newbie questions

Hi guys,  I've just started considering weight loss surgery.  I am 30 years old and weigh 319 lbs.   My biggest reason for wanting to loose the weight is my husband and I are trying to conceive.  This past summer I was finally diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian syndrome.  My gyno prescribed me a number different fertility meds because I am not ovulating.  I left the office feeling horrible,  like he just rushed through everything and did not take me seriously because I am so overweight.  I did not even fully understand how to take the medication.  Thankfully I work in the medical field so someone was able to talk me through it.   After 2 rounds of meds I decided to give up for the time being.  I honestly can't imagine being pregnant at the weight I am.   I am tired of just feeling so blah all of the time.  I want to be able to be active and not feel like everyone is always looking at how fat I am.  Don't you just love it when people tell you that "you have such a pretty face".
Do any of you guys have a recommendation for a primary care doctor?  I know I could probably find out some information at work but I am too embarrassed to ask.  I'm really happy that I found someplace where people can understand how I feel.
Thanks so much!
Amy

Hi Amy,  welcome to the board!  My name is Eldy.  I am home recovering from surgery now.  I had the gastric bypass on feb 24th.  I totally understand where you are coming from.  I never felt I was taken too seriously either being big.  Its really not fair.  Fat is not a brain cell.  Anyway, the best thing to do is research what surgery you are interested in.  There is the gastric bypass and there is the adjustable lapband.  Both are good choices and both are very popular here.  There are other kinds of WLS but from what I have been hearing not all surgeons perform them.  One way to start the research is to go to a seminar for the surgery.  Dr. Pohl/Dr. Giovanni have their seminar every 2nd Thursday of the month ( i think).  Its best if you call the office and find out when.  Other surgeons have seminars too.  Its always a good idea to go to a couple and figure out who you feel more comfortable with. At the seminar they will talk about the surgeries in depth and the requirements and the pros/cons.  Plus they will not see you until you have been to the seminar.  Alot of the surgeons are that way.  I  thinks its best too.  And of course, any questions you have, feel free to ask here.  We are always willing to put our 2cents in.  So good luck on your journey Amy!  Nice to meet you!  Keep us posted.   Eldy

Hi Amy,

Welcome to the bariatric journey! You're in the right place to ask questions, meet wonderful new friends and to feel completely cared for and cared about.

I had gastric bypass nine months ago today! I'm doing really well and would not trade it for anything!

I totally get what you're saying about the 'pretty face'. Being called a 'nice lady'. Being told I have a 'great smile'. Aaaargh! That's the only compliments I used to get about my appearance. It got old. Really, really old.

I wish I could recommend a PCP for you but I have military health care. I'm sure you'll get some help here though.

Have you decided which surgery, which surgeon you are interested in? There is so much information on the web and at the support meetings here in RI.

If you're interested in checking out some of this information, including support groups, please email me at [email protected].

Again, welcome!!!!

Jules

I'm not really sure what kind of surgery I am looking to have.  I have actually not even told my husband that I am looking into this,  he does not know how much I really weigh.  Its too embarrassing for me to admit to him that I weigh approximately 50 more lbs than him and he is 6'6.  I am scared to death to have surgery as I have never had any before but I am scared of what will happen if I don't have it. 
I have been reading all of the posts and you guys are really inspiring,  especially all of the before and after pictures. 
Thanks for the advice I am going to look into going to one of the seminars :)

Amy, as someone that just had surgetry on Feb23, i will tell you , you will need the support of your fmaily.
sit down them him and talk to him about it and how you feel, and that if you want a family this is then method of making sure that 1, you can actually have a baby, but more importantly, 2, being around for there life and support. 
Its a tough decission... Go to the meetings, talk to the patents, and drs.
your in a great location for info.. were all either going thru it or have gone thru the weight loss journey !
good luck !
Jared

Your post really hit home for me. The reason I began to look into WLS was because, during a conversation with my husband, he mentioned that he would like to have children soon to which I responded that I did not currently ovulate because of my weight. He told me, after much prodding on my part, that while (if I was unable to get pregnant) he would be open to adoption, he would be very upset if the only reason we were unable to have a biological child was due to my being obese. That did it.

I could also not imagine being pregnant at my weight (240). It would not be fair to a baby and I wouldd put him/her at risk for birth defects and being born prematurely.

I have a very nice PCP. His name is Chadi Kaba and he is with University Medical Group out of Roger Williams. His office is in the old Women and Infant's facility off Smith Street in Providence. When I broke down crying in his office one day after being weighed, he was very very compassionate and took his time with me to help me calm down a bit. I recommend him. He guided me to Dr. Pohl, who will hopefully be doing LapBand surgery on me in the summertime.

Good luck with your research! If you ever want to talk, PM me.