Question:
This is not a question. I hope this helps pre-ops who are considering.

I just wanted to post my update in hopes that it will help some pre-ops out there who are considering having the surgery. I had surgery 8 months ago and have lost 100 pounds so far. I had my surgery at BTC in Columbus Ohio with Dr Choban. You can see my story and photos here...http://members.tripod.com/Christine_Coleman/wls.html If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]. my experience has been nothing but positive. I literally have no problems. no dirrhea, no throwing up, nothing. Its the best thing i have ever done for myself. Good luck to all who are about to have surgery. Your gonna love it! :-)    — Christine C. (posted on January 9, 2000)

January 9, 2000
I agree with Christine and she has a terrific web site!! I will be coming up on my first rebirth on 1/29/00 I have lost 190 pounds and feel wonderful. I lead a normal ACTIVE life now. Something I could not do before. I was in so much pain with severe achilles tendonitis and severe headache (sleep apnea caused) that I took pain medication every two hours just to get by. Usually high dosages atthat. I have been medication free for over 6 months now!!
   — Cathy D.

January 9, 2000
Christine, THANK YOU, thank you, thank you!!!! I am preop (surgery in 10 days!) and I am starting to feel petrified! After reading your post and checking out your web site, I feel so much better. I, too, have kids, and am afraid of leaving them too soon. I could relate to everything you talk about on your web site and I am glad you posted and directed me there. I will probably be rereading it daily as I face my fears and excitement as I approach my own big day. I am so happy for you and your success and look forward to joining you on the other side. PS I am also going to BTC, but in Illinois- I was very happy to see you had a great experience! Thank you again- you will never know how much I needed to see a post like yours today:)
   — M B.

January 9, 2000
Christine: I have to put my two cents worth in here. I too am a Columbus BTC patient, only my surgeon is Dr. Kaczmarski. I was so petrified before surgery. Thought I wouldn't actually see my birthday or Christmas (surgery was on 12/14/99). However, here I am, the happiest girl on earth that I went through with it. It wasn't easy. Nothing worth doing for yourself is totally easy, but I have never felt better. I am down 29 lbs and have to say that Bariatric Treatment Center deserves most of the credit for my going through with the surgery. I was so scared that I nearly backed out. When Sally came in to my room to give me the shot of blood thinner, I felt like I was on death row. She really calmed me down. I was so afraid of not waking up. But, everyone clear up til when I went to sleep was so calming and understanding. I'll never forget my BTC Staff at Columbus. They are the reason I am where I am! I hope to catch up with you Christine, not only in weight loss, but in the ability to develop an award winning web site. God Bless You!!!
   — Mary B.

January 9, 2000
Christine, Thanks for your words of encouragement. I'm just two days away from my surgery and you said exactly what I needed to hear. {Your web-site is great too!} I feel so ready for this surgery, but I too feel a bit nervous. Your post was just what I needed to get me back on track.{thinking positive thoughts} Thanks again....Dani
   — Dani J.