New here from San Diego

sheriboberi
on 8/30/08 6:27 pm

Hi everyone.

I just wanted to say hello and thank everyone for all the information and support offered here.

I am still waiting to get my referral to my surgeon's office. My medical group requires a specific doctor to give me the referral, not just my PCP. Still hoop-jumping right now.

WLS has been in the back of my mind for a few years. I am positive it is the right choice for me and that now is the right time. All the people on this board have made me more sure. I know the risks, but I know the rewards as well. Besides, staying on my current path is a guarantee of serious health issues.

Anyway...thanks!

Sheriboberi

Janine J.
on 8/30/08 9:31 pm - The Beautiful Desert, CA

RNY on 07/10/02

HEY Welcome to the boards Sheriboberi!!! You are right about making the right decision to have wls. Most of us feel that it is the best decision we have ever made in our lives! I hope that you get your referral soon and be well on your way to a new and healthy lifestyle!

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” –Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981).

MONICA W.
on 8/30/08 9:58 pm - Long Beach, CA

Revision on 10/09/08

Welcome to the Cali board. As you stated it is one of the best places for support. Enjoy the journey.

Monica

Chris S.
on 8/31/08 12:43 am - Chula Vista, CA

Lap Band on 12/03/07

Welcome aboard! I'm in San Diego too . . . I'm a bandster . . . and I wouldn't trade it for anything . . . good luck with your referrals and enjoy the ride!

Chris

Travelin' down the road to skinny!

sheriboberi
on 8/31/08 10:32 am

RNY on 02/09/09

Hi Chris,

I see Dr. Mueller did your surgery. Do you mind if I ask a couple of questions???

How long was it between your initial consult and your surgery? And what were you required to do before to prep for surgery?

Thanks! I am just so anxious to get this going!!!

~Sheriboberi

Chris S.
on 8/31/08 1:03 pm - Chula Vista, CA

Lap Band on 12/03/07

Hi there . . . actually - I went to the orientation meeting the first Wednesday of Sept last year . . .omg a year already! I had my appointments for my nut, physical, phyc, consultation all on October 3rd (the nutritionist was on vacation so I had to wait until then). At that point I found out I had to be nicotine free for 2 months before surgery - along with no caffine (sp) and no carbonation . . . so I quit everything that day . . . and had surgery on December 3rd. The hang up was the 2 months of not smoking before hand - and he tests you and will not do the surgery if you have it showing up in your system. His office also has support group meetings on the first 3 monday's of each month . . . which are for both band and bypsdd people. Let me know what else you'd like to know . . .and best of luck to you!

Chris

Travelin' down the road to skinny!

sheriboberi
on 8/31/08 7:06 pm

RNY on 02/09/09

Wow! So it seems like once I get my referral I will be on my way.

I want a December surgery because it is the best time work-wise.

You just quit it all just like that??? Wow!! I am going to start working my way off the coffee right away. That will be the hardest for me.

A couple more questions...if you don't mind. This is phenomenally helpful, thanks...

How long were you in the hospital and how long was your recovery time?

Thank you so much and congrats on all your success so far!!

~Sheri

Chris S.
on 9/1/08 2:11 am - Chula Vista, CA

Lap Band on 12/03/07

I'm glad this is helping you. I was told I would be an outpatient . . . but wasn't told that outpatient was up to 24 hours . . . so I was in the hospital overnight. This (to ME) was actually a good thing because I didnt' have to put an extra stress burden on my daughter to watch over me. I was out of work for 1 week. My friend (who had a different doctor) was out of work for 3 weeks. That all depends on the person I believe. Also, this is for lapband - I don't know about bypass which seems it could be longer recover period. That you will have to ask Dr. Mueller's office. There is a 2 week pre-op liquid diet which I started the Monday before Thanksgiving last year . . . but I wanted this enough that even that didn't bother me. You can go to the support groups even before you have surgery - they are open to the public and a great place to get more information also. I assume there is not meeting tonight (I'm not going lol) . . . but next Monday should be one of the regular meetings. Again, Dr. Mueller's office can give you more information on this. They are in the rehabilitation building close to Mary Birch hospital (don't remember the room number . . .just know where it is). Don't parking in the parking garage - it's expensive . . . we're allowed to park in the lot marked for rehabit patients. Hope to see you there!

Chris

Travelin' down the road to skinny!