11/29/07 meeting at Rex

Anyone going?

Which surgeon is it with?  I'm off that day so I'm thinking about going.  I'm seriously considering this surgery, but my family is very against it. They insist I don't need it.. I'm over 250lbs, suffer from sleep apnea, arthritis, hypothyroidism, edema in my feet and legs, pulsatile tinnitus... I'm sure the list grows.. I want it.. I want to be healthy!

This surgery should be for you, not them.  If, after doing the research and getting all the information you need, you decide this is for you, then GO FOR IT!!!  I also suffered from sleep apnea, HBP, gastric reflux, arthritis, and a host of other ailments.  Still have the arthritis and who knows after this car wreck, but at least I don't sleep with a CPAP machine any more, take no BP or GERD meds, and feel better about myself in public than I have in a LONG time!  Yes there is risk to surgery, but the risk of being morbidly obese is real too.  Your surgeon would not do the surgery and your insurance would definitely not approve it if you did not need it. Hope this helps!  All the best in your journey.  Keep us posted.

Hey patti, It's with Dr. Enochs office. I went to only one so far. I am also Pre-op. It was very informitable. There were other surgeon's patients there.  And as far as your family goes, do your research and make an informed decision for you. They don't have to live with your decision..... you do. Do what is best for you.

Thanks, everyone, for your input!  I do agree that this is for me, but I"d like to have familial support.  I'm not married, so it's really only my adult kids that are giving me grief.  They've only ever seen me large, so it's what they are used to. I have done a ton of research and I've talked to many post op patients who say they would do it again in a heartbeat.  I have yet to meet anyone who said they wouldn't. There is one case that sticks in my mind, a daughter of a patient who died from complications after surgery.  She begged me not to do the surgery.  I'm sure there are risks, but look at what I'm living with now.. I have to put a mask over my face before I drift off to sleep. I can't walk longer than a block without getting tired.  I"ve been hospitalized several times with chest pain. My knees are shot.. I have a constant pulsatile whoosh in my left ear, a result of obesity.  I can't sit in a normal sized dining room chair with armrests because my butt is too wide.  My back hurts all the time.. the list goes on and on and on...  I believe my risks of obesity far outweigh the risks of the surgery.   I have so many questions, though, mostly dealing with insurances and whether or not it will be covered. I'll post those to the appropriate forum.  As for the original question, I want to go.. Do we need to RSVP?  Where in Rex is it held? Pray for me.. I know you all have been right where I am.. unsure, yet convinced.. certain but scared to death.   Patti

I'm not going. LOL  I just wanted to tell you that your avatar cracks me up!!   

Kisha -

I'm planning to go ... as long as they say it's okay.

I look forward to putting a face to the name.

Barb

Hey Barb have been able to get in touch with Lisa (NP) as of yet? Pm me. let me know what she says.

Hi BB! I'm not going since I'm post op, but I had to say something to the poster whose family is against this. These will be the same people who will say, WOW, you look SO good! At the end of the day, you only need to please yourself. I am two years out, and I feel amazing! Good luck and take care you YOU! Joy