Hey, Hello. Howdy from the new guy in Columbus!

Hello to all my Peach State Brethren and Sistren! I'm in Columbus, and in the info gathering stages, but it's more evident to me with each passing day and each profile I read that I NEED the life changing gift of WLS. I'm 46, husband to one (the Lioness), father to two girls and a boy... ALL Teenagers, 13, 16, 18! (please pray for us!) A hip replacement last year let me know I'd BETTER do something about the weight, and try as I might, it ain't happenin' on my own. I saw the Gil Gerard/Buck Rogers thing on Discovery Health, and I'm built alot like he was, pre-WLS. MGB upon further scrutiny, though, is sliding down the list, in favor of DS and maybe with Dr. Smith in Marietta. Any experience there?  He seems the real deal, teaching and doing surgeries and not quite so much marketing hype as a certain MGB doctor... Anyway, at 6'1" 370, I'm pretty sure it's time to change my stars. Thanks in advance for help, support, laughs, education, and friendship which I anticipate during my journey. YeeHaw..I'll keep my hands and feet inside the ride at all times during this roller coaster! Nice to meet y'all! Dan

Welcome, Dan!! I'm celebrating my 5 year anniversary today, and give or take a few pounds here and there, I have managed to maintain my weight loss in these five years.  It's been an amazing experience!!! Good luck in your journey!!!!!

Hi-JACKED,  CONGRAT'S KRISTI ON YOUR 5 YEARS.  Sorry I'm going to miss the PARTY TONIGHT, I was hoping to make the meeting but after I had a couple of BLACK OUTS this morning I went to the doctor and she is sending me out to a HEART DOCTOR tomorrow, and I do not feel safe to DRIVE. Jeannie

Jeannie let us know what you learn at the doctor today.  Hope you are okay.  Prayers with you. Patricia

Hi there.  Good luck in the gathering stage.  It seems like a whole lot of work but it sure is worth it.  I had my surgery 9 months ago today and I am below my goal. It is a life changing experience.  Good luck and I wish you all the best.

Hello!! Welcome to our little space on the web! GL on your journey!

Hi Dan, It is nice to meet you.

What surgery are you considering. Is there a Doctor in Columbus you are looking to use? I hope you find all your answers and can get started soon on your journey.

Phyllis

Hi Dan, welcome! I grew up in Columbus! I would highly recommend Dr JK Champion in Marietta - he is an excellent surgeon, particularly if you are evaluating RNY.  He's done well over 2000 of them and has trained many of the other georgia surgeons.  Whatever you choose, good luck! This message board is the main reason I've been successful, so stick with us and you'll do fine!