Hi again Frankie,  I forgot to answer your question.. "What is malabsorption?" Malabsorption is when our bodies don't absorb things like they used to.  When they do RNY they not only make our stomach into a tiny pouch, they re-route our whole intestinal system.  The lower intestine is detached from the bottom of the stomach, then they cut a portion of it out and reattach it to the bottom of our little pouch.  In doing so, and in bypassing the stomach, part of the ability to absorb things is taken away.  We don't absorb nutrients of sorts like we used to before surgery.  This causes malabsorption.  Therefore we have to supplement our eating with vitamins and minerals for the rest of our lives.  I take OptiSource chewable vitamins that are made for post-bariatric surgery recipients.  If you want to check them out go here:  http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navA ction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359 They are available through Walgreens.  I buy them online because the closest Walgreens at this point is in Billings, MT.  But Cody is getting a Walgreens in October...I CAN'T WAIT!  The vitamins are orange flavored and very tolerable.  You'll be amazed after surgery how many things taste crappy.  You'll have to sift through what tastes good to you and what doesn't.  Protein drinks are a big thing.  You'll have to shop until you find protein drinks that taste good to you.  And, trust me, it may take awhile to find one, but don't give up.  You also might be blessed like I was and find the right ones right off the bat.  I buy mine from the Weight Management Clinic in Billings, MT and have since before my surgery.  Theirs are the best I've found.  If you'd like to try theirs I can mail you some to try.  I'll send you a private message with my information.   I hope this helps you :-) Always glad to help, Brenda

Hi Brenda, If I might be so bold... Did he quote you a price? At this point, for me, it's just a matter of cost. SInce I don't have insurance, I want to get the best deal. I also want the RNY. No going back for me. I don't want to ever weigh this much again. Thank you so much for responding by the way.  What is Malabsorption? I do plan on utilizing the support group here in Riverton no matter which doc I use. I want to succeed!! Thanks Bunches for the Prayers. Frankie

Hi Frankie! I didn't have Dr. Lewis do my RNY surgery but I love him to pieces!  He's soooo willing to answer questions even if he didn't do the surgery itself.  He's supportive of whoever has had WLS.  He's awesome.  If I hadn't had my surgery in Billings, I'd have chosen Dr. Lewis hands down.  But because Billings, MT is much closer to me than Riverton, I chose to have mine done up there.  I chose gastric bypass RNY instead of lapband because I wanted something that can't be undone.  Malabsorption is more an issue than malnutrition over the long haul, and mostly in the first few months post-op.  Each person is totally different so it just depends on what's right for you.  I do know that if you choose Dr. Lewis, you'll not only get a compassionate, honest surgeon, but you'll gain a friend also.  He's a hugger!   Good luck with your decision, and know you're in my prayers. Brenda

Richard Fermelia Cheyenne (307) 633-7633 More Info	RNY,  LAP-BAND®	United Medical Center	4
M. Whitney Parnell Cheyenne (307) 633-7633 More Info

The two surgeons listed above work in Cheyenne. I have spoke with them and they  do accept patients from other surgeons for follow up care.  I'm sure they can direct you to a support group in the area. Good Luck! Jennifer

Personal choice - RNY patients lose faster, but deal with malnutrition issues. I chose the band because I have a lot of work to do (fixing my emotional eating etc) and the I hope to have better results when my body and mind are on the same time line.... it's a huge undertaking and I want the best results possible for the long term. If I were you I would visit both boards as well as www.lapbandtalk.com . They have great resources there! Jamie