Recent Posts
Topic: Binghamton Area Support Group
AHHH, that is my sigh of relief of finally being able to fling open all the windows in my house and air it out! Living with TEENAGE BOYS!!! and DOGS!! makes a closed house in the winter and interesting challenge in aroma!. There were days, especially after practice that I was grateful for the cold that stuffed up my nose!
So, spring has finally sprung here in central New York. What better way to spring your WLS journey forward than attending Support Group!
Wednesday, April 13 5:30 p.m. at the Vestal Public Library.
Topics: Farmers Markets and You, Stop, Look and Listen and the favorite...Walking for the motivationally impaired! (Thats me)
Join us and if the weather holds, we will be taking a short jaunt on the Vestal Rail Trail (conveniently located near the library) to show how easy it is to take a stroll to lose that roll (that is my goal)
Sorry just in a punny mood this afternoon
See ya Wednesday
Teri Stoel
Lapbanded since 9/12/07
OH Support Group Bariatric Lifestyle Coach
So, spring has finally sprung here in central New York. What better way to spring your WLS journey forward than attending Support Group!
Wednesday, April 13 5:30 p.m. at the Vestal Public Library.
Topics: Farmers Markets and You, Stop, Look and Listen and the favorite...Walking for the motivationally impaired! (Thats me)
Join us and if the weather holds, we will be taking a short jaunt on the Vestal Rail Trail (conveniently located near the library) to show how easy it is to take a stroll to lose that roll (that is my goal)
Sorry just in a punny mood this afternoon
See ya Wednesday
Teri Stoel
Lapbanded since 9/12/07
OH Support Group Bariatric Lifestyle Coach
Topic: Admit What you know.
I found this in 2007 from the National Association for WLS. Daily Inspirations.
Sometimes you know you are struggling with food, but can't quite figure out why. Often, the answer is right in front of you.
If you are feeling out of control, take a "bird's eye view." Imagine you are flying way up high, viewing your problem from afar. Can you see better what is getting in the way of your success?
Action for the day: If you are having a bad food day--but don't really know why--take a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe, and imagine looking at your problem from a distance. If you already know what the problem is and how to remedy it, admit it to yourself today and make a plan of action.
Sometimes you know you are struggling with food, but can't quite figure out why. Often, the answer is right in front of you.
If you are feeling out of control, take a "bird's eye view." Imagine you are flying way up high, viewing your problem from afar. Can you see better what is getting in the way of your success?
Action for the day: If you are having a bad food day--but don't really know why--take a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe, and imagine looking at your problem from a distance. If you already know what the problem is and how to remedy it, admit it to yourself today and make a plan of action.
Maryellen
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
Topic: RE: Revision or sleeve in buffalo?
DS surgery- 3-29-11
I had Dr. O'Malley do my DS but it was not a revision. I can only say that as far as the surgery goes- I know a few people who had different WLS's there and no complaints. I would try to find out if he does revisions- he seems to be the one in the area who has done years of WLS. I was fortunate to find someone local.
I believe he has seminars about once a month. I don't recall him talking about revisions so you would have to sit through his educational seminar before having an opportunity to ask about that (I would assume you could ask him a question after the seminar.)
I would then assume you would have to go the same route as anyone going through WLS- to go to dietician appt's etc before even seeing him. This also happened at Rochester General years ago when all I wanted was to ask about the appropriateness of surgery for my needs. They didn't seem to want to let anyone just see the surgeon regarding questions- but go through the hoops and do the work first- even if you were not sure it was for you.
As a side note- I am also learning that surgeon and doctor are not always synonymous with one another- it seems some surgeons do the work and then you do the legwork to find what you need. (It's kind of like asking a mechanic about body work on your car- they specialize in the engine!) I chose the DS because it suited my lifestyle- post-nutrition is different from RNY but my follow-up continues to focus on a RNY diet- so that has been a struggle at that clinic. All in all- I would consider the clinic competent- don't expect warm-fuzzies- but I am glad I made the choice to use Dr. O'Malley for his expertise.
I believe he has seminars about once a month. I don't recall him talking about revisions so you would have to sit through his educational seminar before having an opportunity to ask about that (I would assume you could ask him a question after the seminar.)
I would then assume you would have to go the same route as anyone going through WLS- to go to dietician appt's etc before even seeing him. This also happened at Rochester General years ago when all I wanted was to ask about the appropriateness of surgery for my needs. They didn't seem to want to let anyone just see the surgeon regarding questions- but go through the hoops and do the work first- even if you were not sure it was for you.
As a side note- I am also learning that surgeon and doctor are not always synonymous with one another- it seems some surgeons do the work and then you do the legwork to find what you need. (It's kind of like asking a mechanic about body work on your car- they specialize in the engine!) I chose the DS because it suited my lifestyle- post-nutrition is different from RNY but my follow-up continues to focus on a RNY diet- so that has been a struggle at that clinic. All in all- I would consider the clinic competent- don't expect warm-fuzzies- but I am glad I made the choice to use Dr. O'Malley for his expertise.
DS surgery- 3-29-11
Topic: RE: Hello, My name is Mia and I'm learning about Bariactric Surgery.
DS surgery- 3-29-11
Perhaps you can try attending a support group in the area (if its near you?) and ask some questions? Or see how satisfied some folks are? Otherwise, look into a search about their work and try to find feedback if possible. Wish I could help with more. I know word of mouth was what helped me- the clinic I chose- I knew of at least 3-4 people who had surgery there for RNY, DS, and lapband.
DS surgery- 3-29-11
Topic: RE: MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SURGEONS LIST!
Hi Bridgit, My name is JoAnn Regina... I'am on Straight Medicaid and am finding it hard to find a Bariatric Dr. In Nassau county L.I. N.Y.- That takes this. I have also left several messages on the Medicaids Dr.Profile hot line for them to give me a list. They keep emailing me the wrong DocTors/ or some of which DONOT take Medicaid. I'am at my wits end with trying to find a doctor. I know that my health is declining. I Beg of you to please help me"... Please!.. I will give you my email address if you can help/ [email protected]. Your an Angel already, as you have given me some kind of hope. It's even wonderful of you to give your advice to folks on this cite. God Bless you and I hope to here from you soon. Sincerely; JoAnn Regina
Topic: Today I am reminded of my favorite quote
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed".
by Faith Thomas a fellow WLS peep
by Faith Thomas a fellow WLS peep
Maryellen
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
Topic: POSE LI Support Group Tonight!
Hey All just a reminder that POSE LI has moved! We will be meeting tonight in our new location! In my office! Woohoo! I have opened up a private practice as a social worker finally! Catering only to bariatric peeps and I am super excited! This also means I never have to look for room for my support group again!
The address to the office is 2382 Grand Ave, Baldwin NY 11510.
You can take the Southen State Pkwy to exit 20S Grand Ave. Drive 2.4 miles and the store will be on your right once you pass Sunrise highways.
You can also take the Meadowbrook to Sunrise Hwy West and travel 2.2 miles and make a left on Grand Ave.
3 blocks down on the corner of Grand and Prospect St on the right you will see a gold store. Make the right onto prospect st and the first left into the fire house pass the firehouse building you will be in municipal parking. Its nice and easy and free and safe. Walk back to prospect and cross the street you will see a grey door with a Sign that Says "POSE LI". That is my office :-)
The meeting will start at 7:00pm It will run to the same time 8:30 :-)
I look forward to seeing you all tonight!
If you get lost or have any questions feel free to call me!
Rachel
The address to the office is 2382 Grand Ave, Baldwin NY 11510.
You can take the Southen State Pkwy to exit 20S Grand Ave. Drive 2.4 miles and the store will be on your right once you pass Sunrise highways.
You can also take the Meadowbrook to Sunrise Hwy West and travel 2.2 miles and make a left on Grand Ave.
3 blocks down on the corner of Grand and Prospect St on the right you will see a gold store. Make the right onto prospect st and the first left into the fire house pass the firehouse building you will be in municipal parking. Its nice and easy and free and safe. Walk back to prospect and cross the street you will see a grey door with a Sign that Says "POSE LI". That is my office :-)
The meeting will start at 7:00pm It will run to the same time 8:30 :-)
I look forward to seeing you all tonight!
If you get lost or have any questions feel free to call me!
Rachel
Looking for a great time in NY! Come to the OH Long Island Conference 2011! Use Coupon Code LebowitzNY11 for $30 off and a free t-shirt and tote bag! All proceeds will be donated to the OAC
Topic: Tracie's Story
Hello WLS friends! Today I am writing to you about a story that is near and dear to my heart! Along my journey, I met a woman, one of us, a WLSer, named Tracie. Tracie has given me full permission to share her story so I wanted to bring some light. This is not to scare away newbies from WLS. I happen to think Weight Loss Surgery is an amazing gift that I have been given. This is just to shed some light and a hope of finding help for a beautiful young woman that I am blessed to call my friend.
Tracie is now 29 years old. She lives in a home with her boyfriend in southern California. She had RNY/Gastric Bypass in December 14, 2009 with a surgeon who will remain nameless as I don't want to come up against a lawsuit. She recovered for two days post-op in the ICU and was eventually sent home. Her surgery was a total disaster! From what I understand, it looks like Tracie was operated on by students who were not very well supervised by the surgeon. Tracie's pouch was made to be smaller than the size of a teaspoon.
After a few weeks she realized something was wrong. When she transitioned to her mushy phase of her post-op diet at 6 weeks, she couldn't hold down even a bite. Her surgeon insisted she wasn't eating the right things or the right way. She was told to chew 20 times before swallowing and to wait 10 minutes between bites. No matter how diligent she was her pouch rejected the food!
Upon returning to her surgeon he said she was no longer his problem and she needed her pouch stretched. she received a referral to a gastroenterologist who performed the esophageal balloon dilation on her close to 10 times!! It never worked. Surgery after surgery, from attempts to stretch her pouch to exploratory surgery, scar tissue has built up in Tracie's innards. They not cannot find her pouch.
Tracie has sought the advice of a lawyer. When the lawyer looked at her medical records, she was told there is no recourse for her because in tiny tiny microscopic print on the bottom of her consent form she gave consent to be operated on by students. I don't know if that micro print also says she is not allow to sue as a result of complication but I assume is does.
Now at 29 years old, Tracie has had to quit her job as a teacher and on most days barely has enough energy to do anything. When I talk to her on the phone she sounds tired and weak. I have spoken to every surgeon I know and every friend I can think of who may have been able to help her and it seems we are going no where. Many surgeons wont touch her and the ones who will wont take her insurance. She is on Medicare/Medi-cal in California.
If you are a surgeon who is willing to help my dear friend Tracie, please email me @ [email protected]. Please be clear! By Help I mean Referrals to a surgeon or lawyer who may be willing to take on Tracie's case!
Please friends, talk to your surgeons about Tracie!! See if there is ANYONE out there who would be willing to help her.
More about Tracie, She has hopes and dreams! She wants to have a baby but cannot carry due to her severe nutrition deficiency. She has already had one miscarriage. She would like to go back to work and teach again. She wants to live and wants a life! She has been living on water and pedialite since 2009. She has been in and out of the ER multiple times twice in the last week alone. the ER doctor has told her she has so much scar tissue from her breast bone to her pelvis there is nothing they are willing to do. Her primary care doc at this point has her all drugged up because she is in constant pain.
Please help me help Tracie! Any ideas, advice ANYTHING let me know!
Tracie's Story
Hello WLS friends! Today I am writing to you about a story that is near and dear to my heart! Along my journey, I met a woman, one of us, a WLSer, named Tracie. Tracie has given me full permission to share her story so I wanted to bring some light. This is not to scare away newbies from WLS. I happen to think Weight Loss Surgery is an amazing gift that I have been given. This is just to shed some light and a hope of finding help for a beautiful young woman that I am blessed to call my friend.Tracie is now 29 years old. She lives in a home with her boyfriend in southern California. She had RNY/Gastric Bypass in December 14, 2009 with a surgeon who will remain nameless as I don't want to come up against a lawsuit. She recovered for two days post-op in the ICU and was eventually sent home. Her surgery was a total disaster! From what I understand, it looks like Tracie was operated on by students who were not very well supervised by the surgeon. Tracie's pouch was made to be smaller than the size of a teaspoon.
After a few weeks she realized something was wrong. When she transitioned to her mushy phase of her post-op diet at 6 weeks, she couldn't hold down even a bite. Her surgeon insisted she wasn't eating the right things or the right way. She was told to chew 20 times before swallowing and to wait 10 minutes between bites. No matter how diligent she was her pouch rejected the food!
Upon returning to her surgeon he said she was no longer his problem and she needed her pouch stretched. she received a referral to a gastroenterologist who performed the esophageal balloon dilation on her close to 10 times!! It never worked. Surgery after surgery, from attempts to stretch her pouch to exploratory surgery, scar tissue has built up in Tracie's innards. They not cannot find her pouch.
Tracie has sought the advice of a lawyer. When the lawyer looked at her medical records, she was told there is no recourse for her because in tiny tiny microscopic print on the bottom of her consent form she gave consent to be operated on by students. I don't know if that micro print also says she is not allow to sue as a result of complication but I assume is does.
Now at 29 years old, Tracie has had to quit her job as a teacher and on most days barely has enough energy to do anything. When I talk to her on the phone she sounds tired and weak. I have spoken to every surgeon I know and every friend I can think of who may have been able to help her and it seems we are going no where. Many surgeons wont touch her and the ones who will wont take her insurance. She is on Medicare/Medi-cal in California.
If you are a surgeon who is willing to help my dear friend Tracie, please email me @ [email protected]. Please be clear! By Help I mean Referrals to a surgeon or lawyer who may be willing to take on Tracie's case!
Please friends, talk to your surgeons about Tracie!! See if there is ANYONE out there who would be willing to help her.
More about Tracie, She has hopes and dreams! She wants to have a baby but cannot carry due to her severe nutrition deficiency. She has already had one miscarriage. She would like to go back to work and teach again. She wants to live and wants a life! She has been living on water and pedialite since 2009. She has been in and out of the ER multiple times twice in the last week alone. the ER doctor has told her she has so much scar tissue from her breast bone to her pelvis there is nothing they are willing to do. Her primary care doc at this point has her all drugged up because she is in constant pain.
Please help me help Tracie! Any ideas, advice ANYTHING let me know!
Looking for a great time in NY! Come to the OH Long Island Conference 2011! Use Coupon Code LebowitzNY11 for $30 off and a free t-shirt and tote bag! All proceeds will be donated to the OAC
Topic: another Jim fargiano quote....I <3 this guy!
Ambition is one of the foundation blocks for success. Each person can excel at whatever they deem important provided there is consistent effort. This includes overcoming any setbacks. You have the strength to be unique and awesome individuals. No one, nor anything can prevent you from being a goal-getter and not just a goal-setter. Envision life as you desire it, but love yourself in the process.--Jim Fargiano
Maryellen
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
Topic: Dr. Oz Show
When Dr. Oz's Producer contacted me and needed recommendations
on lap bander's for an upcoming show...I was happy to provide them
with a list......I'm EXCITED to announce that our very own LIPO
member, Robyn Reiter was featured! YAY Robyn!
You looked
beautiful,
and we are proud of you and your accomplishments!
If you missed it just click on the link below!
www.doctoroz.com/videos/life-after-lap-band-surgery-pt-2
on lap bander's for an upcoming show...I was happy to provide them
with a list......I'm EXCITED to announce that our very own LIPO
member, Robyn Reiter was featured! YAY Robyn!
You looked
beautiful,
and we are proud of you and your accomplishments!
If you missed it just click on the link below!
www.doctoroz.com/videos/life-after-lap-band-surgery-pt-2
Maryellen
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
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