Waiting on RNY approval.... need friends

I met with Dr. Ben-David at Shands and I am now waiting for my psych eval and some other things.   Like an idiot I went and read stories about those who had complications.   I could kick myself!   I really don't know anyone in this area (Lake City) and thought maybe I could atleast find some online friends are supportive of my decision to go with RNY.  I turned 40 years old today.   I am happily married to a very supportive husband.  I am a stay at home mom to our 2 yr old and 10 month old.     Carol

Hi Carol WELCOME!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY  I know it can be scarey to read those complications but they are real and really hit home for me too, I also stupidly read the memorial pages. I was really freaked out but after all the research I have done I am happy with my choice even with the risks. If I don't do this I am going to die, so FOR ME the benefit way out weighs the risks. I am in Okeechobee just north of the lake. I am also 40  lol and have 3 boys 17, 8, and 4. There are tons of great people here and are all so very helpful. Please  feel free to pm me if you need anything or just to chat. Laurie

Hell-o neighbor!!!  I am in Lake City and I am scheduled for the Lap RNY on 3/17/2008.  Good luck to you.  I think we all read the memorials.  I have also read where many of the deaths were from car accidents or other issues not related to the surgery. I feel if I don't get this surgery done, my life will be shortened. I am ready for this!  I have learned a lot from this website and feel that I have made some wonderful new friends.  Send me a message if you feel I can be of some help.  Your neighbor, Lynne

Hi from the BIG city to the east!!!!

LC is about an hour away.... so we are close, but still a "fer bit."  

I hear good things about the folks at Shands.  That is who my PCP originally suggested I go to, until he heard that my surgeon had picked up bariatrics as part of his practice. 

As for reading about complications..... well you DO need to know what can go wrong.... this isn't a walk in the park at times.   With any surgery... things can and do go horribly wrong.  BUT with a good surgeon, common sense on your part and well planned follow up care/program... you should do fine.  

Happy Birthday!!! Doing this for yourself and in turn for your family is a sound decision.  You'll be out there running with those kids in no time!!! 

Thank you.  My oldest daughter lives in Jacksonville.    I'm from Atlanta so nothing under 2 hours is far lol.    

Glad to have you here, and you are amongst friends. We all have to be aware of the complications and the life changes this surgery requires.    So its not entirely bad to have read the "horror stories' as well as the life changing stories.  Balance is the key. Everyone is also apprehensive day of surgery, and prayer is wonderful.  Knowing people are praying makes a wonderful difference. all this to say  you are normal in your feelings. Hope we can help encourage you along. My profile has lots of helpful information on it. blessings, Tami

Hi There Carol...All I can say is everyone here is giving the best advice.  I am now 5 months post op and I will say this over and over this was the best thing that I know I did for my life and my health.  I was scared at first but I listened to my heart and did what was right for me.  I am in Orlando and would travel to meet you.

Stop readingt those complication stories!  You've read them, and that's good, you need to know the risks.  But don't read them any more!  Education is great, but don't get bogged down in the negatives.  Just my opinion!   There are FAR, FAR more success stories out there, and we're going to be in THAT group!  Go into it with a positive attitude.  Be prepared and I think you'll do just great. Don't forget to keep me posted on your dates, so I can come and visit you!  I'm there working 4 nights a week so I'll just stop by on a break or something!

Hi, Carol.  Happy Birthday!   Greetings from Jacksonville.  I am also happily married and I am a mom of 3 boys (1, 10, & 12) and I plan on having the RNY.  I am supposed to be having it in April, but I won't get an official date for another 2-3 weeks. There are risks with anything you do in life.  An example would be...everytime you get in a car, you have the risk of getting in an accident. Do you still drive or do you think the risks outweigh what a car allows you to do? Same thing with this.   There are several of us going through this or that have already been there.  You don't have to go through it alone.  We are all here to encourage each other.  :) Tonya

thanks everyone.  i am pretty sick now. i had rectal surgery on the 18th and ended up sick due to an infection.  i was in the hospital again.