My daugther and I just had our DS surgeries on the 14th. We would be very interested in a support group that was open to all types of surgeries. Count us in!

I have a support group on Facebook that I created for folks going through a separation/divorce.  Please feel free to check out my group & join us for support, tips, and a friendly ear for listening.

Here's the link to my group, if you're interested:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11189151860

Best of luck to you all!!!

Since I am covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan, I am looking at the Tallgrass Bariatric Program in Topeka (they're the only ones who accept Medicare).  I would like to hear from other Medicare-covered individuals re: their experiences in obtaining approval/predetermination for WLS - how difficult was it to get approval, what was covered, any advice you can give me to help me through that process.  I'd also like to hear from anyone (actually EVERYone) who had their surgery at Tallgrass & how would you rate your experiences there pre- & post-op; communications with/between the surgeons, physician assistants, other hospital staff, including their "bedside manner"; followup care & treatment - did you see a registered dietitian before you left the hospital, & was the dietitian available long-term for support & assistance?  Did you see a physical therapist or exercise physiologist?  How well did/does the Tallgrass staff communicate with your PCP?  Are you able to reach the surgeon or physician assistant if you have questions or concerns 6 mos., a year, or longer after surgery?  Do you participate in the on-line support group, and if so has it been helpful?  I would appreciate any information or advice that you think is relevant, having been there & done that...

The lose skin will depend on how old you are and how much weight you have to lose.  The more weight you have to lose you will have a lot of lose skin because it has been stretched.  If your young and still have good elasticity (sp?) you could probably exercise enough to firm a lot of it up.  I am 6 months post op and have lost 123 pounds but I started at 352 lbs so even after losing 123 lbs and I'm 40yrs old I do have lose skin espcially under my arms, tummy area, and around knees.  I look at it this way.  I am healthier now and off all meds even diabetic meds, I can do so much more now then I could have 6 months ago.  It is worth it to trade the weight for the lose skin.  I hope to have some of mine removed when it's all said and done and I get to my goal weight.  I had a few complications and at first wasn't sure I did the right thing by having surgery, but now after I have healed and I feel so much better I only wish I would have done it sooner!  Good luck on your journey and I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Ok, I think I've pretty well educated myself on gastric bypass and adjustable lap-banding.  I've been to two informational seminars & looked at everything I can find on-line (found one site that was really down on WLS).  I want the surgery to improve my health & hopefully get off some of the meds that I am taking now...but I'm still a little concerned about the loose skin thing.  Now I just looked at quite a few of the before & after photos that are posted on OH, and I'm not seeing a lot of loose hanging skin, and the people that I have met that have had the surgery don't have it either.  So has everybody had plastic surgery, or has exercise helped to "shrink" the skin?