1 YEAR CHECK-UP WITH SURGEON

Hi all. I visited my surgeon, Dr. Aranow, yesterday for my one-year check-up. He walked into the room and said, "I would never have recognized you!" Now, this is a no-nonsense man with a reputation for being rather arrogant and highly opinionated, so the statement and the manner in which it was delivered was very much appreciated! I feel somehow vindicated ... you may recall that at my 6-month visit when I was hovering at around 236 lbs., I asked him if he thought I could get to 150 lbs. -- he shrugged me off and said, "Absolutely not," and then went on to tell me I was "weight fixiated" and I needed to be happy if I get to 200 lbs. Well, I weighed in (at his office) at 166 lbs., so there, Dr. be-happy-if-you-get-to-200!!! My bloodwork is excellent except for my calcium level -- he said my body was leaching it from my bones. I stopped taking calcium supplements several months ago because of constipation. Now I'm back on it big time and I'm dreading the consequences!! The rest of my visit concerned the hernia issue -- he gave me a thorough examination and has concluded that I have 2, possible 3 hernias and he wants to move on this asap; so the short of it is, he is submitting to my insurance company for approval for the hernia repair AND abdominoplasty!!! I should know in a week. Wish me luck! Then came the real kicker. "You're done," he said. "Done? What do you mean?" I asked. "You're at goal weight, I don't want you to lose anymore." Excuse me, can someone help me off the floor please!!! Dr. Aranow says that I will lose another 10-15 lbs. from the removal of excess skin, so that will put me at somewhere between 140-145 lbs.! I can hardly believe it. So, that's my check-in, I hope all is well with everyone. It seems we are moving a little further away from each other (I'm so sad to lose Dina)...can we all just make a commitment to, no matter, what, check in with each other next March??? No matter what??? How does that sound? You all have gotten me through so much, any success I enjoy today is a direct result of your contribution to keeping me motivated and on track. Thank you so much. Love, Reenie

What a great check up! You showed that ol doctor know-it-all, didn't you? Sorry to hear about the hernias...seems to be a common problem. I think we just get all caught up in the act of living our lives...our new lives now that we've experienced WLS. For me, well, I found the man of my dreams. He's perfect in every way and loves me to pieces. He thinks I'm beautiful and (get this) thinks I have a great body....LOL! I'm contemplating a move to the NY area in the next year to year and a half...if all goes well. Wish me luc****ep in touch! Joan

Wow Reenie, I hope my 1-year check up goes as well as yours did. I am also sorry to hear about the hernias but on the bright side if you want PS it will be easier for you to get your insurence to pay for it. I don't plan on leaving the site any time soon. As I see it the real work is just begining and I will need everyones well wishes, advice and empathy for a while. Keeping it off once we get emmerced in our new lives can be a challenge. BTW did I miss something, what happened to Dina? Love and Hugs Leslie