peggums

Of course....EVERYONE will have an OPINION...based on what ever understanding they might have of the surgery...there are so many misinformed people out there....BUT...they are not in your body...in your shoes...if you tell.....try not to make it a "what do you think ?" conversation...but assertively share this most important decision you've made FOR YOUR LIFE!! I am so much more healthy now...some things we fluffy folks know about our body's is private...so you don't even need to share the WHY....if they can't understand and want to "what if" you.............don't visit with them until it's done.....I have had some of those moments too.....like...I feel like I need to explain to the waitress why I didn't eat all my meal!! My husband just rolls his eyes...says...they don't need to know!! He's right!!!
We all have adjustments to make in this journey...I have dealt with self esteem issues for my whole life....now I am learning the tricks to being normal....the first year has almost passed...the excitement of the whole thing has calmed...but it's still in the forefront for me everyday....for the rest of my much healthier life!!!!

My surgery date is May 7, also! I chose to tell only my immediate family and one other person. My coworkers have been told I am having "stomach/digestive issue surgery." I have decided that other peoples opinions are not my business. and for the matter of it being "an extreme move," frankly, I need an extreme move. I have been dealing with these weight issues most of my life. I decided to ask myself, "how much worse does it have to get before enough is enough?" My knees and hips are killing me, the GERD/LPR is horrendous, urinary incontinence is embarrassing and high cholesterol that will need medication. For me, Ive had enough and I'm doing it. That being said, surgery is only three days away and I am a bit nervous... lol Here is where I will look for real support.

How old are you??? Do what your co-workers say help you control your life?? It's your decision and maybe sharing with a close friend or family member is ok...it's really only you who can decide. Yes it changes you...but for the good!!! You will forever know when you are full...you will have a new tool....No..you can't pig out anymore and yes..you will have a doggy bag every time you go out to eat...check out the site...7 bites..on facebook...get used to the idea that you will be living differently...are you ready for that?? Also..one more suggestion....watch MY 600 POUND LIFE..you will see what you don't want for yourself...I didn't share a lot...for that exact reason...I wanted to make up my own mind and not answer a bunch of idiot questions!!

I am Peggie. I am almost 1 year post-op ROUX-N-Y surgery done by the amazing Dr.Donn Spight at OHSU..Portland, Oregon. It's such a complete,comprehensive program there....I was so impressed and continue to be....you see...I am an R.N. and was 100 pounds overweight. There are unfortunately many people in health care who ignore their own issues while caring for others. I have had weight issues for as long as I can remember...
I began hearing about weight loss surgery many decades ago...but it was "crazy" to do we all thought..why cut your guts?? but.. over the years..things evolved to be much safer and people were having great results!
I had been successful dieting in the past ..my issue was keeping it off....like so many of us.
Fast forward... January 2014....my husband who is a Vietnam veteran disabled from PTSD was finally granted his 100% disability status...it was hard fought for...literally. Unknown to me...this qualified me for CHAMPVA insurance. I was so blessed..it allowed me to pursue this idea once again. CHAMPVA would pay for LAPBAND OR ROUX-N-Y.. but the facility I was guided to no longer would do a LAP BAND as they were seeing so many displaced bands and problems associated and had fixed so many...I was so surprised and disappointed since that was going to be my choice!! I gradually learned more and more about the ROUX-N-Y procedure...went to a seminar, met the program Nurse Practitioner ,Dietician and a Psychologist....all before meeting my Surgeon..I was going to go for it!! I didn't know if I was accepted or not yet.
I was instructed (again) how to eat...the limitations for fat and sugar....and off I went to lose my 25 lbs before surgery. I have a history of ulcerative colitis and GERD..so I also had to have a colonoscopy and EGD before I was approved....
The day came fast...May 8,2014. The day my life really changed. I forgot to mention I am 63 years old. My focus was getting healthy...I was diabetic, had hypertension as well as other weight related issues....I couldn't reach areas!! I was incontinent..I had areas of skin that were getting excoriated...I was out of breath and miserable. not to mention my self esteem...that sucked!
for the surgery..I wasn't afraid at all. I worked in the surgical pre and post op areas and was familiar with the whole big thing...I just wanted to be worthy...be a good patient...
I did well in surgery although my Surgeon was called to the task when the auto stapling system miss fired and he then had to sew my small intestine up to my new little stomach all by hand...thru the scope!! I was so grateful he didn't have to open me up!!!! I was kept NPO for more days than the usual...due to the little issue...yikes! That was tough...I was super thirsty!! I had a special procedure 2 days postop to determine there was no leakage....thankfully...he did so good!!! IMPRESSIVE!!
My first meal...a med cup with a spoonful of popsicle!!! HEAVEN!! I began negotiations for more popsicle!! also got to have cream of wheat....so lux! and after 5 days....discharged! I tell this tale to share that not everything goes perfectly...but trust your Surgeon...even if you're a Nurse...
I then began a new journey...with myself. I had to learn how to slow down...eat small bites and chew chew chew...I fell deeply in love with Soup and to this day..I love how it fills me up with warmth.
I took a several weeks of gradually increasing my activity..my husband was a great help and support. He was so happy I was on this road to health.
Well.....to keep it short...it's now almost a year...I've surpassed my Surgeon's calculations and have successfully lost 100 lbs....and everyday I am so grateful. To my husband and to my Surgeon... couldn't have this good healthy life without you....
Each day,I exercise...elliptical or walking....I have my go to's for food...the incredible edible egg!!! I try to comply with the Fluid and Protein requirements...however hard it is to take in so much!! My little stomach tells me clearly when I've filled it up...LOVE that tool....
I can say...without hesitation...my life is 100% improved...I have a bit of redundant skin which can be removed in 18 months post-op if I have any skin issues. I do have irritation and my PCP assures me she will "make it happen"...to get insurance on my side for it. I'm not really looking forward to another surgery...but wish this skin to be gone....
I now fit into much smaller sizes...and love buying clothes....guess that's a new problem!!!
Trying to work on that!!!
I hope my story inspires you if you are hesitating...it's truly worth it...but I'm not saying I didn't feel differently about it those first days.... just gotta power thru the rough spots..
You just gotta fight for your life...

REALLY COOL to hear back from you all.......love sharing...I'm going to be seeing Dr. Spight just before we go to Cabo..in June.. I am all in right now to lose another 5-10 pounds...I have been cruising at 166ish for awhile. I get excited about being the one in control...not that other me!!
First time in my life though...that I can't lose too much more!!...for fear ALL my new clothes will be too big! I have a little bit of advice...buy your "on the way down" new things at a used clothing store or Goodwill...you will find cute things and smaller sizes...but won't feel so bad when they get baggy on ya!!!! Just pass them on!!
Have a great week!!
Peggums

Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is truly inspiring. I am glad to hear you are doing so well. I have 50lbs left to lose and as you know, at 7 months post op it is up to me to make it happen. I have been doing well so far!
Good luck to you!

Wow, Congrats Peggie. You look amazing and happy. As I begin my journey, stories like this truly inspire me. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey.????????????

@@peggums, thanks for sharing your success story. It is so helpful for new post-ops and people who are considering WLS to hear about the real successes of real people.
I am also coming up on my one year anniversary in the next couple of weeks and am also very grateful for having been given the opportunity to have WLS and get my life back. What a difference a year and a half of careful eating can make!

I am Peggie. I am almost 1 year post-op ROUX-N-Y surgery done by the amazing Dr.Donn Spight at OHSU..Portland, Oregon. It's such a complete,comprehensive program there....I was so impressed and continue to be....you see...I am an R.N. and was 100 pounds overweight. There are unfortunately many people in health care who ignore their own issues while caring for others. I have had weight issues for as long as I can remember...
I began hearing about weight loss surgery many decades ago...but it was "crazy" to do we all thought..why cut your guts?? but.. over the years..things evolved to be much safer and people were having great results!
I had been successful dieting in the past ..my issue was keeping it off....like so many of us.
Fast forward... January 2014....my husband who is a Vietnam veteran disabled from PTSD was finally granted his 100% disability status...it was hard fought for...literally. Unknown to me...this qualified me for CHAMPVA insurance. I was so blessed..it allowed me to pursue this idea once again. CHAMPVA would pay for LAPBAND OR ROUX-N-Y.. but the facility I was guided to no longer would do a LAP BAND as they were seeing so many displaced bands and problems associated and had fixed so many...I was so surprised and disappointed since that was going to be my choice!! I gradually learned more and more about the ROUX-N-Y procedure...went to a seminar, met the program Nurse Practitioner ,Dietician and a Psychologist....all before meeting my Surgeon..I was going to go for it!! I didn't know if I was accepted or not yet.
I was instructed (again) how to eat...the limitations for fat and sugar....and off I went to lose my 25 lbs before surgery. I have a history of ulcerative colitis and GERD..so I also had to have a colonoscopy and EGD before I was approved....
The day came fast...May 8,2014. The day my life really changed. I forgot to mention I am 63 years old. My focus was getting healthy...I was diabetic, had hypertension as well as other weight related issues....I couldn't reach areas!! I was incontinent..I had areas of skin that were getting excoriated...I was out of breath and miserable. not to mention my self esteem...that sucked!
for the surgery..I wasn't afraid at all. I worked in the surgical pre and post op areas and was familiar with the whole big thing...I just wanted to be worthy...be a good patient...
I did well in surgery although my Surgeon was called to the task when the auto stapling system miss fired and he then had to sew my small intestine up to my new little stomach all by hand...thru the scope!! I was so grateful he didn't have to open me up!!!! I was kept NPO for more days than the usual...due to the little issue...yikes! That was tough...I was super thirsty!! I had a special procedure 2 days postop to determine there was no leakage....thankfully...he did so good!!! IMPRESSIVE!!
My first meal...a med cup with a spoonful of popsicle!!! HEAVEN!! I began negotiations for more popsicle!! also got to have cream of wheat....so lux! and after 5 days....discharged! I tell this tale to share that not everything goes perfectly...but trust your Surgeon...even if you're a Nurse...
I then began a new journey...with myself. I had to learn how to slow down...eat small bites and chew chew chew...I fell deeply in love with Soup and to this day..I love how it fills me up with warmth.
I took a several weeks of gradually increasing my activity..my husband was a great help and support. He was so happy I was on this road to health.
Well.....to keep it short...it's now almost a year...I've surpassed my Surgeon's calculations and have successfully lost 100 lbs....and everyday I am so grateful. To my husband and to my Surgeon... couldn't have this good healthy life without you....
Each day,I exercise...elliptical or walking....I have my go to's for food...the incredible edible egg!!! I try to comply with the Fluid and Protein requirements...however hard it is to take in so much!! My little stomach tells me clearly when I've filled it up...LOVE that tool....
I can say...without hesitation...my life is 100% improved...I have a bit of redundant skin which can be removed in 18 months post-op if I have any skin issues. I do have irritation and my PCP assures me she will "make it happen"...to get insurance on my side for it. I'm not really looking forward to another surgery...but wish this skin to be gone....
I now fit into much smaller sizes...and love buying clothes....guess that's a new problem!!!
Trying to work on that!!!
I hope my story inspires you if you are hesitating...it's truly worth it...but I'm not saying I didn't feel differently about it those first days.... just gotta power thru the rough spots..
You just gotta fight for your life...

I am Peggie. I am almost 1 year post-op ROUX-N-Y surgery done by the amazing Dr.Donn Spight at OHSU..Portland, Oregon. It's such a complete,comprehensive program there....I was so impressed and continue to be....you see...I am an R.N. and was 100 pounds overweight. There are unfortunately many people in health care who ignore their own issues while caring for others. I have had weight issues for as long as I can remember...
I began hearing about weight loss surgery many decades ago...but it was "crazy" to do we all thought..why cut your guts?? but.. over the years..things evolved to be much safer and people were having great results!
I had been successful dieting in the past ..my issue was keeping it off....like so many of us.
Fast forward... January 2014....my husband who is a Vietnam veteran disabled from PTSD was finally granted his 100% disability status...it was hard fought for...literally. Unknown to me...this qualified me for CHAMPVA insurance. I was so blessed..it allowed me to pursue this idea once again. CHAMPVA would pay for LAPBAND OR ROUX-N-Y.. but the facility I was guided to no longer would do a LAP BAND as they were seeing so many displaced bands and problems associated and had fixed so many...I was so surprised and disappointed since that was going to be my choice!! I gradually learned more and more about the ROUX-N-Y procedure...went to a seminar, met the program Nurse Practitioner ,Dietician and a Psychologist....all before meeting my Surgeon..I was going to go for it!! I didn't know if I was accepted or not yet.
I was instructed (again) how to eat...the limitations for fat and sugar....and off I went to lose my 25 lbs before surgery. I have a history of ulcerative colitis and GERD..so I also had to have a colonoscopy and EGD before I was approved....
The day came fast...May 8,2014. The day my life really changed. I forgot to mention I am 63 years old. My focus was getting healthy...I was diabetic, had hypertension as well as other weight related issues....I couldn't reach areas!! I was incontinent..I had areas of skin that were getting excoriated...I was out of breath and miserable. not to mention my self esteem...that sucked!
for the surgery..I wasn't afraid at all. I worked in the surgical pre and post op areas and was familiar with the whole big thing...I just wanted to be worthy...be a good patient...
I did well in surgery although my Surgeon was called to the task when the auto stapling system miss fired and he then had to sew my small intestine up to my new little stomach all by hand...thru the scope!! I was so grateful he didn't have to open me up!!!! I was kept NPO for more days than the usual...due to the little issue...yikes! That was tough...I was super thirsty!! I had a special procedure 2 days postop to determine there was no leakage....thankfully...he did so good!!! IMPRESSIVE!!
My first meal...a med cup with a spoonful of popsicle!!! HEAVEN!! I began negotiations for more popsicle!! also got to have cream of wheat....so lux! and after 5 days....discharged! I tell this tale to share that not everything goes perfectly...but trust your Surgeon...even if you're a Nurse...
I then began a new journey...with myself. I had to learn how to slow down...eat small bites and chew chew chew...I fell deeply in love with Soup and to this day..I love how it fills me up with warmth.
I took a several weeks of gradually increasing my activity..my husband was a great help and support. He was so happy I was on this road to health.
Well.....to keep it short...it's now almost a year...I've surpassed my Surgeon's calculations and have successfully lost 100 lbs....and everyday I am so grateful. To my husband and to my Surgeon... couldn't have this good healthy life without you....
Each day,I exercise...elliptical or walking....I have my go to's for food...the incredible edible egg!!! I try to comply with the Fluid and Protein requirements...however hard it is to take in so much!! My little stomach tells me clearly when I've filled it up...LOVE that tool....
I can say...without hesitation...my life is 100% improved...I have a bit of redundant skin which can be removed in 18 months post-op if I have any skin issues. I do have irritation and my PCP assures me she will "make it happen"...to get insurance on my side for it. I'm not really looking forward to another surgery...but wish this skin to be gone....
I now fit into much smaller sizes...and love buying clothes....guess that's a new problem!!!
Trying to work on that!!!
I hope my story inspires you if you are hesitating...it's truly worth it...but I'm not saying I didn't feel differently about it those first days.... just gotta power thru the rough spots..
You just gotta fight for your life...

I am Peggie. I am almost 1 year post-op ROUX-N-Y surgery done by the amazing Dr.Donn Spight at OHSU..Portland, Oregon. It's such a complete,comprehensive program there....I was so impressed and continue to be....you see...I am an R.N. and was 100 pounds overweight. There are unfortunately many people in health care who ignore their own issues while caring for others. I have had weight issues for as long as I can remember...
I began hearing about weight loss surgery many decades ago...but it was "crazy" to do we all thought..why cut your guts?? but.. over the years..things evolved to be much safer and people were having great results!
I had been successful dieting in the past ..my issue was keeping it off....like so many of us.
Fast forward... January 2014....my husband who is a Vietnam veteran disabled from PTSD was finally granted his 100% disability status...it was hard fought for...literally. Unknown to me...this qualified me for CHAMPVA insurance. I was so blessed..it allowed me to pursue this idea once again. CHAMPVA would pay for LAPBAND OR ROUX-N-Y.. but the facility I was guided to no longer would do a LAP BAND as they were seeing so many displaced bands and problems associated and had fixed so many...I was so surprised and disappointed since that was going to be my choice!! I gradually learned more and more about the ROUX-N-Y procedure...went to a seminar, met the program Nurse Practitioner ,Dietician and a Psychologist....all before meeting my Surgeon..I was going to go for it!! I didn't know if I was accepted or not yet.
I was instructed (again) how to eat...the limitations for fat and sugar....and off I went to lose my 25 lbs before surgery. I have a history of ulcerative colitis and GERD..so I also had to have a colonoscopy and EGD before I was approved....
The day came fast...May 8,2014. The day my life really changed. I forgot to mention I am 63 years old. My focus was getting healthy...I was diabetic, had hypertension as well as other weight related issues....I couldn't reach areas!! I was incontinent..I had areas of skin that were getting excoriated...I was out of breath and miserable. not to mention my self esteem...that sucked!
for the surgery..I wasn't afraid at all. I worked in the surgical pre and post op areas and was familiar with the whole big thing...I just wanted to be worthy...be a good patient...
I did well in surgery although my Surgeon was called to the task when the auto stapling system miss fired and he then had to sew my small intestine up to my new little stomach all by hand...thru the scope!! I was so grateful he didn't have to open me up!!!! I was kept NPO for more days than the usual...due to the little issue...yikes! That was tough...I was super thirsty!! I had a special procedure 2 days postop to determine there was no leakage....thankfully...he did so good!!! IMPRESSIVE!!
My first meal...a med cup with a spoonful of popsicle!!! HEAVEN!! I began negotiations for more popsicle!! also got to have cream of wheat....so lux! and after 5 days....discharged! I tell this tale to share that not everything goes perfectly...but trust your Surgeon...even if you're a Nurse...
I then began a new journey...with myself. I had to learn how to slow down...eat small bites and chew chew chew...I fell deeply in love with Soup and to this day..I love how it fills me up with warmth.
I took a several weeks of gradually increasing my activity..my husband was a great help and support. He was so happy I was on this road to health.
Well.....to keep it short...it's now almost a year...I've surpassed my Surgeon's calculations and have successfully lost 100 lbs....and everyday I am so grateful. To my husband and to my Surgeon... couldn't have this good healthy life without you....
Each day,I exercise...elliptical or walking....I have my go to's for food...the incredible edible egg!!! I try to comply with the Fluid and Protein requirements...however hard it is to take in so much!! My little stomach tells me clearly when I've filled it up...LOVE that tool....
I can say...without hesitation...my life is 100% improved...I have a bit of redundant skin which can be removed in 18 months post-op if I have any skin issues. I do have irritation and my PCP assures me she will "make it happen"...to get insurance on my side for it. I'm not really looking forward to another surgery...but wish this skin to be gone....
I now fit into much smaller sizes...and love buying clothes....guess that's a new problem!!!
Trying to work on that!!!
I hope my story inspires you if you are hesitating...it's truly worth it...but I'm not saying I didn't feel differently about it those first days.... just gotta power thru the rough spots..
You just gotta fight for your life...

I am Peggie. I am almost 1 year post-op ROUX-N-Y surgery done by the amazing Dr.Donn Spight at OHSU..Portland, Oregon. It's such a complete,comprehensive program there....I was so impressed and continue to be....you see...I am an R.N. and was 100 pounds overweight. There are unfortunately many people in health care who ignore their own issues while caring for others. I have had weight issues for as long as I can remember...
I began hearing about weight loss surgery many decades ago...but it was "crazy" to do we all thought..why cut your guts?? but.. over the years..things evolved to be much safer and people were having great results!
I had been successful dieting in the past ..my issue was keeping it off....like so many of us.
Fast forward... January 2014....my husband who is a Vietnam veteran disabled from PTSD was finally granted his 100% disability status...it was hard fought for...literally. Unknown to me...this qualified me for CHAMPVA insurance. I was so blessed..it allowed me to pursue this idea once again. CHAMPVA would pay for LAPBAND OR ROUX-N-Y.. but the facility I was guided to no longer would do a LAP BAND as they were seeing so many displaced bands and problems associated and had fixed so many...I was so surprised and disappointed since that was going to be my choice!! I gradually learned more and more about the ROUX-N-Y procedure...went to a seminar, met the program Nurse Practitioner ,Dietician and a Psychologist....all before meeting my Surgeon..I was going to go for it!! I didn't know if I was accepted or not yet.
I was instructed (again) how to eat...the limitations for fat and sugar....and off I went to lose my 25 lbs before surgery. I have a history of ulcerative colitis and GERD..so I also had to have a colonoscopy and EGD before I was approved....
The day came fast...May 8,2014. The day my life really changed. I forgot to mention I am 63 years old. My focus was getting healthy...I was diabetic, had hypertension as well as other weight related issues....I couldn't reach areas!! I was incontinent..I had areas of skin that were getting excoriated...I was out of breath and miserable. not to mention my self esteem...that sucked!
for the surgery..I wasn't afraid at all. I worked in the surgical pre and post op areas and was familiar with the whole big thing...I just wanted to be worthy...be a good patient...
I did well in surgery although my Surgeon was called to the task when the auto stapling system miss fired and he then had to sew my small intestine up to my new little stomach all by hand...thru the scope!! I was so grateful he didn't have to open me up!!!! I was kept NPO for more days than the usual...due to the little issue...yikes! That was tough...I was super thirsty!! I had a special procedure 2 days postop to determine there was no leakage....thankfully...he did so good!!! IMPRESSIVE!!
My first meal...a med cup with a spoonful of popsicle!!! HEAVEN!! I began negotiations for more popsicle!! also got to have cream of wheat....so lux! and after 5 days....discharged! I tell this tale to share that not everything goes perfectly...but trust your Surgeon...even if you're a Nurse...
I then began a new journey...with myself. I had to learn how to slow down...eat small bites and chew chew chew...I fell deeply in love with Soup and to this day..I love how it fills me up with warmth.
I took a several weeks of gradually increasing my activity..my husband was a great help and support. He was so happy I was on this road to health.
Well.....to keep it short...it's now almost a year...I've surpassed my Surgeon's calculations and have successfully lost 100 lbs....and everyday I am so grateful. To my husband and to my Surgeon... couldn't have this good healthy life without you....
Each day,I exercise...elliptical or walking....I have my go to's for food...the incredible edible egg!!! I try to comply with the Fluid and Protein requirements...however hard it is to take in so much!! My little stomach tells me clearly when I've filled it up...LOVE that tool....
I can say...without hesitation...my life is 100% improved...I have a bit of redundant skin which can be removed in 18 months post-op if I have any skin issues. I do have irritation and my PCP assures me she will "make it happen"...to get insurance on my side for it. I'm not really looking forward to another surgery...but wish this skin to be gone....
I now fit into much smaller sizes...and love buying clothes....guess that's a new problem!!!
Trying to work on that!!!
I hope my story inspires you if you are hesitating...it's truly worth it...but I'm not saying I didn't feel differently about it those first days.... just gotta power thru the rough spots..
You just gotta fight for your life...

I am Peggie. I am almost 1 year post-op ROUX-N-Y surgery done by the amazing Dr.Donn Spight at OHSU..Portland, Oregon. It's such a complete,comprehensive program there....I was so impressed and continue to be....you see...I am an R.N. and was 100 pounds overweight. There are unfortunately many people in health care who ignore their own issues while caring for others. I have had weight issues for as long as I can remember...
I began hearing about weight loss surgery many decades ago...but it was "crazy" to do we all thought..why cut your guts?? but.. over the years..things evolved to be much safer and people were having great results!
I had been successful dieting in the past ..my issue was keeping it off....like so many of us.
Fast forward... January 2014....my husband who is a Vietnam veteran disabled from PTSD was finally granted his 100% disability status...it was hard fought for...literally. Unknown to me...this qualified me for CHAMPVA insurance. I was so blessed..it allowed me to pursue this idea once again. CHAMPVA would pay for LAPBAND OR ROUX-N-Y.. but the facility I was guided to no longer would do a LAP BAND as they were seeing so many displaced bands and problems associated and had fixed so many...I was so surprised and disappointed since that was going to be my choice!! I gradually learned more and more about the ROUX-N-Y procedure...went to a seminar, met the program Nurse Practitioner ,Dietician and a Psychologist....all before meeting my Surgeon..I was going to go for it!! I didn't know if I was accepted or not yet.
I was instructed (again) how to eat...the limitations for fat and sugar....and off I went to lose my 25 lbs before surgery. I have a history of ulcerative colitis and GERD..so I also had to have a colonoscopy and EGD before I was approved....
The day came fast...May 8,2014. The day my life really changed. I forgot to mention I am 63 years old. My focus was getting healthy...I was diabetic, had hypertension as well as other weight related issues....I couldn't reach areas!! I was incontinent..I had areas of skin that were getting excoriated...I was out of breath and miserable. not to mention my self esteem...that sucked!
for the surgery..I wasn't afraid at all. I worked in the surgical pre and post op areas and was familiar with the whole big thing...I just wanted to be worthy...be a good patient...
I did well in surgery although my Surgeon was called to the task when the auto stapling system miss fired and he then had to sew my small intestine up to my new little stomach all by hand...thru the scope!! I was so grateful he didn't have to open me up!!!! I was kept NPO for more days than the usual...due to the little issue...yikes! That was tough...I was super thirsty!! I had a special procedure 2 days postop to determine there was no leakage....thankfully...he did so good!!! IMPRESSIVE!!
My first meal...a med cup with a spoonful of popsicle!!! HEAVEN!! I began negotiations for more popsicle!! also got to have cream of wheat....so lux! and after 5 days....discharged! I tell this tale to share that not everything goes perfectly...but trust your Surgeon...even if you're a Nurse...
I then began a new journey...with myself. I had to learn how to slow down...eat small bites and chew chew chew...I fell deeply in love with Soup and to this day..I love how it fills me up with warmth.
I took a several weeks of gradually increasing my activity..my husband was a great help and support. He was so happy I was on this road to health.
Well.....to keep it short...it's now almost a year...I've surpassed my Surgeon's calculations and have successfully lost 100 lbs....and everyday I am so grateful. To my husband and to my Surgeon... couldn't have this good healthy life without you....
Each day,I exercise...elliptical or walking....I have my go to's for food...the incredible edible egg!!! I try to comply with the Fluid and Protein requirements...however hard it is to take in so much!! My little stomach tells me clearly when I've filled it up...LOVE that tool....
I can say...without hesitation...my life is 100% improved...I have a bit of redundant skin which can be removed in 18 months post-op if I have any skin issues. I do have irritation and my PCP assures me she will "make it happen"...to get insurance on my side for it. I'm not really looking forward to another surgery...but wish this skin to be gone....
I now fit into much smaller sizes...and love buying clothes....guess that's a new problem!!!
Trying to work on that!!!
I hope my story inspires you if you are hesitating...it's truly worth it...but I'm not saying I didn't feel differently about it those first days.... just gotta power thru the rough spots..
You just gotta fight for your life...

Hello! Peggums here...........
I'm post op RNY 5/8/2014... Just getting used to my inner newnesses...I'm also an RN who worked in outpatient surgery setting for many decades...but BEING the one having the surgery is way way different...HA! I learned a lot about the PAIN I didn't expect...I learned I was capable of getting thru it...but it got down to minutes...meaning how long it took for the pain med to help then finally ease up the pain....LOVE the little green button!(PCA)...I had more than one moment of complete anger at myself for not being able to control my weight my whole life and ending up having to have a surgery (which I really really wanted)...and also wondering...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW!! Thankfully, that passed....time passed and I got home to recover without incident...but taking it easy ,too.
I really love the idea of local in-person support group. My Bariatric Facility..OHSU has a support group in Portland as well that I haven't gone to as yet.
I live about an hour north of Portland, in Silverlake,Wa and would love to know about any groups formed in the Southwest Washington area.
Thanks~P

Dear BariatricPal Members,
We are pleased to announce a new program called BariatricPal Local Chapters! This program will be an addition to the support that BariatricPal already provides to members. BariatricPal started as an online resource for hundreds of thousands of potential and post-op weight loss surgery patients. Many of you visit the site regularly to receive and provide tips and encouragement, and just to hang out. BariatricPal Local Chapters extends our online community into the real world.
BariatricPal Local Chapters includes live, in-person meetings with local BariatricPal members. We know the significance of support group meetings before and after weight loss surgery, but not all patients are able to attend live meetings in their areas. BariatricPal Local Chapters can help fulfill this need by providing the support for regular in-person meetings in neighborhoods around the country.
BariatricPal Local Chapter Meetings
Most meetings will follow a standard format that includes introductions followed by the day’s main activity, and finally a discussion or question-and-answer session. The main activity of the day can be a lecture on essentials before and after weight loss surgery, such as nutrition, exercise, overcoming obstacles, and building a support system. Other activities might include group walks, cooking demonstrations, presentations by visiting bariatric surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, or nutritionists, and clothing exchanges.
Do You Want to Be a Group Leader?
If you are friendly, enthusiastic, and committed to fighting obesity with weight loss surgery, we want you to consider becoming a BariatricPal Local Chapter Group Leader! Energetic group leaders are key to success. Your roles as a group leader will include:
Scheduling times and places for Local Chapter meetings. Planning group meeting agendas including scheduling guest speakers, reserving facilities, and arranging for supplies when necessary. “Hosting” group meetings by leading the introductions and leading or facilitating the main activity and question-and-answer sessions. Leading group discussions or lectures when they are the main activity of the meeting. Reaching out to members to help you in regular tasks and fill in for you when you cannot plan or attend a meeting. Making all participants feel welcome. Does this sound like something you can do? BariatricPal will provide support to Local Chapter leaders, including developing guidelines for running meetings and materials for group discussions.
Here’s What to Do!
If you are interested in being a BariatricPal Local Chapter leader, please use the BariatricPal Local Chapter directory. Click N EW LOCAL CHAPTER to create a new chapter and follow the simple instructions on how to get started.
Please feel free to post questions on this thread. I am excited to begin BariatricPal Local Chapter meetings, and I hope you are, too!