Im new and have questions

Hi, my name is Kathy and I am new to the ObesityHelp Message Boards. I have my first consult on Monday, January 24th and I was wondering if any of you could give me some advice on what to expect on that first visit. I am a military spouse and I am covered with Humana/Tri-Care (if any of you have delt with them I welcome any advice on that too). I have ben referred to a civilian doctor here in Augusta, Ga. (Dr. Gina Adrales) Also, if anyone knows of any public support groups in the Augusta/CSRA area I would appreciate any information on those as well. Thanks in advance for any help. Kathy

Hi Kathy, Here's a list of Dr. Engelers group, it's open to anyone. First, let me give y'all the list for Dr. Engler's support group meetings for the rest of the year. I will do my best to post reminders each month and let y'all know of any changes. January 24---Summerville Prof Bldg Suite 120 7 pm Feb 28---St Joseph/Sister Mary Louise Conf Rm 7 pm March 28 St Joseph April 25 St Joseph May 23 St Joseph June 27 St Joseph July 25 St Joseph Aug 22 St Joseph Sept 26 St Joseph Oct 24 St Joseph Nov 28 St Joseph Dec 26 St Joseph Other than that the 2nd Tuesday they have one on base at Eisenhower. Amy

Welcome Kathy, The beautiful lady that replied to you AMY WILLIAMS is the best person I know of in Augusta to help you. She will become your ROCK. She is amazing and so full of knowledge. I encourage you to read some of the posting about the convention. We on this GA board are like a huge family. You can get some insight on who we are and how much fun we have with each other. So welcome aboard. Lynn Lifsey

Awwww thanks Lynn! You are too sweet!

Thanks Amy for the info. I think I am going to go to the meeting on the 24th. I just ordered the obesityhelp magazine too, I hope that it is informative. Everyone on this site seems so kind to eachother, I look forward to becoming a part of this group! Kathy

Kathy, You might also come join our little local board online. Shirley (fee fee) is going to be having surgery very soon with Gina. http://groups.msn.com/WLSAugustaGa Amy

I tried getting into that group today and I am not sure if I did it right. Could you ask Shirley (fee fee) if she could email me, I have a ton of questions on what to expect on the consult visit and I cant seem to get an answer from anyone. I would really appreciate it. You have been very helpful and informative... thank you! Kathy

Kathy, I am also new to posting on the board but have been reading them for a long time. My husband is retired Army and I will be having surgery at Ft. Gordon next week. We have Tricare prime and I didn't have any problem with them. Just had to have a psych and nutrition consult with diet program for a few weeks and 4 surgery clinic consults. I attend support meets at Eisenhower on the 2nd Tues of the Month at 7pm when I am not working. In addition to the support groups Amy mentioned, there is also one at Health Central on Broad St on the 1st Mondays at 5:30pm. The support group meetings are very helpful in learning what you will be going through before and after surgery. Charlotte