I have my surgery date Sept. 17th. It happened so fast. Nooshing said it was the fastest she has seen. Any last minute advice? Is anyone else sceduled for that date in Richmond, a buddy would be great.

 Im confused. Now that I've asked for a referral, shouldn't I be dealing with the bariatric surgery's office rather than my doctor?

 you can keep checking with your doctors office to find out if theyv'e heard anything. Its also a gentle reminder that your waiting.

 Oh.. So I won't get a call to make an appointment for later? Is there a way to know that I'm on the list or something? 

 now, you wait.

no one will call you until an appointment is made, and I'll warn you, the wait list is long. I've been on the list since February - I was told 10 months before a consult; new referrals are being told a year or more.

on westcoast's website there is info on the surgeries they do, as well as a PDF listing the stuff you need to do.

you can start some of it early like I have if you're eager to start making changes. I've read the recommended book, taken the recommended weight loss class with the dietician, and have been journalling my food and exercise since before my referral.

I think the others here have said that if you do everything you're told to do, and experience no delays in testing, AND all the pros think you're ready, you can get the surgery about 6-8 months after the consult. I'm hoping by the time I have the consult the surgeon will see that I've already done a LOT of what they want.