Naes Wls J. 20 years, 11 months ago

CONGRATULATIONS, WOW! You are doing a great job. And I'm so happy you are happy with the results of wls. I feel the same as you. This is the best thing that could of happen to me. Hugs

Rob G. 20 years, 11 months ago

Well, it has been a while, but I wanted to provide everyone with an update. I had my surgery with Dr. Newhoff on January 16, 2002. I know some people refer to their surgery date as their new birthday, I won't be that dramatic, but I do feel it was the day that I started living again, really living. Surgery was rough, I won't lie. I remember waking up in the operating room with excruciating pain as it felt like the lining of my nose was being punctured. It was intense pain but they soon put me under again and I woke up in the recovery room not knowing my name. It looked like a mash unit at Good Samaritan. I was moved back to my room a few hours later (beds were scarce). The nurses were wonderful at Good Sam with one exception. I was up and walking around the nurses station a few hours after surgery. To be honest, it was like a miracle. Even though it was painful, I was able to walk further a few days after surgery without losing my breath than I was prior to surgery. I had to stay in the hospital an extra day but I was soon out and learning to cope with the decision that I had made. The toughest part, by far, was getting in and out of my bed at home. The bed in the hospital moved, but at home, I had a flat bed. When I would get in and out of bed, it felt like I was being split open. Through it all though, I felt very prepared for what I was facing. Dr. Newhoff told it like it was. He didn't paint an easy picture. A few days after I arrived at home, I was up and walking around the neighborhood. I was soon walking farther than I had in years. It was warm in Phoenix, even in February, so I started walking around shopping malls. Soon, I was able to get into the pool, which made moving around a lot easier. I was watching everything that I blended and ate/sipped. Protein shakes were tough. A lot of people tell you which powders/drinks to buy, but believe me, you need to try them yourself. Well, to cut to the chase, about 2 months after surgery, I had regained a lot of confidence and decided to test the job market. I accepted a job in Northern NJ and moved in May, just 4 months after surgery. I have noticed that people treat me differently now, it seems the more weight I have lost, the better I get treated. People deny that they treat overweight people differently, but they do, maybe subconsciously, but they do. I am now almost 16 months post-op and I have lost over 275 pounds. Since moving to NJ, I have met with a few surgeons but haven't found any that hold a candle to Dr. Newhoff. One major difference that I have found in speaking with the patients of other doctors is the amount of complications that people encounter. When I was with Dr. Newhoff at his office, I rarely heard of anyone with complications. As I have met with 2 other, supposedly TOP NOTCH, surgeons here in NJ,I have heard about complications that I didn't even know existed with this surgery. There is definitely a difference. So, if you are reading this, please make sure to talk with several patients of the surgeon you are considering. For me, as I have said before, I didn't want anyone but Dr. Newhoff to perform this major, lifechanging surgery on me. I thank God for his skill and help every day. My life has changed, I am now living life to it's fullest. I have regained my dignity and self-respect. I can't help but to enjoy living once again. No longer will I feel trapped by my own body. Carpe Diem!
About Me
Whippany, NJ
Location
37.6
BMI
RNY
Surgery
01/16/2002
Surgery Date
Jan 11, 2001
Member Since

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