Thinking about this. . . suggestions appreciated

Hi Everyone, my name is Laureen and I live in southwestern Burlington County, NJ, after fighting the battle of the scale for the last 25 years, I surrender to the fact that I need to try something that I heard of some time back, but thought I could do this through diet alone, and then too I didn't know anyone personally who had undergone the procedure and it seemed very radical and risky. Now I know of at least 4 success stories amongst family and co-workers family, none of which live local to me. This year I turned 50 and though my health is basically good, bordeline high pressure, high cholestorol that I can't treat with the drugs on the market now as I suffer from the side effects of them and having a family history of adult onset diabetes brought on by morbid obesity and heart disease have made me re-evaulate my options. My h/w is 5'-2" and about 239, and because my weight is debilitating in other ways, simple things like taking a walk, shopping the mall, the flea market, spending a day at a museum strains my back and legs, I need to do something! I have 3 grandchildren, aged 7-1/2 years to 3 months, they are a joy and I want to be able to participate actively in their lives for many years to come!!! So, I am at the beginning of the road here, asking for guidance as to where I might attend a seminar or group that meets locally to get more information. My cousin had a wonderful experience with Dr. Abdkin's group, she is almost 2 years out, acheived her goal and maintaining well, and I'm considering his group, but I want and need information without necessarily having to travel all the way up to Morristown initially, as it is now I travel 180 miles a day to NYC where I work, so you can understand part of the reason why travel would be undesirable as well as a time factor. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give a little background on my thoughts and feelings. Thanks in advance for any advice you have. God Bless you all on your individual journeys.

Hi Laureen, I am going to have surgery with Dr Onopchenko in Galloway and I have 1 more test to go and then the Dr's office will submit everything to my insurance for approval. I expect only positive results!!! I attend a support group in Toms River and everyone there is truly awesome!! As for getting more info about everything, I would like to suggest that you attend on of Dr "O"s seminars. I found it extremely informative, direct and to the point!! You can call his office for more info #609-748-6766. I think after you attend his seminar you will have all that you need to make an informed decision about what is right for you. I hope that all of this helps!! Pink Hugs, Joanne

I am having my surgery Jan.23rd at South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Vineland.My surgeon's name is Dr.Nauveed Iqbal and his office phone number is 856-455-2399.If you call,they can give you some information and ask them about the next support group meeting.Hope you make the choices that are right for you.Good luck!

Dear Lauren, I understand your reluctance to make the trip ( not sure how far it is from your home to Morristown ) but just wanted you to know that in my opinion - you could not be in better hands than those of Dr. Abkin! It is about a 30-35 minute trip from our home to his office, and both my husband and I are his patients. He is very skilled, caring, kind and knowledgeable. We highly recommend him! Best of luck to you as you start you journey. What is most important is that you do what you think and feel is right for you! Take care, Sherri

Dear Sherri, Thanks so much for your both your opinion and encouragement. I am 2 hours from Dr. Abdkin's office and hopefully it won't be a hinderance, but I do live alone, so that might pose a difficultly post-op. But as I am in the initial stages and my cousin, who is/was also his patient, is saying that I can stay with her, I will cross that bridge when the time comes. I am, for convenience sake going to attend a local seminar next month on February 20th, so I'll drop you a line to let you know what I think of them, but I am definitely impressed with all the good things I've heard about Dr. Abdkin and am leaning in his direction solely based on what I've heard, from this site, as well as my cousin's first hand experience with him and now you and your husband's. Once again, thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. Kind regards, Laureen (it is Laureen (sounds like Maureen only with the L), unique, sort of like me (lol))

Dear Laureen ( so sorry for the oops! I know how you feel - my name is actually Sheryl - with an "S" not a "C" - and nickname is Sherri - with an "i" not a "y" !!! Thanks MOM!! ) By all means, you should go to other Dr's seminars and form your own opinion and comfort level. Phil attended 2 other Dr's seminars before we found Dr. Abkin. Each one he thought was "the one" until we attended Dr. Abkin's. It's your life and your future - take the time to do the research so that you are comfortable with your life altering decision. I don't mean to sound so dramatic - or drastic - but I feel that is what WLS really is! And I mean that in ONLY a GOOD WAY!! Please feel free to drop me a line - anytime if I can answer any questions or help! All the best to you! Sherri