new from Pittsburgh

I have been lurking for a while, 6 weeks or so.  I was wondering if anyone was in the Pittsburgh area?  I am in my second month of classes at Magee adn just wanted to know if anyone would be willing to`share their experience with me.  It isn't that I don't find great information rom everyone else, I just wish I could talk to someone who has been on the same path as I am now.  I am feeling so helpless, My weight got so out of control and now I am so worried I will go through all of this and not qualify then I am just stranded in this that holding me captive.  My mind is just racing tonight. 

Well I am not from the p-burgh area but at least wanted to say hello and glad you aren't lurking anymore.

I'm fairly certain there are magee people on this board - hopefully with the light of day some of them will be checking here!

I think many of us have been in that scared helpless type feeling.  My "rock bottom" was when my husband and I went to an amusement park and I couldn't fit on the adult rides.  And within months of that I was diagnosed w/ degenertive disc disease, borderline high blood pressure, pre diabetes, sleep apnea.  All at the age of 26 none the less.  I would have been dead by the time I was 40 - promise you.

And the whole insurance thing - it's scary and mind boggling and sooooooo much to do.  But, one step at a time, one breath at a time, hell, one second at a time if you need to!  And it will all be done and sooooo worth the wait!

good luck to you!  Stay close

Pam

Hello, I am from the Pittsburgh area.  Welcome to the journey.

I have a realize band, my surgery was March 18, at West Penn. Dr Urbant is my surgeon, he is the greatest!! 

  Since I walked into my PCP's office back in September, I have lost 47 #, 27 of those after surgery.  That is 24% of my body weight.

I love my band.   I have had a few minor stuck episodes, but no other problems.

Right now I am enjoy all the scale and non scale victories.  The capri's that were skin tight last year and now way too big, they make great PJ's

Best of luck on your journey!!

ellen

Hi!  I am from Pittsburgh and had my surgery at Magee.  The doctor was Dr McClosky, I really liked her.  I had the Lap RNY.  I think it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I started at 277 pounds I am now 160 pounds and have 15 more pounds to get to normal weight.  All the insurance things you have to do is just do all the testing the doctor orders.  Then the surgery scheduler will submit it to your insurance for the aproval and then it will be scheduled.  I have had no problems with the insurance or from the surgery.  If you would like to ask any questions just let me know.

Hi Selena,
I am not from Pittsburgh, but I love your city.  I visit there regularly, as my son lives there.  I am from the Philly area.  I know we have some terrific Western PA people here who can guide you on your specifics of your journey.  I just want to welcome you to the best board on OH, as all of us PAers, and adopted PAers, care about everyone who posts here, and can help and encourage you in your travels here.

Hang in there.

Hugs,
Trish

Hey, another member from the Burgh!! Welcome!!

I had my surgery at Magee on April 29th. Magee is a great facility and you will not be disappointed. The staff is top notch in my opinion and will take good care of you. What procedure are you having? Do you have a doctor picked out yet? Feel free to ask questions and you will find a lot of support and information here. Again, I have had not one issue with Magee and would recommend them to anyone.

Hi!  I am also from the Pittsburgh area, and going to Magee for my surgery.  I am having the Lapband done with Dr. Courcoulas.  I am in my 5th month of the Dr. Supervised Diet with my PCP.  I wish I would of did my classes through Magee, but due to work schedule and all, I didn't. 
What procedure are you having done, and what surgeon are you seeing there?  I heard they are all very good, and they really care about their patients there. 
Best of luck, and welcome to OH. 

Hi there!  I am also from the 'burgh area and had my surgery done at Magee ... wow, it's been 4 1/2 years ago now.  I had Dr. Hamad for my surgeon and I just loved her.  It was the best thing I ever done for myself.  I started at 368 day of surgery and am now anywhere between 193-198 and holding (for the past year or so).  I still could lose a few more pounds, but I am very comfortable where I am now.

Feel free to e-mail me any time you want/need... my e-mail is [email protected] and I'll be happy to reply.  I check my e-mail a lot more than I check the boards lately (I really should come back more often - it's great here).  I can tell you that it's all worth it and to keep hanging in there.  You are on the road to a healthier you!!

Wishing you all the best!

Kelly

Hi and Welcome to the forum .   You have started on an amazing journey and this place and its people are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

I had RNY at Magee this year on March 5th.  What a life altering experience.....all for the good!!!  Dr. George Eid is my surgeon and I just luv luv luv him.   Everything went so smoothly for be,  before and during the surgery.  The hospital stay was wonderful,  I couldnt have asked for better care.  If I had to do it all over again I definitely would choose Dr. Eid and Magee Hospital.   2 of my coworkers have had RNY also,  one a year ago and one in april...both at another hospital.  It amazes me how much more I was involved and I learned along the way thru the Magee program compared to their "program".  

What you are thinking and going thru I think ha**** most of us at one point or another...you are not alone and I hope you stick around here.  I find so much support and I learn so much from everyone here.  Everyone's experience is different, something to learn from,  yet we all share a common bond!!!


Goodluck and please keep on posting!!

Hello and welcome!  I am from Butler, PA.. about an hour from Pittsburgh.  I didn't have my surgery here.. but in Maryland.. but I would be happy to help in any way I can.  You can email me at [email protected]  or message me through the board... email will get answered sooner~!!!  Best of luck and I hope to hear from you!