Newbie Here - Introducing myself

Hello All, I've been a lurker on the Oregon Board for well over a year.     I've been researching WLS for 2 1/2 yrs and I have finally started the process.  It took a very long time to find a surgery that both my husband and I were comfortable with.  I've chosen the Vertical Sleeve with Dr. Oh in Federal Way, WA. Are there any other VSG patients on the Oregon board? Are there any support groups in the Portland, OR or Longview, WA areas.  I live in St. Helens, so it's actually closer to go to Longview.

Welcome, Mona! There are very few VSG-only patients on the Oregon board that I am aware of.  One of them posts in here every once in a while, but I can't remember her name.  She had hers in Mexico, and I believe that her husband did too. I know of a support group at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver.  I think most of them are RNYers and lapbanders.  Both OHSU and Legacy in Portland have support groups as well.

I just wanted to welcome you even though I was banded and can't address the VSG. Lori

Welcome!  I'm so glad you introduced yourself.  I understand  the lurking thing - since I started out that way myself.  I want to say to the people who haven't come forward yet "it's just us!" as in please join us!  I had RNY and I am very pleased with my results.  I am approaching five years and lost 175 pounds.  O.K. pleased is an understatement.....it changed my life.  Saved my life!  Good luck to you. Patty

Hey Mona, You finally made it to the board, YEAH!  You'll find the people are great here and very supportive.  I can't tell you the amount of information I have gleaned from them.   I will be going to the support group at South West Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, but as someone else said, there are others.  Good luck and WELCOME! Nola

Hi Mona, welcome to the Board! It's great to see a "new" face here! As for the lurking, I lurked for YEARS before I put up a profile and started posting, so you're doing pretty well!

Welcome Mona!  I think most of us are RNYers, Banders, or DSers here, but you're more than welcome to join in the group.  I'm sure you know about the different forums for the different types of surgery, but if you just want to get to know others in your area who have had WLS, this is a great place for it.  We've been a little quiet during the winter, but things may pick up as the weather gets better. Linda

Mona, I will also be having the VSG here in Portland!  I can't offer any post-op advice but I just thought I would let you know that your not alone:) Beth

Who will be doing your VSG in Portland?  I know that Dr. Deveney does VSG but not as a stand-alone operation.  Plus, neither Dr. O'Rourke nor Dr. Wolfe do VSG. (All are at OHSU)

It will be Deveney. He has done several "verisons" of the DS and this is considered one of them. Beh