Question:
Tons of post-op questions!

Hi! Thank you in advance for offering your advice. I am an extremely picky eater and won't try anything new and was wondering if I'd be able to survive if I have the WLS? Second, what do I need to do to get started? I haven't found any WLS surgeons in my area, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I saw some in Texas and Mississippi but was wondering how much of the process could be done over the phone? Or how many times I would have to meet with the dr. before and after surgery? Anyone had any luck with Gilsbar American Life Care insurance? I work in an office, how long would I be out of work after the surgery? What should I do about my husband who is very thin, doesn't understand overweight people at all, but also realizes I will never lose weight on my own but doesn't want me to have the surgery. He says the end does not justify the means. I have talked about my weight for as long as I know him and my one wish for myself in life is to be thin(er) while I am still young enough to enjoy it (24). Maybe some of you would be willing to tell me if you've regretted the surgery and why? I'm 5'2" and weigh 245. I don't want to tell anyone about the surgery, has anyone else felt like this or done this? Thanks again!    — Jennifer A. (posted on May 6, 2002)

May 6, 2002
go to peers at the top of the page. go to your state, and you can find people in your area that have had the surgery done. Looks like there's a lot there...good luck (open rny 5-2-02)
   — candymom64

May 6, 2002
Hi, there I thought I'd try to answer one of your questions for you there is a really good dr in your area. Dr Hardgroder he is with the images program check out their website at www.surgicalweightloss.com I am from missouri and I will be there in baton rouge to have my surgery on May 21st. The images team specializes in WLS, They will work with your ins. company to get you approved, and they will include in thier costs your transportation and hotel stay. Hope it helps. Melanie
   — Melanie K.

May 6, 2002
Jennifer, show your hubby the before and after pictures on this site. That should convince him that this surgery will work for you. Also, tell him you are doing this for both of you. At 24, you have alot of life ahead of you and you don't want to waste it having diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, bad knees etc, which is where you are heading. My husband was reluctant too-he thought that I just needed "discipline" and "will power" to diet it all away. Well, today I am 46 pounds lighter and my husband is very pleased with my progress so far.
   — Cindy R.

May 6, 2002
Why would being a picky eater being a problem? NO ONE is as picky as I am! How I ever got full sized, .....? Well, I did, but now I'm not. You can pop onto my web site if you want. My husband and I have had our wt off for quite awhile. He likes everything! LOL! I only eat what I like, minus milk & sugar. I don't eat what I don't like. I supplement completely, so I am not forced to eat anything icky. I kept mine a secret for about 15 minutes. That was the best I could once I started losing weight & gaining a life.
   — vitalady

May 6, 2002
I'm so glad that someone came up with a name for you to see in your area. Although, I know that many people have traveled to have their surgery, I am an adament believer in post op care and follow up. "If" you go to a surgeon who is out of state, then any problems that may arise, may be harder to handle. Most non WLS docs don't have the slightest idea what we need and we actually (most of us) have had to educate our own doctors. I am a person who has had alot of post op problems after the BPD/DS and did not have the proper follow up care that I should have had. With that in mind, I beg you to find a good WLS surgeon who has a great nutritionist on board and is very very aware of post op health. Please make sure that that is a priority of your doctor. Although, I know you just want to find a good doc to do the surgery, I would beg you to ask a zillion questions of any doctor who would be doing this surgery for you. Ask him for references of other patients, go to his support meetings before having the surgery, and educate yourself first. It's sooo important. Good luck to you.
   — Barbara H.

May 7, 2002
Dr. Hargroder is in Baton Rouge. Go to surgicalweightloss.com and the Images team will take care of the rest. They have been great! Good luck.
   — Cindy M.