Need a buddy!!!

I am hoping to have surgery soon. I live in Union County and will be meeting with Dr. Michel Gagner in NYC in 2 weeks!!!! I will be a self-pay(YIKES! I know it'll be worth it!). I have SO many questions and I would love to hear from someone who has had the operation. I am looking at either RNY or LAP band. Unsure. A little scared of the invasiveness of RNY but I understand it is more effective. Please email me if you think you could help answer some of my millions of questions! Thanks for your time. [email protected]

Hi Christina ! Welcome to the NJ board! You should consider traveling down to Toms River (yeah I know its a long ways, but there are a couple of people that come from up north) to Community Hospital the first Friday each month, at 7pm. Its a support group, of really nice people, that can help encourage you and answer a lot of questions. It has a lot of gals that are in all stages of the surgery. I will email you also, but wanted to reply *here* on the board and welcome you : ) First step: Ask your Surgeon what he/she thinks is best. Find out if you can have the RNY Laproscopically (that means the surgery is done through 5 or 6 little slits) instead of a large incision. Faster to heal, and less complications. I HIGHLY recommend the RNY.. both for long term and for speed of loss... and ease of after care. BUT some people swear by the Lap Band. Its personal choice. Second Step: COME HERE OFTEN.. to this board... and other boards on Obesity Help... ask LOTS of questions. WE LOVE QUESTIONS : ) Be encouraged... click on peoples names or on the PROFILE link when a person posts... most people have a lot of answers or things to share . DONT be shy... we all have been where you were : ) So come .. post often.. tell us a little bit about yourself? Share what you are comfy with... and we are glad you are here. A Note: The RNY surgery for me was done Laproscopically.. little slits.. I call em my **bulletholes**. The RNY surgery for my wife, Sandi, was done full incision. We both have done wonderful, with little or no complications. MOST of the people I know have the RNY. Invasive? Okay.. maybe so. But its a wonderful life changing surgery.. and if I had it to do again I would... even if I had the large incision. Have a super day... we hope to see you here more and post often : ) Take care Timmy Ray

Hey Christina -- welcome to the wonderful journey of WLS surgery, with its ups and downs, circles and straight lines. It's going to be a great ride with a few bumps, but well worth the shaking up. I am 2 1/2 years post op and have lost 180 pounds with the RNY. Feel free to ask questions. I'll help when I can. Good luck. Nannette

Hi Christina, I am 6 months out and down 103 lbs so far. It is a tough decision to make and we all have lots of questions, even still questioning things but well worth the risk in my opinion. Only you can decide, but this is a great place to learn and ask questions. Ask questions to you docs too.. don't be afraid to ask when it's your life your concerned about.. Those of us here are happy to assist when we can. If we don't know the answer we probably won't respond but don't get discouraged.. maybe we didn't understand the question just repost and see what happens. Best wishes for a lifetime of success. Donna

Thank you to all those who have responded to me. I am scared but curiously hopeful too. I can't wait to meet with my doctor (oooh...already calling him "my"...interesting!! I hope that he will reassure me; i know his credentials sure do (plus I am also French Canadian, mais oui!!). I think it's a sign. Keep your eyes peeled for more of my questions, I have so many!! How many people know of someone who had major complications (or even died)? Is it the luck of the draw or is it completely subjective? I have noticed though, strangely, that even those who almost died are still glad they did it!! This is what keeps me hopeful. I am so fat and frustrated. I am 280lbs. I would be happy losing anything at this point. 80-100 would be a dream. Thanks for listening Christina

Hi Christina - you are doing the right thing by researching and asking questions. This is a life changing surgery in many ways, and one you must be sure of, or comfortable with. It is a tool to help you eat correctly and more healthily(is there such a word? - you know what I mean!) Take a look at my profile - it will tell you how/why I chose Lap RNY over the LapBand, as well as tell you about my husband Phil's one and only complication - and boy was it a doosie! - But when asked if he'd do it again - he tells everybody YES - before they even finish the question! We both feel great, and better than we have in years. We eat much more healthy, have lots more energy, and enjoy life much more! To quote Susan Maria "Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels!" Keep asking and reading as Timmy suggests! Wishing you all the best, Sherri

Hi Christina! You are so close to me! I grew up in Scotch Plains. I am 5 months out and down 80 pounds. My surgeon and his staff are fabulous. Good for you for doing your homework! I will email you soon! Aliya