TV Program on Bariatric Surgery

Did anyone see the program tonight on FOX 64 about bariatric surgery? It was very scary! As a pre-op, it probably was the wrong thing for me to watch. This one particulary lady had to have her surgery reversed because she couldn't stop losing and had a feeding tube. There was also a second part about a mother/daugher who had the surgery two weeks apart, the daughter was only 14, and they looked great! Here's hoping that that's the exception and not the rule! JA

I didn't see that tv program. Boy you must have been scared! It seemed like theweek of my surgery all the scarey stories were coming out of the woodwork! Everyone had somekind of horror story that they'd seen on TV or read about and of course they all wanted me to know about it. I would have prefered NOT to know but then figured being the type of person who wants to be informed and all that research that I'd put into this I listened. I really feel that I did the best thing in the world for me. So far 6 weeks out, doing great, 40 pounds gone, back to work, and I feel good. No arthritis meds in 7 weeks and up and down stairs without any pain to my poor old knees!!!!! good luck and god bless

Thanks Pam! I needed to hear that! Yesterday was just a scary day! I ran into an old friend who had horrible horror stories about everyone she knew who had had the surgery (including her exhusband) and had gained their weight back!! Then I turn the TV on to relax, and the program from He** is on!! But today is a new day, and your story is much more enlightening then theirs were! And off your arthritis meds YAHOOO that's my goal! I have arthritis in my feet, which lately just kills me!! The idea of some relief from that is like a dream come true. Congratulations on your success and your great trip to the "losing" side! Thanks for your support as well... I'm looking forward to joing you there soon! JA

People love to tell horror stories, so just keep reading here & you read a lot of success stories, which really are more the norm than the scary ones. Keep positive -- it'll all be fine! Kathy F.

Thanks Kathy for the extra boost! I need that...the wait, as you know, is sooooo long! I had an interruption in my plans. I started this whole process about 3-4 yrs ago, and then I had to have another surgery, and I had to postpone. So I am really anxious (not to mention ready!) now. I'm trying to keep positive, and this board has been so a tremendous help! You look great, by the way! JA

JA I saw a program Friday night on Discover Health. It was "Escaping Obesity". It chronicled the process of one woman going through Open RNY. It wasn't nearly as scary as what you saw, but gave you pause just the same. My heart goes out to you, as I know in my moments of panic the nay sayers tend to get to me. Hang in there! NA

Thanks NA! I know that there is good and bad in everything, and I'm trying not to panic too much JA

Keep in mind that the media usually portrays this surgery as either the "easy way out" instead of dieting, or the high-risk life-threatening alternative. TV looks for sensationalism -- success stories don't usually cut it for them. You're in great hands with Dr. Bell, he has many success stories! Keep well informed -- but keep in mind that even people who want to "help" may only pass on the negative (since that's all they've ever heard too!) God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -85 lbs.

Kathy, thanks for the response. I know Dr. Bell is the "best" based on what I've read and by his patients that I've talked to! The world is full of negative folks, but thank goodness none of them post on this board God bless you too! and congrats on your -85 lbs........u go girl!!! JA