mmmm that boost drink I had, tasted just like one of those little stinkers devil

and then, there goes Susie talking about the sweet peppermint chewy nougats that I would kill for at Christmas time.

Oh well I guess instead of eating a whole bag when in pain, I will only want one little one now :-)

You guys thanks for the encouragement...see ya soon

Patty

Posted 12/8/2008 6:11 AM (GMT 0)
Patty just want to say good luck on your surgery.My sister had the bypass surgery about 10 years ago and did well but in the last few years she has started to add some of the weight back on.You have to be very careful after the first few years that you maintan good eating habits.Weight loss has a big effect on pain levels.So once agein good luck and I hope every thing gos good in surgery.I will be thinking about you and sending you a prayer tomarow.
Posted 12/8/2008 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
Patty good luck.... we are all rooting for you! You will do fantastic! Start saving now for a new shopping spree!!
Posted 12/14/2008 8:30 PM (GMT 0)

Well Good morning world and all my friends here at HealingWell,

I have survived the surgery and with only a few unexpected pains, moans and groans..I teased the doctor the day after surgery and told him I was upset because I had brought size SIX clothes with me to wear home...why didn't they fit?? turn anyway, I want to thank each of you for all your prayers & words of encouragement. I still don't get solid food yet, but believe it or not I am not so hungry, I DO miss the act of eating though,(pretty sure that was comfort eating) I have to chop all my pain meds now so it takes forever to get my meds in me for all the other pain I have, but I will not complain. I already lost like 10 lbs and I can FEEL the difference in my back a little. I go to a Pain MAnagement Dr on the 18th for the first time and I have a list of questions for her, thanks to all my friends here I hope I ask the right ones...again thank you everyone. PATTY devil

Posted 12/14/2008 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
That's great news, Patty! Please take care of yourself while you're healing.

PaLady
Posted 12/15/2008 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad to hear that everything went well & you are already feeling a little better!

Skeye
Posted 12/15/2008 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
YEAAAHH!!! So proud of you! I knew that you would be just fine. And those size sixes wil be back before you know it. Are you going to keep a journal? I think you should... and I am more than happy you had the guts to do it at this time of the year! You will be smokin' when all is done. So are you having any weird effects? Are you allowed to stay on your meds for pain?
Posted 12/16/2008 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kttn, Thanks for asking...I am feeling great actually.. even the pain has not been so severe in my lower back since losing ten pounds.. the only side affect I have really had that is annoying is seems like an air bubble lodged somwhere in back area from anesthesia and is causing a huge "pain in my neck" :-)  area when I swallow(actually it is pretty painful) but I will talk to the surgeon tomarrow on my follow up. I have to chop chop my pain pills before swallowing, so they don't get lodged between upper and lower stomach. still eating Yogurt, pudding, smoothies,and protien drinks. start oatmeal, cottage cheese, fish, ect..next week and can't eat too much or I will vomit. and it hurts to be too full. I AM NOT HUNGRY, but I miss the action of eating. (comfort eating) I only wish this was a cure for all my pain, but I know it's not and I see the new Pain management dr next thursday. and thanks for the idea of a journal...I want to take pictures once a month also and put in my journal. Thank you so much for the encouragement and kind words. I really felt this was a last resort to reieve some pain on my joints. even though I am 6 foot tall shocked   and started this journey at 320 lbs. I carry my weight well, and everyone can't feel the burden on my joints as I can. So God Be With Me on this adventure...now we can get back to our pain and ways to find comfort for ALL of us. this was hard during the holidays but it was probably as good a time as any..I would have just had more weight to lose after New Year. So to EVERYONE I pray that we all have some relief from our pain for a few hours. Thank You again Everyone for being my family through this..so many hugs to all...Patty
Posted 12/18/2008 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Patty, oh so great to hear from you. I knew that surgery would go fine for you, I felt it in my bones,lol. One of my Mom's old sayings.  Yea on the immediate weight loss. SLow & easy is the best way as you know. Fast weight loss is not good.

 

If it makes you feel better, my peppermint days ar done till next Christmas. I put on 5 pounds eating that crap. For real, I sure did, nothing but sugar and sugar is very hard on crohns people. I think I told you about my neighbor that went the gastric way. She did not listen to her dr or anyone and really got herslef in a very bad way. She was not losing weight as she should, she continued to try & eat as before which resulted in projectile vomitting to the point of giving herself a full blown hernia!!! She actually became malnourished and her hair started falling out badly. Lisa was about 5"6" and topped in at 400#. She was 33 yrs old and ruining herself. I talked to her one day and said look, you went thru a very hard surgery in order to lose weight, why are you trying to undue every thing you are trying to accomplish. She eventually made some improvements slowly, met a guy and started losing some of the weight. It took her a yr to lose 100#.

 

Today not a good day for me, sick at my stomach and lots of achy joints. Thats from the front that came thru with some light rain, ugh. Saw a new rheumy last week and he says the Lupus is not in remission. I will start a med for the Lupus, but must have an eye exam prior to starting the meds. See my eye dr on the 23rd.

Making this a short one for now, need to go lay down for awhile. Have appt with my gi dr this afternoon. Keep us posted on how you are coming along. Gentle hugs coming your way. Susie 

Posted 12/19/2008 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Susie, I am sorry you are feeling so lousy today, I hope things get better for you. I am feeling better and I have been following the Drs. orders. had my first weigh in and I have lost 16 pounds.. I went to a Pain management Dr for the first time today and she is great. she started me on morphine and neurontin, instead of vicadin.  also gave me lidoderm patches for the neck and lower back pain.  she seems so nice and caring, unlike my PCP who thinks the pain is all in my head. I hope you are feeling better Susie, sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now, I know my joints ache and hurt so much too from the cold weather as well. so a nice warm shower and up under the covers with the tv for me too. Hope all went well with the GI dr today. and I hope they get the Lupus in remission soon hun. Please take care of yourself. get lots of rest. Blessings, Patty

Posted 12/19/2008 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
Moondancer..... 16 lbs already? Yo GO GIRL!!! Thats fantastic! Make sure you are eating, though. I am so happy for you! Thats a small dog you have lost. Are you having any strange side effects?
Posted 12/19/2008 10:19 AM (GMT 0)

kittn, not any STRANGE side affects, no diarhea (sp) like they say and only ONE time when I kind of cheated and over ate some pasta (which was a no no this early after surgery) but I ate it fast and I was already full and it had no where to go..so it came back up..but not like your friend (no projectile) and I have still got a little gas stuck behind everything and it hurts in my neck when I get an air bubble..nothing a little "burp" doesn't cure redface Trust me Susie I am eating, and I should still be on liquid for another two days..but I eat oatmeal, yogurt, sugar free pudding.ect..and boost drinks for now I srart puree food in 2 days. however I have tolerated regular food as long as I chew & chew well, just smaller portions. I was not sure immediately after the surgery if I should have gone through with this, but now that I have healed a little I know this was my last resort to LIVE again, and take weight off my painful bionic joints :-)  I am GLAD I did it. I am filling out papers now to enter the guinness book of world records for the most replaced body joints.. smilewinkgrin

hope your feeling better, what did the Dr say today?????  Patty 

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