I have a few questions that have been troubling me..

1) Those that have lost a vast amount of weight, how bad is your excess skin? I saw the lady on Oprah who lost so much weight her vagina lips hung to her knees. That is truly what she said. Now, granted I don't weigh 500lbs, but 377. That's pretty drastic too. 2) Anyone that used Dr.s Barnes. They seem really competent and excellent. I'd love to just hear from someone who used them as well. 3) What is the WORST side effect you had? 4) What did you expect (either bad or good) that didn't happen... for instance, I'm expecting to be very sick to my stomach. I hate that thought. I'm praying I'm wrong on that one. 5). Have any of you dealt with resentment at having people treat you differently now that you're thinner? I keep forgetting about this wonderful forum. I want to be a more active member -- now I just need to REMEMBER to do it!

Lin, those are awesome questions, I would love to hear the replys also, and I sooooooooo feel you on the vagina lips question!! Ok sorry I know I'm blunt but hey with me being 22 and not married its something a girl must know right!!! Unfort. I havent had my surgery yet, hopefully on the 22nd, but I have over 20 close friends who have had it done and 8 family members,, and I do know being sick to your tummy, meaning barfing ,is common, and something you should be ready for , now I am not saying everyone has that b/c a friend of mine has never thrown up now I swear I hate him for it, but he has done beyond belief,, its not all on the doctor or hospital, its all about you and your tummy.. . I have come to know everyone is completly different,, so just hope you have a strong tummy!! I personally don't mind barfing and if it happens it happens. I wish you the best of luck and please keep us updated and let us know who you end up going with and hey if you can come to the meetings ,its always awesome to put a face with a name.

Hi Lin those are great questions I will answer the ones I can. 1. I'm four months out, and my skin is starting to sag some hopefully it won't get to bad. But it is to be expected. 2. I didn't us Dr. Barnes. 3. I don't really have any bad side affects. 4. I expected to get sick a lot but I don't I vary rarely get sick and if I do it's usually from bread getting stuck. 5. Not at all. Nice to meet you. Tina -100lbs

Hi, I don't regret the surgery at all, I expected nausea, because i hate to be nauseated, I never really get nauseated, only when i took one medication.. but it made me feel sick before the surgery. As far as skin, to some degree , i think everyone suffers with this, but i would rather have that then unhealthy fat around my heart, and organs, i weighed 293 to start, and i do have some skin, but I will decide when the weight is off if i will have skin surgery. I prayed my surgery would go well, i felt i made the right decision, and I pray everyday thanking God for bringing me through the surgery. I'm doing my part, eating healthy, and exercise. I was miserable with the extra weight. I really don't see people treating me different, but i do see me being different, I'm more confident in my work, in my life. And i'm much, much happier... (so is my family) good luck with whatever you do....... rhonda 293/226/125-140

Hi Lin...I'm here in Leesville too.....well, Fort Polk, but what's the difference? I actually have my surgery with Dr. Shapiro on Wednesday next week. I'm nervous as heck!!! But I would love to meet up with you and have you first hand answer some of your own questions. You could watch what I go through, although I know all experiences are different, and you could see for yourself some of the issues I have. I am very interested in your question number 5 myself....I've thought about it a lot and wonder if some resentment will come up. Oh well...good luck on your journey!

Hi Lyn, I only had/have about 80lbs to lose. So far I have lost 38lbs. I don't know how my skin will be. I know that some people in my area have used the Barnes, here in Shreveport and have been very pleased. No side effects, had a very positive experience. I was somewhat nausea (sp) in the hospital but thank goodness for Reglan. Have not had to deal with resentment. Welcome to the board.... Jodi

Hi! I am preop, so I can't answer most of your questions....BUT, I am using Dr. Barnes and her husband. I have met with them and they seem wonderful and caring. They even did gastric bypass on their nurse and she looks great. I also am a nurse in this area, so I did a little research and have heard nothing but positive things about them. They have a support group in their office on Thursday, Feb 23rd at 7pm and I plan to go to that. Good luck!

Look for Kim!! Post to her, she used the Drs. Barnes and has had GREAT success with her surgery She's had health issues, but I believe they're mostly related to her not wanting to eat at all, she reached goal weight and then still kept losing... but she's had a LOT to deal with... and only ever had fantastic things to say about the Drs. Barnes. I'm preop so I can't answer the rest of the questions... but FYI, as a nurse who cares for postop RNY patients in hospital... it's important to make sure you are NOT nauseated. Vomiting and tearing of the pouch and it's incisions is extremely dangerous If you get nauseated, make sure you get something for it... and be careful... Reglan is great for stomach but has SERIOUS side effects including causing severe depression... not good when you're already at risk for it because of rampant hormones with rapid weight loss.

This board is absolutely AWESOME. I am very impressed w/how helpful everyone is. I also feel a lot less worried. Oh sure, I'm still worried but that's natural. I can't wait for my surgery!!! Just one more clearance and I'm fine.