I am new to this site and want to say Hi to all!

WELCOME   WELCOME  WELCOME Patricia!!!!!!!

It is always great to hear from a fellow LOSER!!

Sounds like you have had quite the weight loss journey. Congrats on being a support group leader and on the terrific weight loss too. That is wonderful!!

Spread the word...this surgery is the best thing I ever could have done for myself!! I love WLS!!!

I hope to see and hear from you alot more now!!

Hugs, connie d

Hi Connie: If you check out my blog pdplpn, I basically say the same thing. I have never wavered on my decision and it has been one of the best things i have ever done. Although I do not advocate just anyone having the surgery but, I have made a promise that I will support and assist those who decide to. It has saved my life. you might be interested to just check my blog out and you'll understand why when you read somehting in there. I appreciate your response and how to hear from you soon. I will keep in touch....Patricia

Welcome Patricia,

You are a busy person! Your support group sounds active and interesting. I lead two groups - Lap-band & RNY - love them both.

It will be good to hear from others who have had complications. I have had several "annoyances" as I prefer to call the problems. Sharing my experiences helps people in the support groups know what can happen even if you follow each detail from the surgeon and dietician. So far, my honesty hasn't scared people away.

Annette

Hi Annette: I have yet to reveal to my group the numerous and serious complications this surgery has left me with. But, I have never backed down from my original decision to have the surgery. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Maybe, you and I can chat on line privately and I will explain...you can check out my blog at pdplpn and it will help a little to understand some things. I am working with Cathy Wilson to start this online support group any suggestions are welcomed and I would be interested in knowing about your little annoyances...I am so happy you have the 2 groups. I have a mixed group and I am trying to mentor someone to start a lap band support group per OH they reallly are separate issues...I am pleased to meet you and maybe we can chat via pm....Patricia

welcome a-board
i was involved in the OH support groups when they first started but have dropped from the ranks-too many things that i could not abide by- the rebel in me! don't hold that against me!

welcome to our group-

hi Margo: I have seen that cute little cow face before on this forum...I don't hold anything against you...I just at this point find them to be very helpful for the demographics I live in...my people here are so uneducated and as a nurse I needed so much to teach the folks of my community about this great surgery and all aspects of compliance which they are know not to be...Keep in touc and it is my pkeasure to meet you....Patricia

Patricia, Just wanted to add my welcome. I'm sure you have much to share with us and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Thank-you Karen...I am so glad to meet you. Whatever I learned I do pass on...that is why I continously learn and read. The folks who have gone on before us in this surgery have truly been pioneers and we have reaped the rewards of the primitive form of what we know now...I will keep in touch... Patricia

Welcome to OFF, Patricia. We are so pleased that you are here and now we have another "sister". We love it when our family grows.

I had my surgery and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was 53 when I had it and at first my one regret is that it took me so long to have it. Then someone told me that it happened when I was ready for it. I took that to heart and know they were right. I am so grateful to God to pointing me in this direction. It is a blessing that I hold near and dear to my heart. I am also grateful that He sent me here. It is here that I can express myself and learn and grow the way I am suppose to. I am totally accepted here and loved unconditionally warts and all. And let me tell ya there is alot of warts. lol

Welcome aboard and please post often. I am looking forward to your sharing.

I can tell you that not only am I your weight loss sister but, your sister in Christ. Please read my blog pdplpn . God has brought me through so much these past 15 months. I have had numerous and serious complications that has at this point left me with the inability to eat only a few bites and maybe 30-40 ounces of liquid daily. I have been in starvation mode 2x and was near death (literally) , I now have a feeding tube...and I am grateful for this...My life verse is Romans 8:28. God lead me to the best surgeon for me and I have come to appreciate this man and his partner who have poured hours over my situation. They have never given up on me or kicked me to the curb. They have no idea what and why this has happened. Things structually have been repaired. I have had 7 surgeries since the original bypass. hospitalized 10x and have had 2 feeding tubes. the most recent put in in May. I would do this all again.. I stand by the surgery that much and my surgeons.I stand by my decision to have this surgery after much pray and research. I will be heading to the Cleveland Clinic in the not so distant  future for a consultation with Dr. Philip Schauer who is the head of Cleveland Clinic and specializes in Bariatric complications. My surgeon was insistant on sending me saying he needed another set of eyes, ears and hands...It takes a big man to do that...surgeons are prideful people and he told me he has exhausted his knowledge base, and skills and wants the best for me. I truly believe he is the best( my surgeon) and I am going for him. He pretty much has said the situtaion is permanent... I am willing to accept that and move on...he is not so I am going for him...it is either going to be a confirmation or a miracle...the later would be preferable but, if not...I am ready to accept his diagnosis...Keep in touch i think we will have alot to share....Patricia