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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31594
02/13/06 10:28 PM
02/13/06 10:28 PM
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Cheri,
Thank you for your response. I just feel like some people feel that I took the "easy" way out....and it isn't that at all. I have made many changes in my life since having the surgery. I, too, am about 5' 1 1/2" tall. I am NOW in a size 26/28. I applaud those who ARE able to lose weight without surgery. I commend them on being able to do so. I prayed about it. No one forced me into it. I talked with my pastor and his wife about it too. They supported my decision. My family and my friends were concerned about my health. We discussed my health problems and the benefits of having it versus the drawbacks. Now, I said I was always hungry, but it didn't mean that I always gave in. In fact, most of the time, I ate very little....but my body believed I was starving it, so it stored it all. Basically, after discussing it with my family and the pastor and his wife, as well as other members of the Adventist church (yes, I was a member of the church even when I got the surgery) and, of course, praying about it.... I believed it to be the right decision for me. I am, in no way, suggesting that every obese person should go out and have GBP surgery. That's not what I mean at all. I just believe that it was/is the right thing for me.
Whether the comments were meant as a jab at me or not, that is how it came across at first. I don't believe that the MESSAGE is presented to judge me, but I do feel as if people belive that I took the easy way and I felt the need to make sure they knew that it was NOT any easy decision. That's the point I am trying to make. And, if someone asked me what I thought of the surgery, I would tell them truthfully..."it's not for everyone. it is a very personal decision. if, after careful research and prayer, you feel this is still the route you should go, by all means, do so." I would say this to a member of the church as well. Why? Because it worked for me. I still have to work at what I eat and the amount, but I know that I can't eat too MUCh now....I learned to eat the good stuff first and maybe have a SLIVER of the desserts or other such items. Where before I could/would pile food onto my plate at potluck, I now have to pick and choose a few items, or take a tiny bit of everything so I could get a taste/sample of each food. That is what the surgery has done for me. I read the Spirit of Prophecy and my Bible. True, I don't study as much/well as I should, but I do read them. And, i implement the teachings into my life. My "tool" has helped me with my eating habits, which is what it was meant to do.
Thank you for your concern. I do appreciate it. I don't think of you as one who would "condemn" someone for going through weight loss surgery, nor look down on them for having done so. I hope no one on this forum believes that GBP is the "easy" way out, because it's not. If anything, it is more difficult.
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31595
02/14/06 07:38 AM
02/14/06 07:38 AM
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I am Stephanies dad, and I can tell you that she struggled with this decision for a long agonizing time. She asked me what I thought, and I told her that it was her choice, I also told I had made that choice as well several years ago, but the insurance company I had wouldn't pay for it, which was just as well because I changed my mind when I learned what was involved in recovery. My job was as a truck driver, OTR, and I could not afford the time off. I, too, have tried every diet thathas come down the pike, every 'magic' diet pill, and all the other things that were supposed to help, they didn;t. I was injured in 1994 when my foot slipped out of the step I had it in, and the other one was caught in a footstirrup by the drivers door, the full weight of my body was held by that foot, it ripped two tendons and stretched the other two in my left knee. After 3 1/2 months sitting with my leg in an immobilizer, I shot to the weight of 374 lbs. Because of the injury, and the weight, I have severe osteo-arthritus in my knees, and lower back, CHF, type 2 diabetes (IDD) gout, rheumatoid arthritis and obstructive apnea. Nothing works to get the weight off. I do not have access to the types of food you mention, and am no longer physicaly capable of planting and caring for a garden. My wife is also disabled, so she can't do it, either. Any suggestions? ![[Pray]](graemlins/pray.gif)
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31596
02/15/06 04:00 AM
02/15/06 04:00 AM
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Dear Br. Gerry,
Nice to have you post again. You know I use to have RA too. Had it for 26 years but through learning how dearly our Lord wants our temple bodies to be in good repair too, I found myself accepting that the 8 laws of health had to be decidedly followed because I loved Him.
Then in 2002, the PA found a large lump on my left breast. Through prayer I had to make a choice of how this would be handled. It took faith for me to walk into the world of health reform with regards to being healed through natural means. Afterall, was raised that modern medicines are a gift of God. But I watched my Dad slowly take on new diseases from the side effect of each drug he took.
I conferred with the Sisters in my church, and was directed to the Sister with the most information on herbs and cancer. Which she had over 20 years ago and the Lord did heal her with the 8 laws of health and herbs.
I began working more on fresh foods in my vegan diet and worked at abstaining from refined foods even better than I had just the year before. Then incorporated Essiac(8 herb instead of the 4 herb one) tea 3 times each day. Within a week the lump was gone.
Feeling delighted and a bit relaxed I relaxed on health reform and the lump immediately returned. I prayed and confessed to the Lord for my pride and within three days the lump was gone and has never returned again.
I will tell you that I do not often have the opportunitiy to exercise, and I am presently losing slowly. Might I suggest that you try taking sea kelp? This helped me curb my unnatural desires to eat above what is a good decent proportioned meal. I also have brought myself down to two meals per day. And actually have noticed a change of health for the better...to my surprise I might add.
Going on a diet is a sacrifice. For me food was my comfort as a child because I was a "latch-key" child. I was fearful in the home by myself and used food for my overcoming and that habit maintained itself through the years. Presently I am 46.
Your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cheri Fritz
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31597
02/15/06 08:15 AM
02/15/06 08:15 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Stephanie Suranyi:
Bobby,
I just want to warn you that I am not answering your questions in any particular order.
First off, you asked if I had GBP "merely for weight loss".....Now, when I read that, I was "hot" to say the least. My first thought was "what gives you the right to question my reasoning for getting GBP surgery?" Then I realized that you probably didn't mean it the way it sounded. Now, I will say that I tried everything...from OTC weight loss aids, to diet and exercise, to doctor prescribed drugs, etc. Nothing helped. When I had my son in 2001, I had reached 408 pounds at the time of his birth. You want to know what my OB had to say? He asked a nurse, in the OB ward, to come talk to me about GBP surgery. Now, mind you, I had JUST had a c-section to deliver my baby...I wanted NOTHING to do with any other surgeries! So, I said "it's not for me." I put it out of my mind. Six months later, i started thinking about it. But, again, I put it out of my mind. Then, in 2003, I was weighed in a doctor's office...I was 450 pounds at that time. I had trouble getting around.
Now, it wasn't JUST my weight that was the problem with my mobility. I had been in a car accident before I got married. Before that accident, I had worked as a cashier, on my feet nearly every day of the week. I was overweight (obese by today's standards) but overall, ok. In the accident, I had a fractured, dislocated hip. I had it surgically repaired and now have a plate in it to hold the piece together with the rest of the hip. During that time, I was in rehab, to strengthen my arms and to teach me how to get around with a walker. Then I went home and had a visiting physical therapist twice a week. I still had limited mobility, but was able to get around...however, I was not allowed to put any weight on the left leg/hip. Time went on and I recovered. I was able to put weight on my hip. Now, I weighed the same as before the accident, but had been unable to use the left leg. My leg couldn't handle prolonged standing....even sitting, for that matter. I was able to walk short distances, but had to stop and rest after very short periods of time.
Then I became pregnant. I developed pre-ecclampsia near the end of the pregnancy, and ballooned up to 408 pounds. I breastfed my son. Now, I had been told that breastfeeding helps with weightloss. Whoever said that was lying. If anything, I gained even more weight. My son was one who ate every 2-3 hours.... which most newborns do. Sometimes, he hate every hour. I was "tied down" so to speak. Did I mind it? Not at all. Breastmilk is best for a baby, so I was determined to do that for him. Well, because of the problems I had from the car accident, I applied for disability. I eventually recieved it.
Now, that is a back story of my situation. Now, I will tell you WHY I chose GBP surgery.
I told you that I tried everything. True, I did not try sunlight, as mentioned in the article you linked to. My reason? Well, first, I never knew about it. Second, if I go out for more than 10 minutes into sunlight, without sunscreen, I turn as red as a cooked lobster...LITERALLY. And I am unable to move comfortably. One time, when I was about 9 or 10, I was forced, by my aunt/babysitter, to spend all day outside, without the benefit of shade. That night, my dad had to put aloe on me..... I burned through my swimsuit. We had no sunscreen at that time. So, I don't go out into the sun for long because of my fair complexion, because I know what will happen if I do. Now, about weight loss "remedies".... I tried various OTC remedies...dexatrim, Sweet Success, Slim Fast....You name it, I probably tried it. I also tried diets. My mom is diabetic, and she had us all on her diabetic diet...portion measurements...3 meals and one snack. I was never full. Now, that article says that if you get enough sunlight you won't want carbs? Wrong! Even when I DID get out there, I STILL ate macaroni salad, potato salad, etc. It was MEAT I didn't want! Anyway.... Then I saw my doctor who sent me to a dietician...she put me on a 1800 calorie diet based on my weight. Then I went to a diabetes specialist. Found out I was insulin resistant, put me on metformin (glucophage) which also aids in weight loss. Still didn't work. It was only after I had exhausted these other attempts (my PCP at the time does NOT prescribe weight loss drugs because of the liability associated with them all). Then *I* mentioned to HIM that I was contemplating weight loss surgery. He gave me a referral to a surgeon, who explained IN DETAIL what it entailed, and what I would/would NOT be able to eat, etc. Then I worked with THEIR dietician who gave me guidelines to work with after surgery. I did not go into this blindly. They made sure I saw a psych doctor to make sure that, psychologically, I could handle the surgery and what would happen afterward.
Having this surgery was NOT an easy decision for me. But I balloned up to 467 pounds at my top weight. I looked at my little boy and said to my husband" if I don't do something NOW, I won't see my son grow up." So, I went through with it. Was I scared? Absolutely. But, I was more scared about what would happen if I DIDN'T do it.
I know that SOME GBP patients have gall bladder problems. As a matter of fact, my surgeon thought he would have to remove mine when he went in....but my gall bladder was healthy, no problems whatsoever, so he left it in there. I still have had no problems with it. No stones, nothing. The type of GBP I had is called Roux-en-Y. Now, with this type, nothing is removed, but it IS separated. I, essentially, have two stomachs. One is attached to the esophagus and recieves food, but is attached to the small intestine further down than before. The other stomach is attached to the various digestive juices....bile, and the pancreatic juices. They meet up with the food further in the small intestine. This keeps a lot of food from being absorbed and stored in fat cells....forcing the fat cells to use their "stores". Now, that is what the surgery does for us.
You asked about my vitamin/mineral intake. Yes, I take more than just a calcium supplement daily. I also take a prenatal vitamin. Here are the vitamin and calcium I take every day and the amounts of vitamins/s minerals in each serving.
Spring Valley prenatal (from Wal*Mart)
Vit. A (100% as beta carotene) 4000 I.U.
Vit. C 120mg
Vit. D 400 I.U.
Vit. E 30 I.U.
Thiamin (B1) 1.8mg
Riboflavin (B2) 1.7mg
Niacin 20mg
Vit. B6 2.6mg
Folic Acid 800mcg
Vit. B12 8mcg
Calcium 200mg
Iron 28mg
Zinc 25mg
Caltrate Chewables (I take 3 tablets a day....the dosage I am putting on here is one serving, one tablet)
Vit. D 200 I.U.
Calcium 600mg
Magnesium 40mg
Zinc 7.5mg
Copper 1mg
Manganese 1.8mg
Boron 250mcg
My vitamin and mineral levels ahve been normal....not high, not low, but right in the middle of normal range. I have not had to take extra B12 or anything else.
Now, it was also explained to me that for some people, having the surgery triggers something in the brain that lets me know that I am full...don't eat anything more. That is what happened with me. I was always hungry before the surgery. Now? I'm not.
Also, it was explained to me that GBP is NOT a cure...only a tool. A tool to help me with portion control and choosing the right foods to eat. My stomach, now, will NOT handle high fat content and high sugar content. Can I eat some fatty foods or sugary foods? Sure, but if I eat too much, I will suffer what is called "dumping" Think of someone who is suffering low blood sugar...it is kind of like that.
GBP surgery is not/was not a cure for me....but it has helped me when I could not do it for myself.
I don't see why you would feel the need to "analyze" anything regarding my surgery.... I had it done. I am healthier than I was before it. It wasn't the DOCTOR who chose for me to get GBP.... *I* brought it up to HIM!
Just to let you know... it CAN be reversed... not easily, but it CAN be done. Knowing that, I have NO plans WHATSOEVER to reverse it. I have NO reason to do so. I am not saying GBP is the way for EVERY obese person to go, but it was the RIGHT decision for me!
I would like to apologize to you Stephanie, as when I wrote those last posts, it was NOT intended to come across that way. Up until I read your history, I didn't know what GBP surgery was exactly, and wasn't sure if there were a variety of reasons for the procedure. From what I read, it appeared it was, for the most part, to help curb obesity. I hope that clarifies things better. Words alone, cannot display all of one's thoughts, emotions or mannerisms, quite like "in person" can achieve.
My goal here is to share knowledge with others. A trend that appears to be increasing is surgeries to remove problems, so I was pointing that out as well.
So I am sorry if you took it the wrong way, I am merely trying to learn from your situation so when I encounter someone else with a similar or same challenge(s), I may better help them. IF they are willing that is.
And I believe you when you said it wasn't to take the easy way out. Either side you faced was not an easy thing to do.
I would like to learn more, if you are willing Stephanie. To pinpoint things, if you would be willing to reveal the foods you ate on a regular basis prior to the surgery. Or, even as far back as you remember. I am on a mission to find the various foods responsible for different dilemas. If you like, you can email me if that would be better. If you're not comfortable with any of it, then, that is okay as well. Like I said, I am learning and absorbing different info right now, and have a pretty good idea on what to steer people away from. Your dad as well, if he would like to share his story and history.
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31598
02/15/06 08:55 AM
02/15/06 08:55 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Gerry Buck:
I am Stephanies dad, and I can tell you that she struggled with this decision for a long agonizing time.
She asked me what I thought, and I told her that it was her choice, I also told I had made that choice as well several years ago, but the insurance company I had wouldn't pay for it, which was just as well because I changed my mind when I learned what was involved in recovery.
My job was as a truck driver, OTR, and I could not afford the time off.
I, too, have tried every diet thathas come down the pike, every 'magic' diet pill, and all the other things that were supposed to help, they didn;t.
I was injured in 1994 when my foot slipped out of the step I had it in, and the other one was caught in a footstirrup by the drivers door, the full weight of my body was held by that foot, it ripped two tendons and stretched the other two in my left knee.
After 3 1/2 months sitting with my leg in an immobilizer, I shot to the weight of 374 lbs.
Because of the injury, and the weight, I have severe osteo-arthritus in my knees, and lower back, CHF, type 2 diabetes (IDD) gout, rheumatoid arthritis and obstructive apnea.
Nothing works to get the weight off.
I do not have access to the types of food you mention, and am no longer physicaly capable of planting and caring for a garden.
My wife is also disabled, so she can't do it, either.
Any suggestions?
Yeah, those "miracle diet pills". I used to sell those years ago, but had a moral problem with it. I felt it was wrong to sell people pills to lose weight. It was a manipulation of the body, and many companies do it. It's all about money and marketing.
Would you mind sharing what food your household consumes on a daily basis ? Right down to margarine, if you eat any margarine, that is. If you do, I would suggest discontinuing it. It is a weight builder for sure. Many people are also unaware of the hydrogenated oils present in many foods, from crackers, to cookies to bread. It literally gets to a point where a person needs to make/grow much of their own food from scratch, if possible.
Regarding the garden thing, do you know of anyone that does have a garden or grows their own produce to sell ? We have a few local people who grow their own food, to specifically sell, and do not use any pesticides or any chemicals like that. So that may be an option.
If you are able to, switching to distilled water may be helpful to combat arthritis, and gout. Getting rid of Gout would entail eliminating certain foods. Diabetes, I believe is reversible. I have spoken to a few people who have helped others get rid of it. The CHIP program helped a 15 year diabetic get off all medication within 30-60 days. Just by changing to healthy living/eating.
So there is hope, others have gotten help and overcome thier obstacles. A lot of those "miracle pills" won't do the job, because it is more than one thing that needs to be addressed. So , if you are willing, I can probably be of more assistance if I can get an idea of what is being consumed on a regualr basis. Weaknesses for certain type(s) of food, etc... You can email me if that is more comfortable.
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31599
02/15/06 11:20 AM
02/15/06 11:20 AM
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Full Member
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 107
Michigan
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Bobby, I commend you on your willingness to admit when you have made a mistake. I was starting to get offended for Steph. BTW, I'm her sister. We do a lot of stuff as a family... ![[Wink]](images/icons/wink.gif) Anyway, as far as asking dad if there is someone up there who could/would/does grow a garden, they do, but the prices they charge for their food (esp. small amounts) is about as much as what my mom and dad have for their MONTHLY grocery budget. Also, they have a lady staying with them, who had a stroke a few years ago, and she insists on buying all the foods that aren't good for mom and dad. Now, these things alone are not the only factors, there are many. I, personally, would be interested to know what this CHIP program is. Again, thank you, for being a man and owning up to your mistakes. Not being sarcastic. ![[Wave]](graemlins/wave.gif)
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31600
02/16/06 06:39 AM
02/16/06 06:39 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Angie Street:
Bobby, I commend you on your willingness to admit when you have made a mistake. I was starting to get offended for Steph. BTW, I'm her sister. We do a lot of stuff as a family... Anyway, as far as asking dad if there is someone up there who could/would/does grow a garden, they do, but the prices they charge for their food (esp. small amounts) is about as much as what my mom and dad have for their MONTHLY grocery budget. Also, they have a lady staying with them, who had a stroke a few years ago, and she insists on buying all the foods that aren't good for mom and dad. Now, these things alone are not the only factors, there are many. I, personally, would be interested to know what this CHIP program is. Again, thank you, for being a man and owning up to your mistakes. Not being sarcastic.
I will give you a couple of websites to look at. I have posted one before, but it would be really good for the lady who had the stroke to look at as well.
www.glaepalife.com
and
www.sdachip.org
Both focus on lifestyle change, and both are Adventist. It all starts with a willingness or desire to change.
My plan for the near future is to make a good size garden. There is a learning curve to overcome, but it will be fun. Many people have told me how relaxing horticulture is, but I have haven't experienced it yet.
If at all possible, if there is a group of people within the community or church that has some land amongst them, it would be a way to have a community garden, where people wouldn't have to pay extravagant prices for produce.
I would say the best bet for your parents is to look at the CHIP program. I believe it will help anyone who is tired of being "sick and tired" and wants relief.
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31601
02/16/06 06:42 AM
02/16/06 06:42 AM
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Oh I forgot to ask one thing Angie. The lady who had the stroke, are you familiar with the "bad foods" that she brings into the house ? I bet lots of hydrogenated types, especially if she had a stroke. If you care to share any details of any particular foods, I can shed some light on exactly what long term damage it can do to the body. Is she wanting to get away from certain things and reverse her condition ?
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31602
02/16/06 11:24 AM
02/16/06 11:24 AM
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Full Member
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 107
Michigan
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Bobby, Let me put it to you this way. As a mom, I would probably have a FIT if my kids ate all the stuff she brings home. Cookies, candy, cakes, you are probably right that it is filled w/hydrogenated... whatever. It's too early in the AM... Sorry. Anyway, I very highly doubt that she would be willing to make the changes that the CHIP program requires. She is a meat and potatoes kind of woman. If it's health food, she's not interested. Thx, btw for the links. I'll check them out when I'm not feeling so bad. I think I'm coming down w/bronchitis. God bless!
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Re: Additives to be aware of in our food items
#31603
02/17/06 04:07 AM
02/17/06 04:07 AM
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I can attest to the fact that this lady would be unwilling to do any of that. If she could get my mom to buy pork chops, she would...Fortunately, my mom will stand by my dad's wishes and not purchase that stuff. Now, this is just to give you an idea of this lady's mental state as far as ftood is concerned. I believe she won't even LOOK at tofu, let alone eat it. Veggie meats? No thanks.....(her talking, not me) She can't stand mushrooms, and I think there are some other foods that are "good for you" that she doesn't like. I believe she chooses white bread over wheat, butter on her toast, basically high fat, high sugar foods. Did I mention that she is non-Adventist? I guess the pork chop reference gave it away, eh? Anyway, if she knows it comes from the Adventist church, forget it. She won't consume it. Mom leans a little more toward the church's teachings, but she is non-Adventist as well. She is the type, last I knew anyway, who feels it isn't a complete dinner without a carcass on the table. Though, occasionally, she will eat tofu. She actually likes it, for the most part, as long as it has some kind of flavor. BTW, I checked out www.glaepalife.com and as much as the idea interests me, it is WAY out of my budget. I don't have an extra $600 for 2 months supply of supplements......CHIP looks doable, though. I'm going to look into purchasing some seeds and pots so I can grow my own "minigarden" here in my apartment. I live in one of the Chicago suburbs in an apartment complex. I have a small patio but many windows. If I can keep the cat out of the windows, I may be able to grow some veggies/fruits in there. Now, would you suggest that I run my water theough the refrigerated purifier (of course I would have it room temp) before pouring it on the plants? Or will the tap water be ok for that? Now, my husband is kind of "meat and potatoes" as well. I have a tough time getting him to eat very many green veggies.....because of that, my son is against greens as well....Angie and Dad can attest to that! If there is even a HINT of green in anything, he won't eat it. We have spaghetti and if he spots any oregano in the sauce, forget it....I have to PICK OUT the bits of oregano! Got the mental picture there? When he was a baby, I had NO problem getting him to eat peas, beans, etc....now? forget it. Any suggestions? Ok, I have no problem mentioning the foods I ate prior to surgery and comparing them to post-op. before: I ate tfoods that were/are dietarily acceptable by Adventist teachings....no unclean meats, etc. Now, one of my favorite foods was chicken wings. I didn't have them everyday, but I loved them when I got them. I drank soda, be it regular or diet. When I had meat, it was the leaner cuts. I would get ground round or ground chuck as opposed to the fattier ground hamburger. Usually, though, I would get the ground turkey. I only got chicken breasts when purchasing chicken at the store because my husband can't handle dark meat poultry. I even purchased some fish: flounder, salmon, perch, etc. I also ate morningstar farms veggie meats, tofu, salads, all kinds of veggies except brussels sprouts & a few others. The bread I ate, for the most part, was white bread. I did that because it was cheaper and we had a limited income. I am, admittedly, a chocoholic, so you can guess what that means.... Now, after surgery, It is pretty much the same except that I can't eat high fat foods nor high sugar content. I can't have white bread (per doctor's orders) because it becomes doughy in my "pouch" (new stomach) and can block the opening. Still love salads, no soda because it can expand the pouch. Fish, not so much because it was pretty much ALL I had for the first couple months post-op (after getting past the liquid diet, of course). Chicken is breast only, unless there is only one piece of breast and a bunch of legs & my husband is with me, then I let him have the breast because I can tolerate the dark meat. Still like chocolate, but only have a small amount every once in awhile now. Eat veggies. I DO like the veggie meats, but cannot get to the ABC, or any other store that sells them, before they close. Still like tofu. I basically eat the same allowed foods, but in smaller quantities and less sugar/fats. Did that clarify things a bit?
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Here is the link to this week's Sabbath School Lesson Study and Discussion Material: Click Here
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