Hi all how about a roll call?

Hi Everyone!

My name is Holly.

Dr. Brader will be performing surgery 10/13/09 and I’ve been approved by the insurance company.

My highest weight was 370 (at the beginning of the year) and when I had my first visit with Dr. Brader, I weighed 364. Since that time, I’ve dropped 24 lbs with the help and advice from Kristin (nutritionist), Greg (who is no longer with the practice) and Lindsey, the exercise physiologists. I’m already noticing a difference in myself and my clothing!

I live in Lancaster with my husband, my 5 ½ yr old son, and the newest addition to the family…a 2 ½ month old female Siberian husky. I decided to pursue WLS because I was tired of being fat! I share the same saga as most…….I’ve tried many diets and could not keep the weight off. I have no energy to keep up with my son and I want to be around for him and see him grow up. I’ve contemplated long and hard before choosing this route, but I’m convinced this is the best option for me.

I’ve been attending the monthly support group meetings at Dr. Brader’s office since June and they’ve been very informative. I’d recommend them to everyone. I’m looking forward to the meeting in October. They’re supposed to have guest speakers who lost 100lbs or more and they’re bringing an old pair of pants to show how much weight they’ve lost. I’m looking forward to the continued journey ahead and the possibility of making new friends during the process!

Holly welcome and thanks for sharing, I think you have chosen a good surgeon and will be happy with your progress. I am hoping to be at the Oct support group even if for just an hr or so.
I am 3 years out and have lost about 180 lbs my highest weigh preop was 360 so I know where you are coming from. We are here to support one another so come back often ask questions and good luck on your journey.

Do you have an angel yet?

Thanks! I don't have an angel yet and I'm not sure what all that entails.....could you tell me more about it? 

basically an angel checks on your progress while in surgery and the hospital. calls your support person and checks in. I have visited once or twice when i could get there. They also provide support and answer questions if you have them. I would be happy to be your angel

Thanks for offering to be my angel......that would be wonderful. Let me know what contact information you need and I'll send it via OH email. It's almost time for my surgery and I'm a bunch of nerves, but I'm also very excited. I started trying different protein drinks/powders and I'm going to start buying items from my suggested post-op shopping list this coming weekend.  The countdown has begun........19 days to go.

Mel:

How long does the support group last?  I'm planning on being at the Oct 1st meeting.

Liz

Liz,

I know this question was directed to Mel., but I can answer. The meetings are from 7-8:30, sometimes they run a little long because the last 30 mins we split into groups. Sometimes they split up by surgery (lap band vs. bypass), other times by post-op and pre-op. BTW....good luck with your appointment tomorrow.

Holly

Hi.  My name is Dawn and I just joined this group. I am 33, almost 34 years old and I am tentatively set for surgery on October 28 with Dr. Brader, pending final approval in time, etc.  I live in Spring Grove, PA with my husband and our two shelties.

I am still conflicted about this choice.  I have a bunch of questions if anyone would be willing to share. 

1) Has anyone here had the surgery prior to having children?  Can everyone share their experience?  Everyone I know or have met either already has their children or are past the point in their life where they want children. 
2) Was anyone conflicted and unsure of this decision before proceeding?  A lot of people I have met are all excited and gung ho about the surgery and look at me like I have two heads when I say that I have some concerns.  This is a huge life change.  It has the potential to be a wonderful tool but is not a miracle cure-- I worry about the magnitude of the change.  I would love everyone's thoughts . . .
3) Any suggestions, insights, comments, helpful tips, things you wish you knew before surgery, etc?
4) Does anyone regret the choice they made?  If so, why?

Thanks for your time!

Dawn

Dawn,

i was not conflicted so much as I was scared to death. But, I was ready to die on the table if necessary to get my life back. I got my affairs in order wrote letters to friends and family.
It took me 3 years to make the decision, you are just not ready til you are ready and no one can push you.

I have not had kids but on the PA Board there are several women who have, and there is also a pregnancy board that is very helpful.

No regrets in my choice what so ever, Dr Brader is competent and caring surgeon. we are so lucky to have him.

I am 3 years out and drove all the way to langhorne for my surgery so i could have him

Thank you Nicole.  I am definitely scared.  :-)  I have perfect confidence in Dr. Brader and really like him and his staff, so I have no concerns there.  I have not heard anyone with regrets, other than wishing they had done it sooner, so I know that means a lot.