I'm alive and doing well

Hello All Well, it's been about 2 1/2 weeks since surgery and I'm doing pretty good. Everyday I feel better and doing more. I'm alittle depressed right now. I think it's the weather...all foggy and cold. I can't wait til I'm feeling 100% and also be able to eat alittle better. This is a real change...my family is still eating the same and I'm here eating bits and pieces. I know it will get better!! I've lost 25lbs so far and very excited about that. Thanks so much for all the well the wishes and prayers...I really felt them and my recovery has been remarkable! Happy New Year Everyone...God Bless! Joanie

Good to hear from you Joanie! And way to go on the 25 lbs - that is a great start, that's for sure!!! Try to think of the fog and cold as cozy by the fire times and spring will be here before you know it! Make some protein chai spice tea and curl up with a good book - that will do it! Dina

Thank Dina! I wish I did have a fireplace...I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeezing..hehehe. I think things will get better once I feel good enough to get back into the swing of things. Have a great New Years Joanie

Hi Joanie I am glad to hear about your surgery. Who was your surgeron? And what kind of surgery did you have? I live in Pendleton and am in the first phases of hoop jumping for mine at OHSU with DR Deveny. I have had my nurses consult and now have to go for a Sleep apnea titrating test for my Obstructive Sleep Apnea machine. Takke care and have a Happy New Year

Hi Candice! My surgeon was Dr. Adran Heap in Kennewick, WA. I really liked him...he's hard to understand cuz of his English accent but he's an excellent surgeon. I had what was a called a 'mini switch'...you can go to his website and read about it: http://heap.vabhosting.com/ Good luck with your WLS journey...I wish you all the best of luck. Happy New Year...and God Bless Joanie PS...where does your hubby work? We have BCBS of OR, PPO and it had a exclusion clause for WLS

Joanie - Where did you find this doc? I cannot believe how inexpensive it is for self-pays...all without going outside the US. This is an incredible find! I didn't see what the mini switch is all about though - can you expand on this? I am curious to hear more about it. When you are feeling up to it, I would love to hear more! I know of some folks who might be interested to hear more about this doc... Dina

Hi Dina Dr. Heap did my Sister in law's surgery over 16 years ago. I asked her who did hers and she piped up and told me. So I called him and they told me that Dr. Heap does what is called a "mini-switch". It's his own procedure after 30 years of doing WLS surgeries, etc. He takes out some of the stomach and intestines but leaves what you would call a normal GI track, etc. Eventually, I'll be able to eat anything I want in very small quanities but right now, it's slow go. It's a more normal way of life. I have talked to alot of his patients that have had the procedure but I've only had just 2 or 3 people who have had problems with nausea. I'm happy with it so far! He's a wonderful doctor...very caring...alittle abrupt at times but that's the English in him...LOL! I would recommend him to anyone. Talk soon Joanie

Joannie...would you mind check with your doc when you get a chance as to whether he does lap band fills?

Hi Gail I don't think he does fills for lap bands...but you could give his office a call at 509-943-8535. He just does the one procedure now..his "mini-switch". Hope this helps Joanie

Congrats, thats awesome! Keep your spirits up, I have been playing Bob Marley and dancing around the house picking up here and there when I get in a funk, puts me in a tropical good mood. Brandi