I am having surgery soon, I have joined this online group but would like to find a face to face group to go to. Does any one know one around here.

Southside Weight Loss Surgery Support!   Welcome Friends to SOUTHSIDE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY  SUPPORT GROUP; located at PIEDMOUNT  HENRY MEDICAL CENTER: 1133 Eagles Landing Parkway; Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. Meetings are held in the Education Building in the Foundation Board Room starting at 7:00 to 8:00 on the 4^th Tuesday of each month.   Support information is facilitated by Dorothy Jean (Jeannie) Armstrong-Obesity Help Support Leader. Contact information email ([email protected]); (404)754-8801. Online support information (http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/jeannie_4759/ )   And   Deborah Turrell- Obesity Help Support Leader & Life Coach. Contact information, e-mail ([email protected]) (678)583-1015. Online support information ( http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/kokomaui2000/ ).     We are here to help you along your JOURNEY and Better Health.   Piedmont Henry Medical Center does not support WLS, but has given us a place to give support to those in need. Here is the link to the class information that they post for us, (http://www.piedmonthenry.org/classes/supportgroups)     NEXT MEETING:   July 24, 2012   AT 7:00 PM   Come and enjoy the meeting others that are in this JOURNEY together, for as we all walk in this new way of life that we have chosen. We are all making better decisions on all of our eating habits and ENJOYING A BETTER WAY OF LIVING.

I don't have a clue about your insurance, but I see they finally got the ball rolling at the surgeons office! 

Hang in there, it will get approved SOON. You will be sliced and diced before you know it!    Then you can go from "when is this ever gonna happen?"   to "Why the heck did I do this to myself!" LOL!

                       

I understand your frustration, I had surgery with Dr. Hart 8 weeks ago but let me tell you it's well worth your time.  I know it's hard to follow-up but you do have to stay on them.  I felt like a jerk for what felt like harrassing them to get an status of where they were once they had all the information.  The PCP failed to send the right information when they did it was my complete medical history.  So, LaTonya bless her had to review it all and get what she needed.  She wasn't sure if it would be approved because the format that is required wasn't really what they are used too but she knew how anxious I was and sent it anyway.   It was approved within a week!  Love BCBS!    I have to say I haven't had one bit of naucea or vomiting....I have been naucous but it was my own doing (ie..eating too much or eating mayo).  I feel like I got the best care at Emory Johns Creek from the time I entered the hospital up until they put me in my car to come home (I live 3 hours away).  It's a Center of Excellence (be sure your insurance doesn't require it to be one if you change).  I had pre-op with someone who was approved to have it somewhere else in ATL and because her hosp wasn't a Center of Excellence she had to find a new surgeon and landed in Dr. Hart's office.   

The paperwork part is the hardest I have to say....but my recovery has been amazing.  I mean all surgeries are hard but after a week, most of the soreness was gone and I haven't regretted it at all.   I hope that helps.... you have to listen to your gut (no intented) and what makes you comfortable.  I knew Dr. Hart is the best and that's all that mattered to me because this is life altering surgery.   

(((((Hugs)))))) hang in there!! It's all worth it in the end!! 

One thing I failed to mention is the importance of getting copies of all your medical records and keeping them or yourself.  That way you can send insurance or a ne physician copies yourself instead of waiting at the bottom of a pile on somebody's desk. 


Remember, you have 1 patient to look after, the surgeon's office has hndreds. You will be your best advocate.

If you have not already done so, start requesting copies of all your pre-op office visits and testing now.   It also makes a great momento when you are years out, and can look over those records and see how far you've come! :-)