I'm in Jacksonville and can't remember where you are in Florida but I don't think its close to me.  So, it might be a little difficult for us to get together with wls friends on the weekends.

I have not held a support group meeting in a long, long time now.  I miss the friends and the company and the advice and the stories, whether good or bad.  But I had my port removed just over a year ago and never went back to have it put back in.  Subsequently, I've gained almost all of my weight back.  I just don't think I can help wls patients when I don't have the guts to redo it myself.  I just had so many problems that I can't go back to banding. I researched for 2 years on surgeons and surgeries and thought the band was for me but......

Now my insurance company no longer covers wls so even if I wanted to go back thru this, I'd be paying out of pocket.  I wasn't fond of the sleeve and removing so much of the stomach but the more I study, the more I think its the best routine.....as of this moment.  But, just like when the band came on the scene, there aren't many insurance companies who cover it.  There will be a battle to get it on a company's radar just like what happened with the band. 

So, I wish you the very best of luck.  A support group is the most wonderful thing a person can have and I personally feel like it does a world of good. 

If I can ever answer any questions or give you any insight, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

Blessings to you and yours,
LaWanda

Personally I wouldn't actually recommend my surgeon, he really doesn't have the greatest bedside manner. I'm in Northern Florida, I'm not sure where you are but just do your homework and go with your gut. If you start to have doubts its not too late to push the time back, I was excited too because I couldn't wait to loose the weight but I'm telling you that if you have any doubts then take those into account, don't listen to others, listen to yourself. After you go through this you cannot take it back! You cannot reverse this, it's permanent. I'm not trying to disuade you from doing this because it has to be your decision a lone but I definitely am a good source to speak to considering I am only 5 weeks out.  A lot of these people had their surgery and are down to their goal weight. I am sure I will be much better in a couple more months but be prepared to not eat anything like you did before, be prepared to feel sick for more then just a week somtimes. I really have no way of telling you how to prepare. I was 251 starting and I'm 29 so I understand your story, luckily for me I didn't have any other medical issues. I was ready to go on the biggest loser if I didn't go throught this because theres got to be a way for me, someone who's been overweight most of their life to get to a normal weight. I have lost weight but dont get discouraged if after a few weeks the weight slows, or stops for a few days or up to a week, the body has to get used to the changes. I want to lose another 24 lbs just to get under the 200 mark. I hope this helps.

Thank you! It is nice to hear feedback from people who have been done the WLS road. I am around 260 Ibs but at 28 yrs old I already am on Cholesterol medicine, showing protein in my urine, reflux and high blood pressure. Even though I know it is best for me you read these horror stories on the regret forums and on other sites. It definitely scars you. It is nice to hear from people who are not having major complications. Can I ask who your surgeon was?

I am getting my GI the 2nd of Nov and then will be scheduled within that month for Gastric bypass. As I experience things I start having questions pop up. Like going to theme parks.....what are tips on eating liquids and purees while there for a day?
Also I am going to have open not laproscopic RNY how long until I can have sex after the surgery?
The other question is tips on good clothes to get to wear after? I needed new winter clothes but don't want to buy stuff that will last only a short time? Should I plan one size smaller.....also for open surgery what are some comfortable things people found to wear?
Sorry for so many questions just like to plan ahead:)

Weight Loss Surgery Orientation Sesion
Tampa General Hospital, Rehabilitation Center, 2nd floor in the Activity Room

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