New + need advice

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post. You sound like a great group of people.

Having dealt with weight problems all my life, I find comfort in your

success. I'm at 317 today, down from 330. I have been trying sooo

hard to lose. Every time I do, more sneaks back on.

I have been doing a lot of reading and listening to WLS group posts

about the different surgical options and the risks of each.

I have finally decided on the BPD/DS. Of course the surgeons are

out of plan for me, so I am trying to arm myself with knowledge and

prepare for battle. The " side effects " of the RNY are just not

acceptable.

I wanted share my 1st step with everyone today. I have been

considering surgery for a while now, but I was unsure how to approach

my family about it. Would they think I was trying to take the easy

way out(my DH has always been thin and muscular)...that I just

haven't tried hard enough...that I " should " be able to limit my

calories to ensure loss...that I don't work hard enough to burn it

off. My wonderful husband has successfully conquered his

alcoholism...so I should be able to conquer this. That's what I

thought and just figured they did too.

I finally got up the nerve to tell him my plans. What a shocker!

He grabbed me and hugged me long and hard. Then said " You know that

I love you..no matter what. " " But, if you think this will make you

feel better, then go for it. " Then he wiped my tears.

This was such an incredibly big weight lifted from my shoulders.

(I should go weigh myself an see if I lost any

As I sit here typing this the florist just delivered a bouquet of

RED ROSES from " Your Husband and Son " now I'm crying again!

This is the strength I needed to push forward. Married 16 years

and I still don't have that man figured out.

Now for the Questions: I've made an appointment with my PCP for

Wed...eeek (if I was dying I'm sure I would have had to wait longer)

I have my diet history and a whole folder of DS info to take along.

ANY ADVICE FOR MY 1ST VISIT? I need to persuade her to give me

a referral for an out-of-network Dr. who can perform the DS surgery.

I like what I have read about Dr. Gagner's group and they are

only 6 hours away from here. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

If anyone out there is listening I would really appreciate your

input.

What criteria did you use to decide? Were you happy with your

decision? Who do you feel is the best?..easiest to get an appt.with?

most experienced? etc. etc. They all seem so great from the web

pages I've read. I will be greatful for any info on Dr. Gagner,

Dr. Herron, Dr. Inabnot, or Dr. Pomp.

DO I NEED to have my Dr. selected for the referral (if I get it)

or can it just be a GENERAL REFERRAL to the DR.GAGNER SURGICAL GROUP?

Thanks so much for the ear and letting me ramble on.

Peg Galloup ~goatpal~

BMI 55

goatpal@...

galloup@...

__________________________________________________