Hello I am new to OH...I have a few questions.......

Greetings everyone. I was told to come here and read some experiences on weight loss. I am going to my first Seminar at Blount Memorial in Maryville, TN. on October 23rd. 

Is there anything I should take for this seminar?
I have no clue on what to bring. Other then my big belly

I am 39 years old with 4 children and a awesome wife of 15 years. I am 6'3" and weigh in at 365pds. I have weighed over 300pds. ever since I was 18 years old. I played football all through grade school and high school. I did lot of power lifting but have not done any for 8 years. I have always walked around all my life "sucking it in" and I am ready to change my life and stop "sucking it in". My Doctor says I am just a big boy because I carry my weight well and I am strong as a ox naturally. But I am tired of being a big boy with medical problems. I have had Gout in my feet for over 7 years now. I take 300mg of Alopuronol every day. It makes my life a Lil harder and I have to avoid certain foods as well or I get a flare up. This medical problem is another reason to me to loose over 100pds if possible. Plus I just got over a case of cellulitus in my right lower leg.

I am ready to take the next step and have a new beginning in my life and make some changes...easier said then done..right? But I hope to become a good candidate for the lap band surgery. From what I am reading on my insurance I meet the qualifications and I know it will be covered. I have been on other diets by my Doctor and even taken prescription diet pill..that did work for 35 pds worth. but the side effects was effecting me emotionally and where I work at in Juvenile Corrections that side effect does not help me any at all.

So If anyone has any advice to give me please do.. you will not hurt my feelings in any way...I am trained for it :P

Johnny,

I started my process towards surgery at a seminar last October at Blount Memorial.  I didn't take anything with me, but a pad of paper to jot some notes down on.  They have handouts that they give you, so I didn't end up using the pad, just wrote on the handouts.  You may want to make a list of any questions that you have about the weight loss surgeries.  If I remember correctly, there is time to ask questions towards the end, if not in the group, the doctor usually sticks around to answer some questions.  The night that I went there was a support group meeting after and I stayed for that.  The support groups are the first and second Thursdays of the month.  I have been to a few of those in the past year and have found it a great place to ask questions, hear peoples experiences, etc.  The first Tuesday is the lapband support group and the second Thursday is the bypass support group.  Best of luck and welcome to the board!

Good Morning Johnny, welcome to the board this is a great place for knowledge and support.
I would research everything about the different types of surgery talk to any specialist that you go too and see which type of WLS will best get the results your looking for. You shouldn't need anything for the seminar other then a pad of paper.
Just understand what ever type of WLS you have they are all just a tool which give you great opportunity to adjust your bad eating habits to good ones, so you'll be able to keep in control for the long haul.
I had many health issues diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnia etc. today sense WLS I'm cured of everything and have regained my health for the first time in many years, so for me rny was my choice and I have no regrets.
Stay active here and we will all help you through this!
C'ya Bob

 Hey Johnny,

Resolving my co-morbidities (diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain, high cholesterol, etc) is the primary motivator for my adventures in WLS.  It's not fun dealing with the complications of obesity.

I'm still in the early phases--checking off my to do list in order to submit to insurance.  Everyone is right--just research, research, research!  Go to support group meetings at your clinic and talk to the post op people.  And of course the boards are fantastic!

Good luck as you start on your journey!!
Denise

Hi Johnny!
Looks like we live in the same neighborhood!  Welcome to the board!  Ask any and all questions!  I have 2 pieces of advice for you.  Really investigate all WLS surgery types and attend seminars for every surgeon in the area including Knoxville before committing to a surgeon.  There are bariatric surgeons at Parkwest, Drs Boyce and Williams and at UT, Drs Mancini and Mancini who all have really good reputations.  Don't settle, get the best there is.  I am a RN in the area and am familiar with all the surgeons.  If you would like to PM me, I can give you more details.  Again, welcome!!!
Marilyn

Thank all of you for your responses to my post. I think I will be surrounded here online by some good folks. I will take plenty of questions and thoughts with me to my meeting on the 23rd.

Marilyn...
  Hello neighbor :) Thank you for the advice I will discuss it with my Doctor...You might know him. Doctor Burke. He is a wonderful Doctor, although he is against me getting a lap band and wants me to loose weight without any WLS. But he did prefer I use Dr. Colquitt in my case. And all of his diagnosis and advice with me has been very precise. But I will explore all other doctors and thoughts to gather information.

Hi Johnny,
I am also a newbee to this great board and live in Sevierville.  I am seeing Dr. Colquitt and am very comfortable with him and his whole group.  They have answered all my questions and kept in contact by email. 
I am a 60 year old nurse, like Marilyn (sorry Marilyn, I know you are not 60) but am preop, whereas she has ben through the bypass and has been able to answer my questions as has everyone else here.
It is a long process but I believe with all my heart it will be worth the anxiety, frustration, discomfort, and effort.  And, so far this board has the most supportive people I have talked to.  
I go to the monthly support group in Maryville for the bypass folks and you are welcome to go with me next month.
Good luck and God bless
Nancy W

Welcome aboard Johnny! I'm 55 and had my lap RNY on April 28. I have lost from 366 lbs, down to a current weight of 228 lbs. Like others, my cormorbidities are now gone - no more sleep apnea, edema, congestive heart failure, pre-diabetes, as well as several other issues. Also, with the weight loss I now am more active than I have been in several years. I can once again work out with weights, do cardio exercise, play with my grandkids,  ride my motorcycle, and in general - enjoy my life again. 

Understand that weight loss surgery is not  a quick fix nor is it "easy". It takes dedication and determination. You must be mentally prepared to make the necessary changes. You must follow the rules and the plan of your weight loss surgeon and nutritionist. You also have to walk and exercise consistently. But if you are committed to all of that, it is more than worth the effort. I would do it again tomorrow with no reservations at all! 

This is a great group of folks here on the Tennessee board.  That's why I joined them. They are my main support group as I do not attend any groups locally here in Alabama. They are very supportive and have lots of insight, experience, ideas and info.  You may also want to check out the Men's Forum. It is for guys only and issues that are male specific are often discussed there.

Again - WELCOME ABOARD!! Jump in with both feet and join the party!!

Welcome aboard Johnny!

You've hit the right spot for support and encouragement.  We're not too bad a group of people!  Just be careful of the Bob's!

You described me, when describing yourself!  I am 6ft 2 in, and weighed 365 pounds at my highest.  I had surgery on 12/18/07 and am now down to 190 pounds.  That's a loss of 175 pounds. 

Work the tool, ask questions, and answer the ones you know.  And most of all, keep us informed of how you're doing!

If you need anything, just ask!

Scott

"Just be careful of the Bob's!"

  Says the guy wearing the Queen for a Day tiara and robe.

BwaHahahahahaha!!!