I'm Just Beginning

Hello everyone! After 2 months of research I brought the subject of weight loss surgery up to my family physician. Long story short, I have had 7 surgeries on my right leg since April 2003 due to a staph infection of a total knee replacement. I almost lost my leg but a wonderful surgeon was able to fuse it and save it. It's not very functional, but at least I have it. My family physician gave me the green light. I've been wanting bariatric surgery for over a year but had to wait until my health recovered fully, which it has. I go to a seminar on February 20 at the Bariatric Center in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. My insurance company has approved the surgery, so once I attend the seminar, I hope the journey begins. I do have some fear about surgery again, but I have so many of the problems that the bypass surgery could correct, I hope and pray the surgeon gives me the go ahead. I have: Type 2 Diabetes, which isn't under control at all, High Blood Pressure Knee problems High Cholesterol Sleep Apnea (mild) So my journey begins. I plan to keep a blog beginning tonight. I am so happy I found this site, it is just what I needed. The weather in KC is not great, snowing like crazy out. Stay warm and safe! Trudy Littleton

Trudy welcome to the Misssouri Board. I read about your problems with your knee surgery , how awful for you. I know you would have to be wary of another surgey. Hopefully nothing like that will happen ever again. Most people have resolved a lot of issues with RNY so hopefully it will you also. Keep us posted on your journey and keep coming back to the board and letting us know how it is going. Jan

Trudy, Welcome to the Missouri Board. This is such a loving caring place to post. Everyone is kind and understanding and everyone has been where you are in your journey at some time. I am 7 weeks post op and I took my last Metformin for type II diabetes on the day before my surgery. Since then my fasting blood sugar is in the 103-110 range. I am no longer on blood pressure medicine or cholesterol medicine. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and surgery hasn't done much for that but I hope it will help keep my knees in better shape by reducing the weight on them. My cousin in St. Joseph had both knees replaced a couple of years ago and one went perfectly. The other did like yours, staph infection, etc. She had surgery in March and went home finally, after three additional surgeries and a stay in rehab, in October. Her's is not fused and she doesn't have pain but her mobility is compromised. Know that all of us are anxious to hear about you and your journey and will be behind you all the way. Love and hugs, Lana

Hi Trudy! Welcome to the Missouri Board!! I'm new to the journey as well. I'm waiting for my first appointment with the surgeon so everything can get submitted for insurance approval. I've learned so much from all the wonderful people on this board in the two short weeks I've been here-I think you'll find this a great place to hang out. God speed and keep us posted on your progress!! Richelle K in Boonville, MO

I had RNY surgery at Shawnee Mission Medical Center on 7/11/06 with Dr. Thoma****ch**** Is that where you're going to have yours? Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. I just had my 6-month check-up today at my 7-month date due to some doctor's appointment changes. According to the program nurse, I'm 2 pounds below where they expect me to be. All together I've lost 140 pounds since before surgery. 122 since surgery and 18 before. Again, feel free to contact me if I can be of any help. There is a support group meeting in Blue Springs on February 26 if you're interested. If so, check the post from Collette S. Good luck. Scott

Hi Scott! Yes, Dr. Hitch**** is going to do my surgery at SMMC. I'm sure I will have tons of questions between now and my surgery date. In fact, I have one now. How long after the seminar was your surgery date. I have no clue what to even tell people when they ask. My insurance company has approved the surgery and I've ordered the medical records they requested (even though they keep a health record on me and they know every time I sneeze - lol). I'll check our calendar for the 26th! Thanks. Trudy Kansas City