nanf1962

Looking forward to hearing from you

I had my first appointment in General Surgery at NAS Jax also. I met with a wonderful female surgeon but can't recall her name. She gave me the nurse coordinator card who I called and left a message. I am waiting for her to call me back. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for her to return your call? The surgeon showed me all the options--said they don't do lap band_ and I am leaning toward gastric bypass. I am so ready to get the process started. I don't really know what to expect. Any other NAS JaX people out there who are farther along in the process? I have been on so many diets for the last 30 years....Finally feeling hopeful.

I too was a military wife. My husband just retired after 28 years. We had a conversation---he has always been against any type of surgery. For him, losing weight is just put your mind to it and do it. He loves me no matter what my size. I told him yesterday that it is not a vanity thing.....I want to be healthy. He loves to run, cross country ski, hike, kayak. I want to be able to share all of that. Of course I try but with the weight some of it is just impossible. That being said, I am so afraid. Don't know if this happens to you all, but the first things family members say is that is drastic. When you read that they remove 70 to 80 % of your stomach you realize that IS drastic. When I consider my sore knees, stiffness, hypertension , and pre diabetes I realize maybe I am in a drastic situation. Just plain scared!!!! I love hearing that you can get back to a normal life. Those who have had surgery---do you have many complications. Not to be too graphic but do you have to run to the bathroom immediately after eating? Do you have severe reflux? Is your quality of life a lot better? Think my biggest hurdle is to get over being afraid of the surgery and recovery.

I have scheduled my first appointment to discuss having the surgery next Friday. I have done every diet known---in fact right now I am paying for Weight Watchers. I have the typical story---will lose about 30 pounds then slowly the weight creeps back. I have worked really hard---have gotTEN my blood sugar levels almost normal, I exercise regularly etc but I am stuck. I am motivated but I just need some help. That being said, I am scared beyond belief. My family doesn't see me as I truly am just like I don't when I look in the mirror. My son who is a Doctor told me that I didn't meet the criteria. When I told him that I do, he got real quiet. I keep my weight a big secret---at my highest I was 310 lbs and now I am 284. Of course nobody knows how much I weigh. My Doctor son tells me it is a drastic decision. My husband told me he loves me as I am but if I am making the decision for better health he supports me. I want to be able to jog with him, cross country ski, run with my future grandchildren. I am just so afraid of the surgery. My extended family keeps telling me how drastic it is. I want to have energy. I want to feel healthy. I want the pain in my knees to get better. I want to zip line if I want to. Again---I am afraid of the surgery and complications. Have any of you had severe complications?