ObesityHelp

Hi

I'm living in alaska.  Fort Richardson, I hope u are a good night. okis.

I'm looking for an Alaskan friend to chat with. I'm 3yrs post op. I live in Indiana. Thanks for your time.

I had my Gastric Sleeve done in San Antonio, Texas 12-14-2010 by Dr. Rajajoshawalla. In January 2010 I was at 300lb, Day of surgery 219 (5 ft tall) and today I'm at 125 lb. It did run with hospital about $40,000.00. I can say this has worked for me other than developing a body image issue with all my loose skin..think I should keep the skin as a reminder.

I hope things are working out for you, if you would like, I run a support group for weight loss patients and we have many people who are military and went through the process using tricare at BACH. we meet the 2nd and 4th wednesday of the month at the Fairbanks Cancer Treatment Center. the next meeting is this wed, the 9th of Nov. at 7:00PM. we wouild be more that happy to answer any questions you have or talk about the surgery with you, or you could email me. if you would like to talk to my wife, who is 3 years out from surgery next month, email us and we will give you the phone number.

Andrew Harkness

andrewharkness@gci.net

 Dr Searles is great, but he has no bedside maner what so ever, and no after-care program at all.  I just winged it and did fine without his help!  I had surgery (lapband) in 08' at 250 pounds and a size 22, these days I'm about 115 pounds and a size 0!!  He is easy to work with and will tell you just what to do, and the hoops you have to jump thru for TriCare are minimal, the hardest part is the Psych Eval and finding someone local to actually DO it!

Kari

i am seriously considering flying to mexico and having the surgery done by dr alvarez.  due to insurance probably not covering this procedue because it's "so new".  but i definately am partial to have the sleeve over the lapbad or gastic bypass.  good luck in your journey!   

thanks so much !!! if you're in Anchorage, we should hang out !!!! 

congratulations !!! you are in GREAT hands !!! Dr. Searles is awesome. I'm glad you didn't go for the lap band- so much contraversy over that, besides it does not work that well.  Good for you !!!! 
Debra Williams (had my RNY with Dr. Searles @ 4 months ago)

I am just getting started and am interested in the sleeve.  Has anyone in the area had this procedure?  If so, which surgeon did you use?  It doesn't seem like we have a huge selection and I would like to know if anyone would recommend flying outside to have the surgery?

Thanks!
Gina

AHH, I know I am going to California, for my possible RNY or Gastric Sleeve. There is a possiblity for October or November 2011.  A much needed vacation, I geuss, I have been saving my leave time. So i have it covered.

Long story why. I am just so happy and excited about it. I just have left is blood work.

I know about the guys being in the feild I have a few people there.