They're coming out of the woodwork

I am a member of a county board for the developmentally challenged and we were being a sound board for a group of teachers.  After all was said and done we were busting up and the people were giving me their support for my upcoming surgery.  One of the teachers who heard approached me and said, 'is it my understanding you are having WLS?'  I answered yes, AND HE said he had VSG done in April of 2003, and proceeded to tell me all about his experience and what a great experience it's been and just tossed kudos and encouragement to me.  He had lost 195 total pounds and had kept it off thus far.  I asked him if he were a part of obesityhelp.com or any support group and he said no.  I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVE HAD THIS AND ARE NOT A PART OF ANY SUPPORT GROUP.  Wild.  Have the rest of you had similar experiences!?   BobM.

ABSOLUTELY. I am very open about my future plans. Its amazing how people have no concept of wwhat WLS is and how many have had WLS and go to no support, no therapy, not nuts and little direction from their doctors. It always amazes me when I talk to them how little they know about vitamins and malabsorption.  I think for guys its a little different tham felmaIes, we tend not to talk about things until asked.  guess we are the lucky few

Bob, I did my research and decided to travel outside of my local area to Philadelphia to have my surgery.  There were a few doctors that performed the surgery in my area, but their track record could not compare to the doctor I used.  Now, from time to time, I meet people that have had the surgery done locally.  They don't really have the support systems that I have enjoyed.  And, many of them have had issues with either complications or getting enough nutrition. I did run into one really successful person early on that gave me some encouragement though.