Hi Karen, I had the lap RNY with Dr. Brad Thaemert and I LOVED him! He was open, honest and told me the straight truth. I had severe complications and I STILL would choose him in a hot second. The complications weren't his FAULT, rather, they just happened. I preferred the lap because without complications, the healing process can be much faster. This surgery has changed my life. I currently weigh 170 pounds. That is OVER HALF the person I used to be. My highest weight was 342.5, that was my highest RECORDED weight, I think I have even weighed more than that. I have gone from a size 32 to a size 12. I give God all the glory. I RUN, WORKOUT, play with my children and just live the most blessed life. Don't get me wrong. I work VERY hard to keep losing. There are times when I stall and don't eat well, but God always gets me back on track. My goal is 150 pounds. I loved life before, but I love it even more now!!!!!!!! If you have questions, email me on this site. Blessings~ Becky

Yippee!! The pre-op tests are done and now the count down starts. Time to do last minute things like get meds ready, get new kinds of foods in the house and just RELAX!!!! Yea right relax....I only have waited for ever it seems...but its only until the 23rd and my new life begins...I'm cool and will be just fine...

I have not been on the message board forever, and my photo is outdated--I have lost about 65 more pounds since that photo was submitted. However, I will tell you that the gastric by-pass procedure saved my life, physically, mentally and emotionally. Can't tell you about the banding. Mixed reviews on both procedures. I will tell you that I would go back to Dr. Brad Thaemert in a minute. He was a fabulous surgeon and following practitioner for me. He is with "Surgical Institute of Sioux Falls" near Avera. The staff in the surgical unit at Avera all told me how fortunate I was to have him. Good luck--Vicki (down 145 pounds since June 2004; have maintained this weight for a little over a year).

Karen, I did a lot of research before I did this...checked procedures and doctors. For me, the lap band was not an option...I felt I had too much to lose, and not enough will power. It is really designed for people who do not have that much too lose (relatively). Open and lap RNY is really a doctor's personal choice. For me, not having the open was so much more convenient, with less healing time. And Dr. Graham is the absolute best when it comes to lap RNY. I followed the history on several area doctors. Dr. Graham lost one patient. A man 700 plus pounds, early in his career. Many things changed since then. Dr. Graham is one of the most prominent surgeons in this area (lap Rny). I have lost over 140 lbs in the last 11 months. Dr. O'Brian works more with the open RNY, and is also very successful. Dr. Harris has a good history. Do your research, make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and the surgery you choose. Every third Monday, SV Hosp (Sanford) has an informational meeting at 6:30 PM and a support group at 7:00. Check out one of these. If you'd like to talk more email me at [email protected] or PM here. Good luck.

Hi, I am considering gastric bypass and just starting down the path to surgery. What can anyone tell me about their experiences (good or bad) with surgeons in the Sioux Falls, SD area? Also - what are people's thoughts and experiences on open vs. laproscopic surgery? I was suprised at an informational session today that a particular surgeon much favored open gastric bypass rather than lap. Thanks, Karen