ObesityHelp - Gastric Bypass, LAP-BAND® System, DS and Other Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options.

Username: Thumper1
Location: Eagle River, AK, USA
Member Since: 2/14/2006
BMI: 39.6
Post Op
Surgery Type: RNY (06/05/06)
Surgeon: Michael A. Todd, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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Kilt Uploaded on 2/20/08 11:19 am	New Tattoo Uploaded on 2/20/08 11:18 am
Shaka Bra! Uploaded on 11/6/07 2:06 pm	Look Ma, it fits! Uploaded on 6/27/07 2:41 pm
Two generations of service Uploaded on 6/27/07 2:41 pm	Service Uploaded on 6/26/07 12:18 pm

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Surgeon Testimonial

Michael A. Todd, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Todd is a straight shooter who tells it like it is. He doesn't sugar coat anything, and is very open talking about both the pros and cons of the surgery. Dr. Todd has a way of describing a complicated surgery like the RnY in layman's terms without belittling his patients or making you feel stupid. Although I have not personally asked him, he appears to be a man of faith by his mannerism and the way he carries himself. My first impression of him was that he is confident, but not arrogant concerning his profession. His only shortcoming would be that he always seems to be in a hurry. He needs to slow down and take some time to stop and smell the roses IMHO.

Member Interests

Computer Games - Counterstrike Source
Model Rocketry - I hope to get level 1 and 2 certified.
Outdoor - Shooting! I love to shoot rifles, shotguns, and handguns
Backpacking - I love to hike. Much easier to do Post-Op
Scuba & Snorkeling - Certified PADI Divemaster.
Hunting - Moose, Deer, Caribou, and small game.
Rock - AC/DC Rocks! I play guitar and own an SG just like Angus's
Computer Technician - System Administrator/Database Administrator
Sport Fishing - I fish for trout, salmon, and halibut.
Coast Guard - USCG Active Duty retired. Semper Partus!

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Latest Surgery Support Comments

Comment by Gina L. on 12/3/07 2:01 pm

I know this is a little late, but I hope everything went as planned. Here's wishing you a very quick recovery time and healing thoughts! Hugz, Gina L

Comment by rainesmom on 12/3/07 10:04 am

Lots of prayers headed your way for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

Comment by Jenn ;-) on 12/3/07 9:37 am

My friend, my rock....you are always in my thoughts and prayers, even more so today. Lots of love...your friend JennWA

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Bob's Journal

Under the kinfe again...
on November 29, 2007 11:44 am

I was scheduled for my hernia operation on Monday immediately after meeting with the surgeon. I'll be going under the knife again on Dec 3rd. I really like this doc; he took the time to explain everything to me, including that I am at a higher risk for infection due to the extra skin around my abdomen. He also told me he may have to sever a nerve if he thinks it will give me problems later, but I shouldn't experience any loss of sensation "down there." Dear God I hope not...

We also discussed me having a panniculectomy. He said I was an excellent candidate for the surgery and that he'd be willing to perform the procedure with a few conditions; I must be at goal weight (my goal not surgeon's goal) and I have to have stabilized my weight for at least six months. This guy is not a PS, but is a board certified general surgeon. He has performed the procedure 20 times and claims all of his patients have been happy with the results. I'm going to do a little detective work and see if I can't smoke out one of his patients. Not that I don't trust the guy, but I'd like to hear the word straight from the horses mouth, if you know what I mean. So I'm at least a year away from having a panni, but the good news is that it won't cost me a cent if this guys does it.

I very much ill at ease with being cut on again. I don't know why. I wasn't this nervous with my RnY and this is an outpatient procedure. I wish I didn't have to go through with the hernia repair, but I am in too much pain to keep going without it. I also have had to give up weight lifting for the time being.

Please keep me in prayer...

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Appointment with surgeon
on November 16, 2007 6:20 pm

I have an appointment on Monday the 26th for a pre-op consult at the hospital on Elmendorf AFB. Many of my friends have recommended that I look into having a tummy tuck done at the same time since they'll be stitching up muscle anyway. When I told the med tech that I had lost more than 160 lbs and have a lot of excess skin around my abdomen, she changed the Dr that I am going to see. She told me that this Dr is the only one in the hospital that performs "that kind of procedure." I assume he is a PS. We'll have to see what he says...

Charlie continues to get worse. He can barely stand up without falling over now. He has trouble going potty. I fear that I am only prolonging the inevitable. I am so torn up that I can't think straight. I took the day off work because I worked on Veteran's day and I'm having trouble concentrating anyway. Anytime I have a few moments to myself, I start to cry. I haven't slept but three hours in the last two nights. I'm asking for prayers for God to guide me in the tough decisions that lie ahead.

But I want to end this post on a happy note. I made an appointment today to have an arm band tattoo done. It is set for Saturday Dec 1st, but I am on the artist's list of people to call if there is a cancellation. I was going to wait until I was at goal to do this, but I figure I have earned the right to treat myself to something just for me. I am getting a Celtic knot design for the arm band with my Scottish family crest in the middle. The artist said it is going to be really cool! I'll post pics after I have it done.

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It's official
on November 14, 2007 5:58 pm

I have a hernia on my right side. I need surgery. Great... I really don't want to go under the knife again.

Charlie continues to get stronger and gain weight, but he has trouble standing up and walking. I really don't know what kind of quality of life he will have.

This is not how I wanted to kick off the holiday season...

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People Suck...
on November 12, 2007 8:47 pm

So me and the wife decide to go to my surgeon's gala. It was a cowboy black tie ball. I'm glad I went; I got two free beer mugs, had some good food and got to see my before and after video the doc had shot of me. I also got to dance with my beautiful wife. But other than the Dr's staff, only two people bothered to come by and say hello. A guy I used to sit next to at SGM's walked by me twice and didn't say boo-peep. Other folks I had known from the doc's message board were completely aloof. Screw 'em. I have enough problems of my own to have to worry about anyone else's.

I had an ultra sound scan last week. The technician was pretty sure he detected a hernia. I'm calling my PCP tomorrow to ask if the results are back yet. This could mean going under the knife again. I'm not looking forward to that...

I went back to the gym tonight after not going for a month due to work and other commitments. Boy did I feel it! I am a complete wimp. I could only finish three sets where I usually do four or five. I also had to back off on the weight on a few of the exercises. I hope I have not totally lost what I worked so hard to achieve in the last year. I'm going to try really hard to go every day this week.

If there is any good news it would be that Charlie is reacting well to his medication. He's a lot stronger and is eating and drinking on his own. But he still has a hard lean to the left and has difficulty moving around. Only time will tell...

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General Ramblings
on November 6, 2007 2:07 pm

I had an appointment with my surgeon today, although I didn't get to see him. He throws a gala ball ever year for his weight loss patients and I guess they want up to date info on everyone for the slide show and video clips that are shown during the event. They wanted to take my picture today and I just didn't feel like having my picture taken. You'd have thought I took a crap in the punch bowl. The nurses tried to goad me into it saying "The Dr. will take it out on us if you don't let us take your picture." Sorry ladies; not my problem. I don't ever remember signing a waiver to the effect that I must pose for a photo at any time for the surgeon. I was feeling fat and ugly and I didn't want my picture taken. Period. Get over it. I did let them shoot some video of me getting up on the examination table though. They like to do a before and after comparison.

I have lost a total of five frigg'n pounds since my last visit in August. Yippie skippie. That sucks. I am beginning to think that these last 37 lbs are just not going to come off regardless of what I do.

While I was gone on my business trip, my dog Charlie took a turn for the worse. He hasn't been well for some time now, but it would appear that he had the canine equivalent of a stroke. His head drops to one side and he can barely get up. His eye on that side has dropped. He won't eat or drink. I have to pick him up and carry him outside. we took him to the vet last night and she gave us a steriod to try. If he doesn't show any signs of improvement in 48 hours then the recommendation is that we put him down. He is suffering and I can't bear to watch it. He has been such a wonderful companion for more than ten years now. I feel like I am losing my best friend...

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