Hi All!

So since I am new and have been replying to a few people's posts, I thought I would give you all a lovely introduction to myself.

My name is Adrianna and I am currently in the WWC.  I was referred to the clinic in 2008.  I can't remember exactly when but I'm pretty sure it was just after new years.  FINALLY in March on 2009 I had my first meeting with my nurse and RD.  It went quite well - they cleared up a few questions that I was having.  I also got my first weigh in - 361LBS.  It was a bit of a shock....I knew I was around 350 but I hoped for nothing more than 350.

Fast forward a year....I have lost 32 lbs.  Besides gaining one pound between visits I haven't gained anything back - which is a big accomplishment for me.

I had my first appointment with Dr. Birch in Jan and we went through the three options for surgery and what I wanted. I have decided on the RNY and he agrees with me.  Because of my height, he really really wants me to reach that 10% goal.  I had another meeting with him in February.  Then one more in March - but I gained a pound so I didn't think I was supposed to see him so I didn't.  (got in trouble for that - word to the wise if you have an appointment - keep it no matter what the scale says.)  So We rebooked my appointment for May 3. 

I needed to lost a total of 16kgs.  I lost 14....but Dr. Birch was still pleased and signed off!!!  So now I am having on ensure high protein a day until I get the call saying when my surgery is.  Then 2 weeks before my surgery I'm supposed to have a liquid only diet...I thought mine was bad but reading other people's on here I don't think I have it so rough. 

I was told that I should be having surgery within 4 weeks but one week has already passed so we'll see how much that really stays true.  But I'm hoping for surgery in June. 

Until then, I'll keep on doing what I'm doing and working out at Londonderry.

Thanks!

Hi Adriannao,

It is good to hear from you. Sounds like you are on the fast-track to having your surgery soon. (I never thoughat I'd say anything about Weight Wise being fast!) I am also having my surgery early in June so pretty soon we'll be a couple of real losers!! Hurray for us!!

Katie

Katie - for this I don't mind being a loser...ha.

Hi Adrianna!! Welcome !

I seen one of Dr. Birch's surgical guys on May 3rd too and he approved me for VSG. I had a phone follow up with my dietitian just a few minutes ago and she said that Lorraine at booking has a tendency to call at the end of the month to book all appts for the next month. I also heard that Dr. Birch's list is pretty short these days.

Sorry to hear you have to have a liquid diet LOL I was just told that I don't need to start one prior to surgery and that I'm all ready to go....maybe we'll be surgery buddies?

Wishing you much success!

Yeah, my RD called me on Friday to tell me about my liquid diet and meal replacement plan.  I really hope she doesn't wait until the end of the month to call me!!  I'm trying to plan my life and not knowing is really killing me....okay not really.

Yeah Dr. Birch said that I shouldn't be waiting more than 4 weeks but that would mean the end of the month would be my surgery so we'll see. 

That would be great if we were surgery buddies.  I have done everything on my own so far but it would be really nice to have some support from people that actually know what I'm going through.

 Welcome

 was approved in Feb 22 got my date the beginning of March and so I guess about 4 wks. Had surgery April 6th .... that being said.. with summer coming and surgery cases going slower.. dont panic.. It will all work out.

I did the RNY for a few  reasons.. Im an all or nothing person,, and that being said I had over 150 lbs to loose ( i was 328 on surgery).. I didnt want to do another surgery down the road. So for me this was the best option.. Dr Birch is amazing. he really explains but he has a ZERO tolerance for weight gain before surgery. So that would be my one advice..

I did the LD 17 days just cus I had gained a few poounds between seeing dr birch and my first class.. I was really worried I would gain more.. I had only gained 3 lbs since starting WWC in 2009.. so I have no idea why it happened..

And Im down today 304... So Im very happy.. Im looking forward to meeting you somet ime. congrates again

Thanks...

Yeah, Dr. Birch was very very clear on the fact that I can't gain any weight before surgery or he would cancel the surgery.  I am also very short - under 5 feet so apparently I will be the shortest person that he has ever done surgery for so that caused him a bit of concern so he needs me to really try to lose the last 2 - 3 kgs that he wants...if not more.  So I'm trying to work out more and lose more but it is actually my birthday on thursdays so there have been a few dinners planned and I'm trying to figure out how not to over do it but still have fun.

I keep on thinking my old life is ending and I want to end it with a bang - but not too much of a bang...does that make sense?  I know life is going to change a lot especially the food aspect on what I can and cannot have but it is hard because it seems with my group of friends everything revolves around food.  Get togethers are always out for dinner and such..any one else have this problem? and if so, how did you change it? Or did you even need to change it?

Hi there! I had my appointment with Dr Karmali yesterday and expect to hear what my surgery date is in the next few weeks. I've decided to go with the VSG. My orientation/module 1 was June 1st of last year so I'm pretty excited to be in the final stretch.

I see exactly what you mean about how your social circle is going to change once you're not doing all your socializing around food. I'm really lucky that all my friends and family are pretty supportive of this decision I'm making so I'm really hoping with my fingers crossed that they'll meet me half way in terms of social recreation. We'll see!

Best wishes on your journey!

Rosemary

RoseMary,

I see Dr Karmali in June, can you giv eme some insight as to how he is and what kinda question he'll ask. I hate going in blind. I like to know about the dr. ahead of time.

Thanks Kee.

Hi Kee,

My meeting with Dr Karmali was pretty short - about 10 minutes long tops.  He's a 'to the point' kind of a person but not in a blunt or bad way.  He asked me if I knew about the 3 types of surgery he performs and if I had any idea about what I'd like to have done.  I told him VSG and he offered to explain the other 2 types to me but I didn't think it was necessary.  He just went over what they do in the VSG procedure and what the statistics for infection, leakage are, etc (very low).  He asked if I have any allergies and that's pretty much it.  He dictated a brief letter into his recorder and that was it!   Perhaps I should have had more questions but I also know that if I had any questions after the fact I can ask.

He did stress that the VSG is not reversible like the band is, and even the bypass (although it's more complicated). 

He's requested that I get an esophagus exam and I notice that he's requiring the full 3 week liquid diet so that's something I'm not looking forward to.

I'd say he's very business like and professional which is good considering what we're asking him to do to us!  I don't have any major concerns although of course I'm nervous because I've never had surgery.

I hope this helps! 

Rosemary