UCONN meeting last night

So, I went to my first meeting at UCONN last night. What a great conversation was had, I think (except for the woman whose phone rang in the middle of the middle of the meeting and she proceeded to have a full fledged conversation in the middle of the room!!! - hee hee). First, I have to say, Kathy B and Cheryl S - your pictures do NOT do you ladies justice. You girls look fabulous!! What an inspiration! Those are the only ones I recognized from this Board. Second, I am at the point of my journey where I have finished all my requirements and am waiting for a date. For me, it was so great to listen to those post-ops tell their story and give their advise. To me, that is the best reality of what to expect, not what any doctor tells me what to expect. This whole process is alot to absorb, but I did learn alot last night especially that I will need to continue to attend the meetings because post op is going to be a challenge. I am not just going to have my surgery, lose weight and live me life. I realize it will be alot harder than that! Anyway, just wanted to say that I was glad to be a part of last nights meeting. And the speaker was a great facilitator too! Phyllis

HI Phyllis! I was at the meeting too last night and I got a ton out of it too. I've been going to the meetings since June and I think this was the best one yet. It really spoke to the concerns and issues I have questions about. I too have finished all my tests and jumped through all the hoops the insurance company insisted upon. Dr Giles' office had sent in my file and all the stuff insurance needs for my approval back at the beginning of July. Yesterday I received a letter from them stating that at this time they couldn't approve my surgery. Apparently they say I didn't fulfill part of the criteria. It looks like its just my psych letter. That I can fix. Dr Giles' office is to be getting with the insurance to see exactly what they want. I already see the folks at the psychiatry offices of UConn so it won't be a problem getting a new letter very quickly. But I have to tell you, I just about flipped when I read that letter. I was heartbroken. But you know what, that just showed me that I truely want this surgery and I am ready to fight for it!!!!!!!! So, please keep your fingers crossed for me and if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Take good care! Brightest Blessings! Heather in Avon

Hi Phyllis and Heather! I wish you had said hello to me while I was there! I was looking around for others who post on the board - but I missed you. The meeting was very, very good. I'm really glad I attended. The speaker did a great job, and everyone else helped with their ideas as well. The topic was very timely for me - I've really been struggling, and it helped to be a part of it. Thanks to those who posted so we would know about it, and how to get there! Thanks for the compliment - and you are right, Cheryl looks WONDERFUL! God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -98 lbs.

Hi everyone, When will the next meeting be? These sound really informative, and I live right in New Britain, on the Farmington line, so these would be a hop-skip-jump from me. Hope to see you all soon! -Deb

Phyllis, how did I miss you?? Claudia and I were looking for you and couldn't find you!! I really wanted to give you a big hug!! Thanks for the compliments! I thought the meeting went real well. Liz is a co-worker of mine and I just knew she'd really facilitate what we needed to get out in the open. She has had her own struggles with weight and has been with me since the beginning. Kathy, your picture doesn't do you justice either! You are stylin! You have the prettiest green eyes I have ever seen! It was great to see you again. Heather, you hang in there, Dr. Giles office will help you, if it's just the psych part than that's an easy fix. I love our meetings too. The next one will be hopefully a picnic at Winding trails in Farmington. Then we may (may) be moving to NBGH. More news to follow on that soon. Plus, I've been negoitiating with Barbara Thompson (yes, THE Barbara Thompson to come and speak to us. I will let everyone know way ahead of time if I succeed. Her book was the seal on my decision to have this surgery. Again, thanks for the compliments, and like I always say, It isn't easy, BUT IT SURE IS WORTH IT!! I got to meet all of you!! XXOO Cheryl

Sounds great! I look forward to the next one and will make sure I come get my hug!!