My surgery was 11/16/04 at St. Catherines of Sienna

I just can't believe how great I feel so soon after my LAP RNY done by Collin Brathwaite. I needed no more morphine after 1 1/2 - 2 days. My new pouch is working great. I'm full after very little and have no desire to graze. Old habits die hard but this tool is better than a craftsman tool and I'm confident my old habits will be a thing of the past. No more co-morbidities, fun w/ the grandchildren, exercise, and above all a healthy life ahead of me now. The only complaint I had was the main lines attached to the main artery in my throat. This was not painful at all but very uncomfortable for me. The hospital and its' staff are the best I've ever experienced and there's none finer than Dr. Brathwaite and his staff. This comes from 3 years of researching different doctors, finally getting up the nerve to do it, and all the denials, appeals, and hoop jumping that Aetna HMO put me through. Many depressing times in the past and no-one wants to see a grown man crying. Aetna had me there many times. But now It's Christmas in November! It's done and I'm ecstatic! I'll keep you posted .........

Hiya Bruce! Congratulations!!! I grew up there in Kings Park where you had your surgery done and my family still lives there. I will be there for Christmas! I am now in Orange County NY. I too, was very surprised at how good I felt after surgery (Lap RNY 11/11) and how good I still feel! I stopped taking my PCA about 24 hours after surgery and the only thing I have had since then was tylenol for a headache, lol! I havent had any desire to graze either and the only time I had any kind of pang for something I really couldnt have was when I went to pick up Chinese for the family and I had to wait in there about 10 minutes...all those smell wrecked havoc on me but I got through with a little help from the wonton soup broth, lol. Where is Dr. Brathwaite located? I ask because I am hoping my sister might be interested after she sees how I do and she lives down there on LI. Thanks, and again - Cognratulations! God bless you and keep you. ~Andrea

Hello Andrea, Hope you are still doing so well. I am! Dr. Collin Brathwaite can be reached at 631-784-7400 and he is affiliated w/ St. Catherines of Sienna in Kings Park Long Island. He also has a monthly support group the second Tuesday every month which are very popular and very informative. I wish you and your sis well! Keep up the good work. Bruce

Bruce- Welcome to the losing side!!!!!!! It does feel like xmas. I was overwhelmed at church today in my prayers and thanking God for watching over me while I went through this. I put my faith Him and he has once again pulled me through!!!!!!! Janet

hi bruce what a wonderful post for me to read only 2 days before my RNY!!! i am so glad you are doing well and i look forward to meeting you on the losing side! congratulations to you... have a wonderful holiday! shea

Shea, No luck needed for the surgery. You'll be just fine so try to relax. The surgery is so common today so be calm and happy you made the right choice for you. Be healthy, happy, and energetic. You are already wise. Happy holidays, Bruce PS put lots of gift certificates on your XMAS list. You'll need them for all the new clothes!

Can you tell me about "main lines" is this somthing that they leave in your throat??? kate

I refer to them as main lines only because one of the nurses called it that. Basically there were three Arterial lines placed into the artery on the right side of my neck between my jawline and collarbone. They were each like IV lines but thicker with a cap closing each one. The lines were held down with some kind of styrofoam tape and I believe either stitches or staples. I never saw under the tape cover but the Dr had to cut something before he could pull the lines out of my neck. After which he needed to apply quite a bit of pressure to prevent bleeding. Remember this is an artery so the pressure is much greater than just a regular IV line. Nothing is left in your neck after removal. Although I asked to have it removed several times it wasn't done until I got my release. A friend of mine - same surgery, surgeon, and hospital never got this done but he did have both wrists with Arterial lines. The 4-6" tubes hanging down my neck made me feel like a cyborg. But I think both wrists with lines might be more of a pain. Good Luck!