Thanks so much for the encouragement. I talked with Dr. Oakley and I feel more comfortable. Unfortunately he was out of network for my insurance so I had to change. Yesterday I visited with Dr. Valentine and I have to say, I am pretty comfortable at this point. I weighed in...ugh..but I have lost 20lbs in the last month or so, so that is a positive step. I will continue to try to lose more weight before my surgery. I have to meet with a nutritionist and have a psych eval before going in but that's ok. I will do this thing correctly. I am now more confident and ready to take this huge step in my life. After getting some test results back from my primary physician...I had a huge reallity check and it woke me up. My cholesterol is high and he did an IMT on the arteries in my neck...I'm 44 and already showing signs of hardening of the arteries. That was very scary. So asthetically, it will be nice to be thin, but I am doing this for my health. The thin part will be such a bonus. Talk to you soon, Lori

I'm just starting to check into the cost of surgery. Will probably have it in Spokane from the dr's at Rockwood Clinic. I have Group Health Cooperative insurance. Was wondering if anyone could tell me what they paid to have their surgery done. I know you pay your med provider deductible, but what else?? What are the hidden costs? Need to find out asap as I have a mtg with another dr in another state for same thing. Trying to compare costs! Thanks!

Hi Kelli, I agree Dr. Oakley is excellent. The next meeting in August 15th, it's usually on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 pm. The meeting is near St. Lukes Hospital in Boise which, after you get on the freeway, is only about 15-20 minutes when you get on the connector. That time of the evening, the traffic isn't bad at all. You can call Jenifer at Dr. Oakley's office and she can send you some details about the meeting and get you on the mailing list. Their website is www.thinidaho.com in case you want to go there.

HI I'm still getting everything together for my Dr consult.I'm from Blackfoot Id. My question is the Dr. that will be doing my WLS is Dr. Joseph Podany in Idaho Falls and im wondering if anyone here has used him or can tell me anything about him. Thank You so much....Sheila

I guess I am a bit nervous about talking with my doc today. In my heart I have decided that this surgery will be the best thing for my health. I haven't said anything to my husband. What am I afraid of? Anyway, today I meet with my regular doc and discuss my blood tests, check my vitals etc, and I am shaking inside. I don't need to be nervous....but I am. I'll write more later...gonna go take a soothing bath.