Hi there, I'm just starting.

Hi. I found this board while I was doing a little research about wls.   I just started at the Weight Wise clinic in Jan  and had my second appt on March1st  when I saw an internist, dietitian and psychologist.  I live pretty far from the city so they booked a few appts on the same day.  I had been waiting a long time to get in to the program.  My referral went in around May 2009.  I have been checking out a few of the different forums on here and have found them very interesting and informative.  It is somehow comforting to read about the experiences of others who are in a similar situation as I am. 

Hi Christa! I too found this forum while surfing. My referral was put in March 09',I think it was, I did all my classes in 10' and finally got my first app't tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous about the first appt. How did your appt go??What did they do?? I think you are just a couple of days ahead of me in this process so I'll be interested reading about your experiences! Just a little "cyber-stalking!"LOL!!! Good luck!  Wendy

Hi Wendy!  That's cool that we are both starting out close to the same time.  My first appt was with a nurse (named Wendy!) and it went pretty well.  They mearsured my weight and height first.  She asked a lot of questions about medical history, eating patterns and home life.  We talked about the program and what my expectations were.  She was very nice.  I was nervous about going to that first appt too but I found everyone there to be very friendly and non judgemental.  Good luck tomorrow, I'm sure it will go well. :)

Thanks Christa! The appt went well this morning. The bonus was I found out I'd lost a couple of more pounds plodding away on my own. Have you completed all the modules? I tried for months to get into #8 and then gave up. I now have renewed determination and will get on the phone tomorrow! Today I found out they added another module, #9 so will do that too. People were very friendly at the clinic and the wait room was very "chatty" and friendly too! Thanks for responding! I'll follow you!

I'm glad your appt went well and nice surprise about being down a couple of pounds!  I have only been to module 1, I had booked several modules over a year ago and they were all cancelled.  Then another one I couldn't go because of a bad snow storm and I have such a long drive.  Then I pretty much gave up until I finally started at the clinic.  Now I have several booked over the next couple of months and I'm looking forward to them.  I'm hoping they will help keep me motivated.  And I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress.  I find reading about the success of others is very motivating too!

Hi Wendy,
You're going to come out of the meeting with your nurse SO encouraged! Take whatever you have of a food journal, your pedometer, a list of all drugs and supplements you take, and the bundle of paperwork they sent you (all filled out)
Your nurse will weigh you (everyone weighs you - get used to it) check your blood pressure, go through the paperwork with you, ask lots of questions, give you helpful suggestions, order bloodwork and possibly a body composition scan, and decide who you'll have your next appointments with.
If you're really lucky you'll get Janine.

Kelly-Anne

I did luck out and DID get Janine!! I DID come out encouraged to continue. Weight loss will hopefully become "easier" with the support! I'm enjoying chatting with you and christa and interested in your journies! Good Luck and thanks!

Hi Wendy,
Did she have them set up other appointments for you? Which ones? I've seen a dietitian (Carlene - blunt but super helpful), an internist (Dr Yaltho - also encouraging), and attended a group OT session. I see Carlene again on the 23rd and am quite looking forward to my weigh-in, since I'm down several pounds, with all credit to her guidelines.

I'm so glad that you ladies found the Weight Wise Clinic and US!!

The clinic is the BEST thing that has ever happened to me. They have taught me how to loose and keep it GONE!!!

I will always be in their debt.

I hope you enjoy your 'learning process'.

I, too, live quite a distance but the clinic was always in my corner when booking appointments. 4 - 5 per day. They would always fill up my day so I only had to take the one full day off... such nice people....

I always enjoyed waiting for an appointment. The other patients at the clinic make the wait so worthwhile. I've made many friendships in the clinic waiting room... lol..

If there is anything I can help you with... please let me know.

I've lost about 180 lbs so far. 100 before surgery, then surgery in August 2010 and another 80 lbs. It's the best thrill ride of my life...


Melody

How did you lose the first 100#? On your own or with the help of your dietitian? I managed to lose 24# on my own between my referral and intake, then another 8# since my first visit with my dietitian.

According to the internist I saw I need to lose another 14# before I'll be considered for surgery. That means it'll likely be at least another 3-4 months, assuming my dietitian is right AND I'm compliant, but I'm ok with that. I'm choosing to see this as my opportunity to work on learning healthier eating habits.