Hi all!

Thanks for posting the notice about this site on the Washington board - never would have found it otherwise! I had surgery on November 8, 2004 with Dr. Au. I orginally was assigned to Dr. Bock, but found out that I would get the surgery faster if I switched to Dr. Au. He was great. Really sweet, very competent, and my follow-up care has been excellent (I've had some complications). I still had to wait about 8 months to get the surgery, so there is a whole lot of patience needed for surgery with GHC. For many months, I heard NOTHING. Don't worry - no one has forgotten you. I was fortunate to get called when there was a cancellation, so I was bumped up even more because my schedule was flexible. If you're really worried, let Harriet know that you are willing to switch surgeons or take a cancellation if you can. Harriet is really sweet, but sooo busy. I recommend contacting her using the secure messaging feature on the Group Health Web site (ghc.org). She responded to me just the other day within a couple of hours. Well, thanks again for setting up this board. It's so great to talk to people who are really going through the same process. Best, Tish

Hi Tish! Thanks for joining us over here. It's nice to hear from other people who have been through the process with GHC. Gives us hope and pointers. Lori

By the way.... how are you doing? Your profile is soooo empty!!! We want DETAILS!!! At least I do! Take care, Lori

How do you get to the "secure messaging" on the website. I have looked for it but can't find it. Are you talking about emailing Harriet?? Thanks! Lori

Yes, it's just e-mailing Harriet through the GHC Web site. You have to be fully registered on the site to access that feature, but it sounds like you are. It's more secure than regular e-mail, so there aren't any concerns about confidentiality. Anyway, about your other question...I'm doing great now. I did have some problems post-op with terrible nausea and had to go in a couple of times for endoscopies. I had a load of testing and was soooo weak for about 6 weeks. It was bad. I only got about 50 calories a day and even water wouldn't stay down. The good news is that I had GREAT care from Dr. Au, he was very concerned and receptive, and eventually the problem went away. I now get about 600 calories a day, which I hear is kinda low, but I still feel a bit ill when I eat certain foods. Each day is different - I feel great some days and others I just want broth and saltines. I haven't ever "dumped" which is great, but sometimes things just don't "sit" well. I've only just started to eat salads and be ok with those - that was very exciting! I missed salads so much. I feel great really - very excited about the changes in my body and attitude. I don't know what else to tell you! However, I'm more than happy to answer questions if you have them. I found OH after I had my surgery - man, I wish I'd known about it before! The info and support on this site is priceless! Tish 358/248/???

I figured that was it. Since I see a doctor that isn't in a Group Health facility, I don't get all of the services. Whoo hoo on your progress! Sounds like things are starting to come together for you. Sucks that you felt bad for a while but ya know, I think I can handle feeling yucky for a while to eventually feel AWESOME! I pretty much feel yucky most of the time now from the weight so I guess it is a fair trade. Thanks for getting back to me. Take Care, Lori