Hi all.. new to OH in GR.

Hi all. I went to the first surgical orientation at MMPC today with Dr. Foote. Anyone have experience with him? I am as yet undecided about the type of surgery, but I am leaning toward the duodenal switch. I had initially thought the Lap band might be for me, but I am hoping for a loss of 150+ pounds.. so that might not be my first choice. I have BCBSM, and my BMI is over 50.. so I can pretty much have my pick of the surgery I want without having to document a 6-month program of medical weight loss (though I have done this!). Dr. Foote recommended this site during the seminar today.. so I am hoping for some advice about things if anyone is willing. Thank you! Jodie R.

Welcome Jodie!  My experience with MMPC has been very positive and hopefully yours will be too. Good luck on your journey.  

Hi Jodie, I am glad you are researching and gathering informaiton as to how to proceed with your next step. Gethering information from many different sites is a great way to obtain knowledge and go in with your eyes wide open so you know what is ahead . This is a very informative site, as are many other sites out there. Check out all the sites that give information , talk to individuals that havemany different typess of stories from different surgery types, good results, post op, pre op, doctor sponsored sites(such as this) and ones hosted by individuals that don't have a vested interest. Feel free to ask anyone if you have any questions. Most are always willing to help... Good luck with your journey and your future.. Wigglypoo.

I went to the seminar at MMPC on 1-28-08.  I will be having Dr. Foote do the Sleeve Gast as I cannot have the DS or RNY because of resections I have already had on colon and small intestines.  A friend of mine had Dr. Foote do her RNY in 2006 and was quite impressed with him.  MMPC has been certified as a Center of Excellence. 

Hi Jodie-Welcome to the Michigan site.  I am waiting to get my date to have surgery with Dr Foote.  I am having the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  All I can tell you is that there are many differnt paths in this journey.  I suggest that you visit the different forums, read up on the different procedures and ask alot of questions on the message boards. I came to this site really wanting one surgery and after researching chose the VSG as the right procedure for me. Good luck on your journey and post often. Carole

Wow.. thanks for the warm welcome and the replies everyone! I had no idea this was such an active site and forum.. very refreshing in comparison to some forums etc where you may get delayed or no responses at all. The scheduler called me today to make my 3 appointments. I did decide to make my appointment with Dr. Foote. My internist appt is with Dr. White on February 19th. They wanted to then schedule my next 2 appts on the 21st (so quick!) but that conflicts with my work schedule. I now have my appt with Dr. Foote on 3/17/08 and with the behaviorist that same morning. I am compiling my list of questions, and it is extensive! Everything from diet, pain management, scars, extra skin.. you name it.   My goal at this point is to try and blog at least 3 times per week as well. I think it will help me get my head together about everything and even possibly make things easier to deal with.  Again, thank you for the warm welcome everyone. If anyone is looking for another friend, I would love it! I want all the help I can get and friends are always a great thing to have.

hi JOdi..i just sent u a message as well to add u as a friend.. SOOO TRUE about the preop packs... if i can warn u... get moreeeee of the premade mixed drink box shakes... they taste A HELLLL OF ALOT BETTA than anything else... (at least i did alllllllllll of those for my post op 2 weeks)...and i have bcbsof mi too...but had to fork out 600$some dollars for that nasty azz food... ill tell u more about my tricks and treats in private in a message to you if u email me.. :) im also in wyoming....so... keep in touch katrina ps..do u myspace?

Hi Jodie, I just finished up with my 2nd behaviorist visit today and my paperwork will be submitted to insurance in the next few days. I have chosen Dr. Foote and I really like him.  He has a great following on here too.   I have chosen to have the VSG also but it is definitely a PERSONAL decision.  Like other posters have mentioned do all your homework. Best Wishes,

 Hi Jodie: I am 3 1/2 years out after RNY with Dr. Foote and have lost 180 pounds; probably all I will lose but I'm trying to lose about 10 more to get to 160 pounds. My goal was to lose half my weight and I did that, it was a hard battle. My first advice is to get a trial pack of MMPC's products because you will have to have them pre-op and post-op, so get used to them. Also, it's best to start planning an exercise program (even if it's just walking or chair exercises) before surgery so your body can be ready. Get off caffeine, wean yourself now, because you will have to be off it two weeks before surgery. You will find lots of support here on these boards, both on the Michigan board and the main board. If you have emotional eating issues and think you need some support, and if your insurance will pay for it, see if you can see a psychologist (I did for a year before surgery and two years after, and it helped me a lot). Because they operate on our stomach, not our heads. We still have to deal with the reasons we overeat. If you have any other questions or need support, let me know; I live in the Grand Rapids area.  Good luck; you're just starting on your journey. It's a wild ride!