Hi Everyone...

Hi Monica and everybody! Now, where to start? My Name is Virginia Petry (that's pee-tree) not pet-tree like Rob and Laura on the old Dick Van Dyke Show(I love that sitcom) My dream as a little girl was to grow up and marry Rob Petre and we would live in New Rochelle and have a little boy named Richy. Do you think I'm kidding?..no I'm serious! I thought everyone gave dinner-parties and danced in their living-rooms every night. I ended up marrying Skip Petry and we don't have parties or dance in our living-room everynight, that's cool though...I'm not ready to trade him in or sell him on e-bay..he's my rock. We have been married for 25 years and have two boys or shall I call them young men? (ages 15 and 23) we live in Chandler, AZ which is south-east of Phoenix. Two years ago my older son told me he wanted to have gastric by-pass surgery. I freaked-out, I didn't know anything about "stomach stapling" (I pictured a giant stapler and it just didn't seem right) Anyway, I went to the library and found 2 books about RYN both of Carnie Wilson's books. I didn't know about this website..let alone know how to use a computer for more than typing newsletters for church and stuff. Because my son was 21 (and he was still on our health insurance), I decided to go along with it for his sake. I happened to run into a dear friend from a few years ago who I didn't even recognise. She looked like her teen-age daughter. She told me about the wls when I asked her..then she just happened to ask about my son. Running into this lady was a god-send literally. She gave us info on a great MD (who was supportative to wls) and a wonderful surgeon. I went to every doctor's appointment and education class with him. When I would be in the waiting room of the dr. appt.'s so manny people came up to me and introduced themselves. Some even asked me when my surgery date was. This kinda freaked me out. I think I was in total denial. It never occurred to me that this thing could be for me too! I never have met so many friendly and open group of people--finally happy for the first time in many years for them. Now fast forward 18 months. My son had a successful Lap RNY in Feb 2004. He has now lost over 200 lbs!!! Now my son and the rest of my family is cheering for me to get approved and on my way. I have seen first hand what to expect pre and post surgery. I even have the same surgeon and insurance...but for some reason...the process for me is much,much slower. Much more requirements.....do you see why I have issues??? Anyways, this has turned out to be quite a novel Monica. It was a great idea as a post..but some people like me get carried away when you ask them to talk about themselves....wake-up people!!!: That my story and I'm sticking to it! Hopefully they(the insurance guys) won't deny me this time, and I can continue to get to know each of you more and more--who needs the main message board anyways right??? Hugs to you! Virginia

Where do you live? Answer:Columbus, Ohio What made you decide to have the surgery? Answer: My quality of life was very poor ... read my profile. What type of surgery did you have or going to have? Answer: I had Open RNY Are you happy with your choice? Answer: I Most certainly am. Georgeann 589/364/200?

Sister Georgie.... I just wanted to tell you that I think you are an inspiration and an awesome role model for many of us... well, at least to me... I can't speak for others. You were one of the first people that seemed to 'get me' here on OH, and when I first found the bmi over 50 board, after a couple of months on the other boards here. I am so blessed to have found this board and the many wonderful people here. Thank you. Huggs, Ruth

sister georgie, Everything Ruth said...............you are our hero!! willby

Sister Georgie, I want to second or third what Ruth & Wilby said... you are like our angel of inspiration!

Hi my name is Anita and I live in Vienna Illinois. I am 30 years old and have 3 boys ages 10, 6, and 2. I've been married and divorced in the past and was married in May of this year to a wonderful man that accepts me for me! I am having the open RNY because that is what my surgeon does. I will be having surgery in Harvey Illinois which is a suburb of Chicago so it is going to be a lllloooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggggg drive for me especially on the way home! I decided to have this surgery so I can have a healthier life for myself my boys and my hubby. I want to live life not sit on the side lines and watch it go by. I'm having surgery November 7 so I'm a little nervous,excited,scared sorta everything wrapped into one. Well thats my story take care, Anita

Where do you live? I live in Chesapeake, Virginia. No one has ever heard of it... it is in the Tidewater Area... same metro area as Norfolk and Virginia Beach. What made you decide to have the surgery? Ummmm... I am FAT, have ALWAYS been FAT and without the surgery I would ALWAYS be FAT.... I HAD TO do it!!!! What type of surgery did you have or going to have? I had lap RNY. I have lost 78 pounds since July and my hubby (Doc Williams) has lost 105 pounds since June.... we are in this together... hard to believe that a mere three months ago we had 183 pounds more in our bed!!!!!!! Are you happy with your choice? YES! I fought for FOUR LONG years to get approval... the whole story is on my profile. I NEVER gave up and fought the #$&#$%^ insurance company until they did the right thing. I jumped through every hoop you can imagine and I WON!!!! Patti

Hi Monica, My name is Sandra A. and I live in Owensboro, Ky. I'm single and don't have any children. I decided that I want lap RNY after many failed diet attempts and after becoming 411 pounds. I am at the biggest I've ever been in my life. The last 50+ pounds, I gained in about a 3-4 month period and boy it has had a toll on me. I am in pain daily with my hips, back, knees, ankles and feet. I've pretty much have outgrown a 5X. I think I have 3 shirts and one pair of jeans that fit. I have no quality of life. I have no energy to do anything and I'm only 40 years old. My mother and sister have both had RNY and I feel like I'm aware of the risk and benefits of this surgery. I want to be healthy and be able to feel good about myself and the way I look. I've been fighting to have this surgery for over 2 years. My insurance has an exclusion policy so now I'm working with Kentucky Depart. of Vocational Rehabilitation to finance RNY for me. I have my first appointment to get things started in 2 weeks. Wish me luck. Thanks for listening, Sandra A.

Hi Monica, I am your neighbor. I live in Levittown PA which is just north of Phila. I am married (till I sell him on ebay). I have a 25 year old son (from my 1st marriage). I decided to have surgery because I was on 300 to 400 units of insulin a day. BP meds, cholesterol, etc. I was tired of being sick and tired and wanted to live not just exist. I am 49 5'8" and was 407lbs. I had open RNY last year on 8/12 and I am now 260lbs. I cant even believe it when I think about it. I havent been this "thin" in over 20 years. Every diet failed. SO, now I am off of all my meds, even the insulin. I own an ice cream store, but had trouble working there cause I couldnt stay on my feet all those hours. And lets face it, nobody wants to be waited on when they are buying food by someone who is 400lbs and sweating, and red faced! So I stayed in the office. Now, I have a wonderful full time job as a Payroll Manager, and my son runs the ice cream store. I would have never been able to get a job or even go on an interview if I didnt lose the weight. I still have lots to go, but I am so happy, and confident, and so much healthier. I recommend it to every SMO out there. Come to one of my support group meetings one time to meet me. Ruth came last week, and enjoyed it. It could be fun. Talk to you guys soon, Soos

Yes, yes, yes Monica! Must come to a support meeting there... even if just to get a different perspective. Huggs, Ruth P.S. HI SUE!!!!!!!!!