(Old) Newbie
Welcome Beth!!! You came to the right place for info and suport!!! Hope to see you here alot!!!
I had my RNY back in oct of 2006...I now have lost 170 pounds and love it!!!! I was 334 lbs!!! I am doing things again that I never thought I would do again!! I am now 59 years young...LOL and half of what I was 5 years ago!!! I have only one regret...not having it sooner!!!! BUT I did have the RNY and am living a full and Happy Life!!!!!
Good Luck on your journey and hope you know its a WILD RIDE!!! So hang on and enjoy every minute of it!!!!
HUGS
Welcome Beth! You've picked a great place to get insights and suggestions. I had my VSG last March at 50. My only regret is that i didn't do this 20 years ago! Of course VSG wasn't available then. 
Most people here seem to have had the RNY, but If you have any questions about VSG feel free to contact me. Best wishes!
Most people here seem to have had the RNY, but If you have any questions about VSG feel free to contact me. Best wishes!
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Hello Beth and my fellow Texan!
I'm 54 and I'm still pretty much a newbie, too, although I am fast approaching my 1 year surgiversary. I had revision RNY on Feb 22, 2011. I have lost 90 pounds and I'm working hard to get a full 100 pounds off by the end of my first year.
This is my second WLS. I had a Molina band put on in 1993. It was a forerunner of the current lapband. It worked great at the beginning and I lost 140 lbs. But eventually the band failed and I regained almost all of the weight. I decided to have the RNY because it was about the only surgical choice left to me, but I've been very happy with it.
I don't know what part of Texas you're in, but I had my surgery in Houston with Dr. Garth Davis. He and his father had the show, Big Medicine, that was on TLC a few years back. The Davis Clinic is a Bariatric Center for Excellence, so they're very good. I can certainly recommend them.
If you don't mind me asking, where are you in Texas? Are you still in San Antonio? We have a lakehouse at Canyon Lake and my daughter lives in SA. Maybe we can get together sometime.
Glad to see you post here. There is NO SHAME allowed here! This is a wonderful group. I live in a very small town and there are no support groups within driving distance for me, so this forum has become my support group. I truly don't know what I would have done without OFF this past year. They will carry you through if you let them.
Vickie
Hi, Vickie ~ I meant to respond to you sooner, but I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off this week. (Kind of yucky imagery, huh? Especially if you've actually seen it, LOL!) Anyhow, I wanted to answer your question about where I am - Corpus Christi. Was born in San Antonio, graduated high school in Seguin, but married a fella from C.C., so after some roaming, we wound up here where most of his family is. Believe it or not, I know where Nacogdoches is, and even how to pronouce it! 
I love that part of our state; so many trees, which we have none of here. We have the bay and Gulf, but it sure gets hot in the summer with no shade.
We're classified as a "city" based on population, but sometimes, it seems we're more of a small town, especially when it comes to bariatric surgeons! Slim pickins' here. I've found one group (two docs here, and more in S.A.) who sound promising. One doesn't do RNY, but the other does. He appears to be a pretty prominent surgeon on the national level, if that means anything.
I attended their seminar Thursday evening, but was very disappointed that neither doc was there; their dietician/bariatric coordinator did the presentation. Unfortunately, I didn't learn a whole lot more than what I'd already learned here and from other research I've done. At least it got the ball rolling, though. I filled out a questionnaire and turned it in, so if I understood correctly, they'll check on my insurance coverage, and then call to set an appointment with me for a consult.
Oh, and btw, I love the Canyon Lake area, too. We go to S.A. occasionally, to see dh's brother & wife, but I haven't been to Canyon Lake in many years. That's a beautiful area, too. It would be great to get together with you sometime; would love to make some new friends, as I've gotten to the point of really isolating myself because of my weight. Most people (who aren't in this category of being overweight) just don't understand, so it would be kind of nice to be around people who've BTDT!
One other thing, your photo is wonderful, as are those of everyone on here. It's really inspiring to see such transformations, and gives me hope of one day, being proud to display a photo of myself!
Beth
I love that part of our state; so many trees, which we have none of here. We have the bay and Gulf, but it sure gets hot in the summer with no shade.We're classified as a "city" based on population, but sometimes, it seems we're more of a small town, especially when it comes to bariatric surgeons! Slim pickins' here. I've found one group (two docs here, and more in S.A.) who sound promising. One doesn't do RNY, but the other does. He appears to be a pretty prominent surgeon on the national level, if that means anything.
I attended their seminar Thursday evening, but was very disappointed that neither doc was there; their dietician/bariatric coordinator did the presentation. Unfortunately, I didn't learn a whole lot more than what I'd already learned here and from other research I've done. At least it got the ball rolling, though. I filled out a questionnaire and turned it in, so if I understood correctly, they'll check on my insurance coverage, and then call to set an appointment with me for a consult.Oh, and btw, I love the Canyon Lake area, too. We go to S.A. occasionally, to see dh's brother & wife, but I haven't been to Canyon Lake in many years. That's a beautiful area, too. It would be great to get together with you sometime; would love to make some new friends, as I've gotten to the point of really isolating myself because of my weight. Most people (who aren't in this category of being overweight) just don't understand, so it would be kind of nice to be around people who've BTDT!
One other thing, your photo is wonderful, as are those of everyone on here. It's really inspiring to see such transformations, and gives me hope of one day, being proud to display a photo of myself!
Beth
Consult WT: 312 SW: 274 CW: 244
Hi Beth!
Oh, I love the coast. I was born in Houston and grew up near Galveston. Many happy memories of our old bay house and swimming in the bay. Lots of sunburns and jellyfish stings, too! Went to college in San Marcos and played "hooky" in New Braunfels and SA more times than I can count. I lived in Austin for a year or so before I married. Love the central Texas area! Can't believe I am lucky enough to have a lake house there now. Never thought that would happen.
Listen, hon, I know what you mean about isolating yourself. I did it, too. I didn't want anyone to see me "fat". But like I told you, there's no shame here and no reason to hide from anyone on this forum. We've all BTDT, as you say. So jump on into the daily thread. You'll make good friends here.
I do hope we can get together one day. I spend about a week at Canyon Lake each month to visit my daughter and grandson (who live in SA), so let me know if you plan to travel to SA. We might be able to meet up one day. I was lucky enough to meet Cindi B. last week and it was so fun to meet someone from OFF face to face. She also travels to CC quite often, so maybe the three of us can meet up down there sometime. You never know.
Lots of luck with your surgery!
Vickie
P.S. thanks for the kind comment about my photo. I was scared to publish my first photo, pre-surgery, but I did it and I'm glad I did. (You can see all my photos on my home page.) I hope you will post a photo of yourself so we can all make your journey with you!
Oh, I love the coast. I was born in Houston and grew up near Galveston. Many happy memories of our old bay house and swimming in the bay. Lots of sunburns and jellyfish stings, too! Went to college in San Marcos and played "hooky" in New Braunfels and SA more times than I can count. I lived in Austin for a year or so before I married. Love the central Texas area! Can't believe I am lucky enough to have a lake house there now. Never thought that would happen.
Listen, hon, I know what you mean about isolating yourself. I did it, too. I didn't want anyone to see me "fat". But like I told you, there's no shame here and no reason to hide from anyone on this forum. We've all BTDT, as you say. So jump on into the daily thread. You'll make good friends here.
I do hope we can get together one day. I spend about a week at Canyon Lake each month to visit my daughter and grandson (who live in SA), so let me know if you plan to travel to SA. We might be able to meet up one day. I was lucky enough to meet Cindi B. last week and it was so fun to meet someone from OFF face to face. She also travels to CC quite often, so maybe the three of us can meet up down there sometime. You never know.
Lots of luck with your surgery!
Vickie
P.S. thanks for the kind comment about my photo. I was scared to publish my first photo, pre-surgery, but I did it and I'm glad I did. (You can see all my photos on my home page.) I hope you will post a photo of yourself so we can all make your journey with you!
Vickie
Hi Beth,
Welcome to our wonderful world. I love this forum. It and one group here on OH are my support and they have been here with me every step of the way.
My story starts with over all poor health. Too many hospitalizations to count. Cardiac problems, pulmonary stuff, terrible pain due to knees being bone on bone, and cancer. I have about 10 doctors and that is no eggaseration. I wasn't ever diagnosed with diabetes, but the lab work done before the surgery was 283 blood glucose. I was so depressed about all the things I couldn't do that my friends were doing. Life was not easy ( as with most of us I believe.)
I had gained to 363. I was 330 at time of my RNY. Life is soooo different today. Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary. I've lost 140 pounds since surgery for a total of 173 pounds. I use to be out of breath walking to the car. If I had gain more weight I wouldn't have been able to get in the car. I am off all cardiac meds including blood pressure meds. I have a wheelchair I used then. Went to a walker, then cane (which I did not like.) I now do most walking without assistance. I'm still leary and take imy walker on my walks mostly as a comfort measure for my mind. I walk 1 mile 5x's a week and will start going to the gym to tone up and build muscle mass. Life is so great. So far I have gone from a tight 5X to 18-20. I'm not done yet. Have 40 pounds to go to reach goal. Like Judy said, : It's a wild ride. Like most, I wish this had been available for me years ago. (Insurance and the likes.) Had my left knee replaced on November 14th of 2011. I breezed through it compared to stories I hear from other people.
Only you can decide which surgery is right for you, but we are here to answer questions and support you.
Looking forward to getting to know you. Mag
Welcome to our wonderful world. I love this forum. It and one group here on OH are my support and they have been here with me every step of the way.
My story starts with over all poor health. Too many hospitalizations to count. Cardiac problems, pulmonary stuff, terrible pain due to knees being bone on bone, and cancer. I have about 10 doctors and that is no eggaseration. I wasn't ever diagnosed with diabetes, but the lab work done before the surgery was 283 blood glucose. I was so depressed about all the things I couldn't do that my friends were doing. Life was not easy ( as with most of us I believe.)
I had gained to 363. I was 330 at time of my RNY. Life is soooo different today. Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary. I've lost 140 pounds since surgery for a total of 173 pounds. I use to be out of breath walking to the car. If I had gain more weight I wouldn't have been able to get in the car. I am off all cardiac meds including blood pressure meds. I have a wheelchair I used then. Went to a walker, then cane (which I did not like.) I now do most walking without assistance. I'm still leary and take imy walker on my walks mostly as a comfort measure for my mind. I walk 1 mile 5x's a week and will start going to the gym to tone up and build muscle mass. Life is so great. So far I have gone from a tight 5X to 18-20. I'm not done yet. Have 40 pounds to go to reach goal. Like Judy said, : It's a wild ride. Like most, I wish this had been available for me years ago. (Insurance and the likes.) Had my left knee replaced on November 14th of 2011. I breezed through it compared to stories I hear from other people.
Only you can decide which surgery is right for you, but we are here to answer questions and support you.
Looking forward to getting to know you. Mag
Mag, I'm happy to hear so many of your physical issues are being resolved due to your weight loss. Gives me hope I'll experience the same.
One question: are you a Shih Tzu lover? The photo is adorable! I have three of my own, although I have to say I'm not sure they're so well-bred. One is a ST/? mix we adopted at 8 weeks, named Pepper; I suspect she's part terrier of some kind, because she's got the ST looks but terrier personality. She can be a handfull, sometimes! Our Beau is supposedly full bred, looks all ST, but he's big and long - weighs over 20 lbs. I call him my big lug, LOL! Then we have Monkey, who we adopted from a rescue. We really don't know his history, as he was rescued from a woody area on the side of a road, totally skinny and matted. He looks like a Tzu, but has a Lhasa Apso personality. He's our little sentry, keeps watch and notifies us of any and all intruders who happen down our street! Plus, he's quite subborn; he does what you want him to, when it's convenient for him.
In case you can't tell, my furbabies are a major part of my life. Since I isolate myself so much, they're my bestest buds.
I've always loved animals, but somewhere along the way, I got to know Shih Tzus, and they are overall such a loving little bunch of dogs, I find them irresistable. I never can understand why they wind up abandoned and neglected, and wish I could take them all in. Dh says three is the limit, though.
Beth
One question: are you a Shih Tzu lover? The photo is adorable! I have three of my own, although I have to say I'm not sure they're so well-bred. One is a ST/? mix we adopted at 8 weeks, named Pepper; I suspect she's part terrier of some kind, because she's got the ST looks but terrier personality. She can be a handfull, sometimes! Our Beau is supposedly full bred, looks all ST, but he's big and long - weighs over 20 lbs. I call him my big lug, LOL! Then we have Monkey, who we adopted from a rescue. We really don't know his history, as he was rescued from a woody area on the side of a road, totally skinny and matted. He looks like a Tzu, but has a Lhasa Apso personality. He's our little sentry, keeps watch and notifies us of any and all intruders who happen down our street! Plus, he's quite subborn; he does what you want him to, when it's convenient for him.
In case you can't tell, my furbabies are a major part of my life. Since I isolate myself so much, they're my bestest buds. I've always loved animals, but somewhere along the way, I got to know Shih Tzus, and they are overall such a loving little bunch of dogs, I find them irresistable. I never can understand why they wind up abandoned and neglected, and wish I could take them all in. Dh says three is the limit, though.
Beth
Consult WT: 312 SW: 274 CW: 244
Hi Beth,
Yes, I am a big Shih Tzu lover. Have had 4 total. 3 of the 4 were rescues. They were all AKC registered. Little Irish was the smallest. She ruled the roost and the "boys" bowed down. She ate first, went through doorways first. Into the car first. You get the picture. All have died now and I miss them so much. They were my babies. My sister and I bought a home together. She now has a cat. His name is Bela. He is a rescue animal also. I picked him out, but he attached himself to Ellen. The only time he pays me any mind is if Ellen is gone for a few days
Animals are such wonderful additions to our lives. Mag
Yes, I am a big Shih Tzu lover. Have had 4 total. 3 of the 4 were rescues. They were all AKC registered. Little Irish was the smallest. She ruled the roost and the "boys" bowed down. She ate first, went through doorways first. Into the car first. You get the picture. All have died now and I miss them so much. They were my babies. My sister and I bought a home together. She now has a cat. His name is Bela. He is a rescue animal also. I picked him out, but he attached himself to Ellen. The only time he pays me any mind is if Ellen is gone for a few days
Animals are such wonderful additions to our lives. Mag
Beth, Just wanted to stop by for a minute and welcome you. I had RNY in Feb 2005. Starting weight was 377lbs. I was 55 and only 5'3". It has literally given me my life back. Tho I have regained about 30 lbs from my lowest of 184 I am still so much healthier and happier than I was. I kept a great "profile" here on OH for about 2 years where I recorded just about every step of the journey. Feel free to read it. If you can't get in message me and I'll "friend" you. Welcome!
Karen C
Hi Beth, I'm a 73 yr old newbie here on OH. My RNY was on 9-1-11 and there have been some minor issues but nothing to regret. The 'pro' is that my blood pressure is normal after years of medication and my insulin dependent diabetes II is greatly reduced. I will never say that it is cured. I had the surgery mainly because of diabetes and the problems that kept popping up due to being overweight. I am certainly enjoying the lost pounds and the new clothes that make me look and feel like the 46 year old that I was once upon a time. DH and I moved to our "retirement" home 2 1/2 years ago and we are thoroughly enjoying going to the gym each day, getting involved in a new church with new friends, developing formal gardens, and running a B & B. My new diet makes me feel rested, brighter, and happy to start each day. My sons and wives are thrilled with my success even tho I am not to the finish line.
If you decide to go through with RNY (the only choice you have with Medicare) you will have lots of support here. Make sure your surgeon is from a Center of Excellence and he has a staff of nutritionists and assistants that you can call on for all problems that you may have.
My best regards, Barbara
BTW our "retirement home" is 22 acres of trails, woods, creeks, and historic home with mill. Lots of work and upkeep to keep us moving.
If you decide to go through with RNY (the only choice you have with Medicare) you will have lots of support here. Make sure your surgeon is from a Center of Excellence and he has a staff of nutritionists and assistants that you can call on for all problems that you may have.
My best regards, Barbara
BTW our "retirement home" is 22 acres of trails, woods, creeks, and historic home with mill. Lots of work and upkeep to keep us moving.
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