I also had Dr. Carter do my TT on January 19th of this year (he was also my RNY doc). I had gone to see him about the hernia in November and he said he could do the TT at the same time he repaired the hernia. Because I had some pressing work-related things to take care of we scheduled the surgery for January 19th, 2010.
Unfortunately I did not have a good procedure. I had a large hernia repaired (just below the breast bone) and then a anchor TT. But I developed a "bleeder" in my abdomen and 12 hours after the initial surgery I had to be completely re-opened (they woke Dr. Carter up at midnite to do this) to flush the blood out and find the leak. Because of this complication the skin died where the vertical and horizontal incisions meet, due to being re-opend and re-stitched. I ended up with a hole about 3" long and more than a 1" deep.
My dear husband had to pack it 2 times a day for 2 weeks. I was put on a wound VAC yesterday (Saturday the 20th). Things should move along just fine now. The VAC is a inconvenience but it is so much better than looking (or smelling) the hole.
I still love Dr. Carter. His care and bedside manner are wonderful. But complications do happen, and this time it happened to me.
When this is all over I will have a nice flat stomach and some great definition in my waist. The rest of my incisions are practically invisible. Dr. Carter does great surgery.
Can you just go see your weight loss surgeon to get the referral or even have him do the surgery?
Fran

Nothing in Oly, and I hoped to start something, but never found a free, fairly private meeting spot. If something gets started I hope to see it here.

You're right, its not about the weight or the size, its about a complete lifestyle change for better health. It's also about owning your own stuff, too. You sound like you are focused on the right things for your success... Lord let's hope your friend gets on board quickly... but if she doesn't, it really boils down to only being her problem... which will lead to a lack of success or minimal results, regain, and all the things we hear about for WLS failures. You've done your part by educating her, now it's up to her to make the right decisions for optimal success- which to her is defined by 120lbs.

I was never a size 4 in my adult life, and that's where I am at now, but it's not without intensly working out 5 days a week! And now I am working in the fitness industry, which is driven by the outcome of physical appearances... and I see all types. Some chasing the dream of dressing like a Barbie doll, and some who are trying to achieve reasonable results for where they are at TODAY. I don't think either pursuit is bad, if it's a healthy goal in balance and not an obsession. It doesn't sound like it's that bad for your friend. Remember that her path to WLS is really not about you, so relieve yourself of some of that stress and allow your friend work on herself and what motivates her to have surgery.

Hi there!
 Kelly just did my RNY on Feb 4th. He is amazing! He also did my sisters RNY in 2008. I actualy work at Evergreen and I knew that he is the highest reccomended surgeon by all of the doctors that I work with. You can trust him 100% !! Good luck! Maybe I will see you at one of the support groups at the Hospital.
Karen

 Hi Everyone!
    Just a reminder of the Thru Thick N' Thin Support Group meeting on Monday, Feb. 22nd from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Summit Branch of the Pierce County Library. Please click on the link by my signature for more info.
    Remember to bring your "before" photos (and measurements or inches lost, if you want). If you are pre-surgery, or have had a little re-gain,  this will be a wonderful inspiration! 
     We have some interesting topics and tastings planned, plus great sharing and support, so come join us!