WOW,   Hope you have an easy time of it and all goes well.  Hope to see you at one of our CCCares meeting soon.   Bring your new body we all want to see it
Gloria

I've been in the process since early October, and just had my final meeting with Dr. Aranow today - am scheduled for lap-band surgery on Wednesday, Feb. 24. He's terrific, as is his staff - Lia (nutritionist) is great, Lois and Diane and Wendy and others whose names I do not know (yet!) are equally helpful.
His info session is informative, the support groups are helpful; I recommmend you go to some and learn even more. And best of luck!

Good Luck Rich!  What insurance do you have???  I hope all goes well with your surgery.
Bev

Every 3-1/2 minutes, a child is diganosed with cancer.
That's 160,000 each year.





I've almost reached my goal of a thousand dollars from friends like you guys who are supporting my tonsorial madness by sponsoring me in this year's St. Baldrick's Day head shaving for kids with cancer. THANK YOU to everyone who has taken time out of their busy day - and dollars out of their wallets - to help me in the fight against childhood cancers.

At St. Baldrick’s events, volunteers get bald to raise money and stand in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatments. Since the first head-shaving event on St. Patrick’s Day in 2000, St. Baldrick’s has contributed more than $50.5 million dollars to pediatric cancer research and held events around the globe. In fact. St. Baldrick's Day is second only to the United States government in monies given to fund grants for pediatric cancer research, and Team Brent, of which I am a part, is the number one fundraising team in the nation.

Look at those numbers again: . . .

- Every 3-1/2 minutes, a child is diganosed with cancer. That's 160,000 each year.


The St. Baldrick’s Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The Foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child.

If you are interested in becoming a "shavee", participating as a barber, or just want to learn more, please visit stbaldricks.org

Or, if you can find it in your heart (or waller, or pocketbook) to sponsor me in my journey, please vivist  www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/participantid/364314

and click on the big, blue "Make a Donation" box.

Thank you so, so much for your interest and thank you all for your continued support!

Love,
Bette B
Bold, Bald Broad

There is no "one" answer to your question. I have met some who breeze through the process and others with issues that required resolution prior to surgery..  I would guess 3 months to a year. It can depend on your insurance company, your pre-op health and the related testing. You will be given the opportunity to meet with various medical disciplines, to discuss nutrition, health, and psychological "readiness" . Each appointment is an important step to prepare you physically and mentally for your surgery and after care. This is a huge commitment you are making to change your life and cannot be hurried. The pre-op preparation will help insure you have the greatest chance at life long success. I wish you continued success and invite you to continue to ask any and all questions. Dr. Aranow will require you to attend a minimum number of Middlesex support group meetings where you will meet others considering the surgery as well as those of us that have "been there, done that". All your questions will be answered. I also extend an invitation to join a group called Central Connecticut Cares that was formed to offer additional support for Pre and Post ops. To find us click on the "groups" at the top of this page and search for Central  Connecticut Cares. We formally meet monthly and plan other fun social events. Sign up and Join in........               Dan