My name is Rita and I'm a 42 year old that had a VBG done in November of 1987 at the University of Iowa hosp. and clinics it was one of the originals performed by the late Dr. James Mason when it was new and there weren't many answers to aftercare or what might happen in the future except for my hopes of being thin and well. I went through the surgery well and my hospital stay but on my way back home the vomiting began.In 21 Years I have not gone a single day without getting "stuck" or vomiting.It is a way of life for me.I was 299 the day of my surgery and lost down to 160 the first few months.Then I became pregnant and gained everything back.For the last 20 years I have bounced between 260 and am currently at 290.My hair thinned out,I have had h-pylori 8 times in the last 10 years.I have had duodenal ulcers and clinical depression and severe anxiety issues.I have high blood pressure and have treated for high cholesterol for years.It is impossible for me to digest meat and many fresh vegetables.I am a grandmother now and dont want to die young.My mother was 53 and had a massive heart attack.I have State medical insurance in the State of Wisconsin and need some feedback on where would be a good place to look into revisional surgery in my state would be. I can not go back to Iowa because they do not accept out of state insurance and basically my follow up back in the day was non existent. I hope someone out there can help me Im not a complainer by nature but am so happy to find a forum of people that might just understand what I have been through and know what it is like to be where I want to be in the future. Thank you.
 Rita

I have a very long list of reasons that I did this, but I have a short list that I keep in my wallet, on the back of a 'fat photo' and on post-its on my mirror, in my car and in my kitchen.

I look at that list everyday and affirm to myself why I'm doing what I'm doing. If I am going to make a choice that is questionable, I review the list and ask myself if temporary pleasure is with the risk.

I'll share my list of why I'm doing this, please share your list of reasons you are doing this.

I am doing this because:

I want to live longer and healthier.

I want to provide a good, healthy example for my daughter.

I want to feel beautiful

I love feeling so much stronger and younger

I don't hurt all the time anymore.

I can fit anywhere and into anything; clothes, airline seats, booths.

This is a social networking group for people who have had or are considering any type of Weight Loss Surgery through any practice. We enjoy chatting, exchanging tips, recipes, information and support. This is open to anyone who would like to join us. Please be sure to RSVP so that we can get a head count. You can rsvp at http://wls.meetup.com/101

Of course, because we are using their facility, the folks at the Golden Corral would like each of us to purchase our meal there while we use their facility. Their normal price is $7.39; if you are a senior or have a card indicating that you are a WLS patient your meal will be $6.79... btw...unlike the Golden Corral in Asheboro, the one that we frequent here in Raleigh doesn't add a tip to your bill, so if you want your server to receive one, you'll have to leave it for them.

I thought we could do a clothing exchange this month, if you are interested. Please feel free to bring things to exchange... but you need to take whatever you bring that isn't selected by some other lucky loser.