Obesity Surgery WP Blog

Hi, Dawn!
Dr. Schauer is also my surgeon. I live north of Pittsburgh, and I
had my surgery December 17, 2001. I’ve lost 113 pounds so far and
couldn’t be happier that I had my RNY.
I waited a long time for Dr. Schauer to do my surgery, and it was the
best decision I ever made in my life. He is the absolute tops in
every way, personally and professionally. His concern and
consideration for me were a wonder considering how busy he is. He
genuinely cares about his patients and gets a real charge out of
seeing lives change because of his intervention. The nurses who work
in the clinic have all had the surgery as well, so they can relate
and can also be tough on us when the need arises. I called Cheryl
the other day about an illness (I have a virus), and she was so
understanding and encouraging. She made me feel better about my
situation right away.
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On 08/22/2002 at 5:42:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time slompashirt@…
wrote:
<<How does the surgeon determine how much of the small intestine to bypass.
Does it depend on how much you need to lose? Does this have an affect on
your ability to keep the weight off long term? Are there more side effects with
more intestine bypassed?
My insurance company dictated the precise procedure my doctor was allowed to
perform. I’m in California and I have HealthNet. Others may have difference
experiences.

Hi,
I’m having some pain right in the center of my chest between my
breasts. I’ve never had heartburn before but this is kind of a
burning sensation so I’m wondering if that’s what it is. I had this
for a few days maybe a month ago and now I’ve had it for the last few
days once again. Has anyone else had this? Any ideas on what it
could be or what could help with it? I’ve eaten some corn on the
cobb lately which is something new, but otherwise I’m doing the same
things. I have my 6 month post-op appt (lap RNY) in September so
I’ll ask the doctor about it then. Its really not unbearable, just a
nuisance.
Thanks for any thoughts on this,
Mary Ann

Hello,
I was just wondering if people chat in this groups chat room I have
been in several times and seem to be the only one in there… Maybe
my system is not set up right…
Have a great day or night..
Cindyloo
pre-op 349.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go forward with this
new journey! I had an open RNY 8/15/01 and have lost 92 lbs…approx
8 to 10 lbs more to go and WOW, how my life has changed - and its’
all been POSITIVE! My surgeon has been extremely pleased with my
progress, and while I am not perfect, I have tried to do the right
thing…just really have to watch my sugar intake…and every now and
then, what I ate last week may not agree with me this week, but I
seem to find that out right away! Everything in moderation! You
will read posts about staying on a soft diet, solid foods, pre-
surgery cleansing tonics and the like and your best bet is to LISTEN
LISTEN LISTEN to what your surgeon tells you. I too had to take the
Citrate and planned on staying home that afternoon - which was a good
idea!
It has been an interesting year to say the least and I for one feel
very fortunate that I made this change in my life. I can’t say often
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Hi gang, its Dawn Im back but I had to share this as the experiece is so new to
me…yesterday after having the summer off as Im a school bus driver, I had at
least 6 people come up to me and tell me how good I looked and that they no
longer recongized me, well that sure made me feel good…Then today I went to
my orthopedic surgeon, and he told me how good I looked and how proud he was of
me, he hardly got any fluid out of my knee today, but he did give me a darn
cortisone shot, ouch I really hate those…but I have this big smile on my face
and I am feeling so successful and so very grateful….I also realize that when
I sit now I can feel my hip bones that has NEVER happened before.. I sit to long
and I got to squirm to stop the chair from digging….this feeling is so
wonderful I hope all of us to have it soon…I am so thankful for this group
and my new life…
Dawn, Dr. Schaurer, Pittsburgh
April 3, 2002 307

After several months of research, thought, & prayer I’ve decided to
have a RNY bypass. I see the surgeon on 10/29 (Dr Joseph Collela,
Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. I hope I can get a date
by years end. I look forward to any advice & encouragement you can
offer.

Hello,
My name is Cindyloo and I just got my surgery date… So excited, but
also very nervous as all of you most likely felt.. I have asked
around what to eat post-op and what to take for the hospital stay…
Any suggestions will be most helpful to me… Also my hubby is away
on a remote assignment so I will be in hospital mostly by myself. My
parents are coming in for the Surgery to help with my three kids.
But kind of worried about getting around while in Hospital.. Any
suggetons on that would help too…
Well thanks in advance for your support and your knowledge on what
you did to get thru…..
My surgery will be in Wichita Falls TX….
Smiles,
Cindyloo…

Hi all,
I just read the post about supplemental protein and I have a question (please
bear with me if it’s dumb… I just had surgery Aug. 9th)- my dr. says to get as
much protein in as possible (right now it’s in the form of babyfood meats and
milk added to nonfat cream soups- gotta love the full liquid diet) but not a lot
of calories. I’ve heard so much about defeating WLS with high calorie liquids
and foods that I’m scared of taking in too much, and I’m stuck- on one side a
good tasting protein drink sounds perfect, the other side says there’s too many
calories. What’s a girl to do? Any advice would be appreciated!!! Thanks.
Sarah T.

Hi All,
My name is Sharon and I am scheduled for an open Rny with Dr. Naaman
in Houston, Texas on September 18th at noon. Please keep me in your
thoughts and prayers for a safe procedure and speedy recovery!
I’ll be at the Houston patient conference this Saturday. Hope to
meet some of you there.
Thanks.
Sharon
Scheduled Rny 9/18/02