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Goals

Be in the "normal" weight range

21 People
 in progress, 
7 People
 achieved this

weigh less than 170

3 People
 in progress, 
2 People
 achieved this

be able to buy knee-high boots that zip easily over my calves!

13 People
 in progress, 
6 People
 achieved this

Fly without a seatbelt extender

2 People
 in progress, 
4 People
 achieved this

To reach my desired weight and be the person i was meant to be.

13 People
 in progress, 
1 Person
 achieved this
View Other Goals
Surgeon Testimonial

George Skrekas
Dr. Skrekas is a fine surgeon specializing in Bariatric Surgery and especially in VSG or "The Sleeve".

My first impression was excellent. He struck me as extremely knowledgeable in his field and I knew almost immediately that if I ever decided to undergo WLS he would be the one that I would want to perform it on me. Although I know other fine surgeons that perform the same procedure in the Athens area, the fact that dr. Skrekas specializes in this type of surgery was the deciding factor for me.

His staff is friendly and well-mannered, however, they are reticent about giving information or advice. I disliked one of his surgical assistants who kept trying for a long time to find a vein for the anesthesia, resulting in great pain for me. When I suggested that he put me out or give me pain medicine before continuing, he threatened to stop the operation right then and there. The truth is, I have very deeply seated veins and I saw how hard the team was struggling to find one, but the pain I was feeling did not allow me to be too forgiving at the time.

The only trait I disliked about dr. Skrekas himself, is that he is quite strict in having patients follow his directions exactly. Not a major fault since his goal is to get the patient healed as well as possible but his manner could stand to become a little less abrupt.

Dr. Skrekas gave me explicit directions in writing to follow post-op and has a structured program of exams and visits I have to go through post-op and for a year thereafter.

He was very open about the risks of surgery pre-op, without being overly discouraging. I appreciated his candid manner and the opportunity he gave me to discuss my own concerns with him.

Overall, I would rate him an excellent choice for Bariatric Surgery.

In my opinion, although a good bedside manner is highly desirable in a surgeon, his surgical competence is what counts the most in the end. After all, your life may depend on the surgeon's skill!

Member Interests

Amalia S.'s Journey

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Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I had been a yo-yo dieter. It seems I was always on one diet or the other since I was 16. I was rarely happy with myself and it seems that the few times I finally was, my other problem - MS - would raise its ugly head and send me back to where I had been before plus interest. This cycle made me nervous about having WLS. On the other hand, nothing ventured, nothing gained and the combo of MS + fat was painful and deadly. i decided to take control of the one thing I could - fat. I don't know how it will work out, but a girl can hope, can't she?
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by sunshinexoxo on 3/1/10 10:14 am
    I hope your feeling well sweetie. AS you daily recover may gods love and light beam warmly on your heart both day and night. You are in my prayers. Nadia! OH FAM :)
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amasot's Blog


A little about me...
on December 19, 2009 5:37 am
My name is Amalia, I am a 53 y.o. female Greek living in Greece and as of December 18 2009 I'm 1 or 2 months away from Gastric Sleeve surgery.

I have two major health problems.
1. At 125 kilos or 275 lbs on a 163 cm or 5' 1'' frame, I am moribidly obese. I have almost always been overweight but managed to control it more or less (an ongong struggle) until my #2 major health problem stepped in and took over.
2. I have suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for 35 years but did not know about it intil 1989 when I suddenly became semi-paralyzed and the good doctors HAD to find a reason. I have been mostly  in a wheelchair since 2000 as the temporary semi-paralysis turned into a permanent quadraparesis.
The combination of endless meds, strange treatments, overall weakness and overpowering fatigue did not curb my appetite, alas! In fact, after a three month steroid treatment in 1989, I gained 30 kilos (about 70 lbs.) which i could mever take off, just add to.
For years I have known that Bariatric Surgery is my only recourse but horror stories about failures in Gastric Bypasses frightened me too much to try. A few months ago, I heard about this new procedure - Gastric Sleeve - and met the top surgeon in Greece who does it. He accepted me as a patient and we are now in the prep stages for the big day, which is only 1 or 2 months away, depending on approval from the insurance.
Both my surgeon and my neurologist assure me that things will be better after I lose the weight and I have no reason to doubt them. Nonetheless, as someone who has been in and out of hospitals all my life, I know that no surgery was made in heaven and I expect to have at least a few problems of adjustment. Since my mother died just two months ago, I have only my husband to lean on now in times of trouble and although he is very suppportive, it worries me.
I go to this thing with mixed feelings, plenty of hope and gritting my teeth to withstand the obstacles of the journey until my goal is achieved.
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