New to OH

good afternoon, I am new to OH.  After struggling for many years, I have decided to examine surgery as an option to help me lose weight.  I don't know yet if it is the route I will go, but I think the time has come to really look into it and not say "not me!"   I have always struggled with my weight and in 2000, after dealing with fertility issues, was diagnosed with PCOS and IR.  In 2002, My son was conceived at my highest weight ever (at the time) with the help of metformin and other medical intervention.  During that pregnancy I actually lost 30 lbs and was down 50 lbs total at my 2 week post delivery check up.  A lot of people are shocked when I tell them that!  8 months after he was born, I was back up to my pre-preg weight and started WW.  I lost 33 lbs in 4 months when I became preg again with only the help of metformin.  While my preg weight gain was minimal, I quickly gained it all back after my pregancy.   I have struggled for the past two years on WW and trying to get back into the swing of weight loss, but have not been successful.  My current PCP and I have gone back and forth on the merits of metformin for women with PCOS and IR and while I have her on the band wagon right now, I dont know if it is really helping.  And then in 2007 I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, something I never had any issues with previously.  

So here I am researching my options.  I am in the Grand Rapids area and right now Dr. Foote at MMPC is one of my top choices for doctors, although I would be open to other names as well.  I would prefer a doctor that performs surgery at a Spectrum hospital though.          

Welcome you definately found the right place to come and get lots of information. Suzanne

Welcome Kelly.  There are lots of members that had Dr. Foote.  I had my RNY done in Alma.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  It is the best thing I have done for myself.  My health wasn't horrible, but I know that is where it was headed.  I am now 18months out and early on I had a few minor problems, but nothing that would sway my decision.  Since surgery I have lost 134 pounds.  I love how I feel.  I can actually tie my shoes without having an asthma attack.  If you have any questions, feel free to post.  Good Luck! Kelly

Welcome, Kelly! Good for you for researching all of your options.  Read it all the good, the bad and the best.  Making an informed decision is the best thing you can do for yourself.  If you have any questions, you came to the right place.  We are all here for you. I used MMPC (Dr. Kemmeter) and have only good things to say about them.  They were wonderful. Good luck to you as you make your decision. Jenn

Welcome Kelly,     Trust your own heart & judgement! You have friends here for any ?'s. Best wishes and good luck. Judy R

Hi Kelly-I met you on the VSG board.  I have Dr Foote and I have been very impressed with him and all the staff at MMPC.  I too wanted to have my surgery at Sprctrum d/t the fact that I am a very difficult intebation and I feel that they are the pros.  Besides the nurses on the Bariatric unit understand the needs of the morbidly obese. If you have any questions, let me know. Carole

Hi Kelly!  Welcome.  Your struggles with conception sound similar to mine.  We tried for 3 yrs when I was finally DX with PCOS & IR in 2001 and started glucophage.   Then we were told that even IVF wouldn't likely produce a pregnancy since we both had fertility issues.  So we were ecstatic when it happened in 2005 on our own - after losing between 60&70 lbs on Atkins.  Now we have a 2 1/2 yr old and twin 5 month old girls!!   Unfortunately I got pregnant with my girls 15 lbs heavier than my post-pregnancy weight with my son.  I gained 15 lbs while on clomid.  I started looking into WLS about 6 months after my son was born, but like you I was saying it wasn't for me.  Several more failed diets later and a revaluation of perspectives I am now wondering why I didn't do this YEARS ago.....except the sleeve wasn't an option.   I am going thru MMPC (Dr Baker) & am approved for VSG.  I know that MMPC surgeries are at Spectrum (Blodgett), but  I am not sure about any other local drs.  I wish I could be more help myself, but you've come to the right place!! Good Luck! Gwen

Thanks everyone for your responses!!!   My dh and I went to a seminar at MMPC on Saturday.  I just need to finish completing my paperwork and get my dr to complete the referral, but I am hoping to use Dr. Foote for my surgeon.  I see my PCP on wednesday!!  So hopefully that goes well.