New Member, Chicago area
Hi,
I wanted to introduce myself, and hopefully get some advice, both
good and bad. Well hopefully all the advice is good advice, but I
want to hear the pro’s and con’s of the surgery.
I am a 30 year old female, my bmi is 53. I have no real health
conditions at this time, other than lack of energy, shortness of
breath with exertion and sore back/knees feet.
I have tried all the diets, weight watchers, slimfast, atkins, etc.
I have done the best with atkins, but like all the others once I go
off the diet, I gain it all back plus more.
I’m at a point in my life where I realized dieting just isn’t the
answer, and I don’t want to be like this anymore.
I’m calling to make an appt with my dr to talk to him about the
surgery, and was hoping for some good ammunition I can use if need
be, since I have HMO insurance and need his referal.
I’m in the chicagoland area, but would be interested in hearing what
anyone and everyone has to say, either here on the list, or
privately at kristy@…
Also if anyone knows of any good webpages/books to read for research
would be greatly appreciated!
thank you!
Kristy
July 30th, 2004 at 9:30 pm
Kristy,
Welcome! I can tell you from my own experience that this surgery is a
Godsend! I feel ten years younger and I’m doing things that I never thought
I would do again. I’m riding my horses again and I can get on without a step
stool! I can run up stairs and without even getting out of breath. I can go
on hour long hikes through the woods and even up and down hill. I walked
around Universal Studios one day and Disney World the next and wasn’t even
tired the next day! I’m a year out and already at my surgeon’s goal
weight….I say surgeon’s because I would like to lose 5 more pounds
myself….lol. My hubby had the surgery too and we both would do it again in
a heartbeat. We had a distal RNY open with Dr. Spier in Springfield Ohio and
neither of us had any complications to speak of. I was lactose intolerant
for a time, but can handle dairy in moderation now. I still have to watch my
sugar content but I can do up to 20 grams of sugar now with no problem…so I
stay away from sweet desserts, but other than that I eat whatever I want. As
far as amounts of food I eat like any thin person does now….1/2 sandwich
for lunch…. and my hubby and I always split a meal when we go out for
dinner. We live normal lives whatever that may be…lol…it seems like we
keep redefining normal :0).
As far as helpful websites, check out www.obesityhelp.com. They are a wealth
of information and you can search for a surgeon, read what his previous
patients have to say about their experience, and they have links to websites
that have great info about the different types of surgery.
Good luck on this wonderful journey! If you have specific questions, please
ask…I would be happy to answer.
Vicki
open RNY 6/28/01
140# and loving life!