Anyone here live in the Upper Peninsula?

I live in Delta county and am considering WLS in Marquette.  I would like to hear from folks who live in the UP about how well you have done.   I am nervous about having WLS, but am tired of the chronic leg and back pain that I suffer from.  I am almost to the point of not being able to walk some days.  My doctor is strongly suggesting I have WLS... he feels it would help.  Have any of you had medical problems that the WLS helped?  I'd love to hear from you.

I live in the UP and in Baraga area to be exact.  I had my WLS at MGH.  I lost 129# in 9 mo.  I have been maintaining since. It hasn't been easy.  I am still struggling with these last pounds.  It's my own doing though.  You have to follow their instructions as hard as it might be.  Are you a smoker?  I heard at our last support group you have to quit smoking and they will test you on the day of surgery.  This is something new they are doing. 

Can you attend the support groups?  They are the 3rd Tues of each month from 4:30-5:30 & 5:45-6:45.  Staff is there to answer questions.  Sometimes Dr. English is there as well.

I had a lot of anxiety, fibromyalgia pain, pre-diabetic, asthma, heel spurs, plantar faciatis and some other ailments that all seem to be gone for now.  The best ailment being gone for me is the anxiety.  I was really struggling with it.

Feel free to email me if you have anymore questions.  I'd be glad to help.

Jimi

I have alot of the same problems... FMS, hard breathing, GERD, plantar fac and even broke my foot walking.  The last year have suffered with low back pain from arthritis, degeneration and a heriated disk... seems like the meds the doctor puts me on cause leg weakness/ pain and dizziness.  I am so misreable.  I considered WLS about 2 years ago and chickened out, but now feel like it is something I need to do if I want to have any quality of life.  I have never smoked so that would not be a problem.  As for the support groups they have one a month at Bay College in Escanaba... Marquette is 75 miles from where Iive, so not sure if I would be able to make those in Marquette.  It sounds like you have done well... 129 lbs in 9 months is incredible.  I have alot more to lose than that... would be great if it all went that fast!  Thanks for responding... I would like to keep in touch... thanks!

Mary

Mary,
I used to live in Gladstone and had my surgery done by Dr. English. I have currently lost 144 pounds and am 21 months out. My life has really been turned upside down in the last year and I have not been faithful to my exercise or I would be hopefully closer to goal. I have about 40 more pounds to go. Rapid is only about an hour from MGH one way. I was fast track so I did not need to do the 6 month weight loss ahead of time that some insurances require. I started my journey in April 2008 and had my surgery August 2008. I feel great. The only co-morbidity I had was BP. My BMI was 59. I did the surgery thinking it would help my marriage. It was too late. The jerk was already having multiple affairs and my weight had nothing to do with it.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask, I will try to answer them.

Thanks for responding to my post... I was beginning to think there weren't many "yoopers" out there.  144 pounds is quite an accomplishment!  Did you do RNY?  That is what Dr. English suggested for me last time I saw him.  I originally had 189 lbs to lose, but galbladder surgery helped me lose 50.  Ever since I've undergone a lot of stressful events... whi*****luded buying a house and losing my job... transferred to Lansing for 2 months until I found a job back in Escanaba... unfortunately for less pay... have had a real hard time dealing with that... ever since my health has gone down hill (at least it feels like it.)  My doctors are determined that WLS will help... we have tried pretty much everything else, and I am so tired of being in pain and helpless.  I feel that if I could get a grip on the pain, then things will get better.  I contacted Dr. English's office and have set up my patient Education Day...1st opening was end of Sept.  Seems like along way off.  I'm told that BCBS has changed their requirements and now only require a referral letter from my doctor.  Good luck on the last 40... I am sure you will make it soon.  I am sure I will have questions... thanks for offering your support.

Mary

Yes I had RNY