Nervous after reading Marcy R's last post!!!

Hey Guys, I was in good spirits and ready for WLS surgery until I read Marcy R's last post (No offense Marcy). I am so sorry that this has happened to her! I guess that after reading her post I now realize that this surgery is very, very serious!!!! I want it really, really bad and I am going to have it, however, I can't help but wonder all the WHAT IF's. Like what if I can't take care of my little boy after this surgery. I tell my self that I have truly turned this over to God but now I find myself wondering if I truly have. I know he will see me through the surgery and after. I believe that WLS is God's will for my life and every time that I start to doubt that it is his will he seems to reassure me. For example, in the very beginning of my journey, I had to call and get my medical records transferred to DR. Avara's office and I got the run around at every doc's office that I called. I caught myself saying, " This is too much trouble" On one particular day I was just about to give up when I called a particular hospital and got transferred 3 time to just get a medical record release form faxed to me..... After the second time being transferred, I started telling myself that this was not for me when I finally got someone (3rd person) on the phone. This lady ask me how far back I needed my medical records and I told her 5 years. Next she ask me what I needed them for, I thought to myself, "none of your business" but I told her that I was trying to have WLS and she said to me, OH, WELL I HAD WLS 2 YEARS AGO AND I AM BETTER THAN EVER!!!!! I felt a peace come over me because I knew that GOD had transferred me 3 times to get to this lady. She gave me her name & Phone # and told me to call her anytime to talk. Then I went for my psyc. evaluation and had to pay $45.00 for co-pays, I know that's not much and I am very greatful that my Insurance is paying, but I thought to myself when I was writing the check...."Am I just wasting money" I got home and had a $45 check in the mailbox from where I had over paid another doctor!!!! I have a few more examples, but I'll stop there for now. So, now that I have read her post, I can't help but wondering if I am doing the right thing even though all the cir****tances line up!! I guess I just need some support!!! I'm confused!

Lorrie, I felt the same way after I read Marcy's post. I guess it's normal to have anxiety. But I think about in 1999 when I had a complete hysterectomy with an open incision. It hurt so bad when I woke up...I swore they didn't put anything in my pain med pump. There weren't any websites or messages boards (or at least I didn't know about 'em) on hysterectomies so I didn't know what to expect. With WLS there's lots and lots of stories, both good and bad, on the web, and if you're like me, I've been reading everything I can. About 90 % of what I've read has been really good but that 10 % that's bad just magnifies itself in my mind. We have to keep in mind that there are risks with any surgery. I had a friend who nearly died having a C-section because the doctor nicked an artery. The main thing is try to stay positive, put your faith in God, and he will see you through this. Pam

WLS has made all the difference in the world to me. I would support anyone who goes through the process. HOWEVER, I WOULD NEVER TRY TO TALK ANYONE INTO HAVING IT. IT IS A PERSONAL CHOICE AND COMMITTMENT. WLS is not an easy fix. It is a tool. I am over two years out and I would be lying if I told you I never stray from the program. I am tempted to eat unhealthy. I do eat some things off program. I jump back on program real quick. I have so much to be thankful for since WLS. I would suggest that you go to support group meetings, talk privately w/ postop pts who are successful and those who have not been successful. Pray, Pray, Pray for guidance. Email me if you like or call me I am in the phone book. glenda

Lorrie, I had some pretty icky consequences from surgery, but would do it again in a heartbeat. Anytime you want to talk, just send me an email with your phone number and i"ll call you. I'll give you the good bad and ugly. I would do it all over in a heartbeat, event though I worried a few times that I wouldn't make it. (that's a running joke among my firends ) So, I've been there, done that, and would be happy to be completely candid with you. No one person is the same, and depening on your complicattions going in, it could magnify some of the problems. I've knwon people who've suffered for months, but after all was said and done, they'd go back and do it all over again. It REALLy is a new life after sugery, but it's definatley NOT the easy waiy out. I"ve just really reached the point that i make the right decidson. You hand in there. YOU are the only one who can make the decision, but do all of your research first, and talk to us post-ops. We love you and are rooting for you wahtever the outcome. HUGS Kimberly [email protected]

My goodness, bless your heart!!! I guess this is another negative point for Dr. Cleveland and another reason I'm glad I have left CMMC and him as a surgeon.

I have chosen another doctor, but I may ask you for the info if this place doesn't work out. I am using Dr. Salameh over at the University Hospital. I've heard good things about him, but then again, I heard good things about Dr. Cleveland too. You are the only one who lived? God rest their souls, how horrible. Did you get a refund? Did you sue? Is there a link where your story is told in detail? I am so sorry for what you went through. I know these things can happen, but all these stories about Dr. Cleveland sound like negligent mistakes. My love, prayers, and thoughts are with you. I can't even begin to imagine what you went through.

Thanks for all of the support and advice. No offense, but I think that I am going to take a break from the board until AFTER my surgery on 8/22/06 (Only 1 week away). I really appreciate all the honest information, however, The bad stuff just eats at me. I KNOW that I am in God's hands and I won't let satan in to make me doubt that anymore!!! Whatever happens to me will be for a reason and I KNOW that GOD is in control of my life. He knows what's best for me. My prayer to God has been that if WLS is not for me for him to please hinder it from happening. It's not been hindered yet and I know God hears me when I pray. So it's still on unless GOD changes my plans. Not any other person or bad experience. With all that said, I want everyone to know that I do really like the board and I WILL BE BACK!!! I can be reached by email at [email protected] if anyone would like to reach me.. THANKS AGAIN! I THINK ALL OF YOU ARE WONDERFUL AND I AM VERY BLESSED TO BE APART OF THE MS WLS FORUM!!! Talk to you after Surgery!!!! LOL

I may catch some mud for this and I didnt want to say anything really bad about anyone but --- Seems like (and this is only from folks on this board and someone I used to work with)... seems like ALOT of Dr. Clevelands patients seem to have some sort of complication. It doesnt mean he is not a great surgeon but I would not have this particular type surgery thru him. There are only 2 surgeons in this state that I would not have used for my WLS and Dr. Blake and Dr. Cleveland were those two. ALso in saying that there are several on here who did great thru him but he just had more complications with his patients that I trusted.

I was noticing it too. I was looking at everyone's posts and then noticing they all had the same Dr. Like you, I hate to knock anyone. But, to me it was obvious. I hate that Marcy and Michelle and Rhonda have all had complications. That just sucks.

Sorry, I meant Kimberly, not Rhonda. I'll get you all straight eventually.