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Topic: Dr. Buchwald
Looking for friends that have had the duodenal switch with Dr. Buchwald. Especially revisions. I'm having a revision from band to DS in a week!! AH!
Any tips or tricks with Dr. B?
Any tips or tricks with Dr. B?
Lap band 4 years ago. Revised to DS 8-2-11
Topic: RE: anyone had RNY revision to DS w/ Dr. Ikramuddin
You may want to check to see how many RNY to DS revisions Dr. I has done. To my knowledge, he is not an experienced revision surgeon, and you really want one of those for RNY to DS surgery -- it's very tricky and takes a lot of skill. Dr. Buchwald, who also is at U of M, IS an experienced revision surgeon and has done many RNY to DS revisions.
-EJ 
"If television's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who won't shut up." -cat and girl
5'6" HW 325 / SW 317 / CW 214 / First Goal 190 | Century Club 09/19/2011
"If television's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who won't shut up." -cat and girl
5'6" HW 325 / SW 317 / CW 214 / First Goal 190 | Century Club 09/19/2011
Topic: RE: X post from VSG Maintenance
Congratulations!! I totally agree about the clothing differences! I always had looser clothes and now like more fitting clothes. I have had balance issues quite a bit but was thinking mine also had something to do with extreme excess skin. When I exercise I have arms and legs going one way and skin going the other way!! Not a pretty site! I have been a large woman all my life from way before puberty and so my skin was stretched to the max for such a long time that I have no elasticity in my skin! I am 58 now and really debating if skin removal is worth it. I would love it but the recovery and cost...ok maybe more the cost because I would need tucking from my nose to my toes!!!! I am so happy that I did this surgery, just wished I would have been ready years ago when my doctor encouraged me to look into it. Good luck on the maintenance as I hear that is the hardest part. Donna
Topic: anyone had RNY revision to DS w/ Dr. Ikramuddin
I have an initial consult w/ Dr. I this week.
I am just wondering what to expect. I had RNY with Dr. Baker 10 years ago. Never lost all the weight that I should have, and have gained at 20# in the last 6 years also (from having a baby).
Maybe those of you that have had Dr. I, can tell me how he is when it comes to revisions. Does he make you jump through a lot of hoops? I have heard so many good things about him, and because he really knows his DS stuff, is why I chose him. Any info is appreciated. Thanks
I am just wondering what to expect. I had RNY with Dr. Baker 10 years ago. Never lost all the weight that I should have, and have gained at 20# in the last 6 years also (from having a baby).
Maybe those of you that have had Dr. I, can tell me how he is when it comes to revisions. Does he make you jump through a lot of hoops? I have heard so many good things about him, and because he really knows his DS stuff, is why I chose him. Any info is appreciated. Thanks
Topic: RE: Hello everybody!
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Natonna
I had Dr. Koeplin as my surgeon - through Health East - St. Paul. I LOVE all the folks at the clinic! They are so damn nice and very supportive. I too, join Paul in the coffee groups, when my schedule allows. Summer is so very busy, but there are a TON of super people that I have met through the South of the River Coffee group. They certainly make my day when I attend. This coming Saturday will be in Burnsville @ Panera Bread, then next week will be Caribou - inside Byerly's in Eagan. Not sure when the next one will be that I can make, but hope to meet you soon at one. If you have any questions regarding the clinic, I would be more than happy to talk.
Welcome and enjoy the crazy ride - it is so worth it!!!
Kelly
I had Dr. Koeplin as my surgeon - through Health East - St. Paul. I LOVE all the folks at the clinic! They are so damn nice and very supportive. I too, join Paul in the coffee groups, when my schedule allows. Summer is so very busy, but there are a TON of super people that I have met through the South of the River Coffee group. They certainly make my day when I attend. This coming Saturday will be in Burnsville @ Panera Bread, then next week will be Caribou - inside Byerly's in Eagan. Not sure when the next one will be that I can make, but hope to meet you soon at one. If you have any questions regarding the clinic, I would be more than happy to talk.
Welcome and enjoy the crazy ride - it is so worth it!!!
Kelly
http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/w2Fm5C4/"> 
Topic: RE: X post from VSG Maintenance
Your post made me happy - it's some of the simplest things, the most mundane observations, that provide the biggest WOW moments! The long clothes, the fashions from Omar the Tentmaker..... DONE!
The balance issues are quite normal, for the very reasons you mentioned. So are aches and pains in places we hoped to be RID of aches and pains, because our bodies shift as our weight drops. But things do adjust and reach a new 'normal'.
I think that was the biggest WOW for me - being NORMAL! Never had been, never considered becoming someone who doesn't stand out for being ginormous.
I applaud you for recognizing that maintenance is a big challenge. The BIGGEST challenge. I can only speak as a RNY person, but the further out we are, the easier it gets to slip back into some of our old relationships with food. Stress, celebration, depression.... it's incredible all the reasons we have for eating! Just don't ever forget what you've been through and WHY.
The balance issues are quite normal, for the very reasons you mentioned. So are aches and pains in places we hoped to be RID of aches and pains, because our bodies shift as our weight drops. But things do adjust and reach a new 'normal'.
I think that was the biggest WOW for me - being NORMAL! Never had been, never considered becoming someone who doesn't stand out for being ginormous.
I applaud you for recognizing that maintenance is a big challenge. The BIGGEST challenge. I can only speak as a RNY person, but the further out we are, the easier it gets to slip back into some of our old relationships with food. Stress, celebration, depression.... it's incredible all the reasons we have for eating! Just don't ever forget what you've been through and WHY.
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
Topic: RE: X post from VSG Maintenance
Congratulations to you. I am glad you are in it for the long haul. I experienced serveral of the items you mentioned (other than almost reaching goal.) The weight shift and balance issues were quite interesting along the way.
Paul
Paul
55# Lost pre Surgery on 2/15/10, 100+ # lost post surgery
Topic: X post from VSG Maintenance
This morning when I weighed myself I thought my scale needed new batteries. I couldn't believe what it said. I'm almost to goal. I have a check-up on Monday and their scale always weighs a couple of pounds more than mine. But still, I'm almost there.
Here are some observations from my journey;
I had a remarkable recovery. I don't know if that's more the norm for this surgery or not. But I felt good from the beginning and have felt AB FAB since about 2 weeks out.
I noticed I had to re-learn how to walk. At some point I felt like I was off balance and was walking funny. I guess I'd lost enough weight that my center of gravity had shifted or something. I've never seen anyone post about this so I don't know if it's just something odd about me or what.
I don't know what I look like anymore. I knew what I looked like when I was fat, even though I hated to look at myself. Now, I can't come to grips with my new body image. I don't know if I still have a fat butt or not.
I want my clothes to FIT. I used to like everything I wore to be loose. I didn't want to feel my clothes touching me. Now, I don't want anything to be baggy. I'm dropping sizes fast and actually like a more fitted style. I sort of like to be able to feel my clothes. I don't like them to look too big. And now, I like the look of cropped or shorter jackets. Not too long ago I wanted my tops to be long to cover my rear end. Like that was going to hide me!
I'm not embarrassed of myself any more. When I was fat I was so embarrassed - I didn't want anyone to look at me. Now, look all you want.
I know maintenance will be my biggest challenge. I'll have to keep my head in the game and not lose sight of ME, now that I've caught a glimpse of what I should look like.
Here are some observations from my journey;
I had a remarkable recovery. I don't know if that's more the norm for this surgery or not. But I felt good from the beginning and have felt AB FAB since about 2 weeks out.
I noticed I had to re-learn how to walk. At some point I felt like I was off balance and was walking funny. I guess I'd lost enough weight that my center of gravity had shifted or something. I've never seen anyone post about this so I don't know if it's just something odd about me or what.
I don't know what I look like anymore. I knew what I looked like when I was fat, even though I hated to look at myself. Now, I can't come to grips with my new body image. I don't know if I still have a fat butt or not.
I want my clothes to FIT. I used to like everything I wore to be loose. I didn't want to feel my clothes touching me. Now, I don't want anything to be baggy. I'm dropping sizes fast and actually like a more fitted style. I sort of like to be able to feel my clothes. I don't like them to look too big. And now, I like the look of cropped or shorter jackets. Not too long ago I wanted my tops to be long to cover my rear end. Like that was going to hide me!
I'm not embarrassed of myself any more. When I was fat I was so embarrassed - I didn't want anyone to look at me. Now, look all you want.
I know maintenance will be my biggest challenge. I'll have to keep my head in the game and not lose sight of ME, now that I've caught a glimpse of what I should look like.
5'5" Age 63 HW 212 SW 200 Currently 8 pounds below goal
Jacque 
Topic: RE: Hello everybody!
We meet every week, but of course with a busy life the group faces change from week to week. Also we rotate from the Eagan Byerly-Caribou to the Burnsville Mall Panera (N side of the mall.) NExt week will be at Burnsville. I will be in Michigan that weekend but I do attend as often as I can when I am in town.
This week we had five people, some weekends we have upwards of twenty that gather.
At Burnsville Panera, the group sits just inside the entrance to the right, look for some happy people with lots of water bottles, and join in. Most will admit to first time fears but hey we are just people trying to learn from and support each other.
This week, I thought we should have had a confessional booth rather than a table to sit at, as wwe are all struggling with food issues, imagine that!!
Love to see you soon, just remember we rotate from Eagan to Burnsville each week, look or ask here (Or even an email request. There is also a local OH section on Facebook with similar information. Send me a freind request and I will be able to get your posts directly even when I am out of town.
Paul
This week we had five people, some weekends we have upwards of twenty that gather.
At Burnsville Panera, the group sits just inside the entrance to the right, look for some happy people with lots of water bottles, and join in. Most will admit to first time fears but hey we are just people trying to learn from and support each other.
This week, I thought we should have had a confessional booth rather than a table to sit at, as wwe are all struggling with food issues, imagine that!!
Love to see you soon, just remember we rotate from Eagan to Burnsville each week, look or ask here (Or even an email request. There is also a local OH section on Facebook with similar information. Send me a freind request and I will be able to get your posts directly even when I am out of town.
Paul
55# Lost pre Surgery on 2/15/10, 100+ # lost post surgery
Topic: RE: Hello everybody!
Hey Paul,
Thanks for responding! I was beginning to think all the Minnesota niceness had left lol it's nice to know there is people are still willing to reach out and I would love to join you guys.How often do you all meet?
Thanks for responding! I was beginning to think all the Minnesota niceness had left lol it's nice to know there is people are still willing to reach out and I would love to join you guys.How often do you all meet?
~Mz.Lovelytonna ~ Well wishes & kisses
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