Just introducing myself - surgery now scheduled

Hi all - Like Jeri, I've been monitoring your sight and just "peeking" without saying much, for several weeks. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging, you've been helping me with my process without even knowing it! I went to my doctor's seminar on 11/16, started all the evaluations the following week, and submitted the letter to the insurance company on 12/9. On 12/27 I was approved (!), and just got a surgery date of 1/26. I'm both excited and nervous, probably like everyone is. The doctor said time off work would be 4-6 weeks (lap RNY)... but it has been encouraging to see that so many of you are back in a week or two. I'm looking forward to meeting some of you, perhaps at a support group around Atlanta somewhere? If any of you have any suggestions on finding a good group, what to look for, etc., I'd love to hear them. Thanks.

Cheryl, Which MD did your surgery and what hospital did you use? I am from about 2 hrs south of you, but will be traveling to Atlanta for my surgery...if i can get it done. Any tips would help. Thanks, D'Lynn

My surgeon is John Scarborough (www.doctorscarborough.com), and surgery will be at Emory Adventist in Smyrna. It isn't scheduled for about 4 weeks, though. I really like Dr. Scarborough. Is he too far for you?

Yeah he is a good ways from me...I am going to Dr. Hart in Suwannee..I believe he uses North Fulton as his hospital. Thanks though. Smyrna is a lot further than Atlanta for me...lol.

Hi Cheryl. I am having my surgery on Jan. 17 and I understand how you feel. My emotions seem to be all over the place! My doctor said that since I have a desk job I can be back to work in 1 1/2 weeks. I was surprised because I have seen so many people saying they were out 2-6 weeks. Good luck with the rest of your journey! Bonnie

Hi Bonnie: I'm glad to hear even your doctor said you might return that early. I don't really want to be out 6 weeks! I think I'd go nuts at home by myself for that long. Blessing to you for your surgery. We'll be thinking about you, and praying for a successful, complication-free surgery! Cheryl

Hi, Cheryl! Welcome! Your process looks like the one that I wanted!!!! Wow, I love efficiency! Mine took a bit longer. I would not have needed four to six weeks of time off work. I think two would be a good estimate by what I went through. I use this board as my group since I am online every day. I know Wings Around Atlanta has several meeting groups. There are also open monthly meetings near North Fulton Hospital. I think the next one is Tuesday evening. I like what I read about all of these. Hopefully, some folks with more info. will respond. Hugs! Becky

Here's my link to "Wings Around Atlanta." You mind find more information about meetings there! http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WingsAroundAtlanta/messages/

Thanks! I just signed up at Wings Around Atlanta and began a little searching around. Under "database" there is something called "contact list." I take it these are the contact people for various support groups?

Welcome to our group - family - friends - support....whatever you want to call us!!! Congrats on your approval and date!!! If you need a support group you may want to ask your doctor to see if they have one - if not there are MANY groups around the Area - including the members of this boards "gatherings" that we do. I love to see new faces and hear all the stories everyone has to share! Please keep us posted of your journey!!!!