Hey all

I just wanted to stop in and say Hi.  My name is Bil, and I've been a member of OH for about 5 or so years, but I haven't had surgery yet.  5 years ago I went through the process and I did everything except set a date.  I got close to the end and found that driving to Portland (back then, my ins. only covered surgery in PDX and I live near Eugene) was just too much, I didn't want to be that far away from the drs.  

Everything is about the same as 5 years ago and now that my ins. covers the surgery at Oregon Bariatric Center in Springfield, I have started the process again.  I went to the information meeting last week and turned in my application on Monday.  I'm just waiting for the call from OBC to have my first appointment.  

I just wanted to stop in and say Hi and see who was still around.  It's good to see some names that were around 5 years ago (Hi Linda! I'm in Oregon Hall now.  ;)  )

Looking forward to getting on with this journey.

Bil 

Bill,

It's good to see another guy posting in the forums. I had my surgery about 15 months ago and reached my goal weight in about 6 months. WLS is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

Don't know if you are aware that there is a Men's forum on this site. I've found that very helpful. Check it out.

Keep us posted on your journey.

 Thanks, looking forward to keeping you updated on the Journey.  :)

 Hey Bil!  Good for you.  I actually retired last year.  Going to Portland for check-ups, etc., is a drag, but as it turns out, I ended up with severe hypoglycemia (they think it might be something called nesidioblastosis) so I have to go to Portland to see the endocrinologist anyway.  Not something that happens very often to RNY patients, but it did happen to me.  Basically, it means that I have a condition that only allows me to eat healthy food.  No bread, cookies, crackers, rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.  They put me to sleep and occasionally cause my blood sugar to drop so low I'm in danger of seizures or coma.  So much fun!!

 Hi Linda,

Congratulations on the retirement!  

Sorry to hear about the hypoglycemia.  It sounds like you have a good handle on it at this point.  

Take care!

Bil

Thanks Bil, I forgot to tell you that, despite the complication, I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.  Sure, I have to watch what I eat, but I was supposed to know that before I even started.  They do suppose you can have some whole-grain carbs, which I can't, but I can still eat good food.  All I can say is that not having my own body get in my way when I try to move is worth everything I've been through.  I feel I'm facing my "golden years" in good shape.

Hey look - there's an Oregon forum! Who knew?

I had Dr. MacColl do my surgery and I love his office. He's very conservative and very careful, so I always felt that I was in good hands

Good luck with the process!

 Hey Bil - how are things going?  Have you decided to go ahead with the surgery?  How is the place here in Eugene/Springfield?  I hope they have good doctors who will stick around now.  Despite having had to drive up and down the freeway, I'm glad I went for it and went to OHSU years ago.  Funny how I have to keep going back up there though!