Re: kris-questions for you/Stefany

[Guest guest]

Stefany -

Good to hear from you. Dr. Maguire only does the DS open. My own personal preference was open anyway -- so this worked out great for me. The reason I chose open was so that he could actually touch 'n feel all the parts he was going to work on, versus viewing them through a scope. And, I had plenty of time for the healing process. I know there are many happy with their lap surgeries -- its just a matter of personal preference. Dr. Maguire has probably done well over 1000 DS surgeries. He used to do about 70 a year and is now averaging 200 a year. He has been doing bariatric surgery for more than 20 years. He has had a handful of fatalities. He had two people aspirate vomit into their lungs -- one he was able to save, one he was not. He has also had a few pass away from pulmonary embolism (which is a risk with any major abdominal surgery). And, there was a lady who was super MO and in her 60's, who developed a leak and infection and after a lenthy hospitalization and on a ventilator, her body just shut down. There is a 1% chance of death with major surgeries, such as the DS. But, I looked at it as a 99% chance of getting my life back -- which I did, and I wish the same for you. If you have any other questions about Dr. Maguire, please feel free to ask. We also have a Dr. Maguire support group, which you are welcome to subscribe to, at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Maguire

Dr. Maguire is one of the founders of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. I believe he is one of the most brilliant of the DS surgeons, though I'm quite partial. =)

Take care -

Kris G Cincinnati, Ohio5'7", 40 years old8/22 - 283 - BMI 44.305/22 - 152 - BMI 23.8ciao to 131 lbs. & 134.25 inches in 9 monthsOpen BPD/DS 08/22/00Bowel obstruction surgery 4/21/01Dr. Maguire, Kettering OHHumanaFreedom Plus Planiwillbefit@... http://www.newlifeteams.org

My Switch Story - 9 months

Nine Months

This surgery continues to amaze me! At nine months out, I have lost 131 pounds and 134+ inches. I have gone from size 22 or 24 to 8 or 10. I am five pounds from the goal that Dr. Maguire set for me and I thought there was NO way I would come close to goal.

Its been a month since the bowel obstruction surgery. Unfortunately, I overdid it at the beginning of my recovery and am paying for it with a longer recovery this time. Please remember to always treat a new surgery like you did the first one. I also had a scare and had to have a QV lung scan. I was having pulmonary emboli symptoms (shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain [in my back lung area]) and it was a very scary experience. Fortunately, all the tests came back okay and boy, was I ever grateful for that. Even with the bowel obstruction and PE scare, I would still do this again in order to get my life back – which is exactly what this surgery has done for me.

Looking forward to feeling 100% and getting back to a good exercise routine. I think that will help a lot with the energy. I was taking vita4life vitamins (www.vita4life.net) and those worked well. I need to reorder them, so am taking the Calcium Citrate, Mega 3 and Allergy A & D from Twinlab again. I noticed when I switched them, the stool is more firm.

I still struggle with drinking regular water – but have found that Sam’s Choice (Wal-mart) carbonated water over ice, goes down well. I especially like the grapefruit, blackberry/apple and black cherry flavors.

My eating quantity shrunk a bit after the obstruction surgery, but seems to be picking up a little. When I went for my 9 month check-up, Dr. Maguire indicated I will probably go below goal and may need to eat more to keep my weight up. What a switch – and I’m not going to borrow trouble, so will only worry ‘bout it if the time comes.

Below are my monthly losses and total losses. I am thrilled to have my life back. Am very excited for everyone post-op who is doing so great! My thoughts and prayers are with those who are having to deal with complications and I hope they are feeling 100% emotionally and physically very soon. I am hopeful for all the pre-ops that they are able to experience this gift of life – it was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received and I wish the very best for each of you.

9th Month Loss

Totals

Weight

14

131

Neck

0.25

2.25

Bust

1.5

14.5

Under Bust

1

13

Left Bicep

0.5

5.75

Left Forearm

0.75

2.5

Left Wrist

0

0.5

Left Thigh

1.25

6.75

Left Knee

0.25

1.75

Left Calf

0.5

3

Left Ankle

0

1

Right Bicep

0.5

5.5

Right Forearm

0

2.75

Right Wrist

0

1

Right Thigh

1.25

7.5

Right Knee

0.5

2.25

Right Calf

0.5

3

Right Ankle

0

0.5

Waist

3.5

20.75

Stomach

1.5

24

Hips

3.25

16

0

17

134.25

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