Discovering Alvarado

Went to the support group and seminar yesterday and all I can think about is that I want this surgery. It's eating me alive I want it so bad. I can hardly wait until tomorrow at work so I can get my packet faxed in and start the process.

At the support group I saw a bunch of skinny women talking about how little they eat. I knew, intellectually, that they were all post-op, but my god, they were just all so damn normal looking. My brain was thinking they must've all been small to begin with, until they started standing up and saying how much they had lost. I was blown away. Everyone had lost over 90 pounds, most more than 100, and a few more than 150. They brought out pictures, and we talked and I felt so amazing, they were all kind, supportive, didn't push me to get the surgery, but just seeing the results, how happy they all are. It's different than reading it online. I could see the joy for life in their eyes.

The seminar was more educational for Mom than for me, but what struck me most was the surgeon speaking, Dr. Julie Ellner. She was so compassionate when talking about former patients. At one point I could swear she wiped away a tear. I felt no judgement from her, just love.

The seminar also talked in depth about their statistics versus national statistics. I like Alvarado's stats very much. Nurses who volunteer to be in the bariatric unit, equipment designed and developed for their surgeons. This is the same group that performed Carnie Wilson's RNY. I trust this surgeon, these past patients, and Alvarado in general.

It will mean flying down to San Diego for the surgery. But if I'm putting my life in someone's hands, I want it to be the best.