Another Loss

Finding out about the loss of Chris Weidinger from Pennsylvania after her surgery, has left me with lots of emotions. I think that it is pretty safe to say that the majortiy of us are well educated on the pros and cons of this surgery before we have it done. Before I had my surgery, my mother told me to beware of messing with Mother Nature, and what she intended for my body. I didn't really know how to take that at the time, my mother has always been supportive of my attempts at weight loss, and was desperate for me to lose the weight, so that I would not be dead at 58 from complications of Diabetes the way my father was. I now know that she was just scared, and with good reason. I am one of the lucky ones, I had no complications from the surgery, acheived my weight loss goal within 15 months, and have kept the weight off. Others aren't so lucky. I hope that whoever reads this, takes a moment to reflect. If you have already had your surgery, be thankful that you made it and are on the track to a new, healthier you. If you haven't had your surgery yet, please don't let Chris's death detur you. It is okay to be scared and to question if you are doing the right thing. You really need to be sure that you can have your surgery with a clear mind, and know that anything can happen. This surgery is such a drastic step in our bid for weight loss, but it is so worth it in the end. Chris will soon be just another statistic for the year, but I hope that we will all keep her and her family in our hearts, and make the most of what we have been given. Good luck to those of you who are about to have your surgery, and happy losing to those of you that have already had your surgery. Cathy Martin

Thank you Cathy, my name is Tammy & I am waiting on Insurance approval now, when I read that about Chris I got to thinking should I really do this or not, but the way I feel if it was meant to be God will find a way to get me through it. And if I don't get approved then I know it wasn't meant for me. I have been overweight since I was 17 years old & I am 35 now, I am so tired of being on blood pressure medications everyday & I have acid reflux really bad, also I was born club foot & my foot can hardly hold up my weight. My Orthapedic Dr. said loose the weight or you are gonna have to have a complete replacement of the top of my foot. He said it would take 2 years to get over & 6 to 8 monthe of therapy. God I don't wont that so Pray for me that I will get approved soon. I have been researching this surgery for 2 years now & I do know all the risks. But I know this surgery has come a long way and improved so many lifes, & I am ready to be on the other side with all of you. Pray for me. Hugs, Tammy G.

Tammy, You have my prayers, along with a hug for good luck!!Please post and let us know if you get approved. It seems that with your medical issues, approval should not be a problem, but with Inusrance companies you can never tell. Take Care Cathy

Cathy Thank you for writing the above. I am approved and waiting on a surgery date. After reading about Chris, I have to say that it makes you stop and think about the surgery. But in my heart I know that all will be fine. Thanks again for putting my thoughs into words. My prayers are with Chris's family. Martha

Martha, Let us know when you have a surgery date, I will say extra prayers for you when it's your turn. I think the great thing about this board, is that here we are, men, women, of all ages and yet we are all really the same. We have all had the same struggles and fought the same fights, and our fears are all the same fears. No one really knows what we have gone through in our lives to get to the point that we are considering and then going through with surgery. Some people think that we are crazy, that we are taking the easy way out, but in times like these, when we lose someone just like us, we know that what we are doing, is what we have to do. Good Luck CATHY

Cathy I read Chris' profile and the post from her brother. So sad. We just never know why some make it and other's don't. She had a leak like I did. Mine almost took my life, her's did take her life. 40% of those who have a leak die, thank goodness I was one of the lucky one's, I'm so, so sorry that she was not. People seem to forget that this is a dangerous surgery. We only want to hear about the good..........that is human nature, but the bad does happen. Her family will be in my thoughts in prayers. Debbie J Duncan patient 01-14-02 lap-rny 01-15-02 leak repair (non smoker, non steroid taker) 01-29-02 surgery to see if I had another leak, NO thank goodness SEVERE COMPLICATIONS!! 45 days in ICU, 33 day kept alive via ventilator 30 days in a rehab hospital, had to learn to walk again Now one happy girl, lucky to be alive

Debbie, I couldn't agree with you more, this is a very dangerous surgery. You and I seem to have had our surgery in the same year, mine was on 10/22/02. How are you doing now? I hope you are well and enjoying life.. Cathy Martin