New at OH.

Hello, My name is Mary Anne, I was just introduced to the topic of WLS just last week, my doctor sent me to the dietician, and she immediately handed me some papers on Roux Y,, I had never heard of it. When she told me that it wouldn't cost me anything,, I became very interested. She said that I need to follow a diet for six months,, which she gave me the diet,, but my feeling is,, if they want to give me this surgery,, why do I need to diet for six months first. I was told to go to a group meeting in the Max Taffel room the first tuesday of next month, and I plan to go. I have been reading all the post, profiles, and everything else I can find at this site,, and it is so imformative. I'm definitey interested in having the surgery,, right now I have a thyroid problem, I have high blood pressure, and I'm insulin dependent diabetic,, and from what I've been learning at this site,, I'll probably not need any of these medications once I have the surgery. But I must say that most of the profiles I've been reading are of people in their 20' and 30's.,, I'm 55 years old,, I would love to hear from others in my age bracket. Would also like to know of the complications, and problems,, actually I want to hear everything (smile) Thanks in advance for your help, information and your kindness. Mary Anne

Welcome to the beginning of your journey and to our CT board, Mary Anne! I am 46 going on 29 here and going strong. I had my surgery 2 years ago and have been very fortunate to have had no complications. I was fairly healthy going into this except for asthma and the extra weight of course, but I am happy to say that I only need my rescue inhaler 3-4x a year now when allergy season hits. I used to use 2 daily inhalers 2-3x a day! WLS has improved my life in so many ways, but most importantly because I am enjoying the best health I have ever been in. I know it sounds a little silly to be told to go on a diet before your surgery, but there are many good reasons for this. 1st, and most important, it puts you less at risk for surgery, and it also shows the doctor, insurance co, etc... that you are a compliant patient who will most likely enjoy long term success. The bonus of losing as much weight pre surgery is that you are that much farther ahead of the game and it will be easier to reach your goal weight in the long run. So, again, welcome. Looking forward to sharing your journey to a new Mary Anne! Terri

Hi Mary Anne, Welcome! You will find a lot of information here on the surgery. My suggestion to you is to look up books on weight loss surgery on a website like amazon.com and then go to your public library and take out these books and read them. The better informed and knowledge you know, the better you'll be going into this surgery. You didn't mention what surgeon you're having or what town you live in, but, if you're not sure of what surgeon you want, you can go to almost any surgeon you wish. They all have monthly seminars that are free and very informative. I know that when I went to Dr Aranow's seminar, he gave such an impressive talk, that I was totally confident in him to be my surgeon. This is one area where you have to be confident and feel comfortable with. Get to know your surgeon and what his style is, what his weight loss program entail and what is required of you as a patient before and after the surgey. All of these things are very important. The reason for a six month diet? Well most insurance companies now require this diet to prove to them (for approval) that you will be compliant as a patient both before and afterwards. That you have really and truly given your all in that six months to learn about this compliance. The eating plan after surgery is basically a three meals a day and two snacks. They want to see if you're willing to do this before they pay out many, many thousands of dollars in surgery costs to see you fail. Also, the diet is to have you lose the most weight you can to get you in a healthier state of being. It helps to shrink the fat around your liver to make it easier for the surgeon to operate. It's just a requirement now. I had surgery one year ago and have lost 130 lbs. My life is totally changed and I feel wonderful. I'm off of almost all meds and feel great! I have energy that I've never had (because I'm eating good, healthy food now, for the first time in my life) before and can't thank myself for doing this. I thank my surgeon and my family for being so supportive. Research, compliance and dedication is what it takes to make this a successful journey. If you're willing to do these things, you'll be successful. Good luck, paula

Hi Mary Anne My name is Kathy K. I had open RNY by Dr Aranow on Oct 18, 2004. I am glad I did it because my life is more easier, more healthier, and enjoy freedom from my health issues. I am still using my tools to keep my successful. It is not quick fox and it is hard working . I keep exercise 5 or 6 times a week ( You don't have to do it but can do 3 or 4 times a week but for me I have fear in my mind about regain weight back so keep exercise almost everyday gives me peace of mind WINK) Please email me private or this post if you have any kind of questions because I remember when I was pre op, I asked tons of questions and did my homework before I had this surgery. Have a great day! Kathy K

Hi Mary Anne~ While age does not matter here on OH, especially the CT forum... You are not alone... I am 56 yrs old... so there are other "seasoned" broads hanging around. Also check out the 50 and over forum here on OH. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/over_50/ Most likely the reason for the 6 month diet thing is purely insurance required. While it is a pain... it does gives one a chance to get ready for the surgery and slowly learn to make those changes. I am a thyroid cancer survivor and will take synthroid for life, but want to tell you that even with thyroid issues, a major weight loss is possible. Stick around... ask any questions you have. We are a great bunch here in CT. Very supportive group. Update your profile once in a while to keep us in your loop... your journey. And... to your body... WELCOME HOME... Welcome back to the possibility of becoming vibrant and healthy. Welcome to a body with less burden of weight... one that will allow you to feel free to live your life as you have always been meant to. Towanda