NEW!! Scheduled for 4-27-09 Lap RNY w/Dr. Monson

New to this forum and very happy to have found this site. 

I just started my Optifast yesterday and so far so good.  How many of you here had surgery done at Meritcare Fargo and with Dr. Monson? 

Are you happy with your results? Would you recommend this to your friends, family? Would you do this again?

I hope to get to know alot of you in the next 2 wks.  I am so excited for the surgery, but scared some because of the side effects or complications.  I know this is what I need to do.  I just had my pre-op yesterday and it went great.  I was originally scheduled for this Friday, the 17th, but on April 4th I ended up in the ER with some mild chest pain and pain radiating straight thru my back.  I had elevated D-Dimer test which stated that I might have a blood clot in my lung, ct scan showed that I did, but then Minot, nd doctor repeated ct scan and NO BLOOD CLOT so I was on Heparin, Coumadin and Lovenox a short time and so happy to not have to take them anymore.

I would love to hear everyone's stories.  Hope to hear from you soon.  Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Melissa

Hi Melissa,

Welcome.....we aren't always a fast moving board, but do keep checking in with us.  Sometimes we roll faster than others.

I had lap RNY at Meritcare with Dr. Monson in July 2007.  You can read my profile if you want to, but the bottom line is that it is the best thing I could have done for myself.  I am going on 22 months out of surgery and have lost 110 lbs and so far am maintaining it. 

Dr. Monson is an excellent surgeon.  Truthfully, my experience was that once I got past the optifast, I was so tired of that stuff I was looking forward to the surgery.  I had minimal pain and was off work a little over a week (desk job). 

Everyone always told me (who had surgery) that I wouldn't crave food after surgery, and they were right.  I had to look at eating my "food" like taking medication.  Hunger did come back at about 6 months, but by then you typically have a handle on it.

You will do fine....I wish you the best.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

Lori,

Nice to hear from you.  Congratulations on the weight loss.  Today was a good day on Optifast.  I haven't had a chance to read your profile, but I will very soon.  I will talk to you again soon.  My mom was here all day visiting so I just took her back to my sister's house.  Have a great night.

Melissa,

Congrats on having a date. It will be here before you know it. Then your new life shall begin. You are more then welcome to read my profile on here,when you have time. You will be surprised at the information you will find in peoples profiles,that will be of value to you later.

I have met Dr. Monson a couple of time. He seems like a nice guy. I am sure with all his years of practice,you will be in fine hands. I wish you the best!

Keep us posted.
Kelly/tink

Hi Melissa,

I had the LAP  RNY in February 2009.  I had surgery on the 2nd and was discharged on the 3rd.  I very much like Dr. Monson, I found him very thorough and personable.  His staff are also excellent.  I have lost 52 lbs so far.  I'm exercising daily now.  I didn't have any of the side effects (dumping/ diarrhea) that other people reported.  I have found that my appetite for my favorite foods has changed.  I no longer have any cravings for sweets.  I've had a wonderful outcome, I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Good luck, I know you'll do great