Went to Dr Aranow's seminar last night.

Hi, I'm new to all of this. Went to Jonathan Aranow, MD's seminar last night in Middletown and couldn't believe the wonderful information that I heard. It kind of scared me when it was up on screen in black and white what I'm doing to my body and how I can potentially die from this weight. Oh, how I've taken it for granted. I'm 328, 5'8" now. I made my appointment for June 3rd for my first visit with the surgeon. I'm very excited. I'm going to go for full bypass, no lap. Glad to be here. and if anyone needs a shoulder or friend, I'd be more than happy to lend one. I live in Westerly, Rhode Island, but am a CT native at heart! paula

Paula, Welcome to the CT boards! And congratulations on making the 1st big step toward surgery. I am one of Dr. Aranow's patients and can say that he is awesome and you will definately be in good hands with him. It is such a huge decision to have bypass surgery and can be pretty scary at times, but for me, i can say it was so worth it. I feel more healthy and have more self esteem than I have had in years. To your health! Good luck at your meeting with Dr A. Terri

Hi Paula Welcome to Ct message boards! Congrats for making processing toward surgery. I am Dr Aranow's patient too and You are in very good hands in Dr Aranow. He is great doctor and knows what to do with his job. I was all mixed feelings toward the surgery but today I am more happier, feel ten times better for my health and enjoy my life. I will be at support group at Middlesex hospital on May 16th at 700 pm and hope to meet you there. You can find me because I am only person who is hearing impaired and have an interpreter there. Come to me and introduce yourself. Kathy K

Paula One more thing ..... I checked your profile and saw same kind of insurance you have as mine but better to check to see if your husband s company can have Rider to cover this surgery. You have to understand how an insurance company works. Insurance companies say they will cover "x", or not cover "x" as a matter of basic coverage. That is not the end. Your individual company can pay for a rider which says they will provide for "x" IF you follow "A,B,C, and D Steps" Then........................ Your company can pay for a rider that says you do NOT have to do Step "B" . Now if you think that is the end of things................ When an insurance company decides that it will no longer cover a procedure, it does not change immediatly. Insurance companies have contracts which they must follow, give notice to employers, and allow them to purchase riders which would allow for specific coverages to continue if they so desire. Those changes take effect at the end of the conract period. You may want to find out when your company's contract runs out. Sound complicated??? It is. Bottom line................. only your insurance company knows for sure. Just work on doing what you need as quickly as possible. You can always appeal any dropped coverage,and get approval based upon their waiting times Kathy K

Welcome Paula You came to the right place for support and information! You also have chosen a fantastic doctor. Its a scary process...but take your time and let it all sink in and you will be more than ready when your time comes. Congratulations on your decision... Joanie

Hi, Paula! I'm also a patient of Dr. Aranow -- he's a terrific surgeon and everyone in his office is helpful. You don't have to wait for your appointment with him to start attending support group meetings, so maybe I'll meet you at the one this coming Mon. night, the 16th. Best of luck, Debby