Obesity Surgery WP Blog

Hi,
My Mom is considering having bypass surgery in Orange County California. Can
anyone help us find the best doctor available in that area?
Many thanks!
Penny

Regarding the Designer Whey protein:
“Denaturation can affect biological value (bioavilability) and may slow the
digestion and absorption of the protein.”
Isn’t bioavailability something we have to be concerned about? I thought that
poor absorption of the protein in our foods was the major reason for drinking
protein shakes to begin with? Or am I wrong?
“FarAwayDeb”

Does anybody know the details about the new law that recently went into
effect which allows us the ability to “write off” our surgeries for weight
loss as a medical expense?? when doing our taxes?? I would REALLY like to
find out the scoop on this!!! Thanx in advance from Kelley in Oklahoma who
paid for her revision when insurance wouldn’t!! (Isn’t it the biggest
BITE??) haha…
Kelley

Hi everyone,
I have finally made my first step… I called the Doctors
office to find out what I need to do next. One of my great concerns
is that since I have lost weight in the past and was not able to keep
it off longer than 6 months because I simply love to eat, then how or
will I be able to keep it off after surgery? My logic when asked this
by my husband was to say that after the surgery I won’t have a
physical choice. Right now I can simply go into the kitchen and eat
whatever I like. I may feel miserable after over indulging but I am
not physically sick. Is this reasoning I have close?
Shelly

I have had very oily hair all my life, where I had to wash it at least every
other day. In the last month or so, my hair has become super dry & “fly away”
and out of control. I’m not sure if it’s the humidity lately, if it’s a
pre-menopausal thing (I’m 47 and have some symptoms of menopause) or if I
might be deficient in something (I take iron, B-12, calcium citrate, and
multivitamins).
Has anyone else had their hair change from basically oily to very, very dry?
I had my hair highlighted last December and it looked fantastic. It needs
highlighting again, but I’m scared to have it done because it’s so dry. (And
I’m sure swimming in my pool this week isn’t helping any, but it’s over 90
degrees here this week!)
Help!
“FarAwayDeb”
lap RNY 8/2/01
337/240/<200

Greetings
I’ve finally decided I want the surgery and I’m proceeding with the research.
The problem is my primary care doctor isn’t wild about the idea. Not because of
the risks but because she knows I’ve failed at all other attempts to lose weight
and keep it off. She says you can get around this (lose then gain) just like any
other program so why go to such lengths.
My question to the post ops or anyone who has dealt with the same problem is;
why does it work when others fail?
I know they say it’s not what you’re eating but what’s eating you. I’m not sure
that’s always true but I have just started seeing a psychologist and she is pro
surgery.
Thanks for your input.
Sheri

I’m about 5 months post-op and I’ve noticed the most increadible peace of mind.
I didn’t realize how much of my psychic and spiritual energy was taken up by
worrying about my weight…feeling like a failure. It’s like a new energy has
been released!
This surgery has been such a gift in my life. I had a wonderful doctor…and a
company that provided the insurance to pay for it. I’m very blessed.
But here’s my philosophy — I only weigh myself once a month if that. Instead,
I concentrate on doing what I’m supposed to do and letting my body do what it
needs to do. In other words, getting out of the “weighing cycle” has allowed me
to stop thinking I can ‘trick’ my body into losing weight. It’s a lifetime
committment (though when I do get to my goal, I’ll weigh more often….so I
don’t go into denial)
As a lurker, I want to thank everyone who teaches me so much on this site every
day!
Happy 4th!
(more…)

My Pc hard drive desided to up and die on me. HP is going to fix is
the good news. The bad news is MY LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR THE DR WAS
ON IT :(( :((. So i would greatly appreciate it if you guys could
post or send me questions you ask or wish you had ask when you meet
with your Doc.
Also I had sometime ago sent my list to some one who ask about
question if this you PLEASE SEND IT BACK LOL.

I was wondering if anyone else has had to do self heparin injections
post op. My sister was told she has to do this for a month afterwards
(my mother is having knee surgery and has been told she too will have
to do this) she is currently 2 weeks post op.
Not too sure if I could actually stick myself twice a day for 30
days!!

Dear Friends,
My health…the saga goes on. I was admitted again to
the hospital on June18 to try to clear up this never
ending abdominal infection from a hernia surgery that
I had on March 18. I was in for three days…just
long enough for my coumadin level to come down and my
abdomin to open itself up again…ah the magic of
pressurized liquid. The surgeons also open me up a
little more. So now I come home with a gapping,
draining wound.
After I got out of the hospital my incision was quiet
for a day or two, then I was pushing on a tender area
and a jet of pus squirted and hit me in the face..YUCK
That drained copious amounts for a day. Then the
incision was quiet for another two days and I felt
(more…)