considering surgery

[mdcgrl]

I've been thinking about this for about 2 years.... very nervous... recently started looking into it seriously...
any advice?

[miranda (RNY)]

I am so glad I had the surgery, It has to be your choice. I wish I had done it years ago. I have heard some not so great stories and they all say they would do it again in a minute.

God luck in your choice

Miranda (LF # 1 ) :D

[Regina]

Hi my advice to you is this. Make sure that you are 100 percent ready for the change. You have to follow all the rules. Once you have the surgery there is no turning back. So try to come to the support meetings. You can ask questions there and Dr Allam, Pat (nutritionist), Judith, Jen and all of us are there to help you. I will tell you this I am so glad that I had the surgery done. I also did research on it and I saw the change in two people that I know personally that had the surgery. When I saw how great they were doing/did I knew that I had to get it done. I am so glad I did and I am glad that I found Dr Allam to do my surgery.
I feel so good. I am able to do things that I haven't been able to do in years and years. So think about it. Go for it is my advice;) Lots of luck to you.

[Wendy]

AHHH yes...ditto there! Its really the best thing I have ever done for myself! Its the beginning of a whole new world....whole new outlook on life......Its amazing how my world has changed since August......

[mdcgrl]

thanks for the emails, but after fridays Oprah... im just not ready....

[Regina]

Sorry to hear that you have changed your mind after watching Oprah. I saw that show when it first aired. I think before you say No to it that maybe you should come to the support meeting on April 20 and ask us and questions. Yes it might have been a little rocky for some but in the end it is all worth it. I know that what is good for someone is not always good for someone else. In this case you really need to be ready. Come to a few meetings before making up your mind. See what its about. Lots of us carry before and after pictures with us. I think that the people there at the meeting will be very honest with you. So don't give up yet!

HANG IN THERE:

[NCatena]

My advise to anyone considering this surgical weight loss option is the same......after you have done your research, talked to your Dr., and then talked to your immediate family, (their support is vital) you make your decision. Afterwards, you don't look to Oprah OR Dr. Phil, or anyone else for advise! I, too, saw that Oprah show on it's original air date. I sat yelling at the TV! Firstly, what does SHE know about being YOU? Secondly, how dare she say this is the "easy way out"? We all know that is the farthest thing from the truth! This was hard! Dr. Allam can change your physical body, but the cravings, the "self-medicating" we do with food, the emotional changes....that's all us, and it's NOT easy! However, it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done for ME! I had my surgery on June 2, 2003. I had a few post-op complications, but I can honestly tell you I would do it all again in a heartbeat! As a matter of fact, 2 of my daughters will be having the surgery this summer. (Their decision!) I have lost 120 lbs. I feel like I have been given a second chance at life. I know that I will live a longer, healthier, and happier life than if I had not gone through with this. Again, I am not trying to make your mind up for you, but I am encouraging you to not let Oprah do it, either! Her years of "yo-yo" weight are probably more of a detriment to her health than any weight loss surgery option. Come to our group meetings, talk to real-live success stories, and yes, even hear some scary stuff. And then, YOU make YOUR decision!

[Regina]

Nanette I agree with you and everyone else. You are so right and I have to say it again I FEEL GREAT!!! I wished I had done this years ago but if I had I would not have meet Dr Allam, his staff and all the wonderful people at our support group. I think that you should come to our meetings like I said before. See what we have to say about it.

[Wendy]

I personally think OPRAH needs a phone call from our SUPPORT GROUP>....and now that we can all fit on one plane she should fly us to CHICAGO so we can show her what it has done for us!
Just goes to show you....OPRAH doesnt know it all.....Shes probably just jealous.

[Regina]

ROAD TRIP!!!! Or will that be called a PLANE TRIP!!!! Lets go LOSERS!!!! Wendy you are so right now we can fit in those seats!! LETS GO GET HER!!! :D

Hmmmmm Wendy now you gave me another reason to be on here I think Oprah needs an e-mail from me :D

[Wendy]

OH REGINA....silly girl...like I need to give you reason to be on here....OH PLEASE........
Well not much is new here....BUSY BUSY week with all the holiday stuff going on.........
And thats about it...

HEY...I think I have found the answer to "BYPASS FRIENDLY" MEALS.........
STEP 1: Put ANYTHING in the slow cooker
STEP 2: COOK THE #$^% OUT OF IT
STEP 3: COME HOME FROM WORK
STEP 4: EAT IT

everything is tender as can be.....very nice to not have to chew chew chew chew chew chew

[NCatena]

Wendy......I have to agree! The crock pot is my friend!! I make chili, stew, etc. I even found a deli whose chicken salad is almost pre-chewed!! No lumps, no chunks......just ground chicken and mayo! Hope all is well. Enjoy the craziness of the holiday! I have a daughter home from college, so we are trying to cram everything we can into a few days. Nice to have her around! See you soon..............Nanette (Loser!):D

[Regina]

Hey Wendy thats a great idea. ;) I do believe that someone told me about the crock pot thing. I do have one and it is just sitting on top of my frig.......I guess it is time to wash it and use it again. So lets see what can I make today....Opps its Friday I don't cook on Fridays LOL I guess there is always tomorrow right. Wrong it is Saturday lol just joking I cook on Saturdays.
I really don't need an excuse to be on here but it sounded good didn't it?:D

[Regina]

Hello Nanette it is so good to you posting. Glad you are enjoying this message board. I hope you have a great time with your daughter home. Enjoy you Easter and see ya soon. PS love the joke