Weight Loss Surgery Directory

Before & After

 
 
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Goals

Fit in an airplane seat comfortably

77 People
 in progress, 
47 People
 achieved this

Buy clothes at a regular store...not a plus size store.

794 People
 in progress, 
592 People
 achieved this
Surgeon Testimonial

Rita Anderson
Dr. Anderson and her staff are amazing! After about 10 minutes of listening to Dr. Anderson speak in her seminar, I knew that this was the surgeon I wanted to trust my life with. She has an outstanding support staff, and her bariatric coordinator (Susie) is an angel. There were days where I thought Susie wanted my insurance approval more than I did. My first impression of Dr. Anderson was \"Wow, it's amazing how in tune this woman is with her patients\" She was genuinely empathetic and did not beat around the bush when it came to the topic of Obesity. She was up front and honest and made it clear that her top priority was a successful, complication free, surgery. rnI can personally attest that this is what was delivered. She told me up front that there was a chance that she would not be able to do my surgery laparoscopic due to my height. I told her that I trusted her decision, especially after she made it clear that she does not sew her patients up unless she's 110% certain that there is no risk of a leak, and that if it means opening her patient up to hand sew everything, then so be it. It's very important to have that piece of mind that you are in the hands of a perfectionist. rnRecovery has been amazing. I've felt like a new person since waking up in recovery. The night of surgery I was able to get up and walk several laps around the hospital, and I continued to do so for the next 2 days. I honestly believe I could have gone home within 24 hours because I was feeling that good. My wounds are healing perfectly, and I've lost almost 30 lbs my first week. Dr. Rita's bedside manner is top notch, and I will never forget seeing her for the first time after surgery, she gave me an enormous hug. Her support staff is phenomenal, the care at Kettering Hospital (where she performs the surgery) is first class, and the after care and support groups tied to her office is more than anyone could ask for. I highly recommend Dr. Rita. It's a great piece of mind to be operated on by a master of her craft.
Member Interests

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by sanjali23 on 3/4/09 5:50 pm
    I just don't know if the world can handle it...you silly you're gonna be too hot to handle:-) Good luck and I am praying for you and I know you'll be just fine.
  • Comment by utleysmom on 3/4/09 3:23 pm
    I hope all is well and you are up and about as soon as possible!
  • Comment by Irishcoda on 3/4/09 1:53 pm
    Hi, I saw you are having surgery today and wanted to send along my best wishes for a very speedy recovery!
Click here for the surgery support page

Did my WLS Seminar in early July and I have my first of 6 montly weight loss appts with my physician on the 29th. I'm hoping for a Jan/Feb surgery date (with hopes of doing the RNY)

I'm 33m, 6'8" and just found out after 8 years of not having a scale big enough that I'm 461 lbs. I think Id have fallen into a deep depression if it wasn't for the fact that I'm going to have the surgery.

I'm a gemini (hence the babbling) so expect to see a plethora of posts from me
I have to do something to keep me on track for the next 6 months!

I look forward to getting to know all of you and welcome the new friendships and support on my new journey.
ToyzRUsKid1976's Blog
ToyzRUsKid1976's Blog


B-12, B-50 Complex, and Vitamins OH MY!
on September 23, 2009 5:59 am
Just wanted to share some info on B-12 with everyone.  
I got my labs back and I’ve been doing a bunch of research.  
Hopefully no one has noticed they’ve become a little ADD since surgery…  if so, it’s a sure sign that your B-12 levels are low.  (are you taking enough B-12?  Are you taking B 50 Complex?)  

Next time you pick up a bottle of SUBLINGUAL (don’t take pill form) make sure it’s Methylcobalamin.  I just found out that most forms of B-12 are Cyanocobalimin.  Cyanocobalmin… hrm… sounds like Cyanide right?  IT IS!  When the body breaks down the Cyanocobalimn to make the Methylcobalmin it leaves a trace of Cyanide in your system (Trippy eh?)   So skip the break down and just buy pure stuff.  

Also… ASMBS is now recommending that we take a B-50 complex every day (On top of our B-12) They are also now stating we should take TWO adult multi vitamins every day.  (Skip the gummies and flintstones... they are crap and are designed for kids NOT ADULTS... they don't have the full spectrum of vitamns that adults need, and the ones they do are based on children's RDA and not ADULT'S RDA)  

www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/bgs_final.pdf    

Methylcobalamin is a coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 which is biologically active. This means that your body can use it as is, and does not require any metabolic steps to make it body friendly. The product comes in a sublingual tablet(dissolves under your tongue) because your digestive system modifies the molecule. The sublingual method allows the vitamin to directly enter your bloodstream, providing rapid benefits.

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, and inactive, form of Vitamin B12 that requires a number of metabolic processes to gain any benefit. This can be problematic in people with certain deficiencies and health issues. Unfortunately, this is the most common form of Vitamin B12 on the market and is found in most Vitamin B-Complex’s.
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Top Reasons Why We Need Protein
on July 1, 2009 8:20 am
Found this on line, figured I would post since it's very clear.

Five Important Reasons to Have Protein in Your Diet Daily

It is very important to get an adequate amount of protein in our diets. Protein makes up the second greatest portion of our body weight and is a component of every cell in the body. With that said, there are many reasons to eat protein every day.

1. Maintain a desirable weight. Eating a low carbohydrate, low fat, but moderate to high protein diet will help keep your weight down. Protein cannot turn into fat and cannot be stored. Even if eaten in excess, it will not have negative effects. Your kidneys will just    flush it out if you take in too much.

2. Build and repair muscle. Your body needs protein to maintain muscle and other body tissues. It is also needed to make enzymes and hormones. Your body will begin to break down your muscle if you don't get enough protein. Other than the obvious reasons you want muscle on your body, it also helps burn calories. The more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn even at a state of rest.

3. Fill up quicker and stay full longer. This will in turn result in eating less overall. Hunger is unpleasant, but before stuffing your face to satisfy that growl in your belly, consider grabbing a protein rich snack. Protein prolongs satiety much more than carbohydrates or fat. Working some into each meal will help you stay full.

4. Get your essential amino acids. Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids. There are 9 amino acids that your body cannot make. These are called essential amino acids, and it is important to make sure your body gets enough of them. The only way to get them is through the food you eat.

5. Provide fuel during and after workouts. Strength training shreds and breaks down muscle fibers, then muscle growth occurs after exercise. Protein repairs and builds muscle, so getting a generous amount of protein will help you sculpt those muscles. Research suggests that eating protein before or after a workout will provide optimal results.

Good sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts and soy. If you find yourself unable to get an ample amount of these foods in your diet then supplements and protein bars and drinks can be used as an alternative.
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First 100 Days
on June 17, 2009 8:41 am

I'm a little late on this one, but I really wanted to do a "First 100 Days With MY Pouch" recap... sort of like "First 100 Days In Office"

Surgery - "I get wings to fly... I feel that I'm Alive"

Couldn't have been a better experience, I woke up hoping for laproscopic, but it ended up being Open... No big deal... the point is I woke up, and 3 months later I've had zero complications.

First Month - "I Made It Through The Wilderness"

Started off great... No hunger what so ever, small meals 5 times a day, wonderful amount of new found energy, weight FLEW right out the window.  Food was an after thought and no longer controlled my life.  Hrmm... this stall 3 weeks out is working my last nerve.  I must NOT complain about it, especially on the boards for fear of being "told". This vitamin schedule isn't so hateful.  I really need to find protien that doesnt make me want to wretch!  Thank goodness I'm no longer tired all the time.. I guess it really does take time to heal.  I guess I can't keep tying my pants to my body.. maybe I should buy new clothes.  I'm starting to look like a total HOBO. 

Second Month - "I Feel The Change Babe, Washing Over Me"

Phew, stall finally ended after 3 weeks and like magic I dropped 15 lbs over night.  Started exercising a bit (nothing too hateful as I still have another 4 weeks to go before all my restrictions are lifted and I resume lifting things greater than 8 lbs... no big deal, I'll stick to walking and the occasional light cardio)  I have a really good grasp on how much I can eat... spent the past month measuring out everything.  The later portion of the month I tried to eat salads... nope, not going to work... maybe I'll wait until month three.  Weight is really coming off now, and I'm down almost 10 inches off my waist. Hrmm... am I really starting to get hungry again?  Maybe I'm just not drinking enough water.. lets try to get 80 oz of water in (add 1 more bottle of water)

Third Month - "It's time to try Defying Gravity"

Restrictions are off and I can get back in the water and do water aerobics.  Work is kicking my @ss and I'm traveling every other week now.  I really need to start eating salads because eating out every meal is really taxing.  Salads are going down fine so I can do protien and yogurt for breakfast, salad for lunch, and a chicken product for dinner. 80 grams of protien isn't so hard so as long as I keep with the high protien snacks.  Wait... am I being checked out?  Probably not.... no seriously... I'm totally being checked out.  Wow... I'm being noticed!!   Where in FSM's name is this hunger coming from????  I did NOT sign up for this!!  Help help help!! If I don't measure my food I can eat and eat and eat.  Seriously??? Did I just enhale that ENTIRE salad??   OMG My appetite came back and I can eat!!  I just had tuna for lunch AND I'm still hungry.  Why am I getting dizzy all the time?  I almost blacked out today.  Interesting.. the surgeon says that I'm NOT EATING ENOUGH???  WTF?  Eat carbs??  Are you kidding?  I bet you told Betty Ford it was ok to hit the happy hour didn't you?  hrm... OH Folks are saying the same thing...  Lets start writing down what I eat on a daily basis and see exactly what I'm putting in my system.  Wait... this is weird... I feel as if I'm pigging out but I'm barely getting 1000 calories in.  (you have to be kidding!  a year ago I could easily do 1500 calories at lunch time!)
But the weight isn't coming off any more.  Hello??  Anyone??  I dropped 94 lbs and now I'm lucky to see the scale move at all.  oooh maybe I shouldnt have stomped on my scale...it doesn't work any more. I guess I'll go back to weighing in once a week...

Beginning of Fourth Month - "COVER GIRL!  Put the bass in your walk!"

Had a few "Come to Jesus Meetins" with some really good WLS buddies.   Carbs, in moderation, are actually good for you.  wait... what's that?  Did I just drop another 5 lbs?  Did my stall break?  um??? I have to EAT in order to loose weight?  My brain hurts!  I still get very hungry, but I know what to eat.  Almonds can be a life safer around 3pm. This whole libido increase is very interesting too.. to say the least.  I'd like to pray to the WLS dietys to please help me with the 8 lbs between me and my Wii Fit, but meh.. I'll have all the time in the world to play with it once I get down under 330.  I really need to get over my fear of the kitchen.  I haven't spent a sunday afternoon in the kitchen in a long time.  I think Sunday I will hit the Indian grocery and concoct an amazing, yet WLS friendly feast (mental note.. pick up more tupperware, leftovers will be plentiful)  JC Pennys seriously needs to be paid off, my shorts are once again too big, luckly I'll have no problem finding XL shirts in Goodwill.. (OMG??? I can wear NORMAL sized shirts??)  Swimming without a shirt is such a liberating thing.   

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Workout Music
on June 15, 2009 10:16 am
rolling list of workout music I listen to... will add more as I get time

Cece Winans - Let Everything That Has Breath (Tony Moran Dub Mix)

Christina Aguilera – Aint no Other Man

Christina Aguilera – Hurt (Chris Cox Mix)

Cyndi Lauper – Ballad of Cleo & Joe

Da Buzz – Let Me Love You Tonight

Dario G – Sunchyme

David Guetta – Everytime We Touch

Dead or Alive – You Spin Me ‘Round (Like A Record)

Debby Holiday – Bring it On (Bermudez & Harris Toro Cheer Glory Radio Mix)

Deborah Cooper – Real Love (Rosabel Club Mix)

Deobrah Cox – Stupid Like You

Deborah Cox – Nobody’s Suppose To Be Here (Club Mix)

Donna Summer – I will Live For Love (Chris Cox Extended Club Mix)

Eurythmics – I’ve Got A  Life (David Guetta and Joachim Garraud Remix)

Fatboy Slim – Rockafeller Skank

Gabriel & Dresden – Tracking Treasure Down

Gwen Stefani – Cool (Richard X remix)

Ida Corr – let Me think About It (Fedde Le Grand Radio Edit)

Jennifer Lopez – Control Myself (Joe Bermudez Tantric)

Jimmy James – Fashionista

Kerli – Creepshow

Kimberly Locke – Change (not sure of the remix, but they’re all good)

Kina – Girl from the Gutter (Hex Hector mix AND Thunderpuss Club mix)

Kosheen – Overkill (Marcus Layton Remix Radio Edit)

I Do Both Jay and Jane (KayCee UK Radio Edit)

Livin Joy – Dreamer

Lola – I Can’t Take It (Album Edit)

Mariah Care – Fantasy (Def Club Mix)

Michelle Williams – We Break The Dawn

Missy Elliott – Lose Control

Monica – Get it Off

Pink – Stupid Girls (Junior Vasquez Club Mix)

The Porn Kings – Up To no Good

Lucas Prata – Love of My Life

Rihana – SOS

Rupaul – People are People (Craig C Main Vocal Mix)

Rupaul – Cover Girl

Rupaul – Cover Girl (Joe Gauthreaux’s Runway Anthem)

Sarah McLachlan – Possession (Rabbit in the Moon Mix)

Skunk Anansie – Brazen Weep (Jr. Riff Dub)
Kim English - Unspeakable Joy
Ultra Nate - Free
Melanie C. - I turn to You
Suzanne Palmer - Hide U
Reina - Find Another Woman
Vernessa Mitchelle - This Joy
Jessica Folker - To Be Able To Love
Venga Boys - Up And Down
Whitney Houston - Heartbreak Hotel (Hex Hector Mix)
Whitney Houston - It's Not Right But It's OK (Thunderpuss Mix)
WildChild - Renegade Master (Fatboy Slim Old Skool Mix)
Beyonce - If I Were A Boy (Karmatronic Remix)
Lady Gaga - Poker Face (Dave Aude Mix)
Mariah Carey - I Stay In Love (Jody Den Broeder Club Mix)
Beyonce - Beautiful Nightmare
Beyonce - Single Ladies (Dave Aude Club Mix)
Billie Myers - It's Just Sex (Roland Belmares Club Mix)

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Day 6 Musings
on March 9, 2009 5:41 am
It's day 6 and I've had some interesting things happen.

Last night I made myself a 60 gram GNC Wheybolic Extreme protien shake with Skim Milk.
It had 2 grams of fat and 60 grams of protien.  An hour later I thought I was coming down with the flu.  My face was flushed and I felt "Icky".  No stomach issues, but just all around under the weather.  My temperature was stable 98 degrees, so I knew I wasn't sick.  I consulted some of the RNYers and they told me although it was not dumping, it was due to the shake being way to rich.  Mental note... break the shakes down into 1 scoop intervals versus 3 all at once. 
4:30 am and I woke up gassy... too gassy... could this be it?  I got out of bed and ran to the bathroom.  Success!!!  My first BM since surgery.  To me, this was the confirmation that my system was working normally and as it should.  Food goes in, food goes out.  But oh my goodness...  TMI ahead....  it looked like 2 ice cream scoops of roofing tar.  (This is to be expected since your body is pushing out all the ick and what not from surgery.
8 am this morning and it was time for my vitamins.  I took 1 protonix and 2 citrical petites.   The protonix and first citrical went down fine... the 2nd citrical appeared to get lodged.  I had to pound on my chest until the pill finally went down.  I didnt vomit or anything (nothing on my stomach)  but it was a very odd feeling to say the least.

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