I'm not really an idiot -- only computer challenged...

I just sent a long winded, frantic post but somehow attached it to Thomas Collins' message. Hi Thomas. Welcome. Sorry. Can you all get to my message and reply or do I have to do it over again (I'm sure noone wants to hear my story twice. THANKS

Call the Doctor's office, Marie usually deals with the insurance. Getting the approvals and all. Ask to be put on a surgery day cancellation list. If all the pre-tests are finished then you should get a date pretty quickly. Or at least a time frame. Good luck. I was IRIF'd/Retired on December 15th. I was worried I'd gone though the last year for nothing also. I did luck out. I'm on severence until August so my benefits continued. Whew.((HUGS)) Elissa

Elissa, again what can I say but thanks. What scared me was that it took me so long to get the original consult (called in August 03; met the surgeon in March 04). When explain my time problem to everyone -- and I started with Dr. Iragu, at every clearance appts, to most of the office staff -- everyone is very nice but cannot promise me anything. So I can't help but think it may take as long to get the surgery date set as long as it did for the consult! Like I said, I am really on the fence but I am going to try what you suggest.

Just remember, everything happens for a reason. When its your time it will happen. Once you've gotten all your pre-op appointments completed time will fly. I heard that they were starting to do more surgeries per week, so that should speed up the scheduling process. Good Luck to you and keep in touch with your new friends here at obesityhelp.com, these guys & gals are the best!!!

I know you -- I saw your pictures and read your story in the News Journal! Thanks for sharing your story and being such an inspiration to us all. My family and friends (the few I have told so far) are very negative about me having this surgery. I am scared to tell anyone else, so I am going to share your success story with them and hope they will finally realize why I need to do this.

Hi Ms. Kitty Welcome to the message board! I'm a pre-op too, and going through the same thing. The only advice I can give you is to be patient... you'll have a date before you know it! Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. Best Wishes! Patti C

Hi Patti C, Thanks for your kind words. I am feeling much better since I posted and have gotten so many nice and helpful replies. I'm still not sure if I am replying, answering, whatever correctly so if any of you "old timers" to the site see me doing something stupid, please let me know. The last thing I want to do is drive all my new friends nuts! Patti, just as you encouraged me, I hope that all goes well for you too. Getting involved with this site is the BEST thing I ever did! I read your profile, I STILL can't find mine, and I think it is wonderful that you have your family support. I'm getting a really hard time from mine so I just stopped talking about it with them. (I think it's mostly fear of complications, or comments from friends who have never had a weight problem and think weight reduction is simply "following a diet" -- IF ONLY,huh? When I do have my surgery, finally, I will prove them wrong. I am that motivated to make it work.

If weight loss was as simple as just going on a diet then there would be no overweight people in this world! As for me, Gastric Bypass was the answer! I'm so blessed to have had this surgery. I'm so happy I did the surgery young so I can enjoy a long, happy, healthly life with my husband and kids. If you need support... you will certainly get it here!!

Ginger, How true! I think any way we can educate the general public about the surgery is a step in the right direction for acceptance. That's why I think the WNJ article was so great. I can show my family and friends it's not a fad or gimmick!

Welcome!! I am pre-op also and waiting has been my game for a year now! Just don't get too excited when you get your date until you hear those magic words from your insurance company.....you are approved. Then you can celabrate Trust me when I say...you have come to the right place for support and help through this process. These people are the best, they are like family and this site is very addictive. Hang in there, you will get your date. Dana