i have a question

hi im wondering if theres anyone here in minnesota that has had the r n y and weighed 500 plus pounds. i am a single mom of 2 young boys. i am afraid to have the surgery. i have been debating about having it. i am closer to unity and i have heard alot of good things about unity. so i would mostlikely have it done there. thank you in advance for any advice and help.       christie

Christie - Not sure if you've posted before or not, so welcome to the MN board. I would encourage you to not only think about the hospital, but moreso think about the surgery types and what would be most beneficial for you. The Duodenal Switch ("DS") may be a very viable option for you given your starting weight. I would encourage you to attend Dr. Buchwald's seminar to learn more. He has operated on many very complex cases and people weighing more than 500 pounds. Granted, the recovery time will be a little longer than with a laparoscopic RNY procedure, but your overall weight loss and maintenance of that loss have better potential with the DS. There is a DS forum on OH if you'd like to learn more and ask questions.

RNY is also an excellent surgery choice. You just have to choose the one that feels right for you. But if I've learned anything on this journey, it would definitely be to do all the homework you can before jumping in to any surgery for weight loss. Remember, this is not a quick fix. Best to you!

HI Christie Welcome to the board. I didn't start out that high, but I wanted to welcome you here

Hi and WELCOME!!!  Fear of the surgery is common due to the risks, but remember that there are risks with ANY surgery.  Also, weigh the risks of NOT having the surgery.  YOU have to be at peace that this is the RIGHT choice for you!  There are people out there who have weighed 500 or more and I wish they would speak up to help you!  IF not check out AMY WILLIAMS profile as she weighed 600ish if I remember correct.  SHE has an awesome story!!!!  And yes, Amy is sooo right don't just dive in go to as many information sessions and look at all th eoptions there are and make a well informed decision.  A well informed decision WILL bring you peace!   I see you are from Braham!  I am personally inviting you to come(if you are able) to Coffee this Saturday at Cool Beanz in North Branch at 10am!!  We'd love to have you!!

I just want to say WELCOME to the MN board! I agree with all that has been said already. You really need to research this procedure. There are many options.  Read some of the profiles on the boards and get an idea of what it really involves. I personally feel like this was the best possible decision I could have every made for myself. I had Lap RNY. I am healthier and happier then I could ever imagine. I would do it again in a heartbeat!! Good luck to you in what ever you decide. We are always here for support and to answer any questions you might have. Hugs, connie d

Hi Christie, The best place to start with questions is an Images Support Group Meeting.  There is one in Cambridge that meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month.   This is where I started and 99% of my questions were answered on my first visit.  Good luck! Julie

i want to thank all that have replied and given advice.i have been researching the whole wls's for about 4-5 years now.at one point i had a date for the vbg for may 13th,2003. well i april i found out that i was 4 months pregnant.so needless to say i didnt have it. then i found out that vbg was/is a bad one to have with more complications then they once thought.so i said and still say that my 4 year old is an angel.i was going to go through abbot but i didnt like them they werent kid friendly there.i like unity, i brought my kids there with me and they were friendly about it.i have heard so many people talk about unity,how good they are there.and how good the baker doctors are.about the north branch and the other support groups;as i previously have stated i am a single mom.i do not have anyone to babysit and i cant afford a babysitter even....how would that work?any ideas?thanks again for everything....