wwboy

I've been approved. So the December 1 date is transforming from penciled in to inked! Still feeling conflicted about it though. I'm not sure if I will end up doing it or not. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi I'm scheduled to have vsg in December and the facility I'm using is about a 3hr drive from my house. They have occasional support groups (1x/mo) and as it turns out one is taking place on the same day as I'll be driving up for a dietician appointment. My question is - do you think these would be worth my time? It's scheduled at the end of the day and will make my return home very late - after 11pm. I'm just trying to weigh if it will be worth sticking around in town for several hours to wait for... I like the idea of support and in person people who have been on this path - but I'm not from the area and so I'm confused as to how useful it will be. Any experience with these groups? What have you found? What's your advice on this for me? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm working with Mathews Rawlins from the Rockwood clinic. He does about 300 of these surgeries per year and has been doing them since the early 2000's. Very down to earth and compassionate - and low complication rate. Have heard mixed ratings about the hospital floor but I feel very positive so far about my interactions with this doctor. We shall see -- I'm sure Portland and Seattle have solid options. I'm driving up to Spokane from Walla Walla so either of those others could've worked too. Spokane is the closest though and I think this guy is good. Clinic seems to have a very long term support oriented process too.

Scheduled for December ... I'm terrified of (in no particular order): 1. Dying on the table. I know this might be unlikely but the thought that when they put me under that might be my last moment is terrifying. 2. Having major complications such as issues with anesthesia, major leaks, an infection, abscesses, etc. 3. Emerging out of surgery after having been in a coma for many weeks or months because of something bad that happened in surgery. How that might affect my career or my kids and my family. In related to this the fear of waking up without legs or something if I were to throw a clot and end up having them amputated. (this actually happened to someone I read about this past week went to surgery just fine woke up an amputee) 4. I suppose having surgery or not losing weight it's a fear but it's a far more insignificant fear than the other ones. 5. The pain. That it will be worse than people describe or I won't be able to tolerate it very well. 6. That I will not have the positive effects that other people have surgery: i.e. decreased hunger, a quicker feeling fullness after eating, etc. So I guess welcome to the club. And I guess welcome to the club for me too! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So sorry. Courage!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had a 3 hr consult. He told me his recommendations right there in his office and sent them to the Bariatrics clinic that night via fax. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting thanks for the info. No complications I hope! Yeah hospitals aren't generally the most fun places in general -- add staff that are carrying around their own personal issues and drama, and the stay can become even less enjoyable! I was kind of surprised this specialty clinic is based at Deaconess instead of Sacred Heart - my impression is that the latter is a newer and more carefully run facility. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've been seeing Mathew Rawlins at the clinic up there and I've found him to be really great so far. Has been doing these surgeries exclusively for about 10 years now. His group performs 3-400 per year I think they said. I'm scheduled for the end of the year sometime. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm currently at my heaviest weight ever and people are constantly saying things like this to me. I feel embarrassed for both of us when I get it. It almost feels like they're either saying: "my mental image of you is of a giant lazy slob -- but somehow you managed to look nicer than that in person -- must be your weight.." OR a subtle reverse psychology pressure telling me that I NEED to lose weight. In both cases, it always makes me feel icky (and I'm male - which means that the cultural expectations are quite different for me than for a female). And I NEVER make comments on people's weight because of this. yes!!! I completely get that! How old are you? Maybe its an age thing. I'm 34....

I'm currently at my heaviest weight ever and people are constantly saying things like this to me. I feel embarrassed for both of us when I get it. It almost feels like they're either saying: "my mental image of you is of a giant lazy slob -- but somehow you managed to look nicer than that in person -- must be your weight.." OR a subtle reverse psychology pressure telling me that I NEED to lose weight. In both cases, it always makes me feel icky (and I'm male - which means that the cultural expectations are quite different for me than for a female). And I NEVER make comments on people's weight because of this.

I talked with a nurse friend about it and kind of like you've indicated -- she said it is really not an issue. And because people will be coming into the room constantly for vitals/meds/etc - getting woken up is the norm in the hospital. I really only have an issue overnight if I sleep for a long time and sleep really heavy. Seems like that's doubtful in a hospital setting (never been admitted before). If anyone else has advice as to how to prepare/deal, much appreciated.

I'm pre op still - but right at 39-40 BMI. 6'1" and 310 when I started. Down to 298 right now on changing eating habits over the past month and a half. I've had several friends respond with that same: you don't need it, you're fine, you've always been big, that's drastic. But like many of you, my joints hurt, my lab numbers are horrible, I'm on a CPAP, I take several meds, I feel crappy -- AND ALL THESE PEOPLE TELLING ME ITS UNREASONABLE ARE AT HEALTHY WEIGHTS!!!! I want to lose 100lbs and for craps sake, I haven't been able to do it without this tool. It's good to not be alone

This is a super interesting conversation. Thanks for sharing! I am in a similar boat as many of you - hesitant to tell friends and coworkers. And for similar reasons: what if I regain the weight?, what if they judge me?, what if it's awkward?, what will happen in social settings?, etc. Another layer that adds to it for me is that I'm a pastor of a church -- so there's kind of a "spiritual failure" aspect to my heaviness -- and also a piece of my recovery process that is in public because of my public career. I'd hate to lose a ton of weight and have my congregation think I did it without the tool of WLS if that was the truth. Not only because it'd kind of be a shade of falsehood, but also because there are others in the church struggling with weight -- and my example could give them permission to get this kind of aggressive help. It's sure scary though. So I haven't told anyone. I am writing a blog but haven't shared it on my Facebook or anything yet. (Tobypass.wordpress.com if you're interested )

Wow holy cow that must've hurt!!! Glad to hear you're doing well and on the mend. Did you talk to the doc or nurses about your condition before going in for surgery?

I have this same question. Haven't had surgery yet and will not for probably 6mo+. But I have ongoing issues of nighttime urine loss -- and I too use disposables to manage it. Didn't have the courage to ask my surgeon yet about how I should plan to deal with it in the hospital. I'll build it up eventually. Curious though to hear the experiences of others.

I'd like to find one too - I'm in Walla Walla. Pre-op but know I'll need support. Post if you've found or made a community.

I'm another considering surgery - have a first consult scheduled in 2 weeks in Spokane. I live in Walla Walla though - if you find or start a support group in the area once you move Eli Alexander, Id be interested in joining. Maybe even just getting coffee or something. Pretty new on this journey and essentially scared out of my mind.