Question:
Hey we have started a trend

Have others seen family a friends get surgery after seeing our success. Jens dad called tonight. His PCP recommended WLS, and asked if he was willing. Told his doc his daughter and son in law are post ops, and he will do it too. I must know 4 or 5 friends who are pursing surgery after seeing our success. This happenuing to others?    — bob-haller (posted on January 13, 2003)

January 13, 2003
hi bob :) yes, i too think ive started a trend. i currently have 3 friends and one cousin that are in the process after seeing my ongoing success. i think that is very cool, i pray all goes well for everyone cuz if for some reason one doesnt do well, ill somehow think i had something to do with it. i hope that doesnt sound crazy but that had been on my mind lately. take care bob :)
   — carrie M.

January 13, 2003
Yeppers.....there are around 15 folks so far in my office who have had this done!! It was like a "domino" effect lol. I studied others who had gone before me to see how they came through the surgery and what they could tolerate eating....now, there are several others in my office who are thinking seriously about this!!! Love and light,
   — medium

January 13, 2003
There is about 15+ of us now in the office. What I find disturbing is that many never did any research but jump right on the band wagon. I think those that don't do the research for themselves have a harder time....
   — lessofme170

January 13, 2003
There are now five in my family who have had wonderfully uncomplicated lap RNYs. Each of us have had several friends and co-workers who have also had the surgery, or are in the process of doing their own research.
   — Diana T.

January 13, 2003
Carrie thats a concern of mine. I am Wanda Smarts angel. Its been rough. Anyone who asks I tell them the risks, and a bit about Wanda. Jens dad I will be happy for him but worry about the risks since he is coming uop on his 60th birthday.
   — bob-haller

January 13, 2003
Hi Bob, I think that most of us are seeing others try this. I have a couple friends who have had it as well as a cousin who wants it. I love to share my story with anyone who is interested because as post-ops, we know this surgery works if you are willing to 'follow the rules'. I think some folks think you have the surgery and thats it but it doesn't quite work that way.
   — Sharon1964

January 13, 2003
Hey Bob, I am a trend follower. I started thinking about it all after the Carnie Wilson thing, then just thought about it some more. I didn't realize that normal people that don't have thousands of dollars could get the insurance to pay for it! Then a good friend was ill from her liver and her doctor started her on the wls journey. I just thought it was for "sick" people and that I would never get approved, but yet never even tried. Then my obgyn asked if I had ever considered it and that I would be a great candidate. So, after that I really got the bug in my ear. Then my good friend with the liver problem had her surgery. Within weeks after hers, I was calling the surgeon and started my whole process. And, almost weekly I am finding out that some childhood friends just had wls, close family friends, etc. It is a great hope for the obese and I know it's going to be one of the best things I can ever do for myself. 16 more days to go!
   — Dee ,.

January 13, 2003
I really don't know that manky fat people. Although, I suspect a woman who works in HR here with me, but in a different office is out on leave right now because of it. I also suspect that she suspected that I had had it. As for me, I was a follower. I had my surgery exactly one year after my brother in law. He's the only other person I know of who had it.
   — PaulaM

January 13, 2003
I've got three friends waiting to see how I turn out! lol! One is pregnant now and has to wait anyway...her husband and my other dear friend are just waiting to see if it works, if I come out of it ok....I personally don't think they've done enough research to actually know what htye are getting into... I keep telling them to come here...but no one has yet.
   — Renee B.

January 13, 2003
A woman I work with had surgery about 1 1/2 years ago and has done well overall, despite some minor complications. It took me about a year to come to the decision to have surgery. My husband is pursuing authorization for surgery now, and his sister is very interested. I find more and more people are interested. I talked to one young man at a restaurant not long ago (he was okay with me ordering from the children's menu). His mom is very interested in surgery, so I explained it to him. My surgeon provides a card for allowing sharing or ordering smaller portions, and on the back it has a picture of how the RNY is constructed. I've about worn the card out explaining what is done! Also, another woman in the office is in the prior auth process for surgery. (We are lucky to have some excellent surgeons in our insurance network).
   — koogy

January 14, 2003
yes! My mom, my cousin, my aunt, and my best friend are all looking into surgery. I sure have brought in the business for my surgeon!!
   — fropunka

January 14, 2003
bob, not only does it seem to me that we start trends within our family/friend networks but, we r helping to save their lives by being an example to them. my brotherinlaw has had wls & has lost 120 lbs since may, a niece is researching wls, my girlfriend is 3 weeks post op, my cousin is 4 years post op & her son & daughter have both had wls in the past year & r doing wonderfully. so has 2 of her sisters. family members have asked me to speak to other ppl they know who r interested in the surgery as do alot of my friends. what fun it is to be in the same room with ppl u love who r curious about, interested in having, pre-op & post op wls. altho to be honest, my sister & my honey r sick & tired of hearing me & my brotherinlaw discussing what we ate, how much we ate, that we over ate, that we cant stand the thought of eating xyz even tho it was ok last week etc etc etc. lolololol.
   — sheryl titone

January 14, 2003
Bob, Talk about trend, my sister is in the works of getting apporved for surgery. At the work place I've stated a forrest fire of WLS people........ I was the first and now we're going on # 3 there !! People are getting healthier ! I wish it wasn't so much out of pocket, even though insurance covered a portion of it, it was still about $5000 out of pocket, something to work for, as I know more people here would have it done... I've been referring everyone to this site..... Post op 7 1/2 months down 110 pounds.
   — tannedtigress

January 15, 2003
I think it's great that so many people are discovering the health benefits of WLS. I have to agree with Teresa though and be concerned about the ones who are jumping on the bandwagon without doing proper research. On a personal note, I'm happy for anyone who does something to improve their quality of life. Even my ex-husband's new wife. According to my son, his step-mother says she's going to have the lapband surgery, unlike his mother (me) who had "that RNY and his going to just gain it all back." Too bad the doc can't band her mouth shut!!! Good diet plan and peace of mind for the rest of us :o - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -104lbs.
   — Anna L.

January 15, 2003
WOW BOB, good one! I know that I have personally been the leader of at least 3 others that I work with having the surgery and many more are interested. I have to stop myself from recommending this to one man in my office who I have watched gain at least 100 lbs this year. I worry about him, but I always wait for somebody to ask me. THEN I run my mouth. I URGE them to research for themselves, however, I would have to think that somebody had this surgery solely on my experience and then not do well and blame ME!
   — Marla H.

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