Recent Posts
Topic: RE: Why did you pick your type of surgery?
I started researching bariatric surgery in 2001 at the age of 22. In 2004 I met with Dr. Noel Williams at the University of Penn. My research of the Lap Band indicated he did the surgery. At the appointment, I learned I was 475lbs, Dr. Williams suggsted the RNY and I agreed. I needed more than restriction to maintain weightloss. On March 9, 2004 I went in for lap RNY surgery and woke up with lap VBG. Apparently, Dr. Williams was unable to perform the RNY lap on me. I lost down to 225 in 2008, but have gained back to 307. I am now getting a revision to the Duodenal Switch. I chose this procedure due to the long term success rates and the fact that I'll still have my pyloric valve, duodenum and a fully functioning stomach.
Topic: RE: OT: South, South Jersey info needed! (Salem County)
Oh Mary....I feel your pain! I'm from Camden County and my husband from Maryland. In 2008 we moved to Newark, DE (the middle). We both still worked in our home states and commuted to NJ and MD. Since we had an HMO in NJ through my job, DH had a pcp in Salem County.....OMG. Yeah....it was a culture shock when we went to the first appointment in Pennsville.
Topic: RE: Passing of a Bariatric Sibling ? and my cousin.
My deepest sympathies and condolences. You are absolutely right about needing to be aware of transfer additions. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing.
Topic: RE: Passing of a Bariatric Sibling ? and my cousin.
Tom, I am truly sorry for your loss.... Thanks for posting this..... We seldom talk about it to this extent, but it really pays to be aware of our changed behaviors.... and to watch out for them. Sorry and hugs! Mary C
Topic: Bariatric Support group December 2nd
There will be a bariatric support group tomorrow, Thursday, December 2nd at Holy Name Medical Center (Marian Conference Room #1) from 5:30pm-6:30pm. All are welcomed. Attendance is free and you do not need to be a former Holy Name Medical Center patient to attend.
Our topic for the month of December is a bariatric friendly recipe exchange. I will be sharing some of my yummy figure friendly desert recipes and some of my go to high protein recipes.
There will also be a Informative Bariatric Surgery Seminar this Thursday, December 2 at Holy Name Medical Center from 7pm-9pm.
This seminar will be presented by Advanced Laparoscopic Associates (Paramus, NJ): Dr. Hans J. Schmidt, Dr. Amit Trivedi, and Dr. Douglas R. Ewing.
Any questions, please feel free to call me at Holy Name Medical Center
Thanks!
Janice
HNMC Bariatric Surgery Coordinator
(201)833-7043
Our topic for the month of December is a bariatric friendly recipe exchange. I will be sharing some of my yummy figure friendly desert recipes and some of my go to high protein recipes.
There will also be a Informative Bariatric Surgery Seminar this Thursday, December 2 at Holy Name Medical Center from 7pm-9pm.
This seminar will be presented by Advanced Laparoscopic Associates (Paramus, NJ): Dr. Hans J. Schmidt, Dr. Amit Trivedi, and Dr. Douglas R. Ewing.
Any questions, please feel free to call me at Holy Name Medical Center
Thanks!
Janice
HNMC Bariatric Surgery Coordinator
(201)833-7043
all the weight has been lost post-op..I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
highest weight: 333 pounds (I know I gained after my last "weigh in" in the doctors office so probably it's more like 340 pounds)
current weight: 151 pounds (7/12/11)
I've been at goal (165 pounds) for 6 months now and now on maintence. I tend to go up and down depending on time of the month and such!
Topic: RE: Why did you pick your type of surgery?
Talk to several doctors about your concerns and what type of eater you are. Tom is right, if you're a volume eater, the band or sleeve is the best thing to control your portions. However I will tell you that I'm hearing more and more people who are having problems with their bands after several years...slips, not losing weight, etc. If you have metabolic issues then RNY or DS may be better for you because of the malapsorbtion. But know that RNY statisticall has the highest regain because you generally have a 12-18 month "honeymoon period" to lose your weight.
I'm not an expert by any means, I'm just telling you what I've learned from my experiences with my own surgery (my band slipped twice and I'm not revising to the sleeve) and the experiences of friends with other surgeries. Just make sure you do as much research as you can, talk to as many people as you can who have had WLS to get their experiences and can several opinions from bariatric doctors, and do what you feel is best for you, not what anyone else wants for you.
Good luck!
I'm not an expert by any means, I'm just telling you what I've learned from my experiences with my own surgery (my band slipped twice and I'm not revising to the sleeve) and the experiences of friends with other surgeries. Just make sure you do as much research as you can, talk to as many people as you can who have had WLS to get their experiences and can several opinions from bariatric doctors, and do what you feel is best for you, not what anyone else wants for you.
Good luck!
Band to Sleeve Revision 3/1/11










Topic: RE: Passing of a Bariatric Sibling ? and my cousin.
I'm so sorry for your loss Tommy...I wish you would have told me when we spoke today 
As you know, I myself struggled with this my first year out, it's very easy when we can't eat our feelings away to numb with something else. Thankfully I found a wonderful therapist who helped me. I urge everyone who struggles with needing to numb to find someone to help them cope with these feelings, it truly does make the difference between life and death.
I'm here anytime you need me my friend.

As you know, I myself struggled with this my first year out, it's very easy when we can't eat our feelings away to numb with something else. Thankfully I found a wonderful therapist who helped me. I urge everyone who struggles with needing to numb to find someone to help them cope with these feelings, it truly does make the difference between life and death.
I'm here anytime you need me my friend.
Band to Sleeve Revision 3/1/11










Topic: RE: Passing of a Bariatric Sibling ? and my cousin.
Thinking of you Tom. You'll always find strength and comfort from your family and friends who will keep you in their thoughts and prayers. It's a shame about her transfer addiction...my heart goes out to her and her family. Here's hoping you can find peace in your great memories of her.
I didn't see you mention...were you Batman? Or Robin? heheehehe
Laugh thru the tears, and you'll be okay!
Hugs...Nance
I didn't see you mention...were you Batman? Or Robin? heheehehe
Laugh thru the tears, and you'll be okay!
Hugs...Nance
Topic: LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) invites you!!!!!
LIPO's next scheduled physical activity is on 
WHEN: FRIDAY, 12/17 9:00PM-WHENEVER
WHERE: LIZARD LOUNGE
4589 Sunrise Highway
Bohemia, NY
Join LIPO as we ring in the New Year...a little bit early........
The Energy Express will Rock in the "New Year" with LIPO
2011 is going to be a great year for LIPO so let's start it a little bit early.
LIPO & The Energy Express...what a great way to ring in the NEW YEAR !!
RSVP on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/event.php
___________________________________________________________________________
LIPO's next scheduled meeting is on
WHEN: Tuesday, December 21 · 6:30pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: Sayville Public Library
88 Greene Ave
Sayville, NY
RSVP on Facebook
www.facebook.com/event.php

WHEN: FRIDAY, 12/17 9:00PM-WHENEVER

WHERE: LIZARD LOUNGE
4589 Sunrise Highway
Bohemia, NY
Join LIPO as we ring in the New Year...a little bit early........
The Energy Express will Rock in the "New Year" with LIPO
2011 is going to be a great year for LIPO so let's start it a little bit early.
LIPO & The Energy Express...what a great way to ring in the NEW YEAR !!

RSVP on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/event.php
___________________________________________________________________________

WHEN: Tuesday, December 21 · 6:30pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: Sayville Public Library
88 Greene Ave
Sayville, NY
RSVP on Facebook
www.facebook.com/event.php
Maryellen
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/

To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
Topic: RE: Passing of a Bariatric Sibling ? and my cousin.
Sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with your family