Research

I'm just beginning my journey... Spoke with my primary care MD about weight loss surgery and she was very positive about it but told me to attend support group meetings and mine the internet for information on types of surgery, short and long term effects, etc. You know, like all the research you have done. I'm finding it somewhat confusing since there's no glossary to tell me what all those abbreviations mean. I think the worst is that I don't even know how to get started (this seemed like a very good place to do that) or where to go next. Anything you can tell me or links you can point me to would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance. c

For me, this has been a three-year journey because I backed out twice in the process. I started by reading lots of books. The first was one by Carney Wilson. Then I went to http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/forum/supportgroup.aspx?m=1 which eventually led me to this website. A fellow by the name of Richard Carmean (city manager of Milford), was the first to discuss it with me seriously. I was interviewing him for a business story I was writing. We spent more time talking about the surgery than the city. After that, I started seriously researching the procedure. I've read several books, subscribe to two WLS magazines, have read numerous articles but find the best information through the forums. It normally takes a minimum six months from your first appointment until your surgery. In Delaware, there are two hospitals with experienced staff (and facilities) to accommodate WLS -- Christiana and Seaford. Just as the hospitals are on two different sides of the state, so are their approaches totally different. Dr. Miller in Seaford (Changing Lives Through Bariatric Surgery) did mine. But discussion of the two different approaches are better addressed later. I had my surgery 13 weeks ago and have lots 56.2 pounds since the surgery. Mine was an open RNY which is more invasive the the Laparascopic. I've had few complications and have been extemely cautious about addressing the blood clot issue. By the grace of God, I've had none. The people on this forum are incredibly wonderful. You'll come to the place where you'll count them as friends, even though you've never met them. They encourage you when you need a boost, celebrate with you when you share your victories, and commisserate during times of loss. You come to realize that this most certainly is not a journey you'll take alone. So, CP, research well, pray (if you're so inclined), and walk forward with hope, confidence and conviction as you strive to gain control over this aspect of your life. We're with you. Diane C Dover

Hi C How are you and welcome to the journey! My doctor is Dr. Gail Wynn she is partnered with Dr. Iragau and a new doctor whos name escapes me at the moment! They are located in Christiana Delaware and IMHO are the best bariatric surgeons in the world!!! She has massive experience in laproscopic RNY surgery and the others as well. I personally had the RNY. If you happen to decide to go through Dr. Wynn they are part of Christiana Care PMRI and have a whole process that you go through whi*****ludes support meetings and learning about your surgery. Also you go through various doctors to be sure that your surgery is a success and that you are ready for it. There is a local support group here in delaware in the wilmington surrounding area. If you would like to join please send me an e-mail we meet the 1st monday of each month and they are a great bunch of people. I am not sure where Clayton Delaware is but it may be that you will want to stay south of delaware (if thats where you are located) and then I would follow the other post here. I personally would travel around the world to have Dr. Wynn but I think I am a bit biased there They are such wonderful people and I feel privelaged to have been their patient I wish you the best in your journey and read read read... this place is FULL of valuable information. Tons of blessings! Elizabeth M

oops... the surgery I had is this: Just a tip: (click on the little gallery link up at the top of this page. It will take you to the main gallery page if yo look to the left of that page you will see a link that says Types Of Surgeries. Click on that and you will get an explanation of all the surgeries ) Happy hunting! P.S. my pouch now holds about 4-5 ounces of food not one and its working quite well for me I have lost 100 pounds so far I have had no problems myself at all. I get nauseous if I eat sweets or creamy stuff **** cream) which helps me to control myself! Its not a miracle cure and you will have to still work at it. Exercise and such but it is such a wonderful tool to have! CHeck out my personal journal (click on my name) if you would like to know what my experience has been thus far. Best wishes! Roux-en-y - RNY This operation is the most common gastric bypass procedure. With this procedure a portion of the stomach is sectioned off, creating a small pouch for reduced food intake. The pouch will usually hold about one ounce of food or less, which causes the feeling of fullness after just a few bites. The size of the pouch varies with different doctors. ADVANTAGES greatly controls food intake dumping syndrome - dumping conditions to control intake of sweets reversible in an emergency - though this procedure should be thought of as a permanent DISADVANTAGES staple line failure ulcers narrowing/blockage of the stoma vomiting if food is not properly chewed or if food is eaten to quickly