So I'm going through the motions of try to find a "GOOD" surgion. After about 100 calls to different Dr.'s I see I'm very limited to who I can choose for this life changing decision. Please Help, just was a surgion that comes recomended!

I haven’t been here for a while. There is a 1,001 reasons why, but mostly because I’ve fallen a bit.

It’s been 5 years since I decided to have my band operation. I was 435 pounds, on 5 different medications, and (as the Doctor told me) didn’t have much time left (3 years - TOPS). It was probably the best decision I ever made (not including getting engaged).  Some folks may think I took the “easy way out”, but it’s far from the truth.

Every day is a constant battle. Between November and December 2011 I gained some weight back, and it’s been a struggle to get it back off. On New Year ’s Day (2013) I became adamant I would lose the weight this year, and I have been trying.

I journal everything; exercise almost every day (well last week’s coldness made it difficult to run), and try to remain focus. Yesterday I went to see the Nutritionists,  and she gave me many “reminders”, and a change in “game plan”.

While I am unhappy about my weight NOW, I need to take solace I am not 435 – or larger, and that I am ALIVE!! Also going to the Nutritionist was a major help. While I can spout off what needs to be done, sometimes it’s good to hear it from an expert – and also a dash of “looking at it a different way”. The truth is, at 3, 5, 7, 10, years our body’s are different, and what may have worked wonders in the past may not work as well this time – so let’s try something new.

I just wanted to make sure I THANK YOU ALL who have supported me, and continue to do!! I appreciate all the private messages, and/or emails.

I promise I will be back, but probably not as often as I used to do. Honestly it became an obsession to be on the board, and it began to interfere with other things (namely work). So like weight loss, I need to do things in moderation!! But know I will be here for you!!

i have some of the some question. I recently found out i have hep c, and the doctors don't know yet. i am very nervous about telling them. this surgery means so much to me. should it be any problem if I haven't had any Medication for it yet?

Update: Dr. Bale no longer practice

I know you said you don't like to go to Philly for support groups and since you are in Willingboro, I figured I'd let you know that there are support groups at Barix in Langhorne, it is in the Oxford Valley Mall area, on Woodbourne Road, which is probably just as far as Philly and they allow anyone who is looking for support to attend their groups.  We have people from 6 years post-op to pre-ops that attend, and most everyone feels it is a great group.  I am one of the support group leaders there. . .

Post-op meetings every 3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Post-op/Pre-op meetings on the 1st Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. until about 1:30

There is also a group that meets at Virtua Marlton, think they meet once a month on a Tues or Thursday, but I'm unsure of the exact particulars, next time my friend who goes to that one lets me know, I'll post it here. . .

Laureen