New Here

Hi all. I'm Tara and I'm new to OH. I am just starting the process of weight loss surgery. The only thing I've done so far is decided I want to go for it...I think. The only thing that bothers me is that I just don't hear about a lot of doctors and nurses having gastric bypass. That worries me. Is there something they know that we don't? Especially nurses. You'd think you'd hear about a nurse having gastric bypass somewhere. I know a few nurses and I asked if any of them heard of other nurses getting this done and they knew no one. I just have cold feet I guess.

Welcome, welcome. You will find some awesome people here, full of love, encouragement and the Holy Spirit. Just this week I spoke with a nurse at my pulmonary docs office who had weight loss surgery (she didn't say which one) but she was very happy with her results. There was a doctor and nurse at the RNY pre-op support group I used to attend who were also both very pleased with their results. So they are out there believe me. Again welcome to the board, you'll gain a world of knowledge here. Karen

Just go to different boards and post asking any nurses or docs that had WLS and wait for response. I know on the weight loss graduates page there are some for sure. Welcome and may the Lord guide your steps. Joan M

Welcome and God Bless You as you start this journey. The nurse at my surgeons office that helped me through the process had RNY and was very successful. It really helped encourage me as I proceeded through all I needed to do. I am sure if you look at other boards and post you will find some. I do know on the post op pregnancy board there are a few nurses.

Hi Tara, Welcome to the boards. I myself know of a few nurses that had WLS, as a matter of fact the nurse at my surgeons office had the bypass done 5 years ago. She actually moved from New York to Pennsylavania to join Dr. Katz here and it really helps knowing that someone can really understand what you are going through. Check out the Lapband Board, there are several nurses that post on there about their WLS. Again, Welcome!

Hi Tara....welcome to this forum. I know that a high percentage of United HealthCare employees had WLS before it became restrictive. I bet you would find that true with several employees of health insurance companies. I know of some nurses that have had the surgery.... Blessings as you explore your options and reach for a healthier you! luvitsunnyv

Hi Tara, First of all welcome to my support team. This board is the best help for me emotionally. We pray for each other, we laugh with each other. We probably even kick each others butts in a Christ like manner when it is necessary. I try to go on every day and post at least a verse for people every day. Kat leads a M-F Thankful and Prayer list. Randall just became an ordained minister. So many contribute to my day by just posting I can't begin to explain all the joy I get from their journey. I look forward to learning more about you and your life. Deciding to "go for it" is the first step. I wavered for about 2 years about it - signed up - backed out- dieted somemore, gained about 40 more lbs then one day the Lord just opened the door and I walked through it in total peace and confidence. As of this morning I have lost 115 lbs. I went to the beach last weekend for the 1st time in 4 years. My husband and I hike up the hills with the dogs together. I no longer have to wait at home and wish I had the energy or the breath to make the trek. My youngest and final son married last month and I wore a dress to the wedding. I have not worn a dress in over 15 years. My son actually cried when he saw me in it. He said his only memory of me in a dress is when he was a baby and it was red. Actually he was probably about age 6, but he will always be my baby. Your life will change dramatically with this surgery, but it is the subtle changes that make me cry now for all the lost time I spent being so over weight. When I went through a line at Trader Joes and the clerk commented about what I had purchased (edamame, soy chips, protien shake). She said that the reason I was so thin was because I ate right. I didn't have the heart to tell her that her observation was right and wrong at the same time. I interview for a job now without fear of "what are they thinking?" I work in the insurance industry. I can tell you without reveling anyones secrets that more people have had the surgery than you might think. Nurses are equal abusers of food and have the same proportion of WLS as just about any other field. In fact at places like Kaiser you would probably find a disportionate amount of nurses who have had the surgery compared to other hospital. I don't know why, but I know or have met at least 6 nurses who work for Kaiser in the past 2 years who have all had the surgery. Your cold feet are normal. Just be sure that you decide to have or not to have the surgery based on what you have prayed about and feel in your heart is right for you. Well I have to get going now. I have rambled on enough. Peace be with you - Sally

Welcome Tara! You will find a wealth of knowledge, support and encouragement here. Please feel free to ask around the message boards especially the Main Message Board for docs and nurses who've had surgery. There are several. Cold feet is normal just remember we're here for you and have all experienced or are experiencing different ranges of emotions, worries etc. Please reach out to us and do lots of knee-mail giving things to God. Anything is possible with Him. Take care, Kat