For the Pre-ops

[Guest guest]

I have been trying to think of a way I could most contribute to this

list. I thought about sending results of my perpetual research. I

decided against that. I thought about sending more updates on my

progress. I will continue to do that from time to time. It is

incredibly tempting to regurgitate all I have found onto you. But, it

would rob you of the victory attained from of doing it yourself. So,

the conclusion I came to was my initial one. RESEARCH, RESEARCH

RESEARCH. Research all prodedures so that you can speak intelligently

with anyone when you are approached with their opinions. When you

think you are done, research some more. Use your contacts, printed

and electronic media, anything else you can think of. Get creative. I

suggest you study, at the minimum, for three months. Goto the public

library and peruse some of the medical journals. The New England

Journal of Medicine, JAMA, etc are good ones. These more respected

journals are available online, but you will be charged a

fee...sizable in many cases. And some are not assesible to laymen.

Make more than the required 10 contacts. Find people who share your

commonalities. (age, weight, comorbidities, etc.) Talk to those who

have had major complications and reversals. If you don't know who

they are, ASK. Some won't be on this list, but you can be pointed in

their direction. The information is there for the taking. But, you

may have to sift through to differientiate between some extraneous

info and some people. Not everyone on this list is here to assist

you. Some are here to detract and perpetuate personal agendas. It

will be up to you to recognize them.

Take the time to do some mental work. This is a huge lifestyle

change. If you have a history of depression, mood disorders, etc.,

address those now with a professional if necessary. Talk to clergy,

get some prayer warriors to pray for you as you make this decision if

you are spiritually inclined. If you have an eating disorder, such as

bulimia, anorexia, or any combination of the two, please DONT proceed

until you have a handle on that. Long term bulimics have messed up GI

systems, and they are at a higher risk for certain complications. If

binge eating is a problem now, it will remain after surgery. Some

suffer from head hunger and have done themselves harm.(staple line

disruption that led to a leak, vomiting, etc.)

Dr R will only approve those who are very informed, in addition to a

measure of mental and emotional toughness. High anxiety won't be

received well. If you have any degree of uncertainty regarding your

decision, you should do more research, or " pass " . I am sure he has

gotten even more strict now...and rightly so. If you have questions

on some places to look for information, you may email me personally.

I will try to direct you to consumer friendly information unless you

are medically sophisticated.

I researched this procedure for eight months prior to my surgery

date. I researched all other methods for two years. I am EXTREMELY

happy with the decision I have made. Unless you can exihibit a high

degree of confidence, your candidacy will be questioned. Email me

personally if I can be of assistance.

le

four months post op

-60 pounds

272/212/124