newcomer to VA forum

Hey there ! I have been lurking on the Va forum site for a couple of months now and realized that I am getting to know all of you a little bit without putting anything of myself out there. Not fair, I guess. : ) Anyway, you guys seem to know each other so much more than the main forum that I was kinda intimidated to post. I felt like I had to introduce myself before I just jumped in. Funny in a sort of delusional and sad kind of way : ) I am about 7 weeks post-op and live in the Northern Va area (in Loudoun County). I just moved from Reston. I am looking for support groups and a place to connect with people on-line as well. Hope this is it ! I also wanted to ask if anyone has had gallstones develop following surgery or prior and what symptoms they had. Thanks so much ! Melissa

Hey There Melissa .. Welcome .. And never be to shy to come on in .. this is your family now , atleast that is the way I see it .. these are the most loving , caring people around . There are several support groups in the area . I for one attend one in Fairfax .. and an online support group asd well . If you are interested .. email and I will send you the addy for it . As to Gallstones... it is quite common after gastric bypass to have this happen . Most surgeons if they do open.. remove the gallbladder knowing that later on it will most likely cause probems . I have never had it as they took mine at surgery . But I am sure someone will read this and know exactly what to tell you . Again .. welcome to the VA forum .. have fun ! Natalie

Melissa- Hi there! Glad that you posted! I attend a support group that my surgeon's nut. puts on. Here's a link to the dates/places that it meets: http://www.obesitysurgerycenter.net/events.php I ususally attend the Reston meetings, but since you're out in Loudoun maybe that one would be easier for you. There is another group that informally gets together on the third Saturday of the month (usually) around 10:30a at the Panera in Fairfax/Fair Oaks. (Try this link, you may need to "join" to get information though: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ObesityTransformation/) We also try to get together every so often in NoVa...watch for posts. We just did a dinner, so another one may not happen for a bit. As for the gallstones, I'm scheduled for an ultrasound to check my gallbladder because I have sharp pains on the right side (just at the end of my rib cage, near...the gallbladder!) when I eat something that is rich or on the border of something I shouldn't have (another way my body tells me not to eat things!). My surgeon's PA was concerned about stones when I told her about it...so I'm off to the ultrasound. Like Tink said, it's a fairly common 'side-effect' of surgery, so I didn't freak out when it started to happen (although I still have my appendix, but was told it's a totally different pain). If it turns out I have too much sludge or stones, I'm sure they'll want to take it out....but I'm told it's a fairly easy operation and I'd only be out of commission for a few days/week. Hope that information helps....feel free to contact me if you need/want more information...or heck! just keep posting! Christina S

Hey Christina! That sucks about your gall bladder. Glad the doc is staying on top of things. I saw the pics from the dinner and may I say that you looked great. I love the hair cut. Congrats on your success girl. Courtney

Thanks Courtney! Wish you could have made it out for the dinner! Hope to see you soon! Christina S

I really wanted to be there but we had the girls that weekend and a 13th birthday to celebrate so it just wasn't possible. Hope to get together with everyone soon. Courtney

Welcome to the VA Board Melissa! I just came back here myself and am looking to get to know everyone here as well. I had my gallbladder out years before my surgery so I'm no help there. I hope to get to know you and everyone else better!

Welcome back Jackie. It is good to see you again. Your pic looks absolutely great. Courtney

Good Morning Melissa! Welcome to the VA Board. You definitely found a great site for support. Congrats on your decision for a healthy new you and I wish you the best on your journey. There are lots of us in the Northern VA area and lots of support groups. Dr. Anez' office runs a couple of different groups out in your area. Check the website that Christine listed above. I am 14 months out of surgery, down 147 lbs, and just had my gall bladder out. Everything checked out fine before surgery but in November (almost 12 months out) mine started acting up. I was reacting to dairy, I would have really bad abdominal cramps (whole abdomen, not just one area), sweats, light headed, and when I cramped my abdomen would get really tight and hard like a rock. If you think that you are having gall bladder issues and you have to go to the ER, they will do a blood test, this doesn't always show a positive reading for stones, the only thing that will is a gall bladder ultrasound, demand an ultrasound so that you know what is going on and don't have to keep suffering. When it happened to me, the blood work didn't show anything and neither did a CT scan. So they sent me home, the next day another attack and then I ended up having to wait a couple days before I could get in for an ultrasound. Hope this helps some, looking forward to getting to know you better. Courtney

Hi Melissa, Welcome to the VIrginia Boards. You will find a warm, friendly, knowledgable, and helpful group of people here. I am pre-op (waiting for a date); so I haven't been around too long either. But I just love everyone on this board even though I have only met two of them in person. I feel so lucky to have made so many knew friends here, and I looking forward to getting to know you too. I'm no help with the gallstone issue - sorry! Good luck with everything and keep us posted on your progress! Take Care, Robin