Donna M.

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It's now 5 months since surgery.  The weight loss is slow.  I'm down 50 lbs, and can't complain about that.  That would never have happened without the surgery.  I am able to eat anything, however, lately I am beginning to experience the "dumping syndrome" most talk about.  It isn't pleasant, so adjusting my foods to accommodate that.  Sugar and fats are the problem.  I'm not worried, and can eat most of everything else.  I'm very lucky and very thankful to Dr. Wolfe for giving me a 2nd chance.  My insurance, however, I am not thankful for.  They have not covered $1 of this surgery, and so far it is up to over $50K.  I knew it wasn't covered, but thought Lifewise would at least cover the first part of the surgery; the "fixing" from the previous WLS, but they haven't.  So, my husband and I are dealing with that and have taken out a Home Equity Line of Credit on our home to cover this expense.  All in all, I am happy with the results of the surgery.  Wish the weight loss was faster, but I know the results will continue for a few more years.

Had my revision surgery to RNY on July 13th, 2007.  It was a big surgery, and took about 5 hours.  I was in the hospital almost 6 days.  The previous WLS had gone really bad, and apparently the previous staples were everywhere.  Plus, there was a lot of  scar tissue from that surgery.  Everything went very well, and Dr. Wolfe was able to give me a gastric bypass as well.   I'm still recovering; am still sore, but continuing to get better daily.  Am already feeling the effects from the gastric bypass, and am losing weight.  My recovery is taking a bit longer since the surgery was so complicated, but I know I'll be just fine in a few short weeks.

We leave for Portland in the morning.  Surgery is Friday morning.  Not sure what time yet, but someone is supposed to call.   Getting anxious, nervous and looking forward to my new and different life.

I'm 56 and going to have this surgery AGAIN.  Had a vertical silicone gastroplasty in 1990.  I lost 40-45 lbs initially, and gained it back immediately.  It was a waste of my time and money.  The surgery was a complete flop.  I've thought about revision surgery for several years, but having gone through the last one, wasn't too excited to subject myself to this again.  But, I've found a competent surgeon now since moving to Oregon, so am ready to begin a new life and a new adventure.   I'm looking forward to traveling with my husband and to be able to live life to it's fullest.  Should have done this years ago.