My initial appointment

03/25/04 Well I got a call from the surgeon's office and was offered an earlier initial appointment, to which I told Tina "I'll be there with bells on" lol well not bells but there definitely. I went yesterday and as everyone has said, Dr. Miller and his staff are very good and very friendly. I went through the inital group consultation then waited to see Dr. Miller privately. Well I learned my BMI is over the limit He does. ( I'm only 4'11" and on that day I was 402lbs ) but He said if my weight would come down to 350 He would be happy to do the surgery. I go back in May to see how i'm doing.. its in my hands and I am determined to get down to His requirement. So though I was a little discouraged I'm not giving up.. I CAN'T Keep me in your prayers. I'm doing everything I can to drop the weight needed. Any comments or suggestions are always appreciated.

I called Dr. Miller's office when I was looking for a surgeon and was over his BMI requirement too. I was very disapointed but it prompted me to keep looking. I was 5'2 and 336. I don;t know if they would have considered an open procedure but they refused me for laperscopic. I've never been able to lose 60 lbs on my own in my life so I knew in my heart it was not an option for me. I am now glad though becasue that brought my search to Dr. Wynn, a local hospital & the laperscopic surgery I was looking for. I wish you the VERY BEST of luck in losing the weight you need to in order to qualify for the surgery. But if for some reason you cannot, please don't give up, keep looking. There are many surgeons & therefore other options if you need them. All the best - Kathy V.

Etta! You are so very right ... Don't ever give up!!! You are in my prayers! Please keep us posted on your progress!!! BTW - you may want to post on the main board for suggestions on losing before surgery. I know I have read where several have had to lose before they were allowed to have the surgey ... perhaps they would have some suggestions for you. Also, you can call another surgeon and enquire if they will do surgery with your BMI? Just another thought. Wishing you the very best!!! Hugs, Tammy