Introduction

Don't know how but I missed the fact that there was a message board for folks who had surgery in April 2005. Now that I've found you guys, a little introduction.... I had LAP RNY on 4/14/05 in Bogota, Colombia, with Dr. Alvaro Valencia. I still have to update my profile with information on my experience but I can definitely say that it was fantastic. There's not one thing that I can't rave about. Today is my 38th day since surgery and I've lost 37 pounds. Needless to say, I am very pleased. I've had pretty smooth sailing so far and consider myself fortunate when I read what problems others have encountered. But I'm sure I'll have my share of bumps in the road (especially those dreaded "stalls"!). But that's when I know my friends here at OH will pull me through. Maryann LAP RNY 4/14/05 304/267/135

Congrats on your successes so far on your WLS journey. And most important, welcome to the April 2005 board!! This is a nice place where every one of us is pretty much at the same point in our journey. We are here to listen, to help and to rejoice at the big and the little things. Please come back often Judy I'm interested in knowing why you chose to go to Colombia??

Judy, Thanks for the welcome. I chose going to Colombia after a lot of research. Self-pay, of course, so I was looking for a more affordable option than the U.S. I looked at other out-of-USA options (mostly Mexico) and the surgical group I went to seemed to have a much more comprehensive program. I talked to a number of former patients from the USA, who all raved about the surgical group, and I went for it. And I have no regrets. I still have to get my profile updated to include details on my experience with Affordable Bariatrics in Bogota but I can't imagine an experience that could have been better. Maryann 4/14/05 LAP RNY 304/267/135

Hi Maryann~ Congrats on the weightloss and good luck on the rest of your journey!! Hugggz~~Christy 227/192/115 **** about 77 lbs to go!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Maryann!! Isn't this a wonderful experience? I am 5 weeks out today and have lost 31 pounds. I hit a mini plateau a couple of weeks ago, and went almost a week without a loss, then all of a sudden the weight started coming off again a few days ago. Only problem I have is no bowel movement for more than a week, and I am getting worried. I've been taking Colace like my doctor suggested, but that has not worked yet. I plan to use a suppository tonight. If that doesn't work, I will definitely call the doctor tomorrow. Funny thing is, I don't feel really bad. No bloating or anything. Ah, if I could only have salad and fruit!! Not a great subject, I know. So, welcome to April!! Linda

Linda, Thanks for the "welcome aboard". Everybody here is such a great bunch and it's wonderful to have you all to share this journey. Maryann 4/14/05 LAP RNY 304/267/135