WOOHOO! Got referral!

Hey folks, I went to my PCP doctor today and he gave me his blessings on seeking surgery. I was a bit nervous that he would be difficult about it. I went prepared. I printed out information I gathered from here and few other sites with positive and negative information about it. I also wrote down a detailed list of all of the health issues I have that I attribute to my weight. (The list was scary. Way too Long) Also, I documented all of my attempts at weight loss as well. He was quite impressed with my forethought and was very supportive. I will call Dr. Aranows office on Monday and get the the process there rolling. I think I'll be stopping in to the support group meeting on April 5th as well. God Bless! Jim

Good luck Jim!! The wait and the work are well worth it! I know more than I ever thought I would and really learned a lot in the 6 months that I had to do what Aetna needed me to do. I feel confident that I'm going to get my scheduled day without a hitch!! Ann

HI JIM I HOPE TO MEET YOU ON APRIL 5TH IF I CAN GET AN INTERPRETER FOR ME TO ATTENED GROUP SUPPORT. I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE GOING TO CALL DR. A. THIS MONDAY COMING AND WILL THINKING OF YOU ON MONDAY KATHY K

Jim, You have begun!! . Don't waste anytime getting prepared for your journey. Set up a schedule with your PCP for supervised weight loss monitoring and what ever else your insurance company might require. They change the rules all the time so don't be suprised. Going to the support groups is an excellent idea. You will find them very helpful. Congratulations on the beginning of your new life. Linda

GOOD FOR YOU JIM!!!!!! That first step is a big one. I'm pre op and Dr. Aranow is my doc too. the people on the board are great and will answer any question and help you any way they can. I did notice in the paperwork from Dr. Aranow there was a phone number for smoking cessation...I can check it out if you want. I smoked for 40yrs...YIKES...I quit 5 years ago..nrver thought I could do it. A support group helped....nicotine gum and a perscription medication. Good luck to you!!! angel

That's great Jim! My hubby quit smoking using "Commit Tablets". He put them under his tounge to dissolve. He thought they worked a lot better than gum. Good luck! Christine

Congradulations on your referral Jim, Now your Journey has begun you will find that once you have your surgery your list of health issues should become less and less as you work towards becoming healthy. Good Luck!!! Darlene RYN 11/10/03 309/252/135

Congratulations Jim You are on your way now! Also, its great that you are going to the support groups - I believe they are essential for being successful. Seems like you are right on track. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -72 lbs.

Way to go Jim! Hope everything gets off the ground for you at a fast pace. Maggie

Hey there, Ok, I called Dr Aranows office today. Was told I must attend an informational meeting on Wednesday May 26th before meeting the Dr. one on one. No problem. I would have liked to see him sooner. But whatever. The ball is slowly picking up speed!! I look forward to that meeting. By the way... I quit smoking as of today. As of this writing no smokes since midnight last night. So far so good. One day at a time. God Bless, Jim