Oh don't worry....I have not been officially scheduled as of yer...I had a dream that it would be December 21th so I'm going with it....lol     My last weigh in is also in December....Insurance approval (from Care 1st is 3 to 8 days). I was told as long as I had taken my 3 hour class, had all of my labs and submitted it's possible to be scheduled just that soon......So dont give up we can start the new year with a new healthy body.....(:

Also check out the state medical board -  I think I saw he is working on a reservation in Northern Arizona.

Hiya friend!

November 17th is just around the corner!  Woooo HOOOOO!  Your 2 year old son is going to love his new active mommy!  Better health is a great gift to give you and your family!

Use your pre-op time to sort through your closet....hang up the boxed items that are too tight (and put them on immediately after your surgery or you'll zip right past them!!!)......write down some milestone goals with corresponding (non-food) related goals!  Write a bucket list!  ....things you want to do in your life with a healthy body! 

Research and read all the forums here so you're prepared for everything!!!

My best advice to pre-op peeps is to "get informed" and commit to attending support groups forever!!!  Food is an addiction and regardless of one's surgery choice; the addiction  can sabotage the surgery!  ....  support groups (not unlike AA) can help us stay on track!!!

Dr. Blackstone has fabulous support groups and there are peer groups throughout the valley as well.  I attend one at Banner Estrella, one at  Chandler Regional and the groups at Banner Gateway!!!

Good luck!!!  Keep us posted!

Hi!

I am having the RUN Y November 17, 2010 and I just received my PREOP pack!! many thoughts going thru my head now... trying to keep postive im a bit scared.  46 with a  2 year old son well hes amlost three in December. I want to see him grow oyu  know!

What type are you having?

I am looking t find poeple I can talk to ask they and I have the surgery and after.. to help....each other..
My doctor is Dr. Blackstone in Scottsdale and I live in BUckeye!!

Hope to here from you! ANYONE!!

You can always check out a surgeon through the internet's "lawsuit search".  .... And, if they are not attached to a Center of Excellence then there might be reasons...?

Having some history within the Bariatric biz; the surgeon's I would recommend who have positive results:

Podkamini (band, sleeve, Rny)
Schuster (same as above)
Blackstone (same as above plus DS soon)
Juarez (same as above)
Fang (same as above)

If you are interested in having the BEST chance for long term results, then I'd totally recommend a Duodenal Switch. (www.dsfacts.com)  I would recommend Dr. Keshishian in Los Angeles and possibly Dr. Husted locally (but I don't know enough about him yet to recommend him.  He has some questionable opinions on the DS forum).

Dr. Villares used to work at Banner.  He then worked for AZ Weight Loss Solutions......  He's working somewhere else now.  I would question any surgeon who hops around like that and the reasons behind it.

I do know several people who have had Dr. Villares.  If you'd like more info then please shoot me a pm.

good luck!!!  I hope you find the procedure and surgeon that work well for you!!!