I got a date too!!!!

I finally got a date. March 23,2004. After a denial from CHA, I appealed and won!!!!! Now comes the nerves!!!!!!! I'm going to St. Joe's East. Dr. Ed Neibert. Anyone have anything to share??? Thanks for all your support. I love this site!!!!!!!! Bonnie

Congratulations on your date!!!!! You will be very well pleased with Dr. Nighbert and the entire team. I had Dr. Steiner for my surgery with Karen assisting. The nursing staff left a little to be desired but most people enjoy their stay. I am a nurse so I probably was too hard on them. They seemed to be understaffed and would take forever to come when you needed something. It would be very helpful if you have a family member who can stay at least the first night with you. Good luck to you!! We have our support meeting at six oclock Monday night. Since you are in Lexington, you might want to come if they allow pre-ops to come. When I was pre-op, they wouldn't let pre-ops go to the meeting. I am one year post op now and will be there Monday night.

Bonnie - way to go! You are about to begin a journey that will forever change your life! I am 3-weeks post-op and am making what I consider good progress. I am not rushing anything... you will have to put your mind at ease if you can right now... Dr. Niebert is an awesome doctor as well as his staff. They will be there for you! As for the medical staff at St. Joe's East - they too were awesome, they were very attentive to me and my family, we had a very good experience. You should come to the support group meeting this Monday, March 8 at 6pm - it's held in the same building - you will meet people in all stages of WLS - we share ideas, concerns etc., it is great to be with people who trully understand! I will be praying for you - Mags

Bonnie - it was so great meeting you last night! Just wish we could have had more time to gab, I would have loved to sit and share my experiences so far... of course we all have had some type of experience and I am sure you will too. One thing, don't worry! I know it is easier said than done but honestly you have nothing to worry about - we have a team of excellent doctors and staff who are 110% committed to the program and each of us. I don't know who will be going with you to the hospital, but I wrote a letter for each person and had my husband give it to them during my surgery - I refused to write one of those "just in case something happens to me" letters! I also sent a goody bag filled with snacks (healthy ones of course!) and cards... everyone really enjoyed that! More than likely you will have a private room, those are the best! My hubby stayed overnight both nights and my mom and best friend were there during the day - it worked out well. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get up and move as soon as you can! It will be a bit uncomfortable but trust me this will be a big benefit to you as if you have any pains from the gas they use during surgery, this will help relieve it quick! Munch all the ice chips they can bring you - remember "hydration-hydration-hydration" - and one other thing, although I may not be able to get to the hospital to see you, I will have you in my thoughts and prayers and will check in on you as soon as I am back in the area! Take care my friend as you begin the journey that will forever change your life! - Margie

Hi Bonnie! Well your big day is almost here! I am very excited for you! I know you have done your homework and are well prepared for this journey. I will be working in Washington, DC all next week but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Mags PS I am down 38.5 pounds!