Needing someone to share with

Hello everyone I have tried posting on my local board, but haven't had any replies there. Maybe because it's the Africa board. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa and I have my first appointment with my surgeon on 25/01/2007. I've done all the reading I can, but still don't know precisely what lies ahead. I'll be paying for this myself, which is scary in and of itself - but I know my health is worth the investment. I'm sure lots of you must know how I am feeling - full of questions, scared and jittery yet excited at the same time. I'd love to be able to swop emails with some of you so that I can start to build up some friendships that will help over the next phase of my life. Anyway - I hope to hear from some of you. long distance hugs! Fiona

Dear Fiona, There are a lot of differences in how doctors do things from one practice to the other, but I would be glad to email you. I am 14 months out now and about 25 pounds from goal. I haven't had any complications and have lost 205 pounds. At the first appointment stage, I was just looking to get a sense of the surgeon--I want the personality type that may or may not be a "nice guy" but who is the one who will be the best at whatever he/she puts his/her hand to. Because of my high BMI, there was so question about being able to do the surgery laproscopically. My surgeon is the type who sees that as a challenge in a positive way and tries to solve it. When I first woke up in recovery, I immediately felt my tummy to see if there was a big cut down the middle! Fortunately, there wasn't. I've learned over the past year that you really have to do your own homework on nutrition and exercise and figure out what works for your body. Everyone is different and the fact that our bodies don't work "normally" is part of the obesity disease. But having said that, there are some common behaviors regarding compliance that will help you be successful. Good luck on the journey, Sally 398/193/170

Hello Sally Thanks for the wise words. I agree with you 100%. I'm not looking for a sweet and kind surgeon - rather a highly skilled technician (he'd probably be offended by that statement - but you know what I mean) who will do the job with maximum efficiency. Who knows, maybe I get both - I'll let you know. The chap I am meant to see is a Professor at our local medical school as well - so I am hoping for the best. There are not many doctors who perform this operation here here - and I want one who has done the most procedures. I'm going to take you up on your offer once I have met with Dr. van der Walt next week - you will probably be hearing from me. Thanks again. Fiona

Fiona, I'd be happy to correspond with you. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. Lori 384/237/199 starting wt/current weight/goal weight

Hi Lori You ladies are terrific - thank you so much. I'll get hold of you one way or another, that's for sure. Fiona

hello fiona: i haven't been on the boards for a couple days but wanted to chime in and let you know you may certainly email me if you'd like. i had my lap rny done almost two years ago and have lost 200 lbs. and yes, it is much easier if you have people you can bounce ideas off of and gather information and support from. i'm glad you found this board, too, and i hope we hear from you alot as your date draws near. good luck. dorthe

Hi Dorthe I'm counting the days until my consult...and reading as much as I can. Thanks for the kind offer - I hope you don't come to regret it... But seriously, I'm so thankful for all of you already. Hugs Fiona