Before & After

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Goals

Be able to keep up with my two boys

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this

have super energy

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this

have a flat stomach

3 People
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this

have one chin..not two

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this

get calves small enuf to wear boots

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this
View The Goals Page
Surgeon Testimonial

Daniel Cottam M.D.
Dr. Cottam seemed very quiet yet confident. I asked Dr. Cottam how many RNY he had performed and he told me over 1,000. My consult appointment lasted about 3 hours. I saw the dietician, the psychologist, the exercise physiologist, the insurance specialist, attended a short video question/answer session and then saw Dr. Cottam. The thing I liked least is I felt each phase of my consult appointments was very rushed so I was unable to absorb as much as I would have liked with regard to information regarding my surgery. Aftercare was never discussed, I hope it WILL be discussed at the time of my surgery? All Dr. Cottam's personnel are great EXCEPT for the office gals that answer the phone. They are rude, snippy and unhelpful, they put so much effort into NOT helping me when I call that they end up making their own jobs more difficult. As an example I made approximately 15 calls JUST trying to get a copy of my labs that ONLY went to Dr. Cottams office. His receptionist told me to contact the lab in Reno. The lab in Reno told me to contact my PCP in Elko, my PCP told me he didnt order the labs so he doesnt have a copy so I should contact Dr. Cottam in Salt Lake City. I again called Dr. Cottam's office and was told that the gal who had my labs was off that day. I called back the next day and she was out of the office. After a few days, I called again and they told me that they couldnt find my file so I should call my PCP. I told them I had already jumped through all those hoops and all I wanted was a copy of my labs, they told me they couldnt give me a copy of my labs (I even offerred to fax them a signed Release of Medical Records Form. Eventually, the best I could get out of them was to have their onstaff nurse read my cholesterol levels to me over the phone. I NEVER DID GET A COPY OF MY LABS!!! There are a couple of days during the week that certain people you may need to speak with are off. I havent figured out exactly what their schedules are but it is tricky trying to contact some of the staff. rnrnAfter surgery I have this to say...anyone who chooses doctor Cottam...I feel he knows his stuff BUT, if you have any questions of this man, you better grab onto his arm and not let loose until you are done because its very difficult to get this man to sit still for a couple of questions. He will literally walk out of the room while you are in mid sentence and not answer your questions. But I have to rationalize that his arrogance, is tolerable since, he is the guy who trains other doctors to perform gastric bypass and he is the goto guy for gastric bypasses that need to be redone.
Member Interests
  • Cats - Have 1 that I found as a stray
  • Dogs - Have 1 adopted from the pound
  • Writing - Ive been told I have a knack
  • Adoption - I adopted my grandsons.
  • Dancing - Havent done much dancing lately..looking forward to it.
  • Jewely Making - I dabbled in jewelery making
  • Grandchildren - Five altogether
  • Cake Decorating - I love to make practical joke cakes...out of foam rubber, balloons, or cake pan
  • 4-Wheelers - We live in the bojacks so 4 wheeling is required and fun
  • Fishing Boats - Love to fish

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by SandiBG on 7/21/09 12:54 pm
    Good luck Gina! I hope you heal superfast!~ Sandi
Click here for the surgery support page
Hi, Im Gina.  I live in Spring Creek Nevada.  I am married and raising my two grandsons ages 8 and 11.  Im a housewife.  Im hoping after surgery I will have enough energy to engage in social activities with my grandsons. 
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My Story

I've been overweight all my life.  I know nothing else.  Overweight has always been normal for me.  Now that Im older, my weight is taking its tole on my health.  My hips hurt, I have no energy, I have trouble sleeping.  I made a couragious decision to have RNY gastric bypass.  I visited Dr. Cottam in Salt Lake City and he tells me...YOUR GOING TO LOSE 100 LBS WHETHER YOU DO EVERYTHING RIGHT...OR WHETHER YOU DO EVERYTHING WRONG!  I was stymied.  I cant even phathom me 100 lbs lighter.  I cant imagine in my wildest dreams, wearing anything smaller than a size 20.  I cant imagine having enough energy to do multiple things throughout the day without a rest.  These days I rest before I do anything..wash dishes, vacuum, shop..etc. 

My surgery is set for July 21, 2009...and Im scared, not of the surgery (although I should be), Im afraid of being thin...its just seems so very NOT NORMAL to me.  But Ive made up my mind that I will put my faith and trust in the skills of my doctor and just take it one day at a time. 

For now, I am stressing on the 7 day fast that I must accomplish before the surgery.  Ive never fasted not one day in my life...much less 7 days.  Im really excited.  It is so very inspiring to see the beautiful pictures of the people on this site that have gone thru the surgery.  The first time I visited this site I cried just to realize that a thin me is a REAL possibility. 

I want to thank everyone on this forum for sharing their stories with newcomers such as myself, your journies are priceless.