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Goals

Lose 20 lbs while I wait for surgery approval

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this
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Surgeon Testimonial

Jim Valentine, M.D.
I had seen Dr. Valentine when my friend had him do a gastric bypass two years ago, so I knew he was nice, but was surprised when he came in all business, barely introduced himself, & did not shake my hand, either coming or going! rnNot a great first impression, & I started second guessing my choice! They do an open informational seminar with a video of an actual surgery though, & I wanted my husband to see & hear what I was going to go through, so we went. What a change to get the doctor out of the confines of the office! He was personable, but the icing on the cake came when my husband actually walked out of the room and FAINTED in the hall during the surgery video! Dr. Valentine and his nurse Annie got him juice, monitored his pulse, iced his face & neck, treating him kindly - assuring him this was not unusual, & had him laughing at stories of other things that have happened at various past seminars. When we got back in the room Dr. Valentine pulled out pictures of his daughter's track meet! Absolutely different from the office visit, and I imagine the \"all Business\" tone was in regard to the seriousness of what I am about to undertake. In subsequent visits he has been relaxed, and fun to talk to. I am THRILLED to have him as my Doctor! Every one of his office staff is awesome, too! It is obvious they work well together, and each add their own unique personality to a helpful and pleasant office visit. I highly recommend Dr. Valentine!
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Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by bobbalooie5169 on 1/27/08 9:16 am
    I just want to thank you for being my angel. You really do fit the role. I will be thinking of your success tomorrow as i go to sleep for my big life change. Hope I make you proud!
  • Comment by KimmyGee on 9/9/07 8:13 am
    You have come a long way and been through a lot of heartbreak getting to this point. Though we have only known each other for a short period of time, I am so very proud of you and the strong woman you have become! I wish you a speedy recovery (then me), so we can help keep each other healthy and accountable! Remember, the seat next to you on the loser's bench is reserved for ME! See you soon doll -- you're going to do GREAT! Love ya. ~ Kim
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I am 53, been overweight most of my life, and became a grandma in Febuary. If I don't do this surgery, family history tells me I will not live long enough to see this grandson graduate!  I have finally taken the leap to see a surgeon about a gastric bypass!  I am elated, as everything I have seen about this surgery points to it being the one thing that can actually bring results that last! The journey begins...

Charlotte's Blog
Charlotte's Blog


2 years out
on December 6, 2009 6:30 pm
I have not been on this board for quite some time, but felt the desire to update as the holiday's approach again! What a wonderful journey this weight loss has been! I am now 2 years and 3 months post op, have lost 103lbs, and have been maintaining a goal weight of 142.
I am off all medication for high blood pressure, and no longer see a chiropractor for back pain! I now maintain a closet with only ONE size of clothes in it, and can shop in regular clothing stores instead of "plus size". Would I do it again? Yes, yes YES!

Best wishes to all of you who are on the journey, as well as those of you still contemplating it!
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I Have a Surgery Date!!!
on August 31, 2007 4:11 pm
I am so excited I could scream - Dr. Valentine's office called to inform me Blue Cross/ Blue Shield has approved me for the RYGB! After all the waiting, I can hardly believe the "yes" answer came! I have my pre-op on the 5th, and my surgery is Sept. 11th. After the anticipation, the reality that I am really going to get to do this is kind of scary!
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My Story

I am a 53 year old  who was slim as a child, but started gaining weight after I left school and got a sit down job. With my first child there was a divorce for both myself and my parents, and I turned to food for comfort, a journey that has continued through a 2nd marriage, three kids and one grandson. I went into menopuase early in life (age 38) and from then on the yo-yo dieting has been a never ending battle! I've tried every diet plan out there, did the medically supervised Opti-Fast twice, lost and regained over 100 lbs, and put my self- esteem in the toilet!

 In 1991 my mother and I sat in the hospital and watched my grandmother fade away from a stroke, and we both vowed that would never happen to us, because we were gonna beat this overweight /high blood pressure issue! On Feb 28th, 2006, my mother (who did not lose any weight afer watching her mother die) had a stroke just weeks after her 70th birthday. For weeks I helped the nursing home feed her, change her diapers, and get her up for PT, before she had a 2nd stroke March 17th and died. I was shocked and so hurt that she did not live to be 100 like we both said we would, but more than that, my son made me a grandma this year, and and it really hit home that I am in my 50's, and in the worst shape of my life...

Two years ago a friend had a Gastric Bypass, and I have watched with envy as she went from 365 to 240 lbs in less than a year! I finally bit the bullet and went to see Dr. Valentine in May of this year for a consult. Blue Cross/ Blue Shield just approved me for surgery, and I am going in on Sept. 11th. I am looking forward to gaining this tool for a permanent new lease on life!