We just came from San Diego, we got out but we re-enlisted and will be back in San Diego soon! I wanted to ask those who had RNY in Balboa, are the surgeons any good? I am getting mine done here in AZ but if we have to move sooner than the surgery is scheduled, I may have to see surgery at Balboa. Any feedbacks on Military surgeons on Gastric Bypass?? Thanks

HI all...it was brought to my attention that I made a mistake in one of the above paragraphs..I had stated " this summer"... this event is not until October 26th-28th..the 26th we will have a 3 hour pre-op presentation but the conference doesn't officially started with vendors and classes until the morning of the 27th.. Now I will say I hope to see you in October in Lexington.. Thank you for your emails and inquiries, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Brenda

Did you ever get to join the marines. I hear differnet things about joining the military after wls.

January 10th , Dr. Wood will be talking about Life Style Changes after Surgery. It will be at 1800-1900 in SETD Building 5. Pass the word. (Balboa Naval Hospital)

Well I hope this is the board for me...... My name is JoLynne Frie, and I have been a certified EMT since I was 18 (11 yrs ago). I was certified in 3 different states (most recent here in PA). I run with 2 ambulance corps, and am a Medic with Dorney park in Allentown,PA. I noticed a HUGE change in the attitude of my fellow members at my station with the more weight I put on over the past year . Just because I am overweight doesn't mean I don't know my job (and pretty well after 11yrs I must add). I am the mother of 5 children, and am going to school full time to be a nurse (hopefully by this time next year). My husband is/was a marine for 9 years (as a Staff Sergeant Canditate****il a drunk driver took away his career by hitting him head on at an impact of 120 MPH. He was lucky to make it out alive, yet he was still able to serve his country until his discharge (do to medical complications from the accident a few months later). He was in desert shield/storm, in Okanowa, Japan, and was one of the Marines serving in the LA riots. He was on Rescue 911 (when is was popular) for his involvment in a military plane crash during a "show". He has done so many things while in the Military, I am so proud of him. As for me, I have my 1st consult on the 15th of this month in Allentown to consider bypass surgery. I am 70lbs over weight, but have had high blood pressure off and on since 2001 (have been put on meds once, and my dr is going to start me again on my next visit). My family dr (who is one of my best friends), does not believe in surgery for weight loss, so that is a problem. He believes in diet and exercise ONLY. He tells me I must eat to much if I continue to gain weight (even with just eatting salads and fruit). Since I am only 29 he has been holding off as long as possible with the BP medication as well. My husband supports me, but is also against surgery for weight loss (even if it means dying sooner). My blood sugar levels are also very unstable (highest only being 180, lowest....within just 3 hours being 60). My family has a history of CHF, Diabetes, High BP, Hypergycemia, and cancer, so with all those odds stacked against me, I think it's time to take control of my life again. My insurance is CHAMPVA (Military), which I have never had to use for something serious yet, and hope it will be pretty "quick and easy". I am VERY scared because I have had numerous surgeries (3 C-sections, and a gall bladder removal) and hate the recovery time (but hey, at least they don't need to remove my gall bladder with this surgery, cause it's already outta there ). Anyway, I could really use some friends and alot of support, so I am hoping I am in the right place.