Hi everyone, my name is Rose.....

When a friend of mine had the surgery about 5 years ago, I started thinking about possibly having the surgery also. At that time, I still thought I could get it together on my own and lose the weight. My doctor in PA was totally against the idea siting all the complications. I moved to DE about 2 years ago and changed doctors this year. My new family doctor asked me if I had considered having the gastric bypass surgery. She told me that the procedure had improved over the years and that she has patients who have had the surgery and are doing well. That got me to thinking again. Maybe this is the tool that I need to get this weight off once and for good. I had been trying an exercise/weight loss program a few months prior without much success. (I was constantly getting injured. I have arthritis and spurs in my knees and problems with my back.) Then in May, a good friend from work announced that she was having the surgery. She came thru the surgery with no complications. She gave me this web site so that I could get a "trueful education" about the surgery. Shortly after I set up my first appointment. Well, tommorrow morning is the day that I met Dr. Irqau. My family is totally against the idea. My best friend, Maryjane will be meeting me for emotional support and to help me remember everything that is said. I read about the PRMI meetings. I am hoping to get to next Saturday's meeting. Can anyone give me simple directions on how to get there. I get lost really easy. ( I need landmarks.) Turn me around twice and I am lost. I hope to get to chat with you all and meet you soon. Rose

Rose, Welcome to the DE board!!! Dr Irgau is a WONDERFUL surgeon. His skill is exceptional. I felt/feel privileged to live in an area that affords me the opportunity to to have Dr Irgau/Dr Wynn/Brett on my team. I wish you the best today with your appointment. Ask a lot of questions. Don't be afraid to ask anything. You need to be able to make an informed decision. I can pretty much guarantee you that there are very few questions he has not been asked already. *grin* As far as the PMRI meetings, they are great ... however, I think I will leave the directions to someone else (I get lost when I turn around one time). Actually I have never actually driven there ... the first couple of meetings I went to, hubby took me (I was very chicken) since then, Carla has been very generous to allow me to tag along with her. Looking forward to meeting you also! Again, welcome ... this is a great place to hang out!!! Full of good people! Hugs, Tammy

Rose, Welcome to our group. I look forward to meeting you. Dr. Wynn, Dr I and Brett are fantastic. This was the best decision that I could have made for myself. It's a whole "new" life after surgery. It's a new beginning. Best wishes in your journey. God Bless! Love, Deb

Rose, Welcome, and good luck as you begin this journey. PMRI is fairly easy. From New Castle, You would follow Rt 141 North all the way to past the DuPont Barley Mill Plaza. Shortly after that you come to the Intersection of Rt 100 (Just before Hagley Museum). Make a right onto 100 and PMRI is straight ahead at the next light. The sign says Christiana Care. I won't be there next week, but hope to meet you soon. Ken

Hi Ken Thanks for the directions. Now, not to sound really stupid, but how do I get to Rt 141 from 273? I have probably passed it but can't really picture how to get therein my mind. Thanks Rose

Hi Rose, Welcome. I had the surgery June 7th and have lost 47 pounds and am feeling better and better every day. My blood pressure has gone down, my cholesterol too. I sleep through the night now, and my feet don't swell much at all. My knees are totally ruined by osteoarthritis, and one has a knee replacement, the other was just in constant pain before the operation--now I am noticing I can walk further and longer, and am getting up and down out of chairs and cars easier. I wish I had done this 10 years ago, but the fact is, they are much better at it now. I only have 4 tiny little marks on my midsection,cuz they did it laproscopically. I figured I was either going to be disabled from the arthritis or die of a heart attack before. Now I have hope that I did the right thing. Teresa E.,Newark

Hi Teri Could I ask what medication you take for your knees ? I am currently on Vioxx. When I have a bad day and the Vioxx isn't helping I start taking whatever type of pain medication I can find. (It is usually Advil and Extra Strength Tylenol for Arthritis. After the surgery I know that I won't be able to take Vioxx. I asked Dr. I today and he said I would take tylenol with codeine. I took that when I broke my tail bone. It knocks me out cold. I really believe that you did the right thing by having the surgery. My biggest reason for wanting the surgery is that I don't want to wind up like my mom. She has congestive heart failure, lung disease, diabetes, along with back, hip and knee problems. She is on 26 med's a day including morphine for pain. She is on oxygeon most of the time and in and out of the hospital every month. She can't get around without the use of an electric chair. I figure that the surgery will be the tool that I need to get to a normal weight. I can hardly wait to the day when I can do the things that normal sized people do without being in pain. Like gardening, walking my dog, going up and down the stairs in my house. Just normal simple everyday things. Rose

Welcome, Rose. Hope to meet you soon.

Welcome to the group, Rose! This is a wonderful website... and the kinship and camaraderie is second to none! You'll also love your surgeon...he and Dr. Wynn are the very best. Keep us posted on your progress and feel free to jump in with any thoughts/feelings throughout your journey. We all are in different stages and will help you as much as we can. (((hugs))) -Karen

Welcome to the Delaware board Rose...where everyone gets and warm and fuzzy feeling...LOL