First post

Hi all.  Maria here.  I've been reading and enjoying OH for a while now, but just signed up within the last week or so.  This is my first post in this forum.  I'm originally from Nassau County on Long Island, but have lived in Orange County, NY since 1985.  I've been thinking about having WLS for quite some time but just now finally started taking serious steps toward that end.  I'm going to turn 50 in just about 2 weeks and I think that's finally what made me decide that I do not want to spend the second half of my life with the same needless suffering as the first half.  
I had a consult yesterday with a Dr. Anthony Pucci, who recommended the LapBand for me, and really didn't even want to discuss RNY (which I believe is my preference right now).  He gave me a follow up appt for April 21.  Today I called and made an appointment for a second opinion with Dr. Peter Kwon's office.  I've read a lot of good reviews about him here on OH, so I wanted to go see for myself.  I have an appointment next Thursday, Apr 2 for a day-long seminar which is required before actually seeing the doc.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I want to compare my first impressions.  I didn't get that special "gut feeling" while dealing with Dr. Pucci or the staff yesterday or today when I had to talk with them again , so I want to see how it feels next week at the other practice.
I look forward to getting to know you all.

Hi Maria. Maria here too. I just happened to read your newbie post and took it as a sign that I should be the first to welcome you! So Welcome to the NY Board of OH. And congratulations to you on making a decision to become a more healthy you. Also congrats to you for doing the work of educating yourself about the surgeries and making sure you are with the right doc for you. The people here are wonderful, caring and very knowledgeable. You're in the right place and taking the right steps.
Today happens to be the one year anniversary of my open RNY and I could not be happier with my decision.
Let us know what we can help you with.
Good luck to you --
Maria

Hi Maria,
Thanks for the welcome!  Congrats on your anniversary!  I'm so glad you're happy with your decision!  This sure is a daunting experience, trying to educate yourself with everything you can possibly get your hands on to try and assure yourself that you're making the right decisions!  Phew!  Tomorrow I have an appointment with my primary care just because I haven't seen him in a while and I need some prescriptions filled.  It'll be the first time I say anything to him about this. 
Maria

Hiya!!!!

Welcome! This site is fabulous for getting info, support, making friends, and just staying on track with this WLS journey! I think you'll find it very helpful, as I know it has been for me!

I think it is really great that you are listening to your mind and heart in choosing a surgeon. You need to feel confident in him and his staff! That will help you feel more secure about having this surgery and about your success in the future, too! I really hope that the next doc you go to is "the one." Like you said, you'll probably get that gut feeling and that will help you choose the best surgeon for you. =)

Maybe I didn't understand, but...were you leaning toward the LapBand or the RNY? I know you said that the first doc recommended the LapBand, but I wasn't sure which you wanted. =)

Well, best of luck with everything and keep us posted!!!!

So glad you joined and decided to do something to improve your health! You'll be soooo glad you did!!!
Hugs, Heather =)

Hi Maria,

I'm new here too, so I figured I would say hello!. 

Can't wait to here all about your seminar!  Good Luck!


Kristi

Hiya Kristi!
Welcome to one newbie from another newbie.  I'm looking forward to the seminar.  It's gonna be one loooong day though. 
Maria

Hiya!
Thanks for the welcome!  My gosh I am already totally overwhelmed with the support and replies I've been getting.  I posted on the RNY and LapBand forums earlier and have been innundated with replies!  Yikes!  I asked "Why did YOU chose RNY over LapBand?" and vice versa.  I haven't been able to keep up with and respond to all the replies yet.  I may have to finish tomorrow.
I'm leaning towards RNY myself, but haven't made a final decision.  I'm 5'4" 247 lbs, with a BMI of 42.  I've been battling weight problems since I was in high school or earlier. 
Maria 

Well, the good news is that you don't have THAT much to lose. And, I mean that in a good way!Some people choose the band when they don't have that much to lose and others still choose the bypass. =) So, that probably didn't help much! LOL Sorry!

I just wish you the best of luck and I hope that whatever doc you choose will help you choose the best surgery for you! =)

I'm really glad that you've gotten a good response from OH--of course, I'm not surprised! Most people here are really fabulous!

If you want to talk one on one, feel free to PM me! =)

Good luck!
Heather =)

Hiya Heather,

Thanks.  Yeah, I've actually been called a "lightweight"   First time I've ever heard that used to describe me!  It'll be a little while before I make that final decision about which WLS I want.  In the meantime, I'm going to amke myself comfortable here.  =) 

I've got an appointment with my primary care today.  Not thrilled about it.  I haven't seen him in like a year and a half.  Ooops.  I've been avoiding him because I've put on a bunch of weight since our last visit.  I know; ridiculous, right?  I can't help it.  I'm extrememly embarrassed and ashamed of the way I look.  Anyway I've been slowly running out of a bunch of my medications so I have to go see him to get refills.  He won't call in refills anymore without my seeing him    I figured I have to see him anyway now because of this WLS deal.  He has no clue that I'm planning this.  I guess today's the day to bring him up to speed.  I will need his clearance on two levels.  He's not only my PCP, but also my pulmonologist. 

Maria

Interesting read:

Check out:  http://www.thinidaho.com/index.php?page=debate

Good luck,
Karen