New to group
ello everyone! I’ve just joined and I wanted
to<br>say what a great place this is! I am scheduled<br>for
surgery on July 5. I too am nervous. Any words of advice
are greatly appreciated. I haven’t had any luck in
the chat room. When is everyone around? Thanks for
listening. Hope to hear from you guys.
March 26th, 2003 at 3:48 am
just wanted to extend a warm welcome to you.
Our "little" group is growing more & more everyday!
You’ll find lots of folks here with many different
backgrounds and many success stories to share.<br>What type
of surgery are you having on July 5th?<br>I had an
open RNY w/gall bladder removal on April 14th of this
year. Dr. Gerald Goodman did my surgery at Cottonwood
Hospital in Salt Lake City.<br>To date (just over 7 weeks
ago) I’ve lost 45 pounds! I can’t tell how many inches
I’ve lost also and I need to buy a new wardrobe
because everything is falling off of me! *grin*!<br>I
have a "ton of weight" to lose but I can’t tell you
how much confidence I’ve "gained" with those 45
pounds lost! I even bought an airline ticket to fly home
to Calif. for the birth of my first granddaughter in
August, something I never would have done before losing
the 45 pounds….because<br>I know I’d die from
embarrassment for having to squeeze down the airplane isle and
then try to squeeze into the seat! <br>On the subject
of being nervous about the pending surgery, well
you’re suppose to be nervous, it’s a<br>natural
reaction! Unless your surgeon has you on a pre surgery
diet, then please go ahead and enjoy<br>yourself and
eat the foods you like. I don’t mean to go and gain
10 pounds but eat the things you love the most and
enjoy them because it will be a long spell before you
can try some of your favorite goodies again (if
ever!). <br>Also after the surgery don’t push yourself
and give yourself plenty of time to recover, don’t
rush back to work either, your body will take a good 6
weeks to get back to almost normal again.<br>I wish you
all the best! Have a ball these next few weeks and
enjoy yourself. God bless…<br>Wendy….Clearfield, UT
June 16th, 2003 at 3:18 am
Hi my name is Marie and I am new to this group. I
look forward to having someplace to go where I can be
with other people who are "in my boat". I am scheduled
for an open Rny on November 15,1999 at 9:30am.
(Sentra Leigh Memorial Hospital, Norfolk VA). I live in
Chesapeake, Va and my doctor is Dr. Schechner of Va,Beach. I
am currently 310ish pounds and 5′3. I am scared to
say the least but trying not to chicken out. I hope
the support I receive here will help to accomplish
that. I look forward to chatting with all of you (pre
and post op). Thanks for having a place like this.
June 16th, 2003 at 8:39 am
Hi Marie! Welcome to the group! I am also awaiting surgery, in 7 days. This has
been the most supportive place to be, so you are in the right place. Good luck
to you! <br>~Laura~
June 17th, 2003 at 6:02 am
Dear Marie:<br><br>If you weren’t scared of your
upcoming surgery, I would say that there is something
definitely wrong with you. Who wouldn’t be scared of
surgery. The hardest part is the time working up to the
surgery. The morning I was scheduled for my surgery…I
kept thinking…."WHAT, AM I NUTS!" But I did go
through with the surgery and I so much happier than I
have every been. I weighed myself this morning and I
hadn’t weighed myself in over a month. I am so pleased
to say that I weighed the same. Before the surgery,
a month was a good timeframe to gain atleast
another 20 pounds. It is so nice to see that scale stay
still for a while. You have every right to be
apprehensive, but you will never regret your decision to go
through with the surgery. Best of luck to you on the 15th
of November. That will be a day you will remember
forever. Helen
January 13th, 2004 at 6:27 pm
Hi I am wondering if you guys could give me
advice/information. I am researching this surgery. I am in the
process of trying to get my doctor to give me a referal
to a surgeon. The very early stages of approval i
guess. He 1st did medical tests. I am in good health. No
medical problems whatsoever. This is gonna sound dumb but
is that going to be a problem. I mean with my
getting approval. I meet the weight requirements. <br>My
doctor is going to have me see an endocrinologist.
Thyroid doctor. He wants to make sure my problem is not a
medical one. Trust me its not. lol. I have never ever in
my 27yrs been even close to thin. Hopefully after
the endocrinologist i will get a referal for a
surgeon. Well thanks for listening. Feel free to email me.
Evalyn
January 14th, 2004 at 5:08 am
Evalyn, I dont want to ruin your hopes but I have
yet to see an insurance company cover an expensive
surgery that isnt needed for medical reasons. Im not
saying that weight wont eventually become a health
problem, but insurance cos never want to pay if they dont
have to. The candidates for this surgery are 100+
pounds overweight with one or more co-morbidity. I had
high blood pressure and severe asthma. My husband had
severe edema and pain from plastic knees that he had put
in from a motorcycle accident years ago. His knees
were no longer able to support his weight. He was on
the border of having a stroke and they still turned
him down. We had to fight through an appeal before he
was approved. Others are diabetic or worse. <br>If
you are in perfect health your chances are slim on
the surgery but there is a chance that you can still
get help from a specialist. It very well may be a
thyroid disorder that you arent aware of. Some
specialists may be able to play God with your insulin levels
and have it result in drastic weight loss. Ive seen
it happen.<br>Good luck with the specialist. Maybe,
just maybe your insurance will still approve it, but
try not to expect it. Theres nothing worse then a
dissapointment.
January 15th, 2004 at 11:55 pm
Hi Elka,<br><br>I too am awaiting approval for
surgery althought mine has progressed further than yours.
I began my quest in February, as of to date, all
the paper work has been sent to my insurance company
and I am awaiting approval from them. I also am
pretty healthy. I have had some knee problems and
swelling in my feet but other than that. All is well. Good
luck in your quest. Keep me posted.<br><br>Sue
January 17th, 2004 at 2:39 am
Hi Evalyn! I thought I was relatively healthy,
until I started talking to people about wls! My ins. is
Humana and they will only approve if medically
necessary. You probably need to find out if your insurance
will cover the surgery at all. Some have wls
exclusions. I started this journey back in February with a
leter to my primary care physician, asking for his
support. He has been wonderful. Humana said I had to be at
least 100 lbs overweight, have diabetes, high blood
pressure, sleep apnea or degenerative joint disease. I have
had the sleep study done, and I do have sleep apnea.
I have to have x-rays and possibly MRI next week to
see if I have djd. There are so many things that hurt
and bother me, but, that I have ignored and just put
up with. Not any more. I complain to my dr. about
everything, in hopes of geting ins. to pay for the surgery.
Don’t know if this has helped you or not, hope so!
Linda
March 5th, 2004 at 2:54 am
I’m a 36 f and Ive lost a total of 140lbs. looking forward to chatting or
getting e-mails from people who need support or help in getting it done
March 5th, 2004 at 5:29 am
This site has been wonderful! Thanks to all of
you who have been so supportive. I am much more at
ease with my decision to go ahead with surgery. Does
anyone every use the chat room? I’ve logged on several
times and never see anyone there.<br>OK here’s a pretty
dumb question, how long was it after surgery before
you were able to eat fairly normal? I know there is a
14 week time where you gradually increase what your
stomach can handle. What can’t you eat? Or are you able
to eat small amounts of most anything? <br>Michelle
March 5th, 2004 at 9:54 am
hi there newbie…<br>you said you have lost the
weight.. which is wonderful… I applaud you for your
success.. but what kind of surgery did you have? When did
you have it? etc….<br><br>Looking forward to
hearing from you soon!<br>Cindy<br>open RNY
8/2/99<br>preop 298<br>current 163
October 31st, 2004 at 3:38 am
Hello. My name is Robin and I am 26 with a BMI of 38, increasing
joint pain and asthma. I’m thinking of having Roux-en-Y done, all of
my doctors think it’s a great idea. Unfortunately, none of my family
and/or friends is endorsing my decision. I’ve done the research, and
weighed the risks. Has anyone on this chatboard regretted their
decision to have surgery?
Looking for support,
Robin
October 31st, 2004 at 8:59 am
I’m new to the group also and have been wondering the same thing:
anyone regret having the surgery? I want to have the surgery before
I reach 60. Is anyone of that age have any thoughts on how age
affects the whole process?
Thanks,
Linda
October 31st, 2004 at 2:19 pm
Hi Linda- I go to a support group where one of the men is close to
60, I’d guess he’s about 55 or so, and he wouldn’t change the fact
that he decided on the surgery. Him and his wife think it’s one of
the best things to ever happen.:)
November 4th, 2004 at 3:52 am
I am new to the roup but this is something I am thinking about. O
just turned 50 and have had type 2 diabetes for the past four years.
I have tried different diets. As long as I was taking maridia I was
losing weight very slowly. Unfortunately,medicaid won’t pay for it
and I could not afford it. My biggest concern about this is having
surgery as well as being in the hospital. A person I spoke with had
it done and was in the hospital for 3 and 1/2 weeks. I just don;’t
have this kind of time. How is the surgery done and what type of
foods are you allowed to eat afterwards. This person had it six
years ago and eats mainly soups.
November 4th, 2004 at 2:34 pm
Hi everyone,
I am new to the group. I had my surgery Feb 20th 2002 in Virginia
Beach, VA. Three weeks after surgery I had to move to Michigan. I am
looking for support to this new way of life. I would love to hear
from anyone out there that I can talk to and get help as I learn to
eat and live again..Thanks Miki
December 22nd, 2004 at 1:38 am
Hi there :o) My name is Melissa and I am considering having surgery. I am
looking strongly into the BPD. I have seen a surgeon, etc. but I just want
to wait until I wean my baby at the end of the year. I was thinking about
trying for a January surgery date…
Anyway, while doing some research on the BPD, I noticed some sites saying
that body odor could be a problem… My surgeon’s web site says that he
hasn’t seen a case of that happening. What are your opinions?
Thank you!
Melissa D.
Mommy to Jacob Christian, 11/29/01
January 26th, 2005 at 11:27 am
Hi everyone,
My name is Lauren and I am new to this group. I am scheduled for
gastric bypass surgery on July 2, 2002. Only a week away. Starting
to get nervous and excited. Still haven’t heard from my insurance
company so I’m a little stressed out. Gotta run just wanted to say
hello.
January 26th, 2005 at 6:21 pm
Hiya Lauren
My surgery isn’t till December 18th. But I do hope you hear from your
insurance.
And Good Luck.
Keith
January 26th, 2005 at 10:08 pm
Hi Lauren! We’re surgery twins! Mine is scheduled for next tuesday
as well. I can’t wait, I am so excited. Toni
November 18th, 2005 at 3:37 am
Good morning everyone. My name is Yolanda, i’m 24 years old and
reside in Virginia. I’ve struggled with weight issues all of my
life. I decided it was time to take control of my life after having
my son. I had Open RNY surgery on March 12, 2002, I am almost 1 year
post op and i’ve lost 143lbs. Pre op I weihed in st 401 I currently
weigh 258. I feel great both physically and mentally. This surgery
has truelly changed my life for the better. I feel that i’m a better
person because of this surgery. I am having some trouble with food
at times I crave for carbs like 95 going North but I know I can’t
have them but i eat them anyway and then regret it later. but I know
this too shall pass. I am also struggling with plateus. I’ve been
at 258 for 2 months. I’ve been exercising religiously, drinking
100oz of water each day, decreased my calories to 800 per day and
also gettin 60 grams of protein but the scale isn’t moving. If
anyone out their has some thoughts or comments please let me know
they would be greatly appreciated.
February 4th, 2006 at 2:46 am
Hello everyone. I wanted to introduce myself to the group since I’m
new. My name is April. I am 22 yrs old. I am married to a US Navy
sailor and have 2 beautiful daughters. I am scheduled to have
laproscopic gastric bypass on July 1st. I weigh about 275 lbs and I’m
5′2". I am hoping to get down to about 130lbs. I don’t really know
what my goal should be for my body but I’m hoping to get to at least
130. I know I have to do something if I want to see my girls grow up!
I don’t have any major health problems yet but I know they are right
around the corner if I keep this up! My body is always so sore and I
have like no energy. I pray that this surgery will be the tool I need
to be healthier!! I hope to meet all of you on here soon!!
April
February 5th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Hello April, Welcome and congrats to you and your July 1st surgery. You and
I will be having ours on the same day. You will be in my thoughts and
prayers. I am 37 years old and am 5′4" and weigh 401 lbs. I can’t even
remember
what is was to be thin and healthy at 22 years old. But I do know that you made
a good decision. You need to have lots of energy to keep up with your 2
children. Good Luck and keep in touch.
Juanita
February 6th, 2006 at 5:06 am
—Just curious April…I am new to this also…where are you having
your surgery and how long has it taken you to get a date??
thanks, Debra
February 7th, 2006 at 12:16 am
Hi Debra!
I am having my surgery at Freodert & Medical college of Wisconsin in
Milwaukee. I had my first consultation with the dr in Janurary and I
got my surgery date about the middle of April. Good Luck to you!!
April
March 19th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
Hi All
My name is Jo Ann I’m seeking to have mgb done, working ong package, no date
yet. join this group to learn all the info I can. pre & post-op. Any info would
be most helpful.
Jo Ann
March 20th, 2006 at 5:50 am
Hi All
My name is Jo Ann I’m seeking to have mgb done, working ong package, no
date yet. join this group to learn all the info I can. pre & post-op. Any
info would be most helpful.
Jo Ann
March 21st, 2006 at 7:03 am
Hi All
I’m Jo Ann, and I’m new to this group.
March 22nd, 2006 at 12:36 am
Hi All
I’m Jo Ann, and I’m new to this group.
March 22nd, 2006 at 4:12 am
Hi All
I’m Jo Ann, and I’m new to this group.
March 22nd, 2006 at 7:38 pm
Hi, Jo Ann!
Welcome! Are you pre-op or post-op? What kind of surgery?
I had open gastric bypass about 5 months ago.
Jen in Naperville
Surgery Date: 3/3/03
Starting weight: 259
Current weight: 194
Goal weight: somewhere around 150
December 4th, 2006 at 6:02 am
Hi everyone. My name is Audrey and I have been reading the posts on
this site for about a week now. I have found everyone to be very
friendly and informative. I am looking forward to being a part of
this group. My first surgeons visit is on March 2nd and with all of
the information people have shared here, I now feel I am well
prepared. I have done my research and now I just pray that I am
accepted as a candidate for this surgery. I can deal with the
waiting. It’s the "not knowing" that I’m having a really hard time
with. Anyways, thank you all for being so informative and
supporting. Although we haven’t spoken before, you’re words of
encouragement on the message board have definately been taken to
heart by this newest member.