Just saying hello

I thought I had checked in here to say hello and introduce myself. I guess I haven't. My name is Dianna, I live in Metairie, and I'm having RNY at Oschner with Dr. Richardson on May 23. I'm feeling the whole range of emotions from scared to death to so happy I can't sit still. I know it's all normal. My sister had RNY close to 4 weeks ago, and she's doing really well. Together we hope to start going to the support group meetings at Omega Hospital on Severn Ave. in Metairie, on Monday nights. Is anyone else a part of that support group?

Dianna, Good luck with your surgery. This is the best thing you can do for yourself. I have no regrets. I work for Ochsner and have heard good things about Dr. Richardson. One of the nurses on my floor just had gastric bypass with Dr. Richardson and he is doing great. I had Dr. Lavin for my surgery and his group has the support group at Omega. I used to go to the meetings when they were at Baptist. Now they are at Omega and Mondays are not a good day for me. But I am going to try and go to some meetings. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 5'4" 306/146/??135

Congrats Dianna!! I also used Dr Richardson. My surgery was 3/7/07 The hardest part was the 2 week preop diet. I ended up using Hoodia so I could control the severe hunger I was experiencing. The 2 weeks of liquids after is a bit easier, but you have to fight the "head hunger" (the feeling that you WANT to eat things because you know they taste good, despite feeling very full already). A support group is a fantastic idea for both of you. I don't live in that area anymore so I dunno much about the groups there anymore. If you get a chance though, you should try to connect with the OHLA folks, they are awesome!! Kat

Hi Dianna, Welcome and Hellooooooo...... My name is Michele and I live in Covington. I am going to have my surgery w/ Dr Kennedy at Ochsner hopefully soon. I just finished all my Pre-Op testing on March 29th so i am hoping they will sned the info to the insurance company this coming week and get my approval and then schedule my date. I can't wait. I know your surgery date seems far away at time and right around the corner as well. I hope to be able to report back soon that my surgery date is coming soon as well. Keep happy thoughts and keep us posted on your progress. Michele

:calp: Congratulations! The Louisiana Girls are getting it together. I'm about 5 weeks post op and everytime I see myself in the mirror I have to smile because I'm looking at someone I've not seen before. The jeans I have are size 28s and now I probably should be in 24s but I'm having fun wearing the 28s with a belt. I still have about 90 pounds to my goal and really don't feel like shopping -- but hey, what's a girl to do. She's gonna have to hit the mall in a quick minute to purchase some work clothes. I'd hate to get up out of my chair one day and when I stand up my slacks fall down

Hi Dianna, I had rny surgery with Dr Richardson on 11/08/06. I also just had my gallbladder removed two weeks ago by Dr Richardson. He is a good and very nice Dr. Good luck on your surgery. Pattie

Hey Dianna, Nice to meet you,, and CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK!!! I am ashleigh, obviously, and as christie explained me!!! I am the young, blunt, sarcastic one of the group!!! But I love it!!! Well I know dr r is a good doctor, and everything is perfectly normal your going through, I didn't have any of those feelings cause I just wanted the damn thing done, but I hear there normal,, hang in there after, some people don't struggle at all and some (me) want to chew my arm off at time, but you'll get through it and look at yourself looking awesome and won't regret a min!! or at least I do!!!

Hello Dianna, Dr. Richardson did my RNY in December of 2005 and I think he's excellent. I'm glad your sister is doing well. I'm interested in the support group at Omega on Severn. I don't know where that is, but may be interested in attending. Are you planning to go to the support group meetings at Ochsner once a month? What is Omega Hospital anyway? Thanks. Linda