trying to have surgery

Hi,   I'm in the process of trying to have the surgery done.  I have always been overweight, I''ve tried every diet known to man kind. This seems like the only answer for me.   I"m 55 years old and I am now starting to have  health problems because of my weight. For those of you who have been where I am know what is the most important advise you can give me.   I am very anxious to get started but it does make me nervous. I'd sure appreicate your all's advise and input. thanks billy

Hi Billy,  The best advise is read, read, and read.  Go to every free information seminar, you can research here.  Don't let any one person's success or failure make the decision for you.  Learn everything you can.  I use to read profiles. You can find out a lot of information about the surgeons.  On this site you can see where you doctor did his training, an estimate of how many surgeries he has done.  You can even see if he has been in trouble with his liscense, ect.  There is so much to learn.  Just researching my insurance took a while.   Good luck on your new journey Jane

Hey Jane, I was hoping you, Amy, Mimi and Sarah could join us on Thurs...would love to see you again!

I would love to BUT.... too much things going on.  I am planning on going to the seminar tonight.  Just want to see if there are any new things happening, just to get an idea of the basics again.  Weight is doing great, don't get me wrong, just seems like I need a little adjusting.  I am seeing Lyndsey on the 16th for her new sessions, again not really sure what that is.  But in the mean time we have totally redone our old house to sell.  We have already moved just need to sell the old one.  And both my girls are starting a summer dance class which starts on Tuesdays.  I just can't take another night off since that is when Rick is able to help me.  Pray there is a FOR SALE sign in my yard by Sat.  Just in case where and what time are you meeting.  Who all are going Jane 

Ahhh Jane I understand and hope you have great luck with the sale of your house.. we are meeting at Longhorn at 6pm...over by the hospital and we hope to have these about every 3 months or so. Yea I want my husband to stay in close with these meetings, he isn't far enough out yet to worry but I don't want him struggling..he is doing great lost close to 30lbs so far..will see Dr. Tom next Thurs for his first official appt.  I am excited for him!!!

a few from the site will be there..I think Ryan and Trina..me and chris for sure.  and hopefully an oldie as well.  and few new folks you probably ahven't met in person but have seen here..I need to do another roll call to make sure

Jane has great advice here...of course she is the best surgeon in the country!!  ;-) But the other thing to check out is the after care, it's so important that you have access to great support, (nutrition, psych, support groups and constant educational workshops/seminars, etc.) this industry is constantly changing and learning..one thing I know from traveling and being involved with many different patients at different centers is seeing how much attention "centers of excellence"  is giving to us when we struggle, the tools are numerous and I suggest to anyone to take advantage of those offered.  Make sure those things in put into place ..as these questions at the free seminars Jane mentioned..not sure where you are from but Dr. Tom has an excellent program at St. Luke.

Hi Billy -  first of all, which surgery are you trying to have done?  The most important piece of advice I can give you is to research ALL your options and make the best choice for you.  We have all been in your shoes before and understand the anxiety that goes along with make a decision of this magnitude.  Hang in there, ask lots of questions and try to imagine the kind of life you want after surgery.  Hugs, Vicki

Thanks Vicki,    I do appreicate your adivse.  My wife and I both are trying to do this together. She is torn between the lap band and the by pass. I know I want the bypass.  I have a lot more weight to lose than she does. We both feel overwhelmed by all that we are being told to do./  to read/ to see/ etc etc. We both read the forum everyday.  I think we both agree that at the rate we're going our lives won't be so long or at best very good ones with all the issues that are coming at us. You are very kind and we do appreicate your taking time to reply to us. thanks again so much and we will probably be asking many more questions. best wishes for you always Billy and Donna

while both the lap band and the RNY are great surgeries I implore you to research the Duodenal Switch.   Best wishes with your decision, the best decision is an informed one.