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Hi Everyone. Does anyone know of any support groups over in the New Richmond Area? I am having Lap RNY on 4-23-07 by Dr Peter Kelly, and would love to hear any post op advice you would like to share. Thanks

I can't answer your question about any support group I just wanted to congratualate you on you surgery date of 4-23. Good luck . I had my surgery on 11-15-05. I've lost 123-127 lbs it depends on the day if you know what I mean. Betty

Thanks for your reply and well wishes. Did you have tny? was it open or lap? Are you glad you did it? What kinds of foods do you have trouble with?? Sorry for all the questions, but am anxious about having it , and all the info I can get the better. Thanks, Molly

lets see first question, I had rny my first surgery was lap. but then I developed problems so they had to go back in and I was opened then. Yes I am very glad I did it even tho I had problems at first I would do it again in a minute. I still have trouble with pastas, sugar of course. I get stomach aches when I eat these. I don't eat sugar but some of the sugar alchohals that are in some foods bother me too. But for the most part I can tolerate most foods. I do have trouble with steak just because of the chewing chewing and chewing so it has to be very tender meat. I eat mostly fish chicken . Lately I have been eating to many carbs and I know it so I need to stop that like right now. But all in all I feel great and have alot more energy that I ever had before. hope this helps some. the trouble I had was the doctors fault nothing to do with the surgery itself. So don't be afraid . Betty

Hi Molly Congratulations on your date. I had a RNY on 10/3/06. I am the opposite of Betty. Every surgery is different. I feel no different than before surgery. I can eat anything and as much of it as I want to. I never vomit or dump. Who'd guess!!! I also get frustrated because I lose so very slowly and I think I am done losing unless something changes. I am on a 1500 calorie diabetic diet and swim lengths 30 minutes a day. That is the best I can do. However my husband loves me the way I am and my blood sugar levels are normal so my endocrinologist, urologist and all my doctors are happy. I have retinopathy and macular edema so I get eye shots every 6 weeks. My last A1C was 5.8 (this is remarkable because I am off all my diabetic and high blood pressure medications) and my opthamologist was thrilled (to say it mildly) with my surgery results. I got rid of my scale a couple of days ago. We are all different and that's just the way it is. I am grateful for my health which is definately better since the surgery. I follow my diet and exercise plan which is 6 small meals a day to keep me from getting hungry (yes I still get very hungry). I have no junk food in my house anymore because I don't have the negative consequeses if I eat it. My highest weight was 276, pre op weight was 200 and current weight is 170ish. I have been that for almost 4 months now so I am trying to accept that this is it for me but I really would have liked to have reached my goal. My surgeon's goal weight is 150 and my ideal weight is 130 because I am 5'3''. My best advice is to do the best you can and accept that we are all individuals with different results. I am thinking about going in for a revision but I am being told it is in my best interest to leave well enough alone. I see my surgeon on Monday and I'll see what he has to say. As you can see I have fixated on the 150 mark for over a year since when I first saw my surgeon and I am still in the accepting phase which is getting better every day. In 27 years I have not been able to regulate my blood sugars so maybe that will have to be my success. Best of luck to you. Linda

Thanks Ladies- It was great to get your feedback.I wish both of you good health. I guess I will just be happy when the surgery is over. Thanks for taking time to post,, and good luck to you both. Molly

Hi Molly. I had surgery in Eau Claire with Dr. Pitchford. We have a support group meeting the first thursday of the month. I know that is a bit of a drive for you but your always welcome to check it out. I love it. Also, you are closer to Hudson so maybe you can call around and find one there? I am not sure what else to suggest. Best of luck with your journey. Cheryl

Thanks Cheryl, I will definitely check it out. Where do you hold the meetings at? Thanks for your reply. I hope you are doing good and feeling great. Molly

Hi again. The meetings are held the first thursday of the month in the lower level of the Marshfield Clinic Eau Claire. They start at 5 and are usually 1-1 1/2 hrs. long. The clinic is located behind the Plaza Hotel on Clairemont Ave. If you need anything else let me know. I am a slow loser but am down 63 lbs. I am happy with that! I have not had any complications whatsoever. Nothing really bothers me, I could eat the way I used to but I don't. What would be the point then right? Right. Best of luck. Keep us posted on your journey. Cheryl

hi Molly, I wanted to wish you luck on your surgery. I had RYN on March 2, 2007. So, I am at my 6 week mark tomorrow. My pre-op weight was 210lbs, and as of today I weighed in at 177lbs. So, it has been a good weight loss. I now get to increase my physical activity so I am hoping I will continue to lose. I don't know if you have any requirements before surgery like seeing a nutritionist and going to support groups, ect. but I am very glad my insurance and the Dr. in Marshfield requires 6 months of all this before surger. I have to tell you be prepared mentally about getting to smell food that you can't have, I am very happy for the weight loss, but I still mourn food in a sense. It is like the loss of a good friend, somedays you do GREAT and the next you are emotional about not getting to go eat at the chinese buffet, or go eat even a whole meal. I am a person who enjoys taste of food and it is very hard to stop when you enjoy taste of food! Just be prepared for that. The first night I got home from the hospital my emotions ran wild (especially since my Mom had supper cooking for my family) I cried uncontrolably...what have I done, why did I do this, ect. But, hang in there, cause it get's better each day! Once you start feeling good and the weight is coming off it get's easier. I know everyone on here seems to say it is wonderful and it is, but I think people should know you go through a lot of emotionally withdrawls from food...food to most of us has been our best friend, comforter, and unconditional lover for many years and to lose that is hard.