My surgery was 4/30/13.  I stayed in the hospital two days.  They get you up and walking, this is very important because you want to keep your respiratory open and prevent blood clots, plus the walking helps to deal with the pain, trust me.  The first day was rough, but the nurses were very encouraging and helpful and the more I walked, the stronger I became.  Robyn, be strong, just think of the goals you made for yourself, when you get there you will be able to say you did it and with God's help, you can!  Read Philippians 4:13:  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" to encourage you and surround yourself with people who love you and support you in your journey.    I think what would also help you if you seek out a support group in your area for bariatric patients who have had the RNY procedure.  That way, there will be someone local to cheer you on and help you in your new life.  I just joined a support group and can't wait to attend my first meeting.  I will be going for my two-week weigh-in on Monday, and I will be praying for you while you are in surgery and during this new life we have chosen.  You can always drop me a line to let me know how you are doing, and again-YOU GO GURL!!!!!

The Darkqueen64

Hi Robyn!  I just had the gastric sleeve on 4/30/13 and I know where you are at.  You are going through the mental struggle I went through because lets face it, this is a very serious procedure to achieve weight loss and you are naturally concerned about your well being and life afterward.  Just relax and be reassured that when you chose this journey, you reached a point where you are taking back your life and getting in control.  Kind of like hitting the restart on the computer, you are restarting your life from the madness of crash diets, fitness fads and insanity.  I went through a little anxiety, but I began to pray and ask God to give me peace and take me through the surgery and recovery and remind me of the responsibility I have to live my best life.  Robyn, you will be fine, and  I applaud you for taking the step to take control of your life, and think of it this way, we who have gone through bariatric surgery are some pretty brave souls, because we made a life choice for us!  Many people struggle just to decide what to wear each day, but we chose to go through countless insurance hurdles, out of pocket expenses, classes and the like to live our lives free of chronic illness, pain and a lifetime of bondage.  I pray God gives you the peace you need and remember, follow your doctor's recommendations to the letter, including diet, exercise and keep your appointments and you will be successful.  YOU GO GURL!!!!!!

I am on my 6 year journey with my lap band and I am doing GREAT. 

I haven't been on here in a long time but I am going on...My walking isn't as much because I have had 2 hip replacements so I can't walk as far as I used to.

Congrats to you for acknowledging that you need to get back on track!  You CAN do it.  I have "fallen" off the wagon many times over the past 8.5 yrs and got back on.  Once you do, you feel like a million bucks!  Good luck!!!

JA

I have schedule an appt with Fairfield county Bariatric. I have an appointment on 04/01. When i spoke with the receptionist she said I may not qualify because i do not have any other symptoms like high blood pressure. They are going to send me for sleep apnea testing, but I doubt that I have sleep apnea although I do snore really loudly so I've been told .

My question is what do you have to have in order to qualify? My BMI is 41.2 does Husky require that plus high blood pressure, diabetes, ect? Should I also go see my doctor in advance?

Thanks.  Looking forward to the update.  I think he is there until the end of this month :(.  I miss this month's support group, and really wanted to go to wish him the best.  He's an awesome doctor and person!

JA

He'll NEVER give you a hard time; that's not him at all.  He'll be his encouraging self, something no other doctor has the ability to do.  He truly is one of a kind!  I'm hoping to make it to support group to say good bye and wish him the best in March.  I hope he'll go to that one.  He's usually at all of them.

Good luck at your appt.  You'll get back in the swing of it once you are on the mend.  Just always remember, he gave us a "gift" - he calls it a tool; I call it a gift!

Best,

JA

Hi John,

I know this is an older post, but I wanted to reach out to you and tell you that you would be making the best decision of your life if you chose to have the surgery.  Life will be totally different and will actually be "fun" again.

Yes, food will always be your demon, but with the right counseling and diet, you can do it.  I hope you will post and let us know what you decided.

JA

8.5 yrs out - Lap RNY - 100lbs FOREVER!

I too got a phone call and letter.... I too heard that he is opening his own practice in PA ... I will certainly miss him as I am 4 years post-op and worry about who I will see after he is gone.  He is "top notch" in my book ... hard shoes to fill!  I do wish him all the best in his move. Fortunately, I was able to get in to see him before he leaves.

I understand he is going into private practice with a college friend in New Jersey.  I am so upset as well.  I just had my 8.5 year follow up with him, as I missed my summer appt.  I'm glad I went.  I'm hoping he will be at March's support group and we have an opportunity to wish him well.

JA