Hello Fellow Washingtonians! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

MBatten · 01-19-2008, 01:05 PM

Hello out there,

I just noticed that we have state-based forums on here, and no one has posted from WA. I live in Kent, and had gastic bypass at Overlake Hospital in Jan. 07, so I'm just a year out. The whole journey has been a great one. My surgeon was Dr. David Lauter in Bellevue, and I have had no complications, and my life has turned around completely. I would be interested if there are any other folks in the Puget Sound area on this forum. I went to a support group meeting at Evergreen Hospital right after surgery, but my schedule changed, so have not attended since.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing if there are any fellow Washingtonians out there!

-Melissa

Surgery: 1-7-07
270/150/145
5"4

Teneasa · 01-19-2008, 02:47 PM

Hi there Melissa!

I am a fellow Washingtonian, living in Spokane. I had Lap Rny just a little over a month ago.. Dec 17, 2007. I am still learning alot about how this works and trying to change things permanantly for better as far a nutrition and health goes...

It nice to have another person from WA on the forum...

Corrine · 01-19-2008, 07:15 PM

I'm in WA too - right at the base of Mt.Rainier......

Hamburgler · 01-19-2008, 08:44 PM

Im moving up your way first week of Feb. Been calling on rentals in Kent, Enumclaw, Auburn etc. Im only 13 weeks out. Prob will need to find support group when I get up there.

kjmillert · 01-20-2008, 08:06 PM

Hi

I live in Kent as well. I had my surgery 5 years go and I did have a leak that caused me a few issues but all is well. My starting weight was 360 lbs and my lowest weight was 215. I have gained about 20 lbs off and on over the past few years, mostly due to me not watching what I eat and not exercising enough. Everyone's journey is so different. Sugar doesn't seem to bother me like most gastric bypass patients. Rice, white bread and scones don't agree with me and I do experience the dumping sensation if I eat them so I tend to avoid them. I know that my pouch has expanded because I can eat more, but still get full fast, and I have a sensation where I get tired of eating after a few bites sometimes, I think it is the type of food I am eating. I never eat and drink at the same time, my doctor told me to avoid this as it may cause you to eat more. I am determined to get back on track and lost the rest of my weight as I had promised myself. The surgery was just a way to help me start a life long way of new eating, exercise and most important, a better way of seeing myself, thin, instead of fat. Good luck...

MBatten · 01-21-2008, 11:09 AM

I'm glad there are a few of us out here

I see some of you in Kent as well! Do any of you use Valley Medical for any of your ongoing maintenance? I work in Redmond, so going to Overlake isn't that big of a deal, but I would like something closer.

On another note, I find the dining selection to be a little limited in Kent proper, though I like to go to Kent Station and eat at Fondi's. They have salads in three sizes, and the small is perfect for folks who had WLS. I used to like Panera Bread, as they would give you a half size salad, but not anymore

Now, you have to order the soup and salad to get a smaller portion size.

I also use the Kent Women's Spa and Fitness on Central. Really convenient gym. Doesn't have all the latest and greatest, but I started going when I was 6 weeks out from surgery, and felt very comfortable there. There are women of all shapes and sizes going there, and no real hardbodies (though plenty of women in decent shape).

Anyway, very neat to see some folks on here!

Melissa

kjmillert · 01-21-2008, 04:23 PM

I pretty much eat whereever and ask for kids meal at some places. I usually split a meal with my kids or hubby and often have left overs. I work out at 24 fitness and I don't really get to bothered with others looking at the big girl working out. I figure if they have more time to spend watching me more power to them :-). One of my girl friends owns a curves and I have few friends that go to curves and they like the women ownly atmosphere. I walked the 60 miles for the 3 day breast cancer last year and I plan to walk again this year. My training starts soon and I hoping I can get the rest of my weight off this year.

Kathy Jo

Teneasa · 01-21-2008, 06:24 PM

Kathy Jo-
What type of surgery did you have and how long ago was that? I am having trouble finding places to eat, but I am only about 5-6 weeks out... I am eating soft foods and meats as long as I chew, chew, chew them...

shelleyleigh · 01-29-2008, 09:17 AM

Hi there, just wanted to stop in this area and say hello. I'm in the Puyallup/South Hill area myself. Moved to Washington in August, so kind of new here still, but loving it so far (except the TRAFFIC, uughh hehehe)

kendra · 02-07-2008, 10:07 PM

Hello, I'm in Bonney Lake and am estimating I will have gastric bypass sometime in May, as I am just starting the whole process. I'm also new to the area, as I've only been in Washington for seven months. I'm a California transplant. =) So if anyone wants to meet up in person, PM me.