Barb, I thank you and my Mom thanks you! It means a lot hear from someone who also suffers from OA as well. I read your page, I am sorry to hear about the struggles you went through with the last hip surgery! (UGH!) But, it made a HUGE difference to my Mom to hear from someone who has gone through one OA surgery before the WLS and one after. I think it really helped solidify her decision to have the WLS. We are both still nervous...I think for different reasons. But it meant alot to hear about the difference it (the WLS) makes when dealing with the OA post-ops. She is starting her WLS journey a little different than some (from what I have read). She has been in pain so long, her main focus has been getting the knee replacement surgery ASAP and was planning to deal with the weight isssues, for the most part, after having her knees replaced. She has been dieting for months with little success. Her GP said until she could exercise she wouldn't see much change....but now with her GP and OA surgeon pushing for the WLS, her focus has shifted to not only fixing the pain, but the root cause of the pain. We are both eager to attend the seminar and get as much info as possible. You, and this site, have been very  helpful with that as well. Thanks again!  Jennifer

Thank you! I will pass along you phone number to my Mom, Judy. I know she has lots of questions.

Jennifer you will love Dr White...he is smart, witty and easy on the eyes!!..The presentation is a bit on the boring side...but it should answer all your questions...his staff...Roxi (his nurse) and Makayla (who works in the office) and Beth the NUT...they are wonderful people...Dr White did my husbands  bypass 5 years ago...before I met Hubby...but hubby will tellyou Dr White saved his life.  I was supposed to have Dr White..but his associate Dr Hovey (mc dreamy) had an opening that needed a patient and I volunteered.....I had my band placed October 15ht..almost 4 months ago...I am at 57lbs...it is the best thing I have ever done for myself...yes the band does lose the weight slower but it gives you time to tone up as you go along...and if  your mom has issues where alot of exercise is not possible she might want to be banded so she can slowly lose and might still be able to tone up.  Not that there aren't complications to any surgery...heck if getting  your tonsils out could be bad...but as I see it is worth the risk and money involved...this website and the wonderful people here will be blunt, honest and ever so helpful (as will Dr White's office..but they don't answer questions at 2 am!). Good Luck and it's great that you are helping your mother on this journey.

Way to go Jill G.  that's is super!  I know alot of hard work went into getting those 100lbs. off.  Good for you   Linda eloc29

Hi Jennifer,  I had RNY on 6/6/06 and have lost over 180 lbs with 24 lbs to go.  I had my surgery done by Dr. Goering in G.I and he and the staff and St. Francis were wonderful.  I have had no problems with surgery or post op.   I did have and still have dumping symdrome and it isn't fun.  What happens is usually if you have something that has sugar in it or too much fat you can severe cramps and have instant gastric upset.   You have to go to the bathroom instantly!!!!  It is painful and reminds you not to eat that stuff again.  Sometimes things have hidden sugar and you don't realize it and you will get sick.  Now I check everything and avoid all sugar (except natural like fruit)  but it has all been worth it.  I had decided again the band because a few people I knew were eating right through the band and not losing weight.  I researched and decided that the gastric bypass was my long term answer. I have had 3 family members (cousin) and they also had the bypass and look wonderful.  They had it done before I did and have been great support.  Just remember a WLs patient needs a lot of support!!!!! I am extremely happy with my decision and would do over again in a heartbeat.  I have never regretted it.  Just remember to research both your surgeon and especially the anestiologist (sp) very thoroughly.  Get recommendations and check them out.  Tell your Mom good luck.  L