a few newebie questions

Ahhh yes, I'm back asking questions. May 24th seems like forever away to see Dr. Byrne. I hope I don't offend anyone with these questions. Do your friends and family say you look unhealthy now? Do you look pale? On another WLS board they talk of RNY patients having pasty looking skin..or look like cancer patients. At this point I'm so desperate to lose weight I'm thinking who cares. If I don't do something drastic I'm going to die. I have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure..not to mention I'm 130lbs overweight and I'm only 35. I was really thinking about going Lapband, but don't know if it is drastic enough for me. I see your pics on here and I think you ladies look great myself. Was wondering if you hear those comments from your friends and family or do you think some people say that from jealousy? Also I was wondering about the Thurs. night meetings...I work so would have to take the night off and is it acceptable to bring my 3 children? I would make them sit by themselves..lol Good Mom hey? Teresa

Children are welcome to our meetings. I bring my brat. I haven't been told anything of the sort...we are all supportive....and if someone looks ill or whatever....we ask if they are ok as friends and see if they need our help with anything. We all need others help...no matter who you are. And you will hear that most of us have had the RNY rather than the lapband because of various reasons. Mine being I was afraid I wouldn't lose enough or be restricted in eating if I chose the lapband. Dr. Byrne will also help you decide what would be better for you when you see him. He does not pressure you at all either. Jennifer

Good morning, Teresa, I cant speak for others, only for myself but your friends and family may very well give you mixed reactions as you go on your weight loss journey. This is not to alarm you, only to prepare you. Keep in mind, you are doing this for health reasons, and you are doing this to improve your life and to make the quality of your day to day living the best that it can be. When folks around you see this, and their lives remain the 'same' well.... sometimes it forces them to take a look at some of their inner demons, so to speak. But other people, those who are strong and supportive will just look at us and see the wonderful growth and progress that we are making. Many times when someone makes a positive change, whether it be to advance in career, or get married, or "MOVE TO A NEW STATE" lol... the people surrounding them that have not made any change, or feel they need to make a change begin to feel selfish and they often lash out. So, try to be gentle and caring, but also focus on you, because you will be number one. When you lose, you will lose in different areas first. I dont know about you, but I did not carry a lot of weight in my face to begin with, so I did begin to look 'gaunt' and yes, I did look a little pale, but I was suffering from anemia. So, I got some bloodwork drawn and I got some iron (that the dr. prescribed). And then I was FINE FINE FINE. As I got thinner, the people who I always thought were "thin" started to look like they needed to perhaps, lose some weight. Some of these people did not take too kindly to the fact that I was losing, and they were often not that kind. I had to learn to be sensitive to their feelings, just as I had needed their sensitivity back at a time. Life can be funny at times. And you do learn a lot about yourself and the people around you along your journey. hugs, J.

Hi Teresa. First of all, the most important thing to do is follow all of the WLS rules..get plenty of water and protein...and take your vitamins. You will do fine. As for the Lap vs. RYN, I had RYN because with people with over 100 lbs. to lose it seems to be more effective long term. You are more than welcome to bring the kids to our Thursday night meeting. Others bring theirs and since the kids price is so law it is a good alternative to cooking dinner for them....good buffet (of course kids love pizza anyway). Hope to see you soon. Susann

Thanks ladies for your honest answers. I am one of those that love Pizza Inn. I don't eat a lot there but I always get sick to my stomach when I eat there. My kids love it too. Which section do you sit in so I don't look like a lost puppy when I come..lol Teresa

I have gotten no comments about looking sicky or pasty skin. Just the opposite, I get comments about how great I look and how up and chipper I was after surgery. When you walk in to Pizza Inn, we sit toward the right in the same section of the games. Susann is right, get the protein and water in and you will do fine. I had surgery right when MUSC was introducing the lap band, so I did not have a choice and plus I really did not know better. I researched WLS but was not aware there were other options other than RNY. I am glad that was the only one Dr. B offered because I would not have know which way to turn. I needed that drastic change. Looking back on it now, I needed the restrictions RNY has given me. With the band, you still will be able to eat what you want, just smaller potions. So it really is up to you. This is a personal decision that only you can make. But getting the information to make an informed decision is your best offense. Dr. B and his staff with help as well. You are in great hands. Julie

We sit in what they call the porch at Pizza Inn. But if you tell them you are with the bypass group they know us and will point you in the right direction. Hope you can make it soon. Susann