Saying hello - long, sorry! - ThinnerTimes

Corrine · 06-06-2007, 05:42 PM

Well, things seem to be moving rather quickly for me so finding this forum has been a blessing.

It was only this past Monday that gastric bypass surgery was even mentioned to me. I was at the hospital on Monday for them to look at a hernia that'd started causing me problems. The doc said it could be reduced but that unless I lost weight, it'd probably be back in 5 years. I currently weigh 280lb (5"5" tall, 52 year old female).

I'm attending a class tomorrow which came as a bit of a shock but given the amount of pain and discomfort I've been in for the past few weeks, they felt it best get to attend the class sooner so that I had at least some of the information needed to make an informed decision.

So.... that's where I am right now. Knowing practically nothing about it - frightened - confused - trying to find out the good, bad and ugly side of going through this procedure.

hugs to you all.
Corrine

DAISY · 06-06-2007, 06:02 PM

Hello Corrine. Welcome to the forum! If you are looking for information this is the best place to find it. I don't post all that often but I do read a lot when I have questions or just want to see how everyone is doing. If you have questions about insurance, surgeons, pre-op, post-op or just to see how everyone has done before and after the surgery this is the place to look and learn. The forum has been the best place to get all my questions answered. If you have any questions just ask. Once again welcome to the forum!

Gina in NY · 06-06-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corrine

Well, things seem to be moving rather quickly for me so finding this forum has been a blessing.

It was only this past Monday that gastric bypass surgery was even mentioned to me. I was at the hospital on Monday for them to look at a hernia that'd started causing me problems. The doc said it could be reduced but that unless I lost weight, it'd probably be back in 5 years. I currently weigh 280lb (5"5" tall, 52 year old female).

I'm attending a class tomorrow which came as a bit of a shock but given the amount of pain and discomfort I've been in for the past few weeks, they felt it best get to attend the class sooner so that I had at least some of the information needed to make an informed decision.

So.... that's where I am right now. Knowing practically nothing about it - frightened - confused - trying to find out the good, bad and ugly side of going through this procedure.

hugs to you all.
Corrine

Try picking up "WLS for dummies - lots of info there - good overview too. It is a good thing to do if you want to cram info into your head fast. Then ask all the questions you want here - we're all about honest info. No one will really recommend this surgery to you - you have to make your own decision and you know yourself. Having said that - this tool has made what I could never have done a reality. I do 80% of the work, but that 20% is all I needed. Down 110 pounds so far and with a whole new way of being in the world. I am comfortable! (Though I do get sore when I work out too hard at the gym. Much better than heel spurs though...)

Welcome and good luck in your information gathering!!

Andie · 06-06-2007, 06:21 PM

Welcome to the gang...I started with a huge hernia and had two repaired in conjunction with my gastric bypass. I'm two months out now and have lost 87 lbs although 30 was preop. If you have any questions holler. I'd do it again!!!

Corrine · 06-06-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina in NY

Try picking up "WLS for dummies - lots of info there - good overview too....

The second thing I did on Monday when I got home from the hospital (first being join this forum), was to order a copy of WLS for Dummies - I read Claire's thread!

I hope it'll be here fast.

Andie - I hope to find out a little more tomorrow. This has been a bit of whirlwind. I've a feeling you'll probably be hearing from me sooner rather than later.

LyndasRoom · 06-06-2007, 09:07 PM

Hi Corrine,
Welcome. Keep reading...you'll see snapshots of many different experiences, and truthful accounts of what people go through with this procedure and lifestyle. Only you can decide if this is the best option for you. Best of luck, your best decision willl be an informed decision.

bubbasmama · 06-07-2007, 12:41 AM

Corrine welcome to the biggest bunc of losers anywhere.I too am a reader but don't post much.I read all of the posts in the morning and when I get home from work.Couldn't live without all of these wonderful people.Barb

MiladyB · 06-07-2007, 05:59 AM

Welcome Corrine. You've taken a great first step. Knowledge is the best thing you can do for yourself right now. Do a lot of reading and asking of questions. Another book I would recommend is "The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery" ...authors: Julie Janeway, Karen Sparks and Randal Baker MD. It is an easy read that is packed full of information and humor. I received it pre-op from my surgeon and read through it in a night. I honestly couldn't put it down!

rainrain · 06-07-2007, 06:04 AM

Welcome and slow down...gosh, I can not beleive you are moving so quickly...try to take a breathe and think about whether this is right for you. It is a life long change. There is much informaation out there and there is alot to consider...what ever they want to do can only be done with your approval. I highly reccomend more research and tell your doc to cool his heals if you need to.
With that said, as I am sure you can tell by this forum, most of us have had life changing wonderful results, some have had complications, others none. Each person has a different out come and out look.

we are here for you, no matter what!
Good luck!

CeeCee · 06-07-2007, 06:28 AM

Lots of excellent info here- the good, bad, AND the ugly! Read, read, read- then ask a bunch of questions of us and your doctor! This is a lifelong committment, a tool you'll have to live with for the rest of your life- don't let yourself be rushed in making the decision. Whether this is right for you or not depends on you, your weight loss history, and any other co-morbidities (other health problems stemming from excess weight). We're here for you! keep us posted!