Hi All! I am rela...

Hi All! I am relatively new to this site, but already addicted to it! Just wanted to introduce myself and let you all know how much I've learned just by lurking and reading your posts. I am in the process of waiting on approval for my wls. Thanks to you all for your candor and willingness to help...you certainly are educating me! Stephanie

Hey Stephanie - just a note of welcome from a fellow "lurker". But I have to say I didn't stay in the shadows long - the people are just too inviting not to join in. I hope you get your approval soon. Mine didn't take long at all. Infact I called on June 2nd and the insurance co said I was approved (just two weeks after I applied) but then it took about 20 days for the letter to get back to the doctors office. I ended up getting it faxed to the doctor. But now I have a surgery date on July 11th. I am so excited. I will keep watching for you to announce your approval and date! Vicki

Thanks, Vicki! I get so excited for each one of you when you announce you've been approved by insurance and then get the surgery date. I truly want to scream with joy for you because I know exactly how you feel. I have had my pre-surgery consult and now am waiting for the sleep apnea test scheduled for July 2, and in the process of getting an appointment for cardiac clearance (heart echo & stress test). Congratulations on your good news and please keep us updated as you progress! Stephanie

Vicky, Glad to hear you are on your way. I am in the middle of doing the 6 consecutive months diet for insurance. What surgery are you going to have done? I am going to do the lapband. Becky

Hey Stephanie, Welcome!! I read your profile and see you have submitted paper work, you obviously have chosen your surgeon, hospital/center..it does not say who you chose???? This is a good place to have fun and learn...but just remember as you are going through the process to pay close attention to the advice from your center..though most of them have the same ideas and goals they often have different requirements. So what you may read one person say they need to do isn't necessarily what you will be doing. Did I make any sense at all? lol But it is definately fun to read, post and watch those having the surgery before you..the excitement, anticipation..etc etc. If I can help you out in any way answering some questions, being a support buddy.etc let me know.. Brenda

Thanks, Brenda! I need to go back in here and figure out how to update my profile. Just haven't taken the time to do it. I have been to several informational seminars, talked with people who've had WLS and decided to go with Georgetown Bariatrics Center. I've completed the pre-surgery consult with them and now waiting for sleep apnea test and cardiac clearance since I turned 50 the day before my consult! This is a wonderful place to read about everyone's success, trials and tribulations, etc. And I need all the support I can get, especially when it is coming from those who have "walked in my shoes"! Stephanie

That's great Stephanie..I spent time getting to know Dr's Oldham and Weiss from Jan-April this past winter...I watched them work, got know them personally..they are good surgeons and the center is very passionate about giving you the best of care. You made a good choice. If you have any questions I can help you with just give me a shout.. email me anytime [email protected] Brenda

Hi Stephanie! When I was researching my surgery this was the best site I found. I see that you've picked Georgetown. That's where I went & they did a super job. The staff at the office & the hospital are great & it doesn't end when you go home. I'd do it all over again. Any ?'s feel free to email me.

Hi, Stephanie. I'm also pre-op at Georgetown. I had my initial appointment in January and have been doing a 6-month doctor-supervised diet since then (as required by Humana insurance). During that time, I've also had my cardiac tests (stress test and echocardiogram), and I submitted the report from my sleep apnea diagnosis from last fall. Once I finish my 6-month diet (next week!), I'll turn in the last of my paperwork, and Georgetown will submit it to Humana for the insurance approval of the surgery. If all goes well, I might hear within 7-10 days that I'm cleared for surgery. Then I'll meet the doctors and set the date! What procedure are you hoping to have? What insurance do you have? Maybe we can meet each other at a support group meeting at Georgetown. Kathy

Hello Stephanie, welcome to the boards and good luck on getting your approval!! I am in the process of getting myself into the St. Joes East for surgery. I really liked how they presented themselves at the seminar. Waiting is always the hardest...LoL