It's the beginning for me!

I went to orientation at MMPC in Grand Rapids on 4/17/06. I'm anxious to get this journey started but I know I have to be patient...not one of my strong suits! My family is mostly all supportive. My brother has expressed concerns about people dieing from this surgery. The rest are ok with it and surprisingly my 84-yrs young mom who very much believes in doing things the 'natural' way is supportive. I was very relieved at her reaction when I told her as she is very important to me and I value her opinions. I have read many posts in the MI forum and you are all so inspiring and TRUTHFUL. I read with much interest all the good, the bad, and the ugly and I realize it is different for everyone. I decided that maybe I should stop 'lurking' and post myself. :wave: I am leading towards Lap RNY but will decide for sure after my surgical consult with Dr Foote on May 4th. My prayers are with all those having surgery soon and those that are having problems. God Bless! :angel:

WELCOME JAN!!! Feel free to post....it's help me immensely over the years! A great bunch of people here!

Hi Jan Welcome to the board! We are so happy to have you here. I know how it is to lurk, but be sure to check out profiles and get knowlegable on what to expect. Start walking and make yourself determined to do this, it's a very big step and you need to be prepared. I am happy to hear that you have the support you need, some of us don't , but are determined anyway. Do what you need to get healthy and enjoy your life. WLS was the best thing i could have ever done, i just wish i would have done it sooner. Post anytime you need, we are all happy to help you . Hugs Linda 360/168/?

Welcome Jan I had my surgery almost two years ago with Dr Foote and he is a excellent surgeon. I did have complications with my procedure and Dr Foote took great care of me and help me to the best of his knowledge. You picked a great program and a good surgeon. Tricia

Hi Jan: I had surgery with MMPC and Dr. Baker a year ago 4/12! I am down between 113-116 lbs depending on the day! I went from a tight size 24 to a size 8 in about 8 months. If you can do the surgery Laproscopically, that is the way to go. I was up feeling pretty normal by day 3! The doctors at MMPC are terrific, all three of them. My friend had Dr. Foote and loves him! They have a wonderful program after you are done with surgery to help you stay on track, too. Go to the support group meetings every other Thursday and hear what the post-ops have to say. Read my profile and it can tell you all about waiting for approval and such. Linda is right, start walking as much as you can right now. It helps the cariovascular and will help you after surgery with healing. I would also suggest getting off all sugar and caffiene right now, too. Once you are approved and then scheduled, you have to be on the supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery. You don't want to be going through withdrawal on top of being on the supplements. If you do a little right now, you'll be way ahead of the game. Let me know if you need an Angel to report to the board how you are doing after surgery. I will call the hospital to talk with you the evening you have surgery and then report back to the board. Also, we have a West Michigan Yahoo site for WLS people. Alot of them are MMPC patients. If you would like the website address, let me know. My e-mail: [email protected] Take care and if you have questions, let me have 'em! Pam Rhodes from Paw Paw

Good for you Jan! You have taken that first step and that is often the hardest one! Dr. Foote is an awesome and is the surgeon I had. I had my surgery in July of last year and have so far dropped 109 lbs. He is a patient and kind man and you will be in capable hands with him. Bless you Always and do stay in touch with us all. We are here to help you! Hugzzz, Pam

Thank you ALL for your responses and great advice. I rarely eat sugar now and I'm as active as possible when my arthritis isn't kicking me in the knees and lower back. Walking is one of my favorite exercises. I have read with interest most of the MI forum profiles. That's one reason I'm so impressed with the courage you have all shown. The support you show each other and all the new folks is fantastic. I'm hoping there is a support group near Reed City or Big Rapids. I work 10-hr days in Big Rapids (and I live 36-miles from there!) so it would be a bit difficult to make the Grand Rapids support meetings which is close to 100-miles from me. Anybody know of one in the Evart/Reed City area??? Thanks again everyone, you are all GREAT!!! Hugs to all of you! Jan