Newbie from Philly - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Tonystark04 · 01-23-2008, 12:41 PM

Hello everyone, My name is Jason 26 yr old 5'11'' 315lbs from Philadelphia. I'm a proud parent of a 3 yr old boy. I had major gallbladder surgery this past summer...and while I was lying in that hospital bed, helpless b/c I coud not do anything for myself b/c of my obesity & the pain I made the decision of having WLS. I'm the only person left in my immediate family without diabetes, my brother is only 32 yrs old and has diabetes. My sister is 43 yrs old with diabetes...Both my parents have heart conditons and diabetes. I dont want to end up like that. I tried so many methods to lose weight.. from changing my regime of eating, prescriptions meds (Xenical, Alli, Phentermine), joining a gym. I have been researching WLS for over 2 yrs now....finally on 01/22/08 I attended an information session at the University of Penn Hosp. Believe it or not I was the thinnest person at the session..I couldnt believe it!!.. I noticed people were falling asleep (probably sleep apnea) in the middle of the session, and I said to myself I cant get like that. So today I set a consultation with Dr. Williams at Univ of Penn for March 12. I have FULL support from my family, b/c believe it or not they have pressured this issue to me for a long time, but I kept avoiding it. So I'm really glad I found this forum b/c it answered a lot of my questions, and really look forward to exchanging my experience with others!

Andie · 01-23-2008, 01:03 PM

Youve come to the right place...tons of support and info available here. Keep us updated on your progress!!!

Janelle · 01-23-2008, 07:58 PM

Congratulations on starting your journey! There are so many great people and tons of information on this board. It will prove to be a great asset. Welcome!

ready4achange · 02-16-2008, 01:37 PM

Nice to meet you. I had my surgery at Crozer 2 1/2 years ago. So I don't know about the U of P . Believe me I know I made the right decision to have this surgery. My highest was 334 I am down to about 220 and feel good. I haven't lost as much as some people but I look at it this way. I weigh now what I did when I first got married over 36 years ago

Now if I could only be the same age I would really be happy

( I was 18 at the time)
Good Luck on your journey. There are a couple of other sites I like to go to also they are Obesity Help ( Pa forum ) and Quixotic they are helpful there also .
Sandy

Phoenix Soaring · 02-25-2008, 01:45 PM

I'm new to this too. Maybe we can get through it together.

I've been struggling with my weight since my teenage years. I'm 32 and it hasn't gotten any easier. I've been able to loose weight but not keep it off. I'm afraid that if I keep punishing my body by yo-yo dieting that I'll do some serious damage. Not only that, I'm just plain tired of being fat. I don't have a real support system which I know has alot to do with why I eat too much and why I get depressed and don't go out and meet people.

After doing some research on different surgical options, I went to a seminar at Temple Hospital and a few weeks later had my consultation with Dr. Meilhan.

I'm officially having my first freak out. I've completed the blood work, upper GI and ultrasound. But, the Administrative Assistant at the office has been very difficult about getting information to me and now I'm wondering if I should be doing any of this. Or, maybe I need a different Doctor. I'm open to suggestions.

ready4achange · 03-05-2008, 05:44 PM

In the end it will be worth it...believe me. I have been heavy my whole life. I remember mom giving me "diet pills" at around 14 years old and have tried lots of "diets" even Richard Simmons " Live it" not diet....I do wish I had this surgery when I was younger.I was 52 when I had this surgery ( now 54) I missed alot sitting around . Yes , I did exercise but when you are over 300 lbs it's kind of hard.
Good Luck, Don't give up. If necessary see another doctor if you think you are not getting what you need.
Sandy

peanoko · 03-05-2008, 06:32 PM

I am not to far from Philadelphia myself. I am going through Reading Hospital. They have a great wls program there. My surgery is actually only a couple of day's away. Good Luck to you!

bridgetgirl · 03-07-2008, 11:03 AM

I am going to Lancaster on Tuesday evening for support group. Its open to pre and post op peeps. Any of you want to meet up? Every Tuesday evening 6:30-8:30pm. Let me know, I am very anxious to meet more of my brothers and sisters. Ciao!

Claire-in-Texas · 03-07-2008, 11:36 AM

Woo HOOOO!! Another Philadelphian! I was born and raised in Philadelphia!!!

Best of luck, Jason!!!

Tonystark04 · 03-11-2008, 06:35 AM

Thank you everyone for your wonderful support

..... Tomorrow is one of hopefully many big days ...my first one on one with Dr. Williams. Just picked up my referral from my primary MD.... I promise to give you guys an update ASAP.