Hi everyone!

Hi, My surgery date is coming up 10/26/04. I am leaving for Brazil in 31 days. I am very excited! I have my airline tickets, passport, and I just applied for my Visa. My DH is going with me so I won't be alone. Also there will be a few other Americans there at the same time having the same surgery (DS). I talk to them regularly on a yahoo group for DS. Life for me is very stressful waiting for this surgery. I can't really put any thought or energy into anything else for now. I am obsessed!!!! I read every little thing I can find on WLS. My house is a mess I need to get housework done, but I just have no motivation right now. I do manage to think about work when I am there,but that is the only time I am not thinking about WLS. I feel like a crazy women sometimes! I can't manage to get myself to church, or to study scriptures etc... I am just feeling very down about that. I just feel like such a missfit there for some reason. Well anyhow, I just wanted to touch base here. I AM excited and happy about my surgery. I can't wait to be a loser and feel healthier. Robin in St. Louis DS surgery in Brazil 10/26/04

OK Robin, educate me. Why Brazil? Won't that make check ups harder and more expensive? Won't that make it harder to get hold of your surgeon if you have problems or questions? I'm not brave enough to go that far for surgery. I had mine done in my own area. To each his own. But educate me, tell me how you came about making the decision to go clear to Brazil? Let's talk about your spiritual health right now. You would be wise to get a priesthood blessing before you left to have your surgery. We could all use all the spiritual power and help we can get. If you're having a tough time reading your scriptures, start small. Just read a couple verses a day to get back into the spirit of it. Before you know it you'll want to read more. You'll feel so much better about everything in your life if you get closer to the Lord. He didn't leave - YOU did. He's there if you just ask. As far as feeling like a misfit in church - that's Satan's way of working on you. Don't let Satan win. It's amazing how much things come together when you're doing the things you ought to be doing. Good luck on your surgery Robin. Keep us posted on how it's going and what your experiences are like. Melody

Hi, I am going to Brazil because my insurance will not cover the surgery. There are NO surgeons anywhere near ST. LOuis who can preform the DS. The nearest on is in Tennessee somewhere and the cost would be over $30,000.00 cash not including travel and hotel expensis. I have researched WLS and Doctors for a long time now and have found one of the best ones available. The entire surgery cost including airfare and EVERYTHING will be less than $12,000.00 My PCP has agreed to do any routine testing needed after surgery. I will be able to contact Dr. Marchesini anytime 24 hours a day by cell phone, or email with any problems. He will contact my PCP with any information needed for my care. He is also sending home with me all my xrays and surgery details and lab info to give to my PCP. Brazil is a very modern city just like any big american city. The hospital there actually has a better nosencomial infection rate and than most american hospitals. It is a beautiful hospital with brand new facilities. The cost of my surgery also encludes an extra 2 week hospital stay if needed. I will be in brazil for over a week after surgery to be monitored very closely. There is a Temple in Curitiba Brazil and a mission home close to the hospital. I can have them come and help my DH give me a blessing before surgery. There is a yahoo group of his patients that I am a member of and there are dozens and dozens of very satisfied patients. Some are actually returning to bring other family members to him. They also go back to get plastic surgery. Even if surgery would pay, I would probably still go to him. Especially since I would still have to travel a great distance to any American surgeon and hospital to get the DS. There are several Dr.s who do the RNY in Missouri, but I have done my research and feel that DS is the best option for me. Thanks for the advise about the scriptures. I know you are right and I am going to try to focus my prayers on asking for help with my spirituality. I do know that I need Heavenly Father for strength in this. Thank you for the help. Robin G in st. louis DS surgery scheduled 10/26/04

Melody, you always have the best advice and I can tell that you are close to the Lord. I enjoy reading your encouragement to everyone. Robin, I hope it all goes well for you. Sometimes I have the problem of thinking about all of this too much, and I am trying to keep it all in moderation. I don't have a surgery date set yet, and I still have quite a wait, (if I even get accepted at all). So I understand that waiting stuff. Good luck.

Robin, I agree with Melody. Why go overseas to get this surger done? Plenty of places in MO that could do it. A priesthood blessing is a neccessary thing to make sure that spiritually you are in tune. Gives the doctors a little lift too. You have to take care of yourself, physically, as well as spritually. The success would be so much sweeter. Donna

Hi Robin Great to have you join us. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. I think we all have times of feeling lost but for me thats when I grow the most because I start searching my soul again. Hang in there and know that no matter what Heavenly Father loves you and is there for you and we are too. Take care Alfie