Hi friend!
Congrats on your upcoming surgery!  Seizures are a rare side effect of a possible complication (NIPHS) for Rny's.  Most common is the reactive hypoglycemia that is developed by many. 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/bariatric-surgery/complications.ht ml

I have been in the Weight Loss Surgery community for almost 11 years and have seen a variety of complications.  Iron deficiency, ulcers, stoma issues, lactose intollerance, hypoglycemia and weight regain are the most common Rny problems I have consistently seen.  But, please note that the majority sail through with very few issues, if any!

Though the Rny is NOT the surgery I would recommend for people, the weight loss can definitely be a huge boost to better health and even with the regain, most people are generally better off  with an Rny than without it.  (Doesn't Dr. Blackstone do the Sleeve?  (VSG)  .... Maybe ask her about that procedure?)

Good luck!  Continue doing your research and be prepared to be consistent with your protein supplements, your vitamins and your water intake.  If you're a responsible post-op then you should rock your surgery!!!  Dr. Blackstone is a great surgeon!

Huggggzzzz, 

WLS has so many cycles:
1.  the "dawning" or realization that we need WLS and that it might be an option
2.  Pursuing the option.  The excitement of the possibilities and the worry of the surgeon and procedure selection.
3.  The Pre-Op insurance approval and surgery date "wait"....the time to rev up and read success stories and park on your surgery forum to chat with post-ops who have "been there, done that".
4.  The surgery!  Soooo exciting, Soooo scarey!  .....  Everything is exciting and every hiccup and every tear seems to be related somehow to our surgery.
5.  The weight loss honeymoon.  Could there ever be anything more exciting than dropping 100++ pounds with little effort (generally) and so consistently?!  The shopping adventures, and personal discovery highs....the kudos from zillions and the conflict with those who don't understand or who have jealousy issues.....the personaltiy changes and the milestones that are met...the new goals that are set....the exercise and activitity options that are now possible and amazing.....the worries from spouses that you'll stop loving them....the excitment of being flirted with.....the complete unveiling of endless possibilities!!!!  The health restoration and ditching of shots and medications and aches and pains......the plastic surgery hunt and new awareness of our appearance....Words like:  euphoric!  Surreal!  Unbelievable!  Handsome!  Gorgeous!  HOT!  Amazing!  are a part of your world!
6.  The end of the honeymoon.  The weight loss stops or slows down.  If you're at goal or near it then a new challenge of "maintenance" is presented.  Surgeons give you a plan with vitamins, supplements, lab schedules, support groups and set you free!  .....The kudos slow down or stop...the "new" gets routine......the celebration turns into a memory......Head issues may try and sneak back in....
7.  The struggle.....Regain, Workouts, Counting proteins, counting carbs, counting calories, DIET... (things we didn't think we'd have to worry about again).....Some are happy to be healthy, some want more loss and feel disappointed and like a failure that they don't weigh in at a normal BMI....some have graduated through the process to remain active and within their goal range and living life as a normal healthy person....some have complications....some are angry ....some have vitamin deficiencies...some need revisions....some get revisions.....
8. time
9.time
10.  Ho Hum!  .....  The place where most things have been worked through.  The weight is around the right zone and the health is fairly managed.  Maybe there's a few pounds to still lose...maybe there's a better exercise plan to try....maybe a fad diet sounds interesting....maybe you have the same clothes in your closet that you've had  for a few years and they still fit!  .....Maybe you'd like a little plastic surgery.....Maybe you still like to touch base with support groups to pay it forward, or learn about the newest "stuff" out there, maybe you like hearing the charged up newbies share their excitement, maybe you think you're past it all and it's time to just plain stop letting weight even matter.

This isn't a rant...It's not really a problem....it's more of a reflection and maybe just wondering....

How do we pull out of the "Ho Hum" and still keep the right focus?

What do you plan to do when you get to phase 10? 

What's beyond? ...........What "is" life after WLS?

That's rough biz.  I dont' like to mess around with practices that act like they don't have time to help me either.  However, the office staff isn't necessarily representive of the skill of the surgeons.  Fang & Juarez have a great reputation for what they do.

Banner Gateway is an excellent choice!  Dr. Podkamini offers the Band, Rny and the Sleeve.  I personally feel that the DS is the BEST surgery (stats prove that as well) but the sleeve is a good option and Banner does GREAT sleeves (small). 

I wouldn't recommend any of the surgeon's in AZ for a DS.  (And...you probably don't want to wait for Dr. Blackstone to get her 100 practice surgeries done?  LOL!) 

Good luck!  I hope you get a surgery date soon!!!

Hubby had Dr. Fang and had GREAT results!

Dr. Juarez has done some of my follow-up and totally knows his stuff!!!

You would be in great hands with either of those surgeons......but, neither one does the Duodenal Switch.  If that's a surgery you may be interested in then you can get info at
www.dsfacts.com

They both do the Sleeve (VSG) though and it's the 2nd best surgery EVER!!!

Good luck on your journey!  WLS totally rocks!

Hey there Luvresia!

Isn't your date in December?  Just a couple of Holidays away!!!

I'm heading to Banner's psych support group on Wednesday.  Are you going to be there?

4:30 - Every 3rd Weds of the month in the rooms past the cafeteria

I LOVE Dr. Goodhall's level headed approach to everything!  All the Banner Gateway groups are open to everyone.

Maybe I'll get to meet you at one of the groups?!!!

You can always check out a surgeon through the internet's "lawsuit search".  .... And, if they are not attached to a Center of Excellence then there might be reasons...?

Having some history within the Bariatric biz; the surgeon's I would recommend who have positive results:

Podkamini (band, sleeve, Rny)
Schuster (same as above)
Blackstone (same as above plus DS soon)
Juarez (same as above)
Fang (same as above)

If you are interested in having the BEST chance for long term results, then I'd totally recommend a Duodenal Switch. (www.dsfacts.com)  I would recommend Dr. Keshishian in Los Angeles and possibly Dr. Husted locally (but I don't know enough about him yet to recommend him.  He has some questionable opinions on the DS forum).

Dr. Villares used to work at Banner.  He then worked for AZ Weight Loss Solutions......  He's working somewhere else now.  I would question any surgeon who hops around like that and the reasons behind it.

I do know several people who have had Dr. Villares.  If you'd like more info then please shoot me a pm.

good luck!!!  I hope you find the procedure and surgeon that work well for you!!!

I LOVE both those places!  LOL!   (Houston, that may be a problem!)

We have options for Saturday mornings at Chandler Regional Hospital and Banner Estrella for those who worry about meeting around food (received one "concerned" email in that regard).

Are you thinking of a specific "central" location?  A few years ago, we had a "roving Grads group".....hitting various parts of the valley with the hope that everyone could hit at least one of the get together's every 3 months or so.  It became a pain to keep up for me.....and the 5 people who came consistently didn't care where we met so that's when we took Phx St Luke's up on their offer for a location.

Grads are fickle.  We're busy living our lives (finally!!!!) and some of us don't think we need support groups any longer....then there's the case of the grads who may have some regain and are embarrassed to return, or whose labs have gone South or who have emotional issues with their "new healthier bodies"....of course WE are the ones *****ally need to come.  Long term support = long term success!

Anyway.....I sincerely hope that wherever we "land" that you will be able to join us!

Phoenix St Luke's will no longer host the Az Grads of WLS support group!!!!

Sooooo.......we are looking for a home!

Anyone have any ideas?  ......  The group was always fairly small but rotated with great people who needed the Graduate type of discussions vs the newbie chatter.

Chandler Regional Hospital is available.

Maybe Banner Estrella.....

One member suggested their clubhouse....

We could possibly get a library community room.....

We could meet monthly on Sasturday mornings at random restaurants all over the valley?

Since we all gather from the whole valley, it's probably a good idea to go as central as possible or rotate locations.

The Grads group is for those who have had ANY type of Weight Loss Surgery and who are at least 1 year post-op.

You can email me privately if you have some ideas or just post on here.
[email protected]

On October 4, 2010 at 8:29 PM Pacific Time, liveinphx wrote: On October 4, 2010 at 11:51 AM Pacific Time, JRinAZ wrote: Hiya....

Just a reminder than there are THREE great support group options tomorrow (2nd Tuesdays of every month)  October 5th

WLS Graduates - for EVERYONE with any surgeon, any surgery type
5:30 at Phoenix St Luke's in the small room to the left of the Bridges Centre room
Peer Facilitated

General support - for EVERYONE, 6:30 pm at Phoenix St Luke's in the Bridges Centre

Banner Gateway- for EVERYONE, 6:00 pm at Banner Gateway on Higley & the 60, rooms just past the cafeteria

http://www.bannerhealth.com/_Bariatric/Bariatric+Center+Loca tions/Banner+Gateway_Bariatric_Center/Patient+Support/_Suppo rt+Groups.htm

Chandler Support Group:  4th Tuesday of every month,  Oct 26th, ALL are invited.  6-7:30 or so.....
Peer Facilitated without a "theme'.  Sharing of feelings is our theme!  Old friends/New friends!

Other groups?  Please post your information.

  I am confused. Isn't the 2d Tuesday 10/12? Oooops!  Good Catch!  THANKS!!!  I edited it to say "the FIRST Tuesday of every month", which is TODAY:)

...edited one more time for grammar/spelling!  Gheesh!!

Waiting for one?  Have one?

Anyone interested in a DS get together??!!!!  I'd love to have a support pow wow with peeps who are in my same boat.

I LOVE my DS & I love my Rny, Sleeve & banded friends but am missing Ds to DS chatter

It's TODAY!!!!  Woooo HOOOOOO!!!

You're Invited! 
  
Join Dr. Mehdi Mazaheri & guests on
 Saturday, October 2nd from 10-1 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with Dr. Mazaheri one-on-one and also listen to our guest speakers on the following topics:

Weight Loss, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Fitness, Nutrition & Skincare!

Lunch will be provided as well.
 
DOOR PRIZES! 
FITNESS SPECIALS! 
FREE CONSULTATIONS!

 
           EMPOWER &    RESTORE YOURSELF!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION! 
FOR SEMINAR GUESTS ONLY!! 
($100 Value)
480.951.4343
 
October 2nd, 2010 @ 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  5725 N. Scottsdale Rd, Suite 150
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250

(Dr. Mazaheri is a plastic surgeon who specializes in Post Bariatric Weight Loss Reconstruction and Cosmetic Surgery,  [email protected])