Looking for Help

Hi, I'm new to the site. I have just done the paperwork and given it to BJ at Conway Hospital in Myrtle Beach, SC today. I still need to have my doctor's office do their thing. I am 63, weigh 218 lbs and am 5'3". I've been overweight most of my life and am hoping I get approved for surgery. Can anyone out there share their experiences with either Dr. Anderson or Dr. Balder, the hospital, how long a stay, was the surgery done laporascopally, how much pain after surgery. Anything. Loretta Lawrence (don't have my photo yet)

WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE FAMILY, MS LORETTA ... I CAN'T HELP YOU WITH THE SPECIFIC DOCTORS, BUT IF YOU TAKE A LONG COFFEE BREAK & READ MY PROFILE, ALONG WITH THE NORMAL JOURNALING, I PUT A TON OF INFORMATION IN IT THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO ANYONE STARTING OUT THIS PROCESS ... IT'LL ANSWER A LOT OF YOUR QUESTIONS. MOST GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERIES ARE NOW DONE LAP UNLESS THEY RUN INTO OLD SCAR TISSUE OR OTHER UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS. GOOD TO SEE ANOTHER MATURE YOUNG LADY HERE ON THE BOARD ... I'M 54 & MY HUBBY IS 63! GOD BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk

Dawn, thanks for responding. I will take a look at your profile. Just got back from NC where my husband was in one of the NASCAR races for non professionals (the wannabees). His daughter gave it to him as a gift for is 65th b'day and he was THRILLED. It was loads of fun. As you can well imagine, I am anxious about moving forward and a little scared but I really want this to happen. I do have questions about the doctors, of course, and results of the surgery itself. If you don't mind, I may have some questions after I read your profile. Regards, Loretta

I JUST SENT YOU AN E-MAIL SO YOU CAN CAPTURE MY E-MAIL ADDRESS ... I'D BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANYTHING I CAN. GOD BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk

Hi Loretta, I have three family members and several friends who had theirs done in Conway with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Balder. My great aunt had hers a month after me (Jan 2006) and she was 61 and probably about your height and weighed around 255. She is doing great she has lost way more than me, she weighs about 135-140 and wears around a size 10 - 12. She had no complications and no complaints about the hospital or doctor. Hers was done laproscopically. I could talk to her and see if it is ok to give her your number maybe. I am sure she would be glad to talk to you about it. Theresa "Tina" Zimmerman

Hi Tina, I am late getting back to you because my husband and I were in NC, he was driving in one of those NASCAR non professional races. His daughter gave it to him for his 65th b'day present. He LOVED it and had lots of fun. I am so glad to hear you have have several family members who had the surgery at Conway. I would really love to speak with your Great Aunt. If she lives locally, I will give you my home phone number and perhaps your Aunt would call me. I just have some questions about the gastric bypass surgery itself (specifically the RNY) and how she is doing now. Where did did you have yours done? My number in Myrtle Beach is 843 650 3410. Hope to hear back from you, Warm regards, Loretta

Hi Loretta! Welcome to the SC board ... and best wishes to you as you begin your journey. Dawn

Hi again Loretta, I have called my aunt several times last week and she didn't answer so I just called her phone again and left a message explaining the whole thing and left your number on her cell phone so maybe she will call us back. Tina Z

Hi again, My aunt called me back last night. I gave her your number and she said she would be glad to call you. You should hear from her soon. Tina Z