Hi Hapbird,
You didn't post your name, so I'm calling you by your user name. Welcome to our group. In response to your question about whether any of us were nervous about the prospect of having our organs rearranged, I think I can speak for each and every one of us......yes, we are all nervous about the very idea. Having major surgery should be something about which to think very seriously. Absolutely no one goes into this lightly. It is a serious, life-altering decision. It has many risks, but, I believe, the benefits outweigh the risks. You will be advised of the risks by the medical community and at the various seminars and classes provided by Callery/Potts. In here, most of us will tell you of our very positive benefits resulting from the surgery. Personally, it was the
best thing I have ever done for myself. My doctor, after trying for a long time to help me lose the weight, finally advised me to look into gastric bypass surgery in order to help me ease my co-morbidities resulting from my obesity. I was a brittle Type II diabetic at the top of the advised amount of oral meds (2500 mg. of Glucophage daily plus Avandia) who was unable to keep any kind of control, despite daily exercise and fairly constant dieting (yo-yo, of course). I also had knee problems, poor kidney function, fatty liver disease, constant respiratory and bladder infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), stress incontinence, etc etc. Awful way to exist. And, awful for my husband and 3 children, too. I was, I admit, terrified of the actual surgery and of the idea of permanently altering my body. But, I took the plunge and I am now almost two years post op (6/19 is my re-birthday!! Where did that time go?
. I have had my diabetes in remission since the day of my surgery! Not one oral med has been needed! Not one infection. No IBS. No knee problems. Kidneys fully functional. No fatty liver. Gone, gone, gone!! I have been at my goal for over a year and feel absolutely wonderful. I live every moment of my life as a gift. Dr. Charles Callery gave me back my life. And, everyone who knows me, knows that my favorite saying is "LIFE IS GREAT"!!
So, weigh the pros and cons for you. Realize the complications and risks and do what is best for you, your family, your future. We can't tell you what to do. We can just help you make a decision. Hang with us.
I wish you the best on your journey. Welcome to all the newcomers, including the other Dale.
Dale 6/19/02 at goal