Good question.  I'd have to check my papers, but I know they DO have either a joint Support Group (Lap and RNY) or separate support groups.  I can't remember.  Call the hospital and find out when they meet.  I use to go on a Monday from 6:30-7:30pm.  So worthwhile going to the support groups!

Absolutely!!  I attended the Bariatric Support Groups at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown.  They are FANTASTIC!!!  An excellent group of post-op and pre-op people.  I learned a lot and they sure do welcome you and no question is silly.  GREAT GROUP.  Call Middlesex Hospital, or Dr. Jonathan Aranow's office at Shoreline Surgical Associates.  I plan to go back again after my op which will be real soon.

Hi there, you make a really important point about gastric bypass surgery; initially the weight just melts off and so we all have a 'pretty easy time of it' in the beginning - I'd say for the first 18 months or so, right? Our bodies are literally starving the weight off. But the body is so resiliant and adaptive with the single motivation to 'stay alive' - so all that has been done internally will find a way to be 'undone' in order to survive. Our surgeons do not tell us this; our surgeons do not talk about 5 years post op and what will be going on for us physiologically - only to suggest, "eat like you're on the South Beach Diet and you'll be fine." This is absolutely not factual. Do they talk about the severe hypoglycemia that can get so bad that some people pass out, or go into convulsions? Do they talk about the restrictive aspect of the surgery will lessen to the extent that you have to DIET in order to be moderately successful in keeping the weight off? Initially, it is so easy - hunger is a thing of the past, the thought of eating is so unappealing. But the hunger absolutely returns and for the person who has spent most of his or her life as morbidly obese or super morbidly obese, the genetic factor has never gone away - only gone to sleep for a while. And when that demon awakens ... well, the surgeons just don't go there, do they? Have you talked to Dr. Aranow about what's going on for you? If you feel more comfortable talking off line, I'm here - I really get where you're at and what you're feeling - maybe we can help each other. What's your name? Take good care, you're in my thoughts. Maureen

Lisa,

Take a BIG bow.  That's quite the milestone.  Congratulations to you indeed.  Love your positive attitude and so glad you are doing well and feeling good.

I too have Dr. Aranow for my surgeon and I absolutely love him.  He's SO intelligent,  so dedicated to his work, truly cares about the welfare of his patients and is a remarkable surgeon and human being.  I was suppose to have my RNY op this past Monday, Nov. 22nd, but it was postponed as I have to have a motility test...that is scheduled for Dec. 2nd.  Once he has the results of that, I will be having my RNY in December.  I am anxious to join the Loser's Bench and SO looking forward to "Healthier Times Ahead"! 

I sure appreciate your enthusiasm and positiveness.  Thanks for helping me with that along my journey.  Wishing you continued good health and happiness.  Congrats on your 8th Anniversary...so inpiring!! 

Terry

Sorry I tried to help you.  I can see by your less than nice response to me, it was not appreciated.  Such is life.