Michigan DSers are getting together...

... and EVERYONE is welcome to join us!!

If you've had the DS.        If you are planning on having the DS.        If you are exploring WLS, and still deciding on which WLS will be right for you.        If you have struggled with another WLS and are considering a revision to another WLS.        If you are involved in a support group and want to know more about  the DS to better offer support to any type of WLS.        Even if you are just curious about the DS! 

When:  Saturday, February 6th  (late afternoon / early evening)
Where:  My home, in Grand Rapids
What:  Potluck chili with all of the fixings
Why:  Because we always have so much fun whenever we get together, and pre-ops and newbies need to connect with those of us further out for information & support

I just need to know if you are interested in joining us, and I will PM the information to you.  Have a support person that you want to attend?  They are more than welcome!  Sorry, no kids!!  My house is not kid-friendly.

We are usually so busy eating & talking that there is little time for anything else, but I (and some other post-ops that spend a lot of time educating on the supplement needs of DSers) will be available to go over labs.  We'll also have a space for any clothes, protein powders, and supplements that you want to get rid of... and pick up anything you find of interest.

Please, don't be shy!!!    Pre-ops really benefit from interacting with post-ops (watching what / how we eat seems to be of particular interest!), and asking any questions that you have about our surgical experience, recovery, and quality of our post-op life.

Looking forward to seeing some dear friends, meeting some online friends, and also any people that are just interested in the DS!  If you've already responded on the DS Forum, no need to do so again... I've added you to the VIP list.
 

hmm I'd like to come... Im still all over the place with my decision.

Then definitely come, Jess!  I know you've been struggling with your decision, and the costs involved, but believe me, we won't hold it against you if you don't get the DS!!  Nobody has to know where you are in the process, unless you want to share that information.  You can just ask a lot of questions.

We have yet to get a surgeon to give us kick-backs on referrals, so this is purely about providing you with our experiences.  Nothing formal (like a support group), just good fun with friends.  DSers really know how to eat too, so come only for the food if you want!

I really wish that something like this were available to me as a pre-op.  I never knew one other person with the DS, and the horror stories of what my post-op life could entail scared the crap out of me!  But, the DS was the only surgery that would address my metabolic issues and the only one that gave me a chance (statistically) at keeping a decent chunk of weight off long-term, so I accepted the negatives that I could experience --- wow, not even close to any of these things the surgeons tell you will happen to you post-op have happened to me.
 

I  my DS!!

Hope you can make it... and I hope the weather cooperates!

you will have to forgive my being emotional though as the weight stuff, surgery stuff  *whew*  every now and then it really smacks me upside the head.   I cant even tell you were I am in my decision because 2 days ago I was certain I was going for the DS and then yesterday I was certain it was the RNY and today  I'm jsut sitting here with a ? over my head wondering if I'll make the right choice for myself.   I am applying to move to a place ...just north of GR (to keep it a little bit private LOL) I am guessing if it all pans out I could move within a year....and then I could qualify to get the medicaid that GHP takes.....  a year+???????????  god my head spins and it scares me to death!  Why cant I jsut get my life MOVING?!  :(

NO need to ever apologize for the emotions you are going though.  So many of us were right where you are now... of course, that doesn't help you as you feel these emotions, but do know that you can always talk about them.  For me, it was the finally giving into WLS that had me really depressed.  I had lost weight (a LOT of weight) before, the "hard way", many times, but I had to finally accept the reality that I would not be able to KEEP the weight off on my own.  I just never could.  For me, I had resisted RnY for longer than 15 years (for many reasons), and I finally had to give into it.... and that is when I found the DS.  It was just the perfect fit for me, and all of a sudden I was all about getting my WLS ASAP!  I had no lingering doubts when I found the DS.

This struggle you are going through is tough, but really, it is necessary for you to be committed to whatever WLS your decide upon, so this time to sort through your feelings and learn more really will be beneficial to you in the end.  The only thing that I would ask of you is PLEASE don't settle.  If you figure out what it is that you want for your life going forward, you will figure out a way to make that happen.

There is another woman who moved from the east side of the state (Port Huron, I believe) to get the proper medical aid for GHP & the DS.  She has had a rough time of it, and it has been longer than a year, but she is still plugging away and getting closer to her DS.  I am just so happy for her!!  She really is determined and sacrificed a lot, and so did her children (willingly), because she needs the DS for her health.  Hopefully she will also be able to join us, but if you wanted to connect with her, I would be glad to make the introduction.

It will all come together for you, Jess, it really will.  In the meantime, be patient with yourself and know that the indecision is not a bad thing... it really is helping your to sift through all you need to to be secure in your decision.

I'm really really wish I could attend, but I will be so soon out of open surgery I probably won't be functioning very well yet! Thanks for the invite, just wanted to tell you how great it is that there so many experienced DS vets like you who mentor and reach out to newbies! Thank you!

*bump*

I've noticed a lot of newer people looking at the DS, and I will be sending out the information about the gathering on Thursday, so wanted to include anyone else interested.