One step

Hey All, Well I did it, my first step in the WLS direction-made the call to the Dr. office set up a consultation. It will be on Dec 20th, I won't lie to ya, I am a bit nervous. It will be with Dr. Peters, now i have heard a great deal about Dr. I and Wynn, but not much on Peters, I think i have read one post that said something about, he was not in so the person saw Dr I or W. Can anyone shed some light about Dr Peters, B/c I know that just b/c they are in the same office don;t mean dick (sorry it just fit ) they could have way differnt approaches to things. Thanx a bunch, christina

Hi Christina, I have only dealt with Dr. Peter's a few times, and the times i spoke with him, he was very nice, courteous and knew what he was talking about. He checked up on me in the hospital and actually gave me the good news that i could be discharged. I also spoke with him on the phone as he was on call one night, and my call was returned instantly. I don't think you will have any problems with him......he seems like a good person. I'm sure that Dr.'s Wynn and Irgau along with Peter's are following the same guidlines. When you get to your consoltation, ask as many questions as you can. When i had mine with Dr. Wynn in January '04, she put my mind at ease about the surgery, and she made a believer out of my mom who was hesitant about me having the procedure done. Oh, bring someone with you to your consultation, like a spouse or parent. They may have questions too. i hope this helped. -Joe-

Thanx Joe.......that helps......a little..heheh

Christina, Congrats on your first appointment. I have never met with Dr Peters, so I am unable to give you any firsthand information on him. However, I can tell you that so far, everyone that I have dealt with in this practice has been excellent with me. I can not foresee that they would bring someone into their practice that would harm their wonderful reputation. Please use your appointment to ask many, many questions. Nothing should be off limits. Be sure to ask all those hard questions also. Plus, use the time before your date to research, research, and then research some more ... research as much as possible. Truly this is life changing decision - you need to do all you can to be prepared should you decide this is the avenue that you care to pursue. I have been reading your prior posts, and want to tell you that while this surgery has been a true blessing for me ... one that has truly given me back a much healthier life, it has also been somewhat of a struggle. My pounds have not come off like magic ... I have had to work extremely hard for each pound lost. I am working harder now than I ever have to lose this weight once and for all. And yet, I know there is a chance that the weight lost can be regained. It has not only been a physical struggle, but it has been a mental/emotional struggle as well. My new pouch has helped me, so I am not doing it all alone, but just the same, it has been real hard work. But please know that while it has been hard work, the results have been very rewarding for me. But not everyone that has had the surgery will agree that it is worth it. Most everyone I know would say that it is a huge blessing, but there are a small fraction *****gret their decision. Just wanted to make sure that you as well as all pre-ops truly understand that surgery really is not a magic pill. Nor is it is foolproof. It is a last chance attempt at losing your weight and regaining health, when all other measures have failed. Quite honestly, I used the time from my consult to my surgery to try a last ditch attempt at losing weight to avoid the surgery, even though I knew that it was was really a moot point. Obviously I was not able to do it that time either so I had no real choice but to opt to have Gastric Bypass Surgery to save my life and health. Do I regret it? No way ... but I sure wish I could have lost my weight without having to go through major surgery with all of its ramifications and life long lifestyle changes involved. But I was not able to do so, thus I am so very blessed that Dr Irgua agreed to preform the surgery on me and help me do what I was not able to do on my own. My husband on the other hand refuses to have the surgery. He has determined to lose his weight without surgical intervention. And he is doing an excellent job. He has a wonderful attitude and has changed his lifestyle. He is now more active, is exercising, making good food choices and has now lost about 65 pounds and has a new lease on life. I feel he has learned enough and has made enough lifestyle changes that he stands a good chance at keeping his weight off. I truly pray that he can continue to be successful at his attempt and never, ever need the surgery. He is much better off if he is able to do so. Why am I sharing this with you??? To be totally honest ... I read your profile and you said that you keep changing your mind ... I have read your posts that seeem to say the same thing. Please know that I am not trying to sway you one way or another, I am just trying to make sure you see the differing sides to this surgery to better help you make an informed decision. Obviously, you and only you can make your decision ... and a great decision it is for so many people, but many others choose to not go through with it and that is the best decision for them as well. Whatever you decide ... know that you have many here who will support your decision and try to help you down whatever path you choose. I pray that anything that I have said does not offend you or cause you concern. As that is not my intent. My only objective is to share with you "MY" truth, to help ensure that you see many differing sides to this journey while making your decision. Like I said, I sure do wish you the very best in life ... whatever that is for you. Hugs, Tammy

tammy, I appreciate all your info, everyones for that matter, that will only help me in my quest for knowledg, you can never know too much...well yes you can, BUT maybe not in the situation. Before i found this group, i was reading everything i could about WLS, and i admit it is a tough choice that is exactly why I choose to move one foot forward and make the app. I can't sit around and keep wondering without talking to the most approriate ppl. In my readings i have learned that some ppl are not happy, perhaps more mental then physically meaning that they still can't get past the "fat" part, they may still feel that way. I don;t believe from what i have read that any body really knows how they will actually feel until its over-the surgery that is and movingon with the new them, if they are able to overcome the mental part of the life change. All i can do is educate myself to the best that i can, and talk to the right ppl, and then make a more educated decsion that WILL effect the rest of my life.

"you can never know too much...well yes you can" I applaud you for stepping forward and talking to Dr Peters. I know that Dr Irgau helped me immensely ... he really gave me a sense of peace with my decision. Before going to that appointment, I knew I needed help, but was not sure I was ready to commit to such a drastic step. After much sole searching, researching, and talking with others who have been through the whole process (both good and bad). I felt much more assured that I was making the right decision. And I also believe that you are right ... one never really knows for sure how they are going to handle everything after the surgery. The best we can do is to educate ourselves so that we have some basics if/when the situations ever arise. About the feeling fat part ... that has been a real struggle for me at times. I find it hard to see myself at my true size. The photos help put everything into proper perspective. From what I am told by many long term post-ops, is that this is not uncommon and usually takes some time to start to get comfortable in your new body. I guess time will tell for me anyway. Again, I wish you the very best with your decision making. It truly is a hard decision to make. But I have every faith that you are going to make the perfect decision for you. I sure wish I could give you an easy answer, but obviously I can't. But if you decide that the surgery is for you, know that the practice is one of the best in the nation IMHO for what it is worth . Don't try to cash my opinion at the bank ... it won't get you much!!! Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I am here behind you backing you. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. BTW - wow was that date FAST!!! I am impressed!!! Hugs, Tammy

They tag team during surgery so even though you may have one primary surgeon (in my case Dr. I), Dr. Wynn and staff also were very involved in my follow-up. Start gathering up your questions, concerns, and reasons that you are interested in the surgery. Go into your consultation with an open mind. You are not committed to anything, and the surgeon will not make the decision for you. They will present the alternatives, the risks (they are considerable), and the potential benefits. Rob

Hi Christina, Ditto on what Rob said... They tag team. I had Dr. Wynn and Dr. Wynn and Dr. Irgau worked on me AND Dr. Irgau saw me at the hospital and I have seen Dr. Irgau for appointments and Dr. Wynn. They are definitely a team so I am sure you will meet them all. I also agree that I doubt they would bring in someone that they didnt have complete confidence in. I am sure he is just wonderful. They will be there with him so I would definitely go In fact I am so partial to Dr. Wynn and their practice that I have convinced people to go to them instead of PA surgeons I just love them so much for what they have done for me!!! I would do this over a thousand times!!! I wish you all the best and make sure you research your heart out and ask lots of questions! Elizabeth M