Barbara Schneckloth

Hi Iam new to this site. Iam also an RN and I teach nursing students in Iowa. I am awaiting open roux-y which is sceduled July 12. I am excited but also scared as nurses i think we hear so many horror stories so Ill admit it tme. I appreciate any help and your wisdom of those who have already been through the procedure or who may also be a little nervous. thanks in advance.

Hi Barbara, I'm an RN also, medically retired from bad back. Had 2 surgeries to correct herniations caused by lifing patients. I worked cardiac ICU for 13 years. lAnyhoo, I'm waiting for my surgery also. I can tell you this. I'm not frightened at all because I've been through it lately. I had the adjustable gastric band put in in Mexico laparascopically. Having had 8 other major surgeries, the lap wasn't bad at all. I had a problem though in that I have esophageal dismotility right at the site of the band so I couldn't push anything through. They found this out when they did an EGD in San Antonio and subsequently took the band out, 2 laps in 15 days. lThe surgeon said it wasn't my fault or the Mexican doctors fault, it was just one of those things. He said when he took it out the band was perfect, right where it should be. So he told me the RNY was the best thing for me, so now 2 months later I'm waiting for my date. The recovery from the surgery or surgeries themselves was not bad at all, some pain, slight, itched a lot at the puncture sites, but now I haven't had the RNY experience with the diet and after effects of that. My brother did have it 2 years ago and has done wonderfully. Started working as a flight attendant at 48 years old and doing great. So I'm notworried. The Lord will do what's right by me and that's all I ask. I hope you do well. I know you will. Anytime you need to talk , just email me. [email protected] Andrea

Thanks for the words of encouragement I hope you also do well with your up comming surgery keep in touch my email [email protected]

Hi Barbara, I'm an RN also, medically retired from bad back. Had 2 surgeries to correct herniations caused by lifing patients. I worked cardiac ICU for 13 years. lAnyhoo, I'm waiting for my surgery also. I can tell you this. I'm not frightened at all because I've been through it lately. I had the adjustable gastric band put in in Mexico laparascopically. Having had 8 other major surgeries, the lap wasn't bad at all. I had a problem though in that I have esophageal dismotility right at the site of the band so I couldn't push anything through. They found this out when they did an EGD in San Antonio and subsequently took the band out, 2 laps in 15 days. lThe surgeon said it wasn't my fault or the Mexican doctors fault, it was just one of those things. He said when he took it out the band was perfect, right where it should be. So he told me the RNY was the best thing for me, so now 2 months later I'm waiting for my date. The recovery from the surgery or surgeries themselves was not bad at all, some pain, slight, itched a lot at the puncture sites, but now I haven't had the RNY experience with the diet and after effects of that. My brother did have it 2 years ago and has done wonderfully. Started working as a flight attendant at 48 years old and doing great. So I'm notworried. The Lord will do what's right by me and that's all I ask. I hope you do well. I know you will. Anytime you need to talk , just email me. [email protected] Andrea

I was really worried too, and scared. I had a lap RNY on April 27, 2004 and it was the hardest and best decision I have ever made in my life~ I am down 50 pounds today! I am off all blood pressure meds, no more glucophage, and best of all, my knees feel soooo much better! I was so scared I had my will written, my medical power of attorney and said good bye to my family! The nurses were great, I put my trust in them. The only bad thing that happened to me was my IV site infiltrated and clotted and no one noticed. I told them, but it was on the day of discharge. So, one toasted vein...hey, I would gladly give it for how I feel today. My grocery bill is much less, I finally am getting comments from co-workers how I am losing weight, and my energy level is coming up again. The first 6 weeks really are kind of hard. I guess for me it was the first 2 weeks physically, and then the next 4 weeks mentally. I still have a struggle at times because food has always been my medication, much like alcohol or smoking. So the withdrawl was an issue. The pouch will not permit bad behavior, at least mine doesn't! Now when I am stressed I find something physical to do, mow the lawn, ect. I feel like I have been released from a prison, and have a new lease on life! Good luck in July, you will not regret it! Just do NOT question your decision at least for the first 6 weeks.

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and congradulation on your 50 pound weight loss it is a scarey decesion and i like you medicate my self with food so it will be an adjustment. It is great having people like you to help encouirage all of us just starting our journey thanks again.

Hi Barbara, I am an RN and work for Head Start in Western Mass. I had an open RNY on May 28th 2004. I am just over three weeks post-op. I was fine until the last week before my surgery and then got nervous. I have to say that my docs stats were something that calmed me. He has done 5000 of these and has very good stats. I had also spoken with several of his post op patients. I knew what would happen to me if I did not have this done and that became scarier than the surgery itself. I am now healing and eating and coming back into the normal realm. I am down 29 lbs. and I am feeling pretty good. I have not regretted it yet. The first week was tough with the incisional pain but now it is fine. If you need an ear you can e-mail me anytime. I will try and help. Try to be a patient and not an RN for a bit. Man, we are a pain aren't we? I wouldn't want to take care of me, yet the nurses who did were super. They respected me and gave me excellent care. Be well, your date will be here soon and you will be on the losing side. The skinny angels will watch over you. Willi Ryan

Willi thanks so much for your words of support it great to hear from a fellow nurse who is new postop and doing well gives support that if you can do it i can too. congrats on your weight loss and for words of advice. stay in touch will be glad to hear how your getting along and diffently the skinny angel is watching over you hope to see you on the losing side soon.

Hi Barbara, i had my surgury nine years ago and dont regret it one bit. It has given me a new life. It gave me confidence, happiness, health and lots more. If you ever have any questions feel free to ask. i would love to be of assistance it is common to be nervous but a lot of good things are about to happen in your life. good luck yvonne

Thanks for the words of support im getting nervous as the date is approaching fast we just had a death last night in our are from gastric bypass not at my hospital but close by makes you kind of scared. thanks for your support Barb