First Consult Scheduled!!!

I spoke with my surgeons office today and they scheduled me for my first consult! I go in on Wednesday the 18th and I can hardly wait! I am 2 months in to my medically supervised diet and I just signed up for pre-op nutrition classes. I know it's just the first step and I have a long ways to go, but I actually feel like I'm making progress and this is really going to happen. I know I still have to cross my fingers for the insurance companies approval, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Right now I am just really happy to be on my way to a healthier life. I'm not sure what to expect at my first consult, can anyone tell me about their experience? Also, if anyone has any suggestions to make this process go smoothly I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, Morgan

Hi Morgan, I am so happy for you that you have made this decision to take care of you. I remember my first appointment. I am in Colorado Springs, and a retired military dependent. So I went to my first PA and he knew me for a few years and referred me to Fort Carson Army Hospital, they inturn told me that they could not do the surgery because my BMI was at 60 and that they did not have the capabilties to accommodate my size, so from there I was sent to Denver, to Doc Schoen and there is where my journey started again. Meeting Dr. Schoen was great, he saw me and not my size if you know what I mean. We talked about my health issues, the possibility of doing the surgery, what results I could expect, the life changes that I would have to make to be successful etc. His office was pleasant and equipment was the right size, I even fit in the waiting room chairs comfortably. You are on your way to such a better life I cannot even begin to tell you. You will have HOPE. HOPE that you will achieve goals set, HOPE that you will just LIVE life as it should have always been. Please keep me posted on your success. Aloha, Joyce [email protected] RNY-March 31,2005 Starting weight-318 present weight-146

Dr. Snyder is my surgeon too. I just had my first consult on October 6th so I understand a little of what you might be feeling. He is a WONDERFUL man and will explain everything in detail to you. He sat down with me and went over my questionairre and then asked about my personal life, what my support group was like and if I had any questions. Then he did a little physical examination (nothing major...just feeling your stomach basically) and then told me that he thought I would be an excellent candidate. I walked out of there feeling so wonderful about my choice that I haven't stopped working towards my goal since. OH! I almost forgot, he also gives you some guidelines to start following prior to surgery. Basically its to drink a liter to a liter and a half of water daily, start eating 6 small meals, start trying to stay away from high sugar and high fat foods and beverages. Hope that helps! Val C.

Thanks so much for all of your help! I had a great consult and Dr. Snyder is a great surgeon. He did my father's surgery last fall and I wouldn't have gone to anyone else! What support group are you going to? Can you send me some info? I would love to start going to a support group, but I just haven't had the guts to yet. Thanks so much foreverything! Morgan