bridgetgirl

Can you guys find out about gastric bypass support groups and where they are? I have found one hosted by Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster thats held on Tuesdays, I have to call for more details though. Anyone interested in meeting me there next Tuesday OR, I can meet anyone at University of Penn at support group.

Karen we are neigbors! It would be nice to meet and with the struggles you are having, getting into as upport group, in addition to this board is KEY for you! Its good to hear that you have admitted having a problem, we will help you overcome. Remember, you have a TOOL, use it. No one can take it away from you. Found out why you are making poor choices. Schedule your meals. Eat 3 times a day and if you need more, eat more. Make sure it is scheduled, thats key. That scheduled "mini meal" can be a handful of almonds, string cheese, or a yogurt. Just make sure things like nuts are measured and put into their own container, otherwise you may find yourself grazing. Eat at the table, never at the computer, and not while watching TZ, limit your meal times to 15 minutes, and water load before you eat. These lil tips should help all of you get back on the good foot! Best wishes and let me know if any of ya want to get together for support group somewhere out here, either at LGH, in Harrisburg or at Penn State. As long as I have enough time and GAS to plan for it, I will go.
Let me know!

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

mapearl2

Hi Tony,
I am so sorry I haven't responded to you before this. I had my surgery on March 14 2006, I waited at least 4 months to get the appointment with Dr. Williams because at that time he was the only doctor at the U of P who did all types of surgery for WL. He was very nice, and actually everyone at the office was pretty nice, and believe me, I never hesitated to call after the first visit. My first meeting with him was November 2nd so you can tell how long it took me to prep for the surgery. I had so many tests, and then I was anemic (I really had the best relationship and support from my primary doctor who I still see monthly for b12 shots) and when I thought things were moving forward and I was tentatively scheduled for surgery, I was denied by my insurance. I called Dr. William's office and I was told I had to do the work to get approved. I contacted the insurance and followed their procedures and appealed the decision and won. The surgery was scheduled. I was told by Dr. Williams that after surgery his patients are put onto a specific floor where the nurses are trained in the care of WLS patients. Well this did not happen. I wound up on a regular surgery floor and had a bad time. I raised hell and got the head nurse to care for me, after I couldn't get anyone to walk me to the bathroom. I got in touch with my partner who had left the hospital and was still in the area and by that time I was hysterical crying, he went to Dr. Williams office and stood in the office telling them that they promised to give me the best care on a specific floor in the hospital and they better get me moved. That evening, they did move me to the fourth floor and what a difference. I saw Dr. Williams the day I left the hospital and that was it. I don't know if I didn't get better service from him because we raised hell to get me where I was suppose to go, but I didn't care. I have to say he did a good job on my surgery. I had no problems. I do feel that I didn't get better follow-up care from them, and don't think I ever thought about contacting them with my questions or concerns now. I never felt comfortable. I only wish I knew about these groups then, because I tihnk I would have had a better experience and perhaps a better chance of losing more weight then I did only because everyone on here has had the experience and is so willing to help. Now 2 years out, I haven't lost what I thought I would and am having problems maintaining even though I eat no sugar, cake, cookies, ice cream, none at all and don't want it, but there are many other things I eat that apparently is too many calories. I was never much into exercise and now I am walking to DVD tapes and they are great.
Well keep your appointment, go in there with better information then I had, keep up with this group and I will be checking for your postings. I think there is something like messaging here, which will be a good way to keep in touch. I wish you best of luck!!

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Marci
Surgery date 3/14/2006
Philadelphia, Pa
University Pa Hospital
286/202/195
Highest/current/lowest/no goal was set
Lap RNY
Having problems losing or even maintaining!

ready4achange

Closer to the DE state line. There is a support meeting at Crozer in Chester usually held on the fourth Wed of the month at 7 pm at the Pollard House if anyone is interested . The doctor that did my surgery , Dr. Cha , moved to Ohio so there is another doctor that replaced him Dr. Katz. He is very nice ( he did my hernia surgery) I am almost 2 1/2 years out down a little over a hundred pounds and feel good. I haven't been on this site for a while but have lots of reading to catch up with.
Sandy

peanoko

Hello, I know the Reading Hospital has a support group meeting the second Thurs. of every month. I would really like to meet up with any of you.
I had no idea this part of the forum exsisted but am glad I found it.
I am having my surgery on March 11.

bridgetgirl

Darn it! I have to get the exact info for y'all. There is one every Tuesday hosted by Lancaster General Hospital from 6:30-8:30 pm. Its held at a near by church. Post if anyone is interested in meeting this Tuesday for it. We can exchange numbers and meet up! If you call the hospital the will give you the meeting info if you want it right away. I would love to meet some of ya's. Talk to you soon.

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

peanoko

I am interested in meeting up just not this tues. for I will be having my surgery! I am def. interested for next month though. Please keep me updated.

bridgetgirl

Okey dokey! Im sending you my phone numbers, okay? Make sure ya call! Call and let me know where your surgery is at. If I get the opportunity, and if it isnt too far away- I will pop in and say hello! Call me!

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

BillH

Greetings all you wonderful Pennsylvanians! While I'm a native Chicagoan, I have some PA connections...probably first and foremost, I am with BCBS of Pennsylvania. From the stories I hear about BCBS in Illinois, I am sure hoping BCBS is "quicker on the draw" or "nicer" than BCBS in Illinois when it comes to gaining surgical approval. Anyone got any details about that...??? OOPS, SORRY, I REALIZE I'VE SORT OF SCREWED UP THIS THREAD...But there were so many Pennsylvanians, I just got carried away...And my other Pennsylvania connection: My ancestors were Potts, so Pottstown and Pottsville are a connection. But enough, I'll let you all get back on track! Thanks!
BillH

__________________
GymRat #91
"Thanks TT Family! You've been incredibly supportive, caring, and riotously funny at times!"

Favorite quote: "I have come that you might have life in all its abundance." (John 10:10b, but JC wasn't talking about going crazy with calories!)


check out www.firstcongdg.org
It's my life!

largest known wt: 379 lbs.
surgical weight, 4/16/08: 298 lbs.
current wt, 9/20/08: 233 lbs.
Doctor's goal weight: 200 lbs.
my ultimate goal: 160lbs

Nanakay

Hi Bridget.. a support group is something I have never thought of, sounds like a good idea. It seems like I can't get out of the 180's but I am still trying to drop 20 more lbs by June. I have some anemia now, but taking iron. I would love to meet anytime. How long has it been for you since you had the surgery, are you maintaining well? I look forward to hearing from you. My email is kaybee4ed@aol.com drop me a line!

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If you are someone, to anyone then you ARE someone!


Lap RNY 02/01/2007
253/190/175 (first goal) would love to be 150

bridgetgirl

welll... the support group info I had was incorrect. It was for a group in lancaster, california!!!!!! So I will do my due dilligence to see what I can find in our parts! I need the support really bad, I need to get connected to my peeps! this really stinks! In Cali we never had this problem. Nana i will drop you a line when I have more info-k? Hugs!

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White