My First Meeting with Dr A.

Well I had my first meeting with Dr A.and he said he wants me to loose 10 lbs before I can have the surgery. I was a bit disapointed as it was my frist meeting with him and I was rushed out of there and I said something at the window and they made me sit and wait to talk to him again. Did anyone else get the impression of being rushed out of his office. I was only in with him for 5 minutes and we didn't even talk her just entered everything into his comupter about me. I am so afraid to do this but I am SOOOOOOOOOo sick of cryiong about how unhealthy and Fat I am. Can anyone tell me if I have almost all of my appts set for the beginning of june how long after that it will be before I can have the surgery? I am going to be going to the next meeting in Middletown and I am so hoping to meet all of you. Thanks Lisa P ( EH)

Lisa My first visit with Dr. A. I did not feel rushed--but I have felt that way in his office..so I know the feeling. If you have questions to ask...he will take his time with you. I guess he feels like you get all the answers in his informationational meeting...but I understand the need for getting a "feel" for your doctor. Dr. A asks EVERYone to lose 10-20 lbs before surgery.. This small weight loss significantly decreases the size of your liver--making it easier for surgery AND it tests your compliance--if you will be a good candidate post op. Just know that you are in good hands with Dr.A. Let the process unfold...do not ru****let it all sink in. You did not gain weight overnight...so take your time and learn all there is to know about this surgery. You already did a smart thing by joining these boards. Ask all/any questions you want. Do your homework... I know you want to rush this surgery...use the wait wisely...and learn all you can. Good Luck-I hope this helps. Joanie 256/173/???

Lisa It took my 7 months to complete all of the tests before I had this surgery from Dr A. I was required to lose 20 pounds before I had this surgery. The more people you meet at support group, Summer Gathering Party on July 16th, come to Ct Message board to collect alot of informations from all of us. Dr Aranow is an excellent doctor and is very busy doctor too. ASk any questions about your fears to us at Support group or ask us on Ct Message board then we will be happy to answer your questions and comfort some of your fears. BUt it is not quick fix to have this surgery. You have to use your tools. The tools are going to support group, do track to eat the right foods, excercise alot and involved to help other pre op people about this surgery. That is what I am doing for my tools . The hardest part are we are all still have mind hunger which cannot fix it but using tools to help us to get through it. I am so glad you came on this Ct Message board and you will find all of us ( different doctors) who are very support and helpful. We are care people like a big family Keep come back again! HUgs Kathy K

Hey Lisa do you happen to have an older sister named Kim? I think I might actually know you. My sister is a year younger than me so she would have been in school with you. We used to live on Long Hill Street. I know you're scared about the surgery, but once you do it, you will be SO happy. I was terrified to do it. (I had mine open). I almost cancelled because I was scared I was going to die or have some horrible complications. I think I cried the whole morning before they knocked me out. I am now minus over a 100lbs in 7 months. I'm SO glad that I did this. It's really scary, I'm not going to lie, you might even regret doing it for the first month or two (I know I did). If you don't feel comfortable with Dr. A find another surgeon. This is one of the biggest decisions that you'll make. I mean this person is cutting you open and re-routing your innards. I don't care how many time he's done it, he needs to make YOU feel comfortable doing it! Good luck! Erin 277/174/165