Hello from Northeast CT Newbie!

Hi Everyone!  Today is my first day in the forum and I am so glad to be here! I am looking forward to getting to know some of you.  I am so grateful that this site is here.  No one knows better what a struggle being overweight is, other than someone else who lives it.   My name is Kathy and I am 40 (UGH lol) and from Northeast CT.  My support system is based in RI, so I decided to have Dr. Deiter Pohl in Providence do my surgery so I can be closer to my family.  I have battled with my weight since I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 14.  I have finally decided that it is time for me to take control and have my first consult with Dr. Pohl on 5/22/08. I am terrified, excited, nauseous, happy........just a big bunch of emotions - it changes from minute to minute!  I am leaning more towards having a RNY, but havent totally ruled out a LapBand. I have had about half of my testing done - still need the psych consult (THAT should be interesting  LMAO), nutrition consult and endoscopy.  So far so good...  I also have insurance pre-approval which I am grateful for as I see that it is difficult for some of you.   Did or does anyone have problems with anesthesia?  I get so sick from it, no matter what drugs they give me.  That is one of the biggest fears I have - that I will vomit so much that I un-do what the doc has done or it will take me longer to recover.  I had to stay in the hospital for 3 days when I had my gallbladder out - it should have been a one day stay. Another big concern is the skin thing...........I would love to hear from some of you with your experiences.  My belly is the biggest part of me and I am afraid that I will be walking on the skin after the weight loss  LOL  Thank you all for being here - it means so much to know that I am not alone in my fears, concerns and hopefully, success!   Kathy     

Welcome to the CT board!

You have started an exciting and wonderful journey and having already been preapproved for surgery is half of the battle.
My advice is to read all you can about both procedures before deciding and of course ask your surgeons advice.
I did not have any problems at all after my surgery and I was 53 yo at the time. SInce you have had anestesia problems in the past just be sure to explain it all to your anesthesiologist ahead of time. There are many types of antinausea drugs available if you need them so I would not worry to much. As for the belly skin. Some people are lucky not to have much of a problem, but it depends on age, number of years of obesity, amount of weight loss and generics. I have found that things have improved some over time but myself I plan on getting a TT in a few months. Everyone is different.

Take one step at a time.

All the best in your weight loss journey.

Sher

Hi Kathy, my name is Kathy too. I just want to say that everyone is different. I just had my 3 month check up and I have to see my PCP for a rash so it's documented. I never thought it would have happened this fast. I too wanted to go home for surgery since that is where my support is too. I had it here since that was the deal with the hubby. If I have it it had to be here. I wish my Mom could have been with me but I am soooooooo happy I did it here. I live here and my Dr. is here. It makes me feel "safe" I would hate to have to go to Ohio everytime I had to see him. Ok so RI, is closer and seeing the fam would be great, but for me the best decision was have it here. I hope this doesn't come off as me downing you for going to RI, it isn't meant to be. 

Hi, welcome! I'm  from northeast ct also were neighbors I am almost at the point of submitting for approval 0ne more test to go I travel to middletown for my dr because of insurance reasons because RI is alot closer well good luck welcome and I'm nearby if need to chat , Sandra

Welcome to the CT board and best of luck on your journey!

Hi neighbor, I'm in the lovely northeast part of the state as well. Best of luck as you begin your journey. The best advice I can offer right out of the gate is to never forget that the surgery is a TOOL, it is not the end-all answer to losing the weight and keeping it off. It is a catalyst, a jumpstart but in order to achieve maximum health and sustain your weight loss, you MUST embrace real behavioral change with the way you eat and how often and in what manner you move your body - healthy eating and regular and vigorous exercise will be the best gift you can give yourself - start now and you will be that much more successful after your surgery. Congratulations on taking this very big and brave step! Best, Maureen

Hey Kathy, I am also new to the forums. I just started this journey last month, and I spend alot of time on the boards just reading and getting info. I am glad there is somewhere to go to ask questions, other than the doctor's office. Good luck, and welcome to the forum. Jeff