The 2007 event year is quickly coming to its end. We’ve had a lot of fun, met hundreds of people, made new friends, strengthened each other, and empowered ourselves to continue on our journeys. With the close of the 2007-year, our eyes turn to the future, to 2008. Where will we go? Our team has analyzed locations, researched demographics, met with support groups, consulted with area professionals for hours.. and HOURS.. and hours! We do this because YOU are worth it. It is our goal to reach out to as many people as possible. But, we can’t decide where to kick off the 2008 year! We’ve arm wrestled, had ping pong tournaments, basketball games and other battles of wills. So... we need your help to make this decision! We’re having a contest. Where do YOU want us to come to? Let us know! For the month of November, we will leave this post up. Reply and shout out to us where you want us to come to. If you have ever wished for OH to come to your area, now’s the time to speak up! Get your friends, surgeon and support group involved! Simply reply to this post and let us know the area you want us to come to. At the end of November, we will count up all of the votes and we will make the announcement in December. Rules of the game: -Since this is a member’s contest, you must be a member to vote -Each member can only vote once for the same area -Members CAN vote for multiple locations -One post, one vote. If you want to vote for another location, make a separate reply. -All votes have to be a reply to this one of the ‘contest’ posts -Due to logistics, we may not be able to come to the exact city requested, but we will come to that ‘area’ as close as possible. So now is the time to let your voice be heard! Where do YOU want us to come to?

I think that is the most important thing:  changing your eating habits.  I have known several RNY patients who have had almost full regain of their weight, if not more.  I think the concept behind all the surgeries is the same and the potential for weight regain is there with all of them.  It's how you use the tool given to you and if you want to go through this all over again.  I, for one, am not going to go through another surgery and have changed my eating habits drastically.  I don't go to fast food restaurants nearly as often as I used to, and I've started cooking meals for my family instead of relying on drive-thrus and to-go places.  I've also learned to concentrate on protein instead of carbs and my whole family has become involved in eating this way. I hope your revision goes well for you and wish you all the best!  I know you'll do great and hopefully this time around will be super successful!!

Ant,  Since I am retired, I can't really answer your question about returning to work.  I do remember, though, that the only problem I had was some nausea the week after surgery.  I was fine after that.  I think I was so involved with the new way of eating that I didn't focus on how I felt.  In the longrun, any discomfort then was well worth it!  Good luck, and if I can answer any other questions, feel free to ask. Sandy

Aloha Van, Thanks for the advice.  I'll look into it. Glad to hear you're doing well. I did stop caffeine and vomiting also stopped.  Small price to pay. Tom

Aloha all, I wanted to report on surgery I had performed in Hermosillo, Mexico by Dr. Gilberto Ungson, on October 9, 2007.  The name of the surgery is One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) and is based on the MGB.  I'm including a couple of links. http://tinyurl.com/3258e9 http://tinyurl.com/358cgt As of today I'm down 31 pounds.  I have "stomach" pain whenever I eat or drink anything (including water), and routinely vomit.  I seem able to retain broth so I try to get a few cups of that a day.  I'm going to discontinue caffeine to see if that helps me keep food down.  I just started chewable vitamins and have ordered liquid protein to maintain my nutrition.  Aside from head hunger and lightheadedness, I have no complaints. By way of background, I don't drink alcohol, use recreational drugs, nor smoke cigarettes.  I do take 20 mg each of Prilosec and Prozac at night.