Leslely, I too have a surgery date w/ Dr. Marchesini...Wednesday, March 7th!!!! You will probably just be getting back from the hospital when I'm ready to leave the hotel...on the 25th. We should meet while we are there. My process have moven VERY quickly, since I decided to have wls. I wrote Dr. M on Jan 28th, and as of today, I have a surgery date and NON_REFUNDABLE TICKETS!!! So...I'm on the move, trying to get things ready in a hurry...only three weeks from Saturday for me!!! I'm leaving on the 3rd, coming home on 26th. If you'd like to email me directly, feel free to PM me and I will send you my home email addy. Amanda

I am hoping for a March date so I thought I'd join you all here! ;) Let me give a little background.... I looked into WLS in Jan. of 2004, but chickened out and in the mean time, I lost and regained 100 lbs, had my 3rd baby and am 16 lbs heavier now than I was in 2004. I attended a seminar w/ the program at St. Vincents (Cleveland Center for Bariatric Surgery) on Jan. 20, 07 with my husband, and in the mean time scheduled an appt with my family doctor to see what records I had from 2004. I had completed a sleep study in 2004 and still needed to do the CPAP Tiatration. He also said he was happy to see me finally going through with the surgery as he thinks it is my best choice to achieve permanent weight loss. He knows how long I've struggled with this weight and how much I've lost and gained over my life. He knows I'll put this tool to good use! I completed the sleep study last Sunday night, met w/ Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir (my surgeon) on Tuesday. Wednesday I had a quick session to get scheduled for my psych eval. and have the testing scheduled for this Tuesday. The only thing to compete is the upper GI that Dr. Ben Meir ordered and I'll be ready to submit to insurance. It looks like we'll be able to submit sometime towards the end of next week! LaTonya, at CCBS told me they were scheduling for March and that there is a chance I'll be in that group! My ins. doesn't require much and I've been able to do all they have asked and so she doesn't see any chance of them denying me. I can't wait!!! I am so glad to have found this website and this message board! I can't wait to get to know you all better!!! Amber

You are going to be terrific!!!!!!

Unlike you, I don't have a date yet. I'm waiting for insurance to decide, etc. I don't know how long it takes once insurance says alright, etc. I know I'm ready to do the surgery, but then I get myself all worked up. I'm scared, but mostly of the anethesia. Am I crazy for that part? I have great confidence in my surgeon, but I keep thinking of the craziest things that can occur. I get so angry at myself for not taking weigh lose more seriously when I was younger and it seemed to come off easier. I am 37 years old and have a BMI of nearly 81. After all of the information I've been pumping into my brain I have started making some changes beforehand, and looking at things like giving up caffeine and carbonated drinks. I'm starting a light exercise program to build up my heart strength and keep the blood pumping smoothly. I'm also starting to drink more water. I want to give my body every possible advantage to the negative things I've heard can happen with surgery. The only thing I'm thinking is going to be really rough is I read I have to go off all pain meds at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. My knees are HORRIBLE. I don't know how well I'll do without any pain med at all. This is also why I'm hoping the more I get rid of the caffeine and exercise my joints will feel better. I feel the most important thing we can do for ourselves is keep ourselves informed and surrounded by as many people that understand this as possible. I truly believe we are in the BEST place possible here online. Let me know what all you've been through and more about your progress. Prayer and thoughts Melissa :)

Hey Cira: I am sure it is meant to be for whatever what reason, it's okay. Hang in there and get excited!! 8-l