Hello fellow friends,

It's my Anniversary date approaching once again, it is hard to believe I had WLS 11 years ago!  I feel like an honest and true success story.  I went into surgery May 13th 1998 at 265 lbs, One year to that date I was at my goal weight of 145. I have fluctuated from 142 to 155 for over Ten years, today I weighed in at my doctors office at 143.  I was lucky to have had my surgery at 29 years old (yes that means I am now 40!) I must say thanks to Dr McPherson and his staff, because of them I have had the the best 10 years ever!  I got to experience my Thirties in a way I never thought possible and due to my healthier way of living I feel like I will get to enjoy many many more years that I may not have had I not had the weight loss. I won't sit here and "sugar" coat it though, its not always been easy and I have had some repercussions, however the repercussions were a small price to pay considering what might have been otherwise. I have had problems with my teeth (getting dentures this Friday), and I have had some Muscle related issues. Mainly getting enough protein keeping my bones and muscles strong now that I am 40 are my "New Main Priorities" I did not come this far to screw it up now!  I just wanted to thank everyone for the support and to let Dr Mac know... "I am an official documented gastric bypass success" Dr Mac once told me that if I followed the program and my maintenance with him for about Ten years then I could be considered an official case study-(I feel so important )  "Here's to the next Ten years!" Thanks Dr Mac & Staff- All my love Belinda Jones Tennessee

Teresa, have you been to the calif msg board for support? http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/CA

I had my surgery over five years ago. At the time, I searched for a program but there wasn't anything available in the rural northern California area, where I live. I found a surgeon, via the internet, in another town that did bariatric surgery. I told my medical nurse and all the tests were done and I met once with the surgeon. He weighed me in (325 lbs) and scheduled me for surgery. I returned two months later and met him the evening before the surgery and then showed up at the hospital. Four days later, I returned to my home and met monthly with my nurse. Over the first year I lost 110 lbs. I didn't have a support goup or know of other people who had had the surgery. Now five plus years later, I am still 100 lbs overwieight. I see more and more information is available about nutrition, pre and post counseling and extended follow up. I wouls like to hear from others who may be in the same position I am in and also has anyone every looked at having their surgery done again?