Weight Loss Surgery Directory

Before & After

 
 
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Goals

make a big damn difference

6 People
 in progress, 
1 Person
 achieved this
Surgeon Testimonial

John Alexander, M.D.
Liked him very much. Was very informative and seems his office has a lady named Sabrina that will fight hard. I liked the fact that he was very assuring of safety and risks before I asked. Didn't really dislike anything but I've only seen him once (Jan 15th). The literature said a great deal about aftercare and stressed that they would continue to work with me afterward. So far overall rate is very good. 1/19/01 Received copy of letter that Sabrina sent to insurance company. The letter was very professional and was sent exactly when I was told it would be. I've been scheduled for my EGD and Sabrina called and made sure my appointment was correct. She has been very informative in every aspect of the procedures necessary to try and get this approved.
Member Interests
  • Computers & Internet - Computer guru, artist and generally connected with lots of electronic toys
  • Crafts - Polymer clay, ceramics, art of all kinds
  • Animal Rescue - Went to rescue animals after Katrina, wish I could save all from suffering
  • Cats - I'm a cat addict. That sort of says it all.
  • Dogs - Just got a Bichon and I'm in love!
  • Music - I play Cello, Piano and Guitar and sing.
  • Photography - I've been involved in photography for years. You can see some of it at my site.
  • Golf - Started last March 2003 and I'm hooked.
  • Yoga - Primary exercise for me. Just about anyone can do this in some form.

Yvonne McCarthy's Journey

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Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I've been on a diet since the 4th grade. The only time I was thin was in college and I was literally starving myself to death. Every time I lost a lot of weight, I gained it back plus more. I was depressed and in the end wouldn't go out in public because I didn't want anyone to see me. I went to the grocery store and work and that's it.
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by wacko179 on 4/18/07 9:23 pm
    Hi Yvonne, I saw you speak at the event in Irvine, and I just wanted you to know that I was really inspired by your story. Thank you so much for speaking and tell us your story. Thanks Again, Beth
  • Comment by Erin E. on 6/12/04 8:35 pm
    Yvonne, you look fabulous! I can only hope that I can look as good as you. I had surgery done May 3rd, 2004. Six weeks post op, I am sooooo ready to really start loosing and gaining my self confidence back. It seems like the weight is not comming off fast enough. I am planning on getting my bachlors in health admin, yet I want to look and feel healthy as well. Congrats on your success!
  • Comment by cowgrlnfw on 12/26/03 6:39 am
    OMG WOW You look absolutely wonderful... what an inspiration you are. I have lost 120 pounds and looking to get some skin removed, I am so embarassed of the excess skin i have especially on my hips and thighs, my tummy i can live with bc i have a 8 inch scar from having Open RNY. Dr. ALexander is my followup doctor bc i had the surgery when i lived in Iowa for a short while last year. Today is actually my one year anniversary. WOOOHOOO Seeing your photos gives me hope that i will be able to wear a bikini someday and not have to worry about my hips flapping in the wind LOL I have been at a 3 month (yes 3 months) plateau now and i hate it, do you have any suggestions? Also I can tell you work out, do you take anything to build muscle or anything like that? Thank you for sharing your story and you look fabulous sister!!!
Click here for the surgery support page

Yvonne McCarthy's Blog
Yvonne McCarthy's Blog


Our community should give Carnie Wilson a break.
on March 25, 2012 11:18 am
 
Yvonne

Carnie Wilson is the reason I had weight loss surgery. Some of us affectionately call each other Carnie babies.  My surgery was about a year after hers.  In 2000 there was no aftercare and maybe a couple of places you could even discuss it online.  We forget how much ridicule Carnie had to endure going first and going so publicly.  The moment I heard about gastric bypass I made the first available appointment for a consultation.  I literally did fifteen minutes of research.

Now Carnie has decided to have a second surgery twelve years later and the comments under the online articles are so incredibly cruel. Not only from the "normies" (as I certainly expected) but also from the weight loss surgery community.  Revisions are very common so we should be accustomed to those. Many of us regain so we should be accustomed to that too.  At the very least if you don't have something kind to say... don't say it.  We have enough problem fighting the stigma of WLS without our own community helping.  Since I have been volunteering for many years I've noticed some particular circumstances that seem to cause regain.  In no particular order:

1. Having babies.  Almost every woman who has a baby after WLS fights regain.

2. Not being educated properly about the psychological aspects of our disease.

3. Being super morbidly obese before surgery.  It's just plain harder for those folks.

4. Being a woman. (Men have a far superior metabolism)

Carnie also has to do it in the public eye.  How well would you do if after your surgery paparazzi was there every time you left your house to record every pound regained or lost?  I would have crumbled. She went first so the process was a little easier for the rest of us and yet some of us pound her at the first opportunity.

She deserves to be happy with her decision.  I don't know anyone who is perfect enough to throw stones so let's give her another chance to be healthy and avoid diabetes.  I've never seen it in the "WLS life rules" that you don't get another chance.   I would really appreciate some support for her in the People magazine online article linked below. People Magazine has particularly not given us much of a chance because every time they publish the "Half Their Size" issue we are intentionally left out.  The cover says "no surgery, no gimmicks".  Aren't you happy to know we used a gimmick?

Thanks in advance for voicing your support.

Thanks in advance for not posting if you are against giving her support.

Online People Magazine article

We are so strong when we pull together and nothing would make me happier than People Magazine hearing us roar!


ORIGINAL POST
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Familiar Misery...
on March 5, 2012 6:17 pm
I have seen this so many times. Familiar misery is often a more comfortable place than unfamiliar happiness. When you learn something new you have to practice it. That includes being happy. I found this line in a wonderful documentary called "No kidding, Me Too".

I did the artwork and photography and added the text after.


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