Dr. Norbert Richardson???

Hi Christy! I was really glad to get your post. I was able to meet Dr. Richardson briefly at the seminar I attended and he seemed like a very nice person. I have heard alot of good things about him. My PCP talked highly of him and his father. In fact he has alot of the elder Dr. Richardson's artwork in his office. I too have been researching alot. Sometimes I think maybe too much. I have found this website to be a wealth of information. I am soooo glad I stumbled upon it. Do you know anyone else who has had the surgery and how they are getting along? Do you have any doubts or are you scared at all? I am not scared of the surgery itself, but of the possible complications afterward. I know this is the best decision for me. I have tried everything else and I have so much to lose that I know I would never be able to do it on my own. I will be thinking about you and sending you good thoughts. I wish you the best of luck for a safe surgery and speedy recovery. I live in Washington and work in Union. What kind of hours do you work? I'm at work from 8:00 until 4:30. Judy Have you started an all liquid diet yet?

Judy, You must have the same PCP as me. It sounds like it is Dr. Kunkle. He is mine also. He is a great man and truly cares for his patients. I know a few people personaly who have had the surgery. They all have done very well. They have a few emotional problems but I'm not sure that was something that was pre op. I know it is a hugh change and most people delvope emotional issues. Please be aware of this. I don't know if you have family but their support is sooooo important. I too am scared of the complications but you have to look at it this way, by being the weight we are we will 100 percent have complications in life and WILL die from morbid obesity. I too have tried many things and feel this tool will work but it has to start with me. I have to change. Surprisingly enough, I have. I no longer look at food like something that is sooo important to me. I don't think about what I can eat next. I started the liquid diet last Wednesday. I won't lie it has been tough but I have not cheated. I think about it. When no one is around I think no one will know. I then think I know. I want to be sucessful. I just walk away from the situation. Go do something else. Go for a walk. Get on this website and read inspiration. I also bought a book called 'Weightloss surgery for dummies'. I have consumed myself with this. I work anytime between 730a-5p. Friday is my last day until I come back after surgery. If you want to call me at work I will give you my e-mail address and my home phone number. I want to be your support person if you feel you need it. Or if you just want to talk that is fine too. This will work for you and you can do it. Christy

Hi Christy! Sorry it's taken so long to respond but things have been crazy at work today. Actually my PHP is Dr. Morris in Union. He's been wonderfully supportive and extremely helpful. I would like to talk to alot more people who have had the surgery and what the highs and lows are but you know everyone is different so you can't really count on that. I know you are right with what you said about definately dying from morbid obesity and my PCP and Cardiologist both flat out told me that if I didn't do something, I would die a premature death and have alot of complications to go along with it. I am confident that this is the right decision and I need to stop obsessing about it. I think I have found you just when I needed you. You sound like you will be the support that I need and I will try and do the same for you. I have been trying to prepare in little ways for the surgery, like practicing chewing alot, having smaller portions, no soda and no caffine. I figure the more I can overcome now, the easier the transformation after surgery will be. I read this website daily and am always surprise when I learn something new. I would love to talk to you but I can't call from work so it would have to be in the evening sometime. My home email is [email protected] If you have time, drop me a line and maybe we can exchange numbers. I know you have alot going on right now with getting ready for the surgery so I will understand if I don't hear from you although if you need any encouragement or words of comfort, please feel free to contact me. I am still waiting to hear if Dr. Richardson has reviewed my file then it will have to clear my insurance, so I am still a ways off from the actual surgery. I am happy but slightly envious that yours is coming up so quickly. I wish you the very best of luck. I hope to hear from you soon. Judy