I don't think time is on my side...

I have been reading alot of information and also other people post on here. I am finding out that most people had to wait an intire year before they could have the surgery. I was hoping {I don't know how logical it was} to get a date and have the surgery within 6 weeks or so. Has anyone here ever had the surgery that quick? I am looking at Dr. Duncan aka Peachtree Bariactrics, but I was suppose to go to the Seminar today and after finding out how far it is, I wasn't able to travel do to mechanical issues with my car. I am going to call him on Monday to see what other options I have if any. Figuring that I don't have a year to just sit and wait, I have decided to take matters into my own hands. Yes, I will be making plans to have the surgery, but in the mean time, I have to get healthy now! I don't know much about vitamins, but I have been reading a lot of info on Protein, how do I find out what type of Protein I should be getting in? What other types of vitamins do I need to be taking? What is the best way to eat? Should I try Protein drinks or shakes as a meal replacement? Any information or web sites would be greatly appreicated. I have to start now. I can't wait! Thanks, Melissa

Hey Melissa!  I can't wait for our group to start!  Answering your question on surgery time, I was self pay with Dr. Smith in Marietta and once I got the ok from all the specialists my surgery was scheduled two weeks later.  From start to fini**** was 7 weeks.  As for diet, before surgery they put most patients on a liquid phase.  I thought I was going to never make it, but once you add the protein shakes I never felt hungry.  I think the protein is a huge key to staying full and losing weight.  Get in about 65 grams a day and make sure you get in at LEAST 64oz of water and you will be shocked at how satisfied you will feel.  I didn't have any problems sticking to the liquid phase before surgery because of those.

Thanks for reponding to my post. I can't wait for our group to get started either, I am just wanting on a couple more people to contact me so we can fix a day and start. I am going to check into the Liquid diet or shake rather. I just can't wait. Its possible that by making the right eating choices and by excercise I may not have to have the surgery. But we will have to see. Anyhow, I will get back to you as soon as I hear from the others. Thanks again, Melissa

i got my date within 1month - however i was selfpay also since my husband's insurance has an exclusion policy. also, dr williams does not require liquid diet before hand, just liquids beginning at 6pm night before surgery and nothing after midnight... i'm 11days out and i have lost 25lbs. go me! :) K

If you are self pay, you should be able to get it done pretty quickly. If you are using insurance, there are "conditions" that must be met before surgery. I am using Peachtree Bariatrics for my surgery on the 28th of this month. I have been on this Journey since July. I had to do a 6 month diet, sleep studies, psych exams, cardiologists, pulmonologists....I've had every part of me checked out. Even with self pay, I think you will still need the clearance letters from a psychologist, primary care physician, and have a sleep study. The doctors want to make sure you are up to this surgery. With that all being said, the clearance letters shouldn't slow you down too far. It's the 6 month diet that took me so long.

Just remember, it is not always your time that is what matters, it's God's time that matters. If it is meant to be, it will happen in HIS time. Good luck girl. Let me know if you do have the surgery with Dr. Duncan....I'll let you know how it went for me. I am having Dr. Hobson do mine. He seems really wonderful.

Don't get discouraged. I felt the same way you did. I lived in Texas and had Aetna insurance they required proof that I had been on a medically supervised diet for 6 months. During this 6 month period, that felt like forever, I moved to GA. In March I met with Dr Williams to restart the process. Dr Williams had me attend the seminar at North Fulton which I did on April 1st. Dr. Williams office called me about 1 week later and my new insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI approved me with no supervised diet information. My surgery is set for May 5th. Dr Williams office got me in really quick they even had a some earlier appointments I just needed to work my surgery around when I could take a week off work. I really recommend his office. Dr Willams is great and his staff is just as good.

I HAD MY SURGERY JAN 24, 2008.  I when to DR Duncans seminar in November and had surgery in Jan.   I had Dr Larry Hobson, he is an excellent surgeon and I highly reccommend him and the office.  The Hospital stay was wonderful as well.  Don't get discouraged, just get going.  It will not hurt to do all you can do now to start losing weight... I had no pain and have not had any problems since surgery...Bernadette   Good luck  ps I have lost 60 lbs since surgery.  I lost 31 before surgery.