A note to those thinking about surgery...

[QUEEBELL]

My name is Isabel and recently I have been being asked about my weight loss by so many people. If I'm asked directly, "How did you loose so much weight?" I'll tell them. I think it's important to make some things clear to people considering weight loss surgery. One...Be prepared! Your mentallity about food has to change. Two...It does get easier as time goes on to deal with food situations. Three...Ask for help from people who have been there. This board and the support group are there to assist you so ask us anything even if you think it's stupid question. If you ask you will recieve. There is someone here who has an answer for you. I'm 6 months out RNY, Regina is several years out of RNY, Jamie is a lap bander. You get the picture. There are many active members waiting to answer you anything you want to know and we are happy to tell our stories. So, all of those considering either procedure, good luck and God speed. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Isabel

[Jamie]

Thanks Isabel,

I just want to thank for your participation in posting on the message board. It sems that the board is really starting to get a new life since Regina has put so much time and effort into saving it!!! There are so many members (new and vets alike) that seem to care and want to help anyone that has any questions or concerns having to do with either form of bariatric surgery. We all share in this responsibility to help others and have made it a personal project to help clarify the whole process for any newbies.

We, as a whole, are doing a fine job starting from Dr. Allam and Pat, to Carrie and Pauline in the office, the older (and sometimes wiser) veterans (lol), the newer patients that have come through with flying colors, and all of us are just waiting to share some bit of advice or tell our stories to anyone that just asks. We have a collective bunch of stories that we are just chomping at the bit to pass on to anyone that wants to listen, and in the long run we feel that these stories will help make their journeys less bumpy and more enjoyable.

I am also very proud of how much the newer people are stepping up to the plate offering to be angels, welcoming new members, trying to get people to post, and just making the message board a place where we all know we can come to just for a bit of encouragement or friendly conversation if needed.

It takes a lot of courage for someone to share thier personal stories with the message board or the support group, and this has been done on more that one occasion lately. You are to be commended because you know in your hearts that this will turn into a positive and helpful experience for others. We can take these stories and break them down and look with an objective point of view and try to get you back on track again. The support that is here is phenominal and asks for nothing in return, except the chance to help someone in need.

PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, IT DOES HELP OTHERS

Thank you all,

Jamie

[connie]

I am so happy to share my experience with anyone who asks.............It was the best decision I ever made. My main reason was for my health ......I wanted to get off my blood pressure med, cholesterol med , have less joint pain , . I made the choice of having lap band, and since March have lost about 45 lbs and decreased my meds in half..........I have energy and excersise........I have increased self confidence and feel like a new person. I am encouraging my friends who are in similar situations and when Im asked the question "HOW DID YOU LOSE WEIGHT ???" I am happy to say lap band. It has taught me to eat healthy and be aware of what I am eating..................It is a helpful tool to maintain healthy eating habits. Thanks lap band, Thanks Doc, and thanks to all the great people on this helpful web site.