Introducing myself!

Hi, everybody. I've been lurking, and finally decided to stick my nose out of the shadows just a bit. I've been thinking about WLS and researching and reading posts here, etc. for some months. I saw my PCP today for a regular follow-up. I'm a 50 year old Type ll diabetic who is now on not one, not two, but threee kinds of meds. My A1C this time around was 13.3, and my doctor said, "I wouldn't believe you if you told me you WERE NOT feeling lousy!" My thyroid is sluggish and today's numbers showed we'd finally got those numbers in a normal range. My cholestrol is not terrible, but not where we'd like it to be, either. Hence Zetia starts tomorrow AM. When I told my PCP today that I'd been thinking about the surgery and wanted to know what his opinion was, he said he'd already had the idea in his head as soon as he saw I was gaining weight again. Dr. Barba is his recommendation, since St. Francis is the only hospital I've ever been a patient in (and if I gotta be in a hospital, that one would probably feel most comfortable). I live in Manchester, so it's not so far to go, either. Anyone have positive/negative feedback on Dr. Barba... or maybe suggestions of other surgeons in the area that might be a better choice? I'm leaning strongly toward the Lap BAND, but I can't have the surgery at all if Medicare won't pay for it. Also, I'm disabled with anxiety disorder :-... and "phobic about all things medical", I used to say! I have episodes of apnea, and joint pain that far exceeds what's "normal" for a lady my age. Even hygiene and driving are getting difficult. My sons are 24 and 20 and still roosting.. they are supportive and helpful. My daughters are 11 and 6. The little one doesn't see Mommy as fat, only pretty (which breaks my heart.. but I'm gonna be around to dance at her wedding, so it's time for me to do something serious about my health). When a friend (who's had the surgery) first suggested I should look into WLS, some 6 months or so ago, I didn't think anyone would take me seriously. My BMI is borderline 40, and I figured I functioned "near normal", but have been noticing more and more lately how often I tell my girls "no" to things just because I sincerely don't have the energy to pull this bulk around, especially swimming in sugar (as it seems to be). I'm sorry to make such a long post, I hope you'll forgive that I yak when I'm nervous. I'm open to any/all suggestions, comments, recommendations, warnings... Thanks, Janet

Welcome! Towanda

Hi Janet, Welcome to the CT board. I don't have anything to add about Dr. Barba except my he was my cousins surgeon and she loved him. I myself shopped around for a year before I found someone who I was comfortable with and it was not Dr. Barba but you have to meet him and his staff and see what you think. If you don't feel comfortable with him, then move on to meet others - there are many qualified surgeons in our area. Let us know how you progress and good luck on your journey! Nancy K

Welcome Janet! I don't have a lot of time right now to give you too much information - but can tell you Dr. Barba was my surgeon and I am fine. Lap band is a struggle for me, but I'm working it one day at a time.... it's a journey not a race! Best of luck on your journey and welcome to the CT boards! Tammy

Welcome to the CT messageboard Janet, I am a patient of Dr Barba and had a laporscopic RNY last April 06. I have done well and have come off most of the medications I was on. I am physically able to do many things that were impossible for me before WLS. The surgery has been an important tool that has assisted me in losing weight and gaining back control of my life. I have been very satisfied with Dr. Barba and his practice, but you would need to judge things for yourself and feel comfortable with whom ever you decided to go with. There are many qualified physicians in Connecticut Have you checked out a support meeting yet? They are the last Tuesday of the month at Saint Francis. Hartford Hospital also has a bariatric program and support groups that would be close by for you. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Sher

Janet- I live in Andover, my doctor is Dr Aranow- I believe he is the best. However, with only Medicare as coverage you may be limited in your choices. Who is your PCP? I go to Manchester Medical and see Dr Marjorie Garrett. I would encourage you to see a nutritionist ASAP and get on a good diabetic diet plan, and incorporate some exercise in your life. I have kids too- four- girls are 10 9 and 5 my son is 6. You need to get your HGA1C DOWN !!!!! Email me privately and we can get together and walk at the mall or something.

hi, janet sounds like you are ready for wls i had the band it is slower than the gastric but i think it is harder to gain the wt back because you always have the fill to fall back on dr floch ofice is great he works out of st v in bridge port his staff are very supportive and caring good luck deb.c