my first step to wls.....maybe!

Tonight I will attend my informational session with DVR. I am kind of excited to meet him and hear all about wls. My hubby is going with me and I am a little scared that he will hear something there that will turn him against it. He already is not very excited about it. Not necessarily wls but the fact that you have to make a comittment and he is not sure I can do that. I am working with a therapist on my eating issues and I am seeing a psychiatrist to make sure I am on the right meds for my depression. I really need to start exercising and eating different so I can prove to my hubby that I can make that comittment. Wish me luck and I will let you know how it goes. Gail

Hey Gail - I'm a DVR Devotee!! Don't be put off by his seemingly "cold" manner - he's just shy. He's a wonderful surgeon and his staff is equally great. I've got some issues going on at work, but I will email you privately as soon as I can. If it helps, I actually spoke at one of his info sessions a few months ago, so I'm FULL of info - useless and otherwise!!! Also, if you'd like to read my reflection as a one year post op (almost 18 months now), go back on the Maryland Board to my post of 8/2. Hope this helps!! Take care, Teresa (Tia)

Hi Gail Best wishes as your WLS journey begins . and continues. I have heard nothing but the best about DVR from Tia and others. Hugs, Mo

Hi Gail, Looks like you've been doing about a year of research. That's good. Attending the informational seminar is the first big step. I have heard lots of good about DVR but the trick is to find the Dr and the program that is right for you and your family. I spent almost a year going to seminars and talking to surgeons. I finally found one that I liked and fit what I was looking for. Listen carefully and ask any question you have (no matter how silly you might feel it is). I will keep my fingers crossed that things go well and that your hubby comes around. My wife is very supportive but did not start out that way. I am in the final leg of the insruance nonsense (you will discover this wonderful battle later in your journey). You can pass on to your husband, that if you make it to the surgery (with all the testing, insurnace, paperwork, and pre-op weight loss) you will be commited to the process. Good luck tonight and let us know how it goes. Dave

DVR was the man for me. I learned that not at the information session, but in my individual appointments I had with im. I agree that DVR can be somewhat reserved, but when it comes to the thick of things- he is right there. I had my 3 month followup recently when an emergency in the office came up. He got right up and took care of the person in need. he was polite to me as expected, but he didn't hesitate. He gained so much more of my respect that day. Best of luck and hope to see you on the Loser's Bench real soon. Aime

Hi Gail, Welcome to the MD forum. I have chosen DVR and will have surgery on Feb 6th. AsTia mentioned he is an awesome doctor a bit reserved but on top of things. I really enjoyed meeting him when I went to my information session. So tell us how did your husband react? Was he ok with everything? Are you still going for it? Keep us posted we are here for you. Cira

Hi Gail. I hope that all goes well with your decision process & WLS. I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you on the committment issue. I haven't read your profile yet so I don't know what you have or haven't tried to lose weight. However, the fact that you are seeking wls tells me that you have likely tried & "failed" various attempts to lose weight & keep it off. The fact that you failed over & over doesn't mean you lack committment. The very fact that you keep trying shows committment to losing weight & keeping it off. You just weren't able to lose/maintain for multiple reasons. Some of which are physiological, not just psychological. Obese people have HUGE stomachs that make it difficult to fill and keep that full feeling for extended periods of time. Yes there is the head hunger issues where we think we are hungry but physically we are not. The head hunger issuses are to be worked out in time. The surgery takes care of the physical not the mental. And it sounds like you are working hard on the mental part of things. It's a daily challenge to overcome head hunger, especially the further out from surgery you get. But you can overcome head hunger and be 100% successful with WLS. So in my humble opinion, you won't have any trouble being committed to the lifestyle required. Also, this surgery needs to be about you and what you want. Not what your hubby wants. I am not judging or trying to sound harsh, but you are the one who ultimately has to deal with the changes that will come. Don't get me wrong, your family, especially those living with you, will have adjustments to make. I don't allow certain foods in the house, for instance. And we didn't go out to eat for months in the beginning of my post-op life. And the time I spend working out and planning/preparing meals is time away from or not devoted to my family. But they know I am happier and healthier than ever so they don't mind. One time, I was complaining about not getting to eat something while we were out running errands. I was still in the pureed/soft foods stage. I said something about "starving here" and my youngest daughter said "well, you wanted that". We laughed and I admitted she was right. And it's all been worth it!!! Just remind your husband that you want to be healthy & happy. Reassure him that while it will be difficult in the beginning and yes there will be some changes that will last forever, ultimately they will be worth it because you will be the person you want to be. I am sure he wants the best for you too. Good luck and welcome to the MD board. This is a great bunch of people. I love them all! Hugs, Robin

Hi Gail and welcome to the boards. I didnt have DVR but have heard great things about him on here. Good Luck with your WLS journey and keep us posted Kelly