Nervous Newbie

Hi! I have been lurking for about a month and finally got the courage to begin posting. I am a WLS wannabe-I decided to give myself a birthday present and start the journey. I have 2 friends that had the surgery last year and they have lost so much and feel so much better. I have so many health issues that would be resolved by losing this weight, and like most of you, I've tried everything else. I've been overweight since I was 4 years old. My life has revolved around the over-intake of food. My entire being has been shaped by being overweight, the rejection, the shame, the limitations-I don't want to be "this" me any more. After all, I have kids and grandkids that I would love to be around for. Would you answer some questions for me? I would love to know: 1. How long did it take you to get an appointment with your surgeon? 2. How many complications and which ones did you have after surgery? 3. Are you still glad you did it and would you do it again if you had the choice? 4. How did you change as a person after you had it? Are you still "you"? Can you tell I'm a teacher?!?! I would also love to hear from anyone in WNY and your experiences with some of the surgeons around here. Thanks for taking the time to read- Becky

Hi Becky, welcome. First off I am in WNY....hello neighbor! I called my surgeon in December of 2003 for an appointment. I believe my first appointment to see the surgeon was in June of 2004. That was the earliest appointment they had. My surgery was the end of August and I have had NO complications. Yes I am glad I did it, and my only regret is I didn't do it many years ago. I am still "ME", although I feel better about myself, and that is a good thing. There is a monthly support meeting you may like to attend. If you would be interested let me know. Susan

Hiya Becky! I first decided in early May of 2004 to purse WLS. 1. I called my surgeon then and got into the June 1st seminar with my first surgical consult on July 14. I had my pulminary, cardiology, nutrition, and psych consults within 2 weeks of that. In early August I was given a surgery date of 9/21 however my insurance company rejected my claim as I had only had 3 months of doctor overseen diet/exercise. So I went back to the dr in August, September and October and got a surgery date of 11/11 and here I am! 2. The only complications I had from the surgery were due to anesthesia - I get sick from anesthesia but I knew that going in (I had 3 c-sections). I had basically no pain - was off pain medications completely within 24 hours of surgery - I didnt even need tylenol. The only issues I have had revolve around my eating too fast - it is something I will probably have to continue to work on to create a new habit of waiting between bites for a bit of time. Eating too fast sometimes causes me to be nauseas. I have never thrown up/ 3. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad I had this surgery and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I am only 3 months out, and I have lost 52 lbs since surgery (60 lbs down from my hightest weight last summer) and I have about 33 - 42 more to go to hit my goal range. I feel great! My blood pressure is down in normal range. My cholesterol is down in normal range. My triglicerides are down in normal range. All my vitamins are within normal limits (except vitamin A which is only slightly low and is usually low in people anyway). Did I say I feel great?? I did?? Well I will say it again - I feel GREAT! 4. I havent changed as a person. I am still me and I will always be me. I am just thinking I will be me for a much longer time now that I am losing all this weight that was taxing my body. Good luck to you in your WLS journey! God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea 223/163/130

Hi Becky; Welcome to the NY board. I had my surgery on December 1,2004 and it was and is the best gift I have ever received. I have lost 40 pounds since surgery and have gone from a size 24 to a size 14!!. I was disabled prior to surgery and I start my new job on Monday and I can't wait. I went into the hospital on 21 different medications and am off all but 2 of them now. As far as your other questions. I had pneumonia when I came home from the hospital after surgery. I also pulled a muscle in my upper abdoman at about 4 weeks out trying to do to much. I am still me but I have alot more self-esteem now and feel better about who I am as a person. As far as the appointment with the surgeon you will find that each surgeon is different in their scheduling and wait time. Don't get discouraged if you have to wait a while. The most important thing is to be sure the surgeon is good and that you are comfortable with him as your doctor. Good luck in your journey and if you have questions ask away. Kathi