Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Rachel--24]

Thanks for all of your replies about the gastric bypass surgery. I'm gonna pass all of this onto my friend.

I think we can easily jump into things because we want fast results. We can all relate to that part. Sometimes we can cause more problems....like what happened to me when I went ahead with radioactive iodine because I just wanted to feel better fast. Or when I took lots of abx for "rosacea" (WTH was I thinking!)

Obviously those things gave me bigger problems to deal with...and I dont want anything like that to happen to my friend.

I'm sure you guys know I can be pretty stubborn about things.

I wanna be open-minded about this since I know that some people do get really good results. I told my friend I would research it....not just the bad stuff...but the benefits too.

Rachel, I know someone who had that surgery done. She has lost a lot of weight from it, and she is still not thin. When she told me what she could and could not eat, I thought, why not just go on the diet without the surgery? She didn't have the gastric bypass ... she had the lap band.

I'm worried about permanent intolerances to food because of the surgery.. You know....like where you cant even enjoy eating because so many things bother you. Its not new to any of us....but it would be new to her.

I heard alot of people cant tolerate certain foods anymore because of impaired digestion. Maybe dairy will cause problems, or chocolate, or spices, etc. etc. I dont know if this is a common consequence of GBS...what do you think??

Right now the lap band is sounding better to me.....but I dont know what it is exactly. Does it have less risks?

Which of the two is safer?

One of my co-workers was going to have this done. I don't know much about it, but she told me a little bit about it. It sounds very complicated and it has a fairly high risk factor I think. SHe was extremely overweight though, and no matter what diet she went on she couldn't lose weight. She had joint pain so badly that she had to use a cane to walk, and the weight was a contributing factor. :

My friend is not extremely overweight. I think she can lose weight without doing this...it might not be easy but I dont think its totally out of reach. The only pain she's mentioned is her feet. She said the weight is a factor in that. She has 3 kids (including a two yr. old) so she feels she doesnt have enough free time to really work at this.

I think for some people who are really suffering physically as a result of their weight....it might be a better option. She's not at that point. She's capable of exercising. I think swimming would be good and I know she likes it but she doesnt like other people to "see" her swimming because she's self conscious. If she can get past that part I think she'd be more motivated to excersize.

I'm sure your friend knows about all the risks, so being supportive and understanding is probably all you can do...it IS a serious surgery though. Another man in our choir was going to have it to, but I think he finally decided against it.

Yeah...I dont want her to think its a minor surgery. She met someone who just had it done and is really happy. Its easy to see that and then say "where do I sign up!!"

We all do it...Lisa got alot better on Zeolite...so I *had* to have it. Two days later I had my own bottle.

We hear 2,000 people got better because of Bionic 880 and tons of Lymies (and some non-lymies ) are ready to book their flights to Germany.

So yeah...we ALL want that "quick fix". Its all about the risks though. With alot of things we try...the only real risk is a financial loss. I think with GBS the risks go way beyond that.

There are things that I would not jump into regardless of how someone else does with it. For me abx is high on that list now. If its necessary...if its absolutely necessary then yes...I'll do it...otherwise I would have to carefully weigh the risks/benefits.

Donna, I told her if she decides to do it I'd support her decision 100%. Its her decision....I just want her to research it alot first. She needs to be a google expert before she makes the decision...thats all I ask.

Rachel I haven't known anyone who has done that surgery. I'd be concerned to, but also understand the frustration with weight. I'd talk with them about what they have done to see if something is inbalanced in their system. I have lost so much weight after going gluten-free and soy free, although not the amount these folk are talking about. Anyway, I am convinced that my weight gain was a metabolic issue. i was thin when I was young too.

Sherry

Sherry,

I totally agree that there are often metabolic issues involved. I dont think its ALL about food intake. I think in her case she gained most of the weight while she was under alot of stress. I guess she feels that she ate more food because that was her way of coping?

I know this happens but I also know what stress does to us....and I think alot of changes can occur in the body because of that stress. We also know for sure that during stress we are more susceptible to things....and less capable of excreting toxins. I think some things can get thrown out of balance.

[Rachel--24]

Personally, If I was overweight and searching those options out, I would opt for the lapband. It's less invasive more reversible.

I have had friends that have done both. The person that did gastric ended up gaining weight back, but not all of it. She had lots of reflux - and even threw up if she ate too much.

The other friend that did Lapband lost 85 pounds so far over about a year. She lost weight a little bit slower than the gastric person because you can control how much the inflate the band around your stomach. You go every few months for a "fill" where they inject the saline solution into the band and it inflates it just a little bit more to make you feel full faster. The injection is done with a needle through the skin.

Thanks April,

I'm gonna look into this too.

If she can get the same results with something less invasive and less permanent that would be good. When you're at a good weight then what...do you still have to get these injections forever??

I wonder why some people who do GBS end up gaining the weight back? Why would that happen if you're eating less??

The problems with both options (that I see) is that usually the person had food addictions resulting in overeating problems. The addictions sort of "transferred" themselves in both cases. So, its sort of like trading one addiction for another. The "mindset" is still there.

Thats what I'm thinking too! I dont know if its the case for everyone but if someone has gained weight as a "coping" mechanism...how will they cope with the same problems if they can no longer eat more food? It makes sense to me that its kind of an emotional thing. I think these types of fears or insecurities...if they were there all along...dont necessary go away with the weight loss. Maybe sometimes they do...but not always.

Honestly, I think if she lost weight she'd feel better about herself....have more confidance...but its not going to solve "everything". I know people who have the same self esteem issues and they are not overweight....nor are they unattractive.

Its kind of like all the things that we talk about on here - about getting to the "root" of the problem.

I think so too. Even if GBS is "bypassing" the food issues....what about the rest? The stuff that got you there in the first place is still there...isnt it? It seems like it would be healthy to work on everything....a good diet, building self confidance, doing positive things, excersizing, hobbies, having fun, etc.

Am I being totally unrealistic? I know life gets stressful and its hard with 3 kids, etc....but it can done this way...right??

I'm not overweight so I may be underestimating how difficult it can be to deal with this.

I could see if I was overweight and wanted a quick fix like that - although very invasive and painful. But, I think I would first search out other options. Such as hiring a personal trainer. That will MAKE you be there to work out and train you to lift weights which builds muscle which increases matabolism which burns fat longer each day.

This is what I'm hoping for. That instead of jumping into this she will first try working with a nutritionist and personal trainer (if thats available). She talked about going on that show where you work hard and lose lots of weight ( I think its called the biggest loser?)...she cant do it because she has 3 kids....she cant just be gone for all that time. I understand that but I also said that you dont need to be on a TV show to be motivated. You can do those same things if the help is available.

Last night she was talking about trying some of these things first.

Also, went I went gluten and dairy free and worked on my yeast issues - I lost 20 pounds in like 2 months. Something else to think about.

Yeah...hopefully a healthy diet would eliminate alot of the gluten. I think its pretty hard for anyone to lose weight with alot of gluten in their diet. I dont think dairy is a huge part of her diet. She HATES milk...totally the opposite of me.

I have an friend that is going to do bypass surgery, then she found she was pg and on hold again. I personally would not do it. I think there are way too many risk from it

I dont think I would do it either. Well definately not after having learned so much about diets and health stuff....but if I hadnt been down this road...and if I were overweight...I'm sure I would be tempted.

Rachel--

A friend of our family (about my age) had gastric bypass a couple years ago. She was quite overweight, but the reason she had the surgery was that she had an eye condition that required surgery and her doctor would not do that surgery unless she lost a lot of weight. I believe it had to do with pressure inside the eye.

Anyway, she did very well. Lost a great deal of weight that she keeps off to this day. She was at Thanksgiving dinner with us last year, and ate pretty normally and sensibliy. She looks fantastic and 10 years younger.

I guess it's different for everyone, but for her it was definately worth it.

Thanks Patti!

I hope if my friend decides to do it that she gets these same results.

Its good to know that some people are doing really good....that makes me feel less stressed if she does decide to do it.

She looks fantastic NOW. I'm not somebody who focuses alot on people's weight though. I know some people are like that and I'm sure it can be hard for someone who's not thin to feel like they're being "judged" all the time. I understand that part. I dont want her to feel that way....I imagine it would be hard to just relax and enjoy yourself.

I wish there wasnt any risks involved. I want her to feel great about herself and not have to worry about the weight anymore.

I'm really glad your friend is doing so well.

[mftnchn]

Rachel, not sure I have your email address...doesn't seem to be on my list. PM me and I'll send you my update.

Sherry

[mftnchn]

Rachel, I'm not sure about the Gemmobase and phenols and salicylates. But Dr. E told me that these are very different than the mature plant-based herbals. She said it is totally different even though it is the same plant. So you might try to find out, unfortunately you gotta read French to read very much on Google! Probably

Amy knows though or could find out.

Sherry

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Rachel,

I certainly would not want to risk doing GBS. The risks are too frightening! My best friend has an overweight family, and relatives that had the surgery gained the weight back. They stretched out their stomach again. As was mentioned before, it can be difficult because you may not be able to keep much down if you eat more than an ounce of food at once.

The Six Week Body Makeover is something some people tried that were about ready to do GBS. They were so glad they did not do it now. You get to eat all of the time, and lose weight! I do also feel the strong emotional connection to foods is important. Many of our memories revolve around food.

I also agree that food intake is not necessarily all that weightloss is impacted by. There are metabolic variations, depending on body type, genetics, etc. Before going gluten-free, I could not lose weight no matter how hard I tried. Normally, if I cut out fat and exercised, the pounds would drop off. Another condition which makes it nearly impossible to lose weight is a sluggish Thyroid.

When mine was slow, I restricted my calorie intake to less than 1,200 daily, walked briskly for 20 minutes, on top of taking in fewer than 30 grams of fat per day, and actually would gain weight! I wanted to cry when my PCP blamed me for it. Doctors are incredibly insensitive. Blaming the patient never helps. Overlooking the need to find the cause as you addressed is another important point. Hormonal problems particularly are often the contributing factor in weight issues.

My brother still cannot lose weight even on the gluten-free diet. He has always been heavier. Chad said "God made me fat, so I should stay that way. I am supposed to be like this." One thing is for sure, acceptance is something he has no trouble with. Our family members have always teased him about his fondness for pastries and his weight, which is very cruel. They should all be ashamed of themselves!

Another thing that really is irritating is, my best friend is plus-sized, and people do not see her the way I do. They always say terrible things like "She would be so pretty if she lost weight. Her face is nice." How insulting! No one sees she is beautiful the way she is, and her soul is just as radiant. People are snobs.

I went through a pudgy stage as a pre-teen. It was awful. I tend to obsess and worry about my weight because of the teasing I endured. When it comes to weight, human beings can be so cruel. I actually developed what you may call an eating disorder, because I tried to eat as little as possible and exercise like crazy. I would work out on a Gravity Rider for an hour, then do aerobics on a trampoline for another. Sometimes, I would rollerblade or swim for a couple of hours on top of that, and lived off of Nutri-Grain Bars and rice cakes.

This is often referred to as exercise bulimia. I used to feel guilty if I ate cookies when I baked, so on top of all of the other exercise I was doing, I did 500 to 1,000 crunches to work them off. Now I realize how insane it was. My mother used to try and stop me from exercising so much, and I was convinced it was some conspiracy that everyone was trying to make me fat. As I have gotten older, I found out all of the foods I used to eat were not nutritious. I used to think if it was low-fat, it was healthy.

I know better now. Eating fruits and vegetables is the most intelligent way to go. Avoiding transfats and saturated fats and eating small amounts of good fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil are smart. They keep you satisfied, and have essential fatty acids needed for proper brain functions, healthy skin and hair, and they are tasty, which is of the utmost importance. Women today have a stigma of anorexic actresses and models they try to look like. This is why I feel Jennifer Aniston is a good model for fitness, since she follows the Zone, which is based from healthy fats, lean proteins, and good carbs. An actress who actually eats is something rare in itself!

Dear Sherry,

I have Rachel's e-mail address. I can send it to you if you need me to. Just ask! As far as the Gemmobase is concerned, it sounds like something to look into. By the way, if you need a translator, go to www.babelfish.com and you can use it to translate French or any other language! A friend told me about it.

Sincerely,

Jin

[Rachel--24]

Rachel,

Are you going to really make me crazy by not postingur results. I keep checking every 30 minutes lmao. Im just kidding, take ur time in posting them, you know im a very patient person lol

Thats funny Paula.

Yeah....I think you're just about as patient as I am.

Ok. I'm gonna talk about my OAT results now. You know I was just trying to torture you Paula.

The only disappointing thing is that I didnt get as much info. from the yeast/fungal and bacterial parts of the test....as I would have liked. I do have dysbiosis according to my last CDSA but I'm going to repeat this one as soon as I can get a Genova test kit. Thats the one that I tried over a month ago but couldnt complete on time because of stupid constipation issues.

I'm obviously restricting all of the foods that cause flare ups. The fact that I have symptoms under control alot of the time probably also means that to some extent I'm controlling yeast and other things. I definately know that yeast is an issue from past tests....but still not clear on pathogenic bacteria.

Anyways the only yeast/fungal metabolite that appeared to be elevated on my results was arabinose. It was still within the reference range....the range is 0.0 - 47.0....my value was 46.3...so it was right at the upper range.

I'll have to see what Dr. Amy and Dr. P think about this.

I had one metabolite which was low in the Krebs Cycle. I'm not familiar with it at all (2-oxo-glutaric acid). I havent attempted to look into it yet.

Most of my imbalances were in the "Vitamin Indicators" part of the test.

Heres what showed up...

Methylmalonic (0.0 - 5.0) 7.79 - High

Methylmalonic acid is elevated in Vitamin B-12 deficiency, in defective absorption or transport of B12, and in the genetic disease methylmalonic acidemia. Values greater than 100 mmol/mol creatinineare more consistent with the genetic disease, while lower values are more commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies. Supplementation with Vitamin b-12 may be beneficial.

Ascorbic (10.0 - 200.0) 0.57 - Low

Low ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), indicating a dietary deficiency and/or increased utilization of antioxidants. Suggest supplementation with 1000mg per day of buffered vitamin C, divided into 2-3 doses.

With this I'm thinking that there is a definate need for supplementation (if I can tolerate it) due to increased utilization. I think that I just dont have enough antioxidants to deal with the amount of toxins in my system.

Pyridoxic (2.0 - 26.0) 1.16 - Low

Pyridoxic acid is a major metabolite of Vitamin B-6. Low pyridoxic acid indicates vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 deficiency may be due to low intake, malabsorption or dysbiosis. Intake of at least 20-50mg/day of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is recommended.

I gotta go back to some previous stuff because I know I read alot about B6 with regards to candida and also oxalates. I was taking B6 awhile back but it wasnt a good brand so I stopped....I cant remember if I felt worse while taking it.

The problem is that it can cause phenol problems to get worse....this is what Dr. Amy wrote me when we were discussing phenols.

"Do NOT take B6 or P5P since they can aggravate phenol issues"

Great! I'm still gonna try it...and its good thing this new Dr. does some muscle testing!

Here's a couple things I came across regarding B6...

Bernard Rimland, director of the Autism Research Institute, in America, has suggested that vitamin B6 is extremely beneficial to autistic children, William Shaw believes that this is due to the fact that Vitamin B6 may reduce the effects of the yeast reaction.

There is a noted link between Vitamin B6 deficiency and candida overgrowth

Pantothenic (1.0 - 4.0) 0.10 - Low

Pantothenic acid is an essential B vitamin. Pantothenic acid deficiency may be due to low intake, malabsorption, or dysbiosis. Intake of at least 50mg of pantothenic acid per day may be nutritionally desireable.

So thats it from the Vitamin category....the last thing (which might be the most significant) was from the "Toxic Indicators".

Pyroglutamic (20.0 - 115.0) 8.98 - Low

Decreased pyroglutamic acid, a metabolite of glutathione. Glutathione serves as an antioxidant and also removes toxins such as mercury, PCB's, PBB's and other toxic chemicals. Low values may indicate glutathione deficiency due to oxidative stress or chemical exposure.

Supplementaion with reduced glutathione, N-acetyl L-cysteine, lipoic acid, and vitamin C (buffered) can raise glutathione levels.

Selenium is essential to the antioxidant acitivity of glutathione; under most circumstances selenium can be obtained from a quality mutivitamin. To prevent oxidative stress antioxidants including vitamin E, mixed cartenoids, beta-carotene and grape seed extract are recommened.

Ok...no big surprise here but still good to know *for sure*. Glutathione is deficient in most cases of autism, lyme disease, heavy metals, etc.

Too bad I cant tolerate any form of glutathione. Had a bad reaction to IV glutathione, didnt do well with NAC, reacted to reduced glutathione, dont test well for lipoic acid, reacted to TD-DMPS w/ glutathione...and glutathione tested as a major stressor with ART.

I dont think the answer to this problem is to supplement the glutathione....I think something else has to happen first. Its kind of like Kassandra trying to correct the iron deficiency by doing the IV's....the body is saying "NO!"

Carla, this is why I'm especially excited about the OSR info. that Scott sent me!

Another important factor is selenium. That was the biggest deficiency that showed up in my bloodtest (RBC). The selenium was VERY low. Fortunately, I was able to find a very pure liquid selenium that I can tolerate. I've been out of it for awhile though. After seeing these results I'll definately be ordering more!

That was everything that showed up. Oxalates were within the normal range but I was kind of expecting it. I feel almost positive that oxalates are a big factor in all of this inflammation...but I had read that levels appear normal in people with sulfation issues....even if oxalates are a major problem.

Since I do have the sulfation issues I figured oxalates probably wouldnt be elevated.

I might order the sulfite or sulfate urine test next. I'll ask the new Dr. about it.

So thats it...I wish it was more but I'm not complaining because this is ALOT more info. then I normally get back.

[Rachel--24]

Rachel, I'm not sure about the Gemmobase and phenols and salicylates. But Dr. E told me that these are very different than the mature plant-based herbals. She said it is totally different even though it is the same plant. So you might try to find out, unfortunately you gotta read French to read very much on Google! Probably

Amy knows though or could find out.

Sherry

Thanks Sherry.

I'll look into it...somehow.

If this new Dr. turns out to be a good muscle tester I'll be bringing him all kinds of "goodies".

[Rachel--24]

Another thing that really is irritating is, my best friend is plus-sized, and people do not see her the way I do. They always say terrible things like "She would be so pretty if she lost weight. Her face is nice." How insulting! No one sees she is beautiful the way she is, and her soul is just as radiant. People are snobs.

Jin,

Thanks for your post.

My friend actually said something about this. She hears people say these types of things....even if its not directed at HER....it still hurts her. If someone else is overweight and people say "She'd be so pretty if she lost weight"....she hears that and its hurtful because it makes her more self conscious of her own weight....and how people might be judging her or saying these same things about her.

It is insulting....its totally rude and hurtful.

Honestly, I've never heard anyone say that about my friend though. I've never once heard anyone make any rude comments about her weight or anything like that. I've heard lots of people say she's pretty...and she is.

If anyone said anything like that...it might be the last thing they ever say!

By the way, if you need a translator, go to www.babelfish.com and you can use it to translate French or any other language! A friend told me about it.

Thanks Jin!

I'm gonna check this out later.

[Rachel--24]

I wonder if its possible that after the mercury exposure from the removals...and then having the galvanic reaction going on...if there was just too much exposure and it was depleting glutathione and other antioxidants??

Maybe things started piling up and as a result my body is still dealing with everything that occured during that time? There is now way too many things that have been thrown out of balance and my body is still very much depleted of antioxidants and still struggling as the bucket continues to overflow.

Even if mercury is not a major factor now....do you think it could have set the stage by overwhelming the system for a period of time....allowing for other problems to develop?

[CarlaB]

Carla...what makes you think I'd Rachel it??

I have no idea.

OMG...yeah...I know I would love this. I have to get it.

I have to wait until after my appt. with Dr. P. this week....then I'll see if I can manage it.

Can you give me some basic instructions on how to use it? When I had LED they would focus the laser on the toxic foci areas....is it basically the same thing? You dont need vials or anything? They used vials in LED.

I shine the 880 side on the insides of both wrists, face, neck, chest, stomach, and both ears for five min. each. I also shine it on a scar behind my left knee, which is the knee that gets sore.

It's not a laser like Dr. C's LED treatments, so it's different.

I have not been using any vials. For the Bionic 880 there are vials used. I would be afraid to use them without being trained as they are vials of Lyme bacteria (nosodes).

Are more people going? Unless money is not an issue I'd wait until there are more reports coming in. If money is not a factor I'd do it. Germany looks pretty beautiful. Its not snowing yet.

I'm really leaning towards going. Money is not an issue (I have a "sponsor" ). It does look beautiful and Morgan will be in Spain that semester, so I can also go visit her ... and she can visit me. She will be in Seville, which is very warm ... right now it's about 100 every day.

[Rachel--24]

It's not a laser like Dr. C's LED treatments, so it's different.

I have not been using any vials. For the Bionic 880 there are vials used. I would be afraid to use them without being trained as they are vials of Lyme bacteria (nosodes).

How does the light work if there are no nosodes involved? What does it do by itself?

The homeopathic vials were a major part of the LED treatments...telling the body what substance to release. You dont need this for the light to be effective? Do you just use it on any area where you feel toxins or Lyme are hiding?

I'm really leaning towards going. Money is not an issue (I have a "sponsor" ). It does look beautiful and Morgan will be in Spain that semester, so I can also go visit her ... and she can visit me. She will be in Seville, which is very warm ... right now it's about 100 every day.

WOO-HOO

I'm excited for you if you go!!

OMG....I cant wait to start getting some of my issues better under control so that I can go too! I have pictures that my friend sends me....it just looks so pretty there. I never left this country....barely ever left California...it would be really fun. I think I might be really scared during the flight though.

[Rachel--24]

Meanwhile, I met someone recently who is divorcing and will need a roomie. If I can find a way to make income, we can share expenses. This person also found an LLMD that is much less expensive for me to check out.

I will let you know if any of this works out. Keep your fingers crossed!

Jin....good luck with this. I'll cross my fingers for you.

[aprilh]

Thanks April,

I'm gonna look into this too.

If she can get the same results with something less invasive and less permanent that would be good. When you're at a good weight then what...do you still have to get these injections forever??

Not sure about this. My friend that did the lapband says that after a while your stomach can stretch back out. She is in need of a "fill" right now. She is holding steady at 85 pounds lost. She feels a ton better.

I wonder why some people who do GBS end up gaining the weight back? Why would that happen if you're eating less??

Its because in both cases, your stomach can stretch back out if you are not very careful. That's why they have to change their "mindset" or this could happen. Which, IMO, if they lessened the food to begin with they could avoid the surgery. I know - very hard to do.

Thats what I'm thinking too! I dont know if its the case for everyone but if someone has gained weight as a "coping" mechanism...how will they cope with the same problems if they can no longer eat more food? It makes sense to me that its kind of an emotional thing. I think these types of fears or insecurities...if they were there all along...dont necessary go away with the weight loss. Maybe sometimes they do...but not always.

Definatley this happens. Oprah even did a show about it. One person became an alcoholic. With both surgeries your tolerance for alcohol decreases so you get drunk faster with less. So, instead of binging on food, she drank. Others moved on to other addictions. Its different for everyone, but those risks are there.

Am I being totally unrealistic? I know life gets stressful and its hard with 3 kids, etc....but it can done this way...right??

I'm not overweight so I may be underestimating how difficult it can be to deal with this.

It is hard with kids and especially if she works, too. Tell her to take baby steps. Thats what I am trying to do right now. There is a good book out there called 10 Minutes In the Morning. I think the author is Jorge Cruise. He gives you 10 minutes of muscle building exercises that you do in the morning. This sets the tone for the metabolism for the day. And by building the muscle you burn more fat. Muscle burns fat even resting. This is easy and can be done at home. I think thats what moms get frustrated about. We can't always make it to the gym. We need things we can do at home and fast!

Once she starts feeling a bit better doing that for a while, she can start making some other changes.

Another good book, although I have not read it, is Bob Green's book. He came on Oprah and talked about it. The approach is not a "diet" but more a lifestyle change. And in slow steady steps.

I wonder if its possible that after the mercury exposure from the removals...and then having the galvanic reaction going on...if there was just too much exposure and it was depleting glutathione and other antioxidants??

Maybe things started piling up and as a result my body is still dealing with everything that occured during that time? There is now way too many things that have been thrown out of balance and my body is still very much depleted of antioxidants and still struggling as the bucket continues to overflow.

Even if mercury is not a major factor now....do you think it could have set the stage by overwhelming the system for a period of time....allowing for other problems to develop?

I think this is a total possibility. The mercury caused damage at the time. Its hard to know exactly how to fix it when you have so many issues. If you can find an antioxidant that works for you.

I know when I tried detoxing with cilantro and nothing else...whatever happened totally threw my body off kilter. That's when the liver pathways became blocked and sensitivities built up. Then other things started spiraling from there. I must have dug up too many toxins which damaged my body.

[Rachel--24]

Not sure about this. My friend that did the lapband says that after a while your stomach can stretch back out. She is in need of a "fill" right now. She is holding steady at 85 pounds lost. She feels a ton better.

In the meantime I searched the board for threads on GBS. I found some posts on the lapband as well. Most of what I read wasnt too encouraging.

I could understand if most of the info. was relating to the poster....since most people posting here have Celiac or other health issues as it is. I wouldnt expect to find alot of positive experiences here...but it seemed like most of the posters were talking about OTHER people who had it done. It seems like so many of them have complications!

There were a couple that were positive though.

Thing is....some of the problems arent showing up for several years. Malabsorption causes health problems! Some people are saying everything is wonderful but they've only had it done recently.....5 years later they might have alot of problems!

I read that it can shorten your lifespan!

Also, seems like Celiac gets triggered in people who are susceptible. Lots of people getting dx'd with Celiac after having the GBS. It could also be that the Celiac was always there.....hence the weight problem.....but the GBS exacerbates it.

It is hard with kids and especially if she works, too. Tell her to take baby steps. Thats what I am trying to do right now.

Right now she's not working. She quit her job to be with her kids....so this is actually the perfect time for her to try focusing on this. The older kids are off school for summer....but she'll have more time when they're in school. I think she can do it....like you said....baby steps.

I think this is a total possibility. The mercury caused damage at the time. Its hard to know exactly how to fix it when you have so many issues. If you can find an antioxidant that works for you.

It just seems like the most likely culprit since all of this occured after the dental work. I did have a bad diet and was smoking for several years.....these types of things help to deplete glutathione. Its not like it was the mercury all by itself but still...my body had to deal with constant exposure for quite awhile. If glutathione gets depleted...things are gonna start backing up no matter what.

[confusedks]

Just wanted to pop in...

I don't know if Carla said anything, but I'm not supposed to be on the computer because electromagnetic fields. Dr B is testing me to see if it's a problem. Also not supposed to be on the cell phone.

A lot of stuff happened at my appt and it went well. We did switch my mepron and zith to alinia and malarone. She said we will have better luck with them because I tested well for them. I started malarone yesterday and I've been totally out of it today.

My gyno wants me to go off the pill and the other med that is stopping my period. She wants me to get my period. I don't want to, but I don't have a choice. She said this will tell us truly more of what is happening. The kinda good thing is that I will get more anemic so I can get a blood transfusion which would really help with all the iron issues. I would get one now, but my hemoglobin isn't low enough.

When I had my period a few weeks ago, before the D&C, it was really heavy...I was hemorrhaging and my hemoglobin dropped 4 points in like 1-2 weeks! So if that happens again, I will definitely need blood.

So I won't be around much. But I might try to pop in every once in a while...Shh, don't tell!

[Rachel--24]

Just wanted to pop in...

I don't know if Carla said anything, but I'm not supposed to be on the computer because electromagnetic fields. Dr B is testing me to see if it's a problem. Also not supposed to be on the cell phone.

Yup....she told us. Don't worry we wont tell.

I had to sacrifice my electric blanket because I was testing for EMF's....but I drew the line when it came to my cell phone. I just cant do that!!

I was supposed to not have it near my head. Now that I have my hands free headphone I should probably be using it....but its in my car...and I'm lazy.

A lot of stuff happened at my appt and it went well. We did switch my mepron and zith to alinia and malarone. She said we will have better luck with them because I tested well for them. I started malarone yesterday and I've been totally out of it today.

I hope you notice some positive changes with the switch. I assume Dr. H. is ok with it.

[mftnchn]

Kassandra, it's good to have you pop in and I'm always looking for your updates, hoping you feel better soon. Maybe the symptoms are a herx and you'll feel better after, we can hope.

I am doing okay, a bit more tired the past three days, but am enjoying a bit more variety in the SCD, enough to get by. I'm not trying any raw stuff yet.

REALLY good news is that I found out tonight that my daughter has gone gluten-free! I knew she had a positive IGA through Enterolab, negative blood tests. I am hoping that she'll lose weight like I did as that has been a struggle for her.

Sherry

[AndreaB]

Kassandra,

Thanks for the update. We won't tell. I had emf come up last year on my ASYRA but am still on the computer all the time. I did get a chip from biopro that is supposed to help. I'll be curious as to whether it will come up this year or not.

I won't be on the computer as much (if I'm a good girl) as T started school since she was so anxious to start. We are going to be schooling all year in the hopes of getting through 2nd and 3rd grade. If she can keep the momentum going then we may have a tiny bit of 3rd grade to carry over to next school year.

I've split most everything to one lesson a day (6 classes M-F) with the only break (aside from weekends) being 1-2 weeks at Christmas. I think with just one lesson a day per class that she will tolerate it better. As we get to April or May and finish some stuff I've increased some lessons to 2 a day to try and finish. She'll only have 1 week off in the summer before starting up with 4th grade......if she doesn't get tired of the schedule before then. She wants to catch up to the normal age/grade level.

Sherry,

Great news on your daughter! Glad you are getting some more variety on the SCD. Let us know how the DMPS goes.

[jerseyangel]

Kassandra--thanks for the quick pop in. Hope this new combination of meds will work out better for you. You're in my thoughts

Rachel--malabsorption is a real concern for people after the gastric bypass surgery. You want to make sure they take a good suppliment and what they do eat needs to be of quality. I wish the best of luck to your friend, whatever she decides

Hi Andrea--I owe you an email Sounds like T has a real ambitious year ahead of her (and you, too!)

Hi Sherry--great news about your daughter! Hope the gluten-free diet will work wonders

[dlp252]

Meanwhile, I met someone recently who is divorcing and will need a roomie. If I can find a way to make income, we can share expenses. This person also found an LLMD that is much less expensive for me to check out.

I will let you know if any of this works out. Keep your fingers crossed! The nanny position would not work out due to my cousin and his wife not being able to afford it.

Keeping my fingers crossed that this will work out for you!

My friend is not extremely overweight. I think she can lose weight without doing this...it might not be easy but I dont think its totally out of reach. The only pain she's mentioned is her feet. She said the weight is a factor in that. She has 3 kids (including a two yr. old) so she feels she doesnt have enough free time to really work at this.

...

Donna, I told her if she decides to do it I'd support her decision 100%. Its her decision....I just want her to research it alot first. She needs to be a google expert before she makes the decision...thats all I ask.

Yeah, really, I think this should be a last resort type of thing.

I can certainly relate to any frustration she may feel. I'm having a definite problem with my weight now, but fortunately I'm holding at 15 pounds overweight. No matter what I try, though, it doesn't want to budge. Part of it is because I can't exercise as much as I need to in order to control my weight...until I correct whatever metabolic issue is causing all this the exercise is the only thing that keeps me in the proper range. Once all the neurotransmitter stuff is back in balance and the ampulla thing is taken care of, I think my weight will come back off. In my case cutting out gluten was when I started gaining the weight, lol.

Am I being totally unrealistic? I know life gets stressful and its hard with 3 kids, etc....but it can done this way...right??

I'm not overweight so I may be underestimating how difficult it can be to deal with this.

When mine was slow, I restricted my calorie intake to less than 1,200 daily, walked briskly for 20 minutes, on top of taking in fewer than 30 grams of fat per day, and actually would gain weight! I wanted to cry when my PCP blamed me for it. Doctors are incredibly insensitive. Blaming the patient never helps. Overlooking the need to find the cause as you addressed is another important point. Hormonal problems particularly are often the contributing factor in weight issues.

Well, I do know that it's not always as simple as it seems. For me there are a lot of things that contribute. I hear people say that "you just have to burn more calories than you take in". Well for me that wasn't exactly true...the type of calories made more of a difference than how many. Most people would argue with me, but with all other things being equal (i.e., exercise), I can eat 2000 calories a day and lose weight if I eat the right foods. I can gain weight on 1500 calories a day if I eat the wrong stuff. It all depends on what my body can metabolize, how much inflamation the food causes, etc.

I'm really leaning towards going. Money is not an issue (I have a "sponsor" ). It does look beautiful and Morgan will be in Spain that semester, so I can also go visit her ... and she can visit me. She will be in Seville, which is very warm ... right now it's about 100 every day.

OMGosh, I SOOOOO think you should go!

Just wanted to pop in...

Glad you did! Be a good girl though...sit far away from the computer, lol.

REALLY good news is that I found out tonight that my daughter has gone gluten-free! I knew she had a positive IGA through Enterolab, negative blood tests. I am hoping that she'll lose weight like I did as that has been a struggle for her.

Yay!!!

[Judyin Philly]

RACHEL SAID.

I think for some people who are really suffering physically as a result of their weight....it might be a better option. She's not at that point. She's capable of exercising. I think swimming would be good and I know she likes it but she doesnt like other people to "see" her swimming because she's self conscious. If she can get past that part I think she'd be more motivated to excersize.

i CAN relate to your friends concerns about the pool esp. if kids are there. I take classes in a 92 degre therapy pool with just 'ladies with health issues' so we don't give a twit about it' so much more comfortable for me. also it's a bromine pool not chloine pool.

I have 2 freinds who did it.......one was a diaster and the other 100% perfect but see follows her diet and swimming and does land exervices. I've watched her body 'shrink' before my eys.

Glad your doing well Rachel. I read here just don't post often

hi Jim

hope you can get this room mate thing to work out for you. sorry the nanny with relatives didn't work.

hi Andrea....

so happy with 't's educational progress.......ha i've been keeping up on you. Good teachers --like her mom sure help too. congrats to you too

[confused]

Rachel.

Thanks for posting the results. Just think how many things would of shown up a couple of years ago before u became able to control things with your diet. This is a test that i would love to have in the future.

When you talk abot the sulfite test, are you talking about the one kassandra did. Im still thinking about do that one.

Thanks for posting the stuff on eft, that is really interesting. When i sit on the puter i keep my feet up, is that a good thing to do. I talk way too much on the cell phone, maybe i need to cut back on that one lol.

There was so much more i wanted to say but im painting the garage today and i need to get back out there before it gets even hotter outside lol

paula

[CarlaB]

How does the light work if there are no nosodes involved? What does it do by itself?

The homeopathic vials were a major part of the LED treatments...telling the body what substance to release. You dont need this for the light to be effective? Do you just use it on any area where you feel toxins or Lyme are hiding?

Well it's totally different from LED that Dr. C does. This light energizes the mitochondria of the cell.

I know when they use the Bionic 880 for Lyme they do use nosodes since the bacteria is hiding from the immune system. Much of the research on infrared is not using nosodes.

Here is an article and a Pubmed study.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

I should mention, G. does not like that people are using other lights and feels it is unsafe because they are not the frequencies that have been studied to work for borrelia. However, from what I've read, I respectfully disagree. I think the infrared light is energizing for the cell and isn't like the LED treatments that Dr. C uses for detox.

WOO-HOO

I'm excited for you if you go!!

OMG....I cant wait to start getting some of my issues better under control so that I can go too! I have pictures that my friend sends me....it just looks so pretty there. I never left this country....barely ever left California...it would be really fun. I think I might be really scared during the flight though.

I've pretty much decided to go. G. is talking to Dr. W for me to see how soon I have to get off the meds. I'm talking to others on LN who are going so we can go over together. There will be either three or four of us.

[christine 25]

Hi everyone.

I was reading your posts. You guys have some good information you are discussing and it is very helpful.

I was wondering if anyone feels a difference between B12 injections versus B12 orally?

I have been taking B12 and B6 orally, which makes me feel better mentally, but I have had bad headaches with them...

Im wondering if the B12 injections would have less side effects?

Any thoughts?

[Rachel--24]

REALLY good news is that I found out tonight that my daughter has gone gluten-free! I knew she had a positive IGA through Enterolab, negative blood tests. I am hoping that she'll lose weight like I did as that has been a struggle for her.

Sherry, good news....I hope she has positive changes now that shes on the diet.

Rachel--malabsorption is a real concern for people after the gastric bypass surgery. You want to make sure they take a good suppliment and what they do eat needs to be of quality. I wish the best of luck to your friend, whatever she decides

Thanks Patti

Yeah, malabsorption really concerns me....especially since I can relate to this one. Its not fun to have the problems associated with not absorbing nutrients.

I dont know that supplements are equal to what we get from eating the right foods. Its not easy to find high quality supplements.....so many of them are synthetic and unnatural.

I watched a bunch of videos on YouTube last night. Most of the videos were chronicling people's weight loss following their procedure. They're all really excited and happy because they are shrinking in size. Its easy to see that and feel like its a great thing to do. I even feel excited watching it! I want my friend to be happy like that.

I found some videos from a couple people who have kind of passed the "honeymoon" phase of it. Now they're speaking out....total raw honesty about their feelings. They are now dealing with the consequences of malabsorption....deficient in everything....having to take more and more pills. They acknowledge that its a trade off....you trade your good health (if you're in good health going into it) for the weight loss. They said they knew it going into it.....you have to sign the papers saying that you understand this....they just didnt think it through.

They are happy with the weight loss....they got what they wanted as far as that goes. Is it worth the new health issues? They said if they could go back in time they would do it differently. They arent totally sick.....but they definately dont have what they had prior to the surgery. They lost the health that they had...and they're dealing with it.....not really knowing what other problems might develop in the future as a result of this.

The comments following these videos were either from other post-op's echoing these same feelings....or from people who were grateful for the honesty and have decided against the surgury.

I also watched a video which discussed the statistics...following the procedure how many have complications? How many are back in the hospital during the first year? the second year? etc. How many people die from complications?

The statistics were very scary....and they were specifically talking about the laprascopic surgery. The one my friend told me is safe.

I sent her those videos. I think you can probably tell what my feelings are now. I think its not worth it.

Your friend's circumstances were different...it wasnt done because of vanity.....she had another problem and couldnt have that corrected without first losing the weight. The people in the video *had* good health and they *had* good nutritional status....but they gave it away....only because of vanity. I'm afraid of that happening to my friend.....that she'll be happy with her appearance but her quality of life will diminish.

I can certainly relate to any frustration she may feel. I'm having a definite problem with my weight now, but fortunately I'm holding at 15 pounds overweight. No matter what I try, though, it doesn't want to budge. Part of it is because I can't exercise as much as I need to in order to control my weight...until I correct whatever metabolic issue is causing all this the exercise is the only thing that keeps me in the proper range.

I can eat 2000 calories a day and lose weight if I eat the right foods. I can gain weight on 1500 calories a day if I eat the wrong stuff. It all depends on what my body can metabolize, how much inflamation the food causes, etc.

Yeah...I can gain ALOT by drinking milk! It *totally* puffs me up....its all inflammation and water weight though.

I do think you'll lose the weight once you get things back in balance. I'll think I'll be able to gain some solid healthy weight when the metabolic issues are corrected. You're right though...eating the wrong foods can cause the weight gain. In my case it can go either way....but when I'm gaining its mostly water. I wont gain solid weight until the malabsorption is improved.

I think parasites and other beasties are a huge part of it too. Some people cant gain or they cant lose until they get rid of the parasites or yeast or whatever other bug they might have.

i CAN relate to your friends concerns about the pool esp. if kids are there. I take classes in a 92 degre therapy pool with just 'ladies with health issues' so we don't give a twit about it' so much more comfortable for me. also it's a bromine pool not chloine pool.

Judy,

Glad you're able to take these classes and that you're comfortable doing it.

92 degrees....no chlorine....thats my kind of pool!

I have 2 freinds who did it.......one was a diaster and the other 100% perfect but see follows her diet and swimming and does land exervices. I've watched her body 'shrink' before my eys.

From watching the videos I learned that it doesnt stop with the surgery....you still have to diet, you still have to exersize. I thought that having it done makes you want to eat less....but it doesnt actually change your appetite or cravings. You still have all that...but you just cant take it in without getting sick.

Alot of the people gain the weight back...because the stomach stretches out again (or something like that). I'm still confused about how the weight comes back...but it definately does for alot of people. Its a life-long commitment to keep the weight off...you still have to diet and exersize.

It is pretty amazing to see how quickly people transform though!

When you talk abot the sulfite test, are you talking about the one kassandra did. Im still thinking about do that one.

Yeah....she did the one with little test strips....kind of like pH strips. She could just test herself at home.

They also have urine "pee in the cup" sulfite and sulfate tests that you send off to the lab. I'll probably do that if I end up doing it.

The only thing about this test is that its just "informative".... it doesnt really give you any indication of what is causing the problem with sulfur metabolism in the first place.

You would just be aware that theres a problem.....kind of like with oxalates. If they were to test high in my urine ....I'd know they're definately a problem...but still gotta figure out why and what needs to be done to resolve it might still be a mystery.