Newbie Questions

Newbie here and I was wondering if anyone knows much about St.Francis weight loss Center and  Dr. Steven Clark? I Have went to orientation and going next week to a support group. I'm kinda worried about the RNY surgery since I keep hearing negative things from people but they have not done any research on it just like to blurt out their opinions. So any info would help! Thanks

I do not know anything about St Francis Weight Loss Center or Dr, Steven Clark.  I do know when I lived in Indy that was my hospital of choose.  Its a good thing that you are worried, if you were not then I would be scared.  Any type of weight loss procedure is scary, and only you can make the right choose for you.  I have had the RNY asnd then I had a revision.  I can say this much it was the right choose for me and it gave me my life back.  I believe that without taking the weight off I would not be here typing this post today.  I have lost about 150 lbs, would like to take off another 75 to 100 lbs that would put around the 175 to 200 mark. That is were so many people start. I was 413 lbs the day I came home from the hospital and had so many health issues.  It has helped me to get mt health under control and able to enjoy walking anywhere and not think of it as a chore.  I particapte in local walks for charities, and I competed in a indoor trialthon in February at the local YMCA, and I finished after I did a walk that was called a "mile in my shoes" its a local walk for the homeless.  I felt wonderful because before ny RNY I had trouble walking across the length of my home.

Go to the support group and get all the information that you can about the differnt procedures and choose what is best for you.

Keep us posted

Hugs 

Peggy

I am over 5 years since my RNY. I still don't regret it..I am doing thing I was not able to do prior to surgery. I felt the RNY was right for me because I don't have much in the will power department and Ineeded something a little more that would help me.The only thing I do regret is ever trying to see if sweets really makeme dump...now I know what I can get away with...
 I have a friend that just LOVES Dr Clark. she and her husband had him do their surgery, and swear by him.
 Keep up your research.. enjoy your journey and reach out to be the best you can be!! Much Success.

Linda Kay

I also don't know much about Dr. Clark and St Francis but I also had RNY surgery 3 years ago. I think of myself as a success I am now down to 140# from my all time high of 280# in June 2006 but my official starting weight was 246# in June 2007. I won't kid you though trying to tell you it is a fix all, it is a tool you can use and re-use day after day. But it is only that. You can still overeat and gain all the weight back if YOU allow yourself. I have told many people that I can eat 6-8 ounces every 2 hours ( even the good for a person foods like fruits, sugar free, and fat free ) food and gain weight.  I do feel I struggle to maintain my weight but I'm okay with that most days. I am no different than the skinnie minnie that works out at the gym and watches what they eat to maintain their weight. I exercise and eat a sensible plan most every day and have maintained my 140# for the last 2 years. Good Luck to you in your quest.

I am a patient of St Francis although I used Dr Mandelbaum.  I have had a wonderful experience with St F's, their aftercare is fantastic and they offer a ton of followup care and resources.  They also have impressive statistics. 

Hi Britt-

I don't have personal experience with St. Francis but as a professional/patient in the bariatric field I welcome the questions you have!  My advice to you is to do what is best for you! Research as much as possible and attend as many support groups as you can.  There you will get information from patients who have been through the process and hear it from people who have walked the walk! 

I do encourage you to invite those who will be your support system to attend support groups with you.  Long term support from your program and those closest to you I feel is one of the Keys to success. 

Sometimes it's the not knowing that scares those around you and they may repeat only what they have heard from others talking about bariatric surgery.  Education and accurate information will help answers those burning questions your family/friends may have. 

This board is a great way to receive additional support and get answers to your questions.  We all have our personal journey's to share and welcome any questions you may have.

Hope this helps!

Have a great day~

Thank you all for your replies. They were very helpful and encouraging. It so nice to hear people that have gone thru this process and came out a better person, healthier person , and happier person. I need a change and this seems to be the last resort. I want to be able to live life and be there for my 4 yr. old and my husband and beable to do things  that seem simple to some people and that alot people take for granted. Thanks again and I will def be reading this often and posting. Everyone have a great week!