Guest guest Posted October 11, 2002 Report Share Posted October 11, 2002 Hi Shell, I had my surgery in SSF on 12/13/01 with Dr. Gorrin. My highest weight was 334 and I have lost a total of 154lbs and over 50 inches from my body! I have 20lbs to go to reach my goal of a healthy BMI. I started the Vallejo Support group last month because there were so many people in that area that were not getting to support group meetings because most of them are so far away (SSF, Oakland, Sac.). I feel that the support of groups and email lists is a crucial tool to be successful with this surgery. It was during the meeting last month that I heard about this list. I had heard of the rny@wildrice and theotherside lists. I understand you started this list. Congratulations and thank you for reaching out to those of us who are dealing with this surgery in one form or the other. I look forward to continued participation on this list and am happy to help with any questions related to post op life. Hugs, Pat B. (unknown)> > > Hi all!> I went to my second support group meeting in Vallejo last night > and just loved all the great info I picked up. I love listening to > all these people. They are bright, funny and articulate. I wanted > to have everyone of them for a friend. I don't know if it is the > fact that we have suffered many different things that brought us to > this point but, I think people who are having and have had major > weight issues are pretty spectacular human beings.> I am getting excited about going to the meetings in SSF. I am > an agoraphobic and at times have not left my room let alone my house > for weeks at a time. I thought I would feel vulnerable and would > have an anxiety or panic attack. I feel no threat at all. I can't > put it into words well enough to explain just how much this means to > me. > I told someone last night that the reason I started out wanting > this surgery was to get to a size more like the rest of the > populace. I wanted to hide again. I was severly traumatized as a > child, my abuse so horrendous I believe that is what began my weight > loss. I remember "Roseanne" saying on Oprah one time that those who > have suffered sexual abuse will have the pendulous stomach. I know > that mine has been around since I started to gain weight. I only > wieghed 200lb. at the age of seventeen when I married (at 5'10) but, > by nineteen and after one child and one miscarriage I weighed in at > 350. I basically stayed that weight (with losses and gains) for 15 > years. Then I had sleep apnea and quit smoking and gained another > 100lb without really even noticing. I was already wearing size 30-32> and kept wearing that size only everything fit tighter.> I don't want to be thin, I want to be smaller. I don't want to > stand out anymore. I am so relieved to have been approved and am > looking forward to time flying until surgery. > I should really stop going on about myself. Have a blessed day > everyone. Tami> > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 11, 2002 Report Share Posted October 11, 2002 Hi Pat, Wow storys like yours give me and im sure so many others hope. Thank you so much for joining and being such a imprtant part of this club. 20 pounds to go wow!! thats so amazing. I am 358 and can't wait to feel better. I no this is NOT the easy way out .this is goiong to be hard work, but hearing storys like yours lets me know i can do it to! Thanks so much for sharing. Again im so glad your here Shell > > Tami, > > Please do not feel uncomfortable about sharing and " going on " about > yourself. It is when we start putting light on all those dark places > in our life that the healing begins. These email lists and the > support groups were created to provide caring, nonjudgmental support > in a safe environment. Thanks for coming to the Vallejo meeting and > sharing with us. I'm glad you were there and I look forward to seeing > you again next month. > > > > Hugs, > > Pat B. > > > > (unknown) > > > > > > Hi all! > > I went to my second support group meeting in Vallejo last night > > and just loved all the great info I picked up. I love listening to > > all these people. They are bright, funny and articulate. I wanted > > to have everyone of them for a friend. I don't know if it is the > > fact that we have suffered many different things that brought us to > > this point but, I think people who are having and have had major > > weight issues are pretty spectacular human beings. > > I am getting excited about going to the meetings in SSF. I am > > an agoraphobic and at times have not left my room let alone my house > > for weeks at a time. I thought I would feel vulnerable and would > > have an anxiety or panic attack. I feel no threat at all. I can't > > put it into words well enough to explain just how much this means to > > me. > > I told someone last night that the reason I started out wanting > > this surgery was to get to a size more like the rest of the > > populace. I wanted to hide again. I was severly traumatized as a > > child, my abuse so horrendous I believe that is what began my weight > > loss. I remember " Roseanne " saying on Oprah one time that those who > > have suffered sexual abuse will have the pendulous stomach. I know > > that mine has been around since I started to gain weight. I only > > wieghed 200lb. at the age of seventeen when I married (at 5'10) but, > > by nineteen and after one child and one miscarriage I weighed in at > > 350. I basically stayed that weight (with losses and gains) for 15 > > years. Then I had sleep apnea and quit smoking and gained another > > 100lb without really even noticing. I was already wearing size > 30-32 > > and kept wearing that size only everything fit tighter. > > I don't want to be thin, I want to be smaller. I don't want to > > stand out anymore. I am so relieved to have been approved and am > > looking forward to time flying until surgery. > > I should really stop going on about myself. Have a blessed day > > everyone. Tami > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2002 Report Share Posted October 22, 2002 , Kaiser's requirement to lose weight before surgery has nothing to do with our attempts in the past. It is purely for health safety reasons that Kaiser wants you to lose weight (approx. 10%) before surgery. This does several things. Anything we can do before surgery to improve the strain on our hearts makes things easier for our body during surgery. By exercising before surgery, we are strengthening muscles that will assist us as we have to use our arms and legs to get up and walk right after surgery so we do not develop dangerous blood clots in our legs. Taking a strain off our heart also helps us with breathing more efficiently which helps prevent pnuemonia after surgery. And, it shows a commitment to focusing on the new life we have after surgery. Exercise and eating properly are crucial tools after surgery to be successful along with your new pouch. I felt the same way about losing weight before surgery. If I could lose weight, then I wouldn't need the surgery, right? Well, the fact is that I never had trouble losing weight. I kept losing it over and over again. This disease prevented me from keeping it off and living a healthy life. But I came to realize that if I couldn't make these adjustments before surgery, it was going to be very difficult after surgery when I didn't have much of a choice. I lost the 10% and began a commitment to exercise that I still fulfill. I am 10 months out from surgery and have lost 155lbs. The surgery works and by following the Kaiser guidelines before surgery, I came through it with no complications. Yes, there are healthplans that allow people to have surgery without the wait and requirements that Kaiser has. But I would be interested in the long term success of those patients because Kaiser has a very good track record of success because of the efforts they put in to patient education and support. Good luck and God bless you and your family, Hugs, Pat B. -----Original Message-----From: terrytianajaron Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2002 9:40 AMTo: gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients Subject: (unknown)Good morning everyone! My name is and I have been waiting to get this surgery for over a year. I have not been too good at losing my 10% and it gets a little discouraging. I know people who have had this surgery outside of Kaiser and they did not have to lose 10% before they were able to have the surgery. Just because they say to lose the weight to have the surgery all of a sudden its suppose to be so easy for us to lose the weight? This is the problem that we all have had all of our lives, to lose weight!!! I agree that they are so strict about the 10% that it makes you get angry. But...I am still trying to lose the weight. Im supposed to lose 30 to 40lbs, I lost 8 so far! Anyways it feels good to vent to others who are in the same position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2002 Report Share Posted November 25, 2002 Kathy!!! Congratulations!!! I am fine. I am done 75 pounds now! Yippee!!! See you tomorrow! Suellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2003 Report Share Posted January 8, 2003 I have had a couple of surgeries in the past and it seems to me no matter what always lost a bit of hair. So I just cut it short before and I really didn't notice it as much the last cauple of times I went in. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2003 Report Share Posted January 9, 2003 Hi there is on the fourth Sat: Post-op Support In Conference rm. 1 & 2 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. And at 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P. M. There is the case management for Pre-op patients. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 My advise would be, write it down, every word you want to say. That way you can read it over and over again before the hearing, and have it with you just in case you need to read it to the board. Be sincere with your statement. Let them know how very important this is for you. Not just because of weight loss but quality of life, particularly your health. When I started my quest for surgery I wrote a letter that laid out my history of diet failures and health issues. That would be a good start. When you write from the heart it will all come easy for you. Good Luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2003 Report Share Posted April 9, 2003 HI Cheryl, That is too bad about the error. I know it is hard enough just to get your self ready mentally about going in for the surgery but then to go and have them say it is not today. I believe there is a reason why everything happens and maybe it is in your favor that it is postponed. Just take advantage of the time to exercise a little more and follow you meal plan. That way you will have a couple of pounds less to think about losing after surgery. If I don't see you at the next Tuesday's support group the best of luck and you will be in my prayers Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2003 Report Share Posted April 9, 2003 Dear Kelsey and all Due to a clerical error, (I won't name names, but I know who they are!) my surgery has been postponed to next Wednesday. I am deeply disappointed and so many people other than me have been inconvenienced. I had everything so well arranged, now there are appointments to change, etc. Can you tell I am a little bummed??? I am trying to let the calmer me take over and accept with grace. I should calm down and believe that the fates/powers/God have everything in control and this will work out just fine. So, please still keep me in your thoughts and prayers, but the date is next Wednesday. I don't know if I can go to the support group Tuesday. Love to all of you. Cheryl (unknown) > Cheryl- > > I beleive your surgery is tomorrow. Just wanted to let you know you > are in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray that everything goes > smoothly, and please let us know how you are doing as soon as you > are able. > > Kelsey > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2003 Report Share Posted April 9, 2003 Cheryl- What a bummer!! But you are right, I believe everything happens for a reason and there is a reason for the surgery to be post-poned. Kelsey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2003 Report Share Posted April 9, 2003 cheryl, im so sorry! please keep posting and writing about your feelings ,that what were here for! Shell > HI Cheryl, > That is too bad about the error. I know it is hard enough just to get your > self ready mentally about going in for the surgery but then to go and have > them say it is not today. I believe there is a reason why everything happens > and maybe it is in your favor that it is postponed. Just take advantage of > the time to exercise a little more and follow you meal plan. That way you > will have a couple of pounds less to think about losing after surgery. If I > don't see you at the next Tuesday's support group the best of luck and you > will be in my prayers > Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2003 Report Share Posted June 6, 2003 Caltrate is Calcium Carbonate. The commonly available brand is Citrical (Calcium Citrate) but you can also find Calcium Citrate under private vitamin labels. Kaiser has Calcium Citrate in their pharmacy too. Laurie W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2003 Report Share Posted June 24, 2003 Hi Ken, I Had my Surgery On Jan 13, 2003. I was on three diabetic medications and medication for hypertension. The day after surgery all of my medications stopped. I had one small dose of insulin two days after and that is all I have had since surgery. It has been great to be off all meds. It is a long drawn out process to get to the point of surgery but it is so well worth it. When I had my surgery I weighted 318 now my weight is at 246 and I feel great and so full of energy. well I hope this helps. Ramona 1/13/2003 357/246/? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2003 Report Share Posted July 13, 2003 Curses is a really great and fun way to work out and I'm sure there is one near you. I take chewable childrens vitamins (2 a day)and they have worked really well for me . Good luck for you, Cyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2003 Report Share Posted July 13, 2003 Curses is a really great and fun way to work out and I'm sure there is one near you. I take chewable childrens vitamins (2 a day)and they have worked really well for me . Good luck for you, Cyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 Do you mean she's scheduling towards the end of the year? Or that she's the only scheduling still this year... Sorry, don't understand... THanks, Angie Thanks, I spoke with Pacific Bartirtic's yesterday and they told me that only Dr M. was scheduling to the end of the year. I hope I am lucky and get something before then. I will try and go the South area support group. I went Wednesday nite, it was a good group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 Do you mean she's scheduling towards the end of the year? Or that she's the only scheduling still this year... Sorry, don't understand... THanks, Angie Thanks, I spoke with Pacific Bartirtic's yesterday and they told me that only Dr M. was scheduling to the end of the year. I hope I am lucky and get something before then. I will try and go the South area support group. I went Wednesday nite, it was a good group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 Where at South Kaiser, ? South Kaiser is so much closer for me - I'm in Elk Grove. Laurie W. (unknown) Hi . The Pacific Bariatrics support group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 7:00 PM-9:00 PM at Pt. West (across from Cal Expo). There is also a small group that meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the South Kaiser from 7:00-8:30 PM. Wardpre-opDr. /PB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 > Where at South Kaiser, ? South Kaiser is so much closer for me - I'm in Elk Grove. The Dan Building in the Madison room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2003 Report Share Posted August 17, 2003 Thank you, too, . I don't know about brave. It feels more like silly at the time. Today, when I look back, I think it was funny. Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2012 Report Share Posted September 4, 2012 From: sean.finney@... Hi All. I am 29 yrs old 6'3 " and 530 lbs. I am considering gastric bypass surgery and I want to hear your experiences. I have read hundreds of " success stories " and have seen that most people who get this surgery end up in a euphoric " honeymoon " phase where all they can do is sing praises about the surgery. It's almost impossible to find someone who had the surgery and regrets it (or at least will admit it.) I've heard plenty of good stuff... now I want to hear the bad stuff... The surgery I am considering is either a proximal RNY gastric bypass or the Distal Gastric Bypass with Duodenal Switch. My surgeon says the Duodenal Switch would be better for me becuase I have so much weight to lose the malabsorption would help me stabalize at a lower weight. I've read about " the switch " and it seems that if you eat " fatty meals " you end up with really smelly gas and oily stools. Also.. with the switch you have 2 or 3 bowl movements a day. I dont want to have to worry about messing my pants after every meal... is this something that people who have had the duedonal switch have to battle every day? The second thing I wonder about is I have a very large " apron " hanging out front. I've been told I can have the " penniculectomy " (sp?) at the same time of the surgery. Is this a good idea... or is it better to wait? Any information will be greatly appreciated. I want to hear about the day to day struggles of dealing with the surgery from people who have had their surgery for more than 18 months. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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