Hey Dina!

I would very much like to attend the meeting.  However, I have to work Saturday morning and then I will be taking a flight down to southern Cal in the afternoon to visit my dad.  I will be off on Monday due to the federal holiday so will return home by dinner time that day.

What: Portland Baltasar Support Group meeting When: TOMORROW! Saturday, October 10, 2009 Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Where: Cedar Mill Bible Church, 12208 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97229  (There’s a good map to the church and of the church building on their web site www.cmbc.org ) Who: Anyone interested in knowing more about having surgery with Dr. Baltasar, pre-ops, post-ops, their support people, and those who are still trying to decide about the whole thing. Park in the rear of the building, there’s handicap parking there. Once you’re inside the building, look for the sign for the elevator – take it or the stairs to the second floor. We are in room P201 – across the way from the restrooms and water fountain. We normally get together for lunch after meetings, but I’m gonna bail on you guys this month. First, I’m NPO for 21 more days, and second, we have a family Birthday party later that afternoon at our house, so I’ll have lots of last minute stuff to get squared away. There are some important announcements that are going to be made – so please come! I’d also like to start teaching a series on how to read your post-op labs. Bring your most recent run of labs with you, okay? If you’ve got them spreadsheeted, bring a print out, too. Anyone have any clothes they want to bring and swap? I’ve got some stuff that needs to go to a new home – good quality, gently used. Bring stuff along you want to swap, okay? And hey – bring your before pictures if you’re a post-op! We’ve got a couple of brand new post-ops who are coming, and they really need your encouragement! Okie dokie – that’s about it. Let me know if you have any questions! Email: [email protected] Cell: 503-887-6147

I am sorry you have had such diffiuclty with the rny surgery.  I think we all go into weight loss surgeries knowing that there is some risk involved.  It is a matter of weighing our current or growing weight related illnesses with the risks associated with the chosen surgery (or that surgery adivised to us by our doctors). 

I know that I was facing some weight related illnesses and chose to have lapband surgery to help me.  There are times when I wish I had chosen rny and other times when I am very happy with this choice.  I have  had some complicaiton (port flipped and overfills) and needed to get them taken care of (the port flip needed a second surgery).  In all if I didn't lose another pound or had additional complications I would be satisfied with my choice. 

It was the right amount of risk with the right amount of payoff and so far it has served me well.  I have lost 83 pounds in just over a year. I have some hair loss but my activity levels have exploded.  I can travel with relative comfort on airplanes.   I no longer take high blood pressure medicines.  People look at me and smile as apposed to look and then look away quickly.  

From your description it sounds like you have had a hard time and I hope that you can figure out a way to gain some happiness with your surgery.  Have you thought about a revision?  Have you discussed your frustrations with your doctors?  I wish you well!

Tina

Your surgeon or PCP should be contacted.

I would love to attend if one is planned in the McMinnville area. Please post if it is arranged.