Hi everyone!

I wanted to introduce myself since I have been lurking around this place for a few days. My name is Brook and I have just started my journey. I am playing the insurance game of seeing a nutritionalist for 3 months before surgery. My surgeon has told me to wait until after my second monthly appointment with the nutritionalist to make my first appointment with him. I meet all the other qualifications so my insurance should cover my surgery as long as I do the 3 month thing. I have all my appointment dates set up but that is as far as I can go as of now. I am a stay at home mom to 3 wonderful children ages 11, 8 and 4. My husband and I are the leaders of our local cub Scout pack and it takes up a huge part of our time. Both my husband and children are very supportive of me getting this surgery at this point in the game. I am not sure how thrilled they will be when there won't be any junk food in the house for a few years I am very excited about having this surgery. I have seen some of the photos on this website and I can't even concieve myself being that thin!!! I weigh in at 262. I have tried to make a goal weight of 130-135 but since I have never been that thin I am not sure if that would be a good goal weight. I look forward to reading everyone's stories and post. Brook

PS.... there are so many books out there about WLS, what are some of the better ones? I have done hours and hours of internet reading but would like some books to read about the subject.

Welcome aboard!!!

Hi Brook, Welcome aboard...Sounds like you are doing all the right things. Sometimes it can be hectic with the insurance but just keep your head up high..You will do fine. I have not heard of the town that you are from, where in Louisiana is it? I have heard the book Weight Loss for Dummies is very good. Has some good ideas for help with insurance etc. Also heard it was great for after the surgery. I went to buy it but it had to be ordered. The book store that I was at was no where near my home so I thought I would just order from a store closer to home. Never happened!!!!! Well, you take care and keep us posted on your journey.. Jodi

Hi Brook, Welcome. I am like you, I do a lot of looking but I don't post very often. I am in Kenner, so you are fairly close to me. If you want to learn things, just explore this website. It is the first place that I stumbled on when I first started this journey. It told me just about everything that I could possibly want to know about this surgery. The storm sent my doctor to Baton Rouge for the time being, so I am traveling back and forth. Where is your doctor practicing? Stick with this site, it has so many great bits of information and before my surgery I subscribed to their bimonthly magazine and couldn't wait to get each issue. There is alot that you can learn from these guys. Debbie

Luling is right across the river from Kenner. It is a small town close to the city. We are about 10 miles from Kenner. My doctor is Dr. Thomas. He is with surgical specialists of Louisiana. Thier website is www.whyweight.com I will be having the surgery at Omega Hospital (its on Severn). I have never had dealings with this hospital but I have heard rave reviews from friends and this website. The hospital is closer than going to the northshore or Baton Rouge. Anyone that has heard things about Omega hospital I would love to hear about it. I delivered 2 of my children at East Jefferson and HATED every second I was there. My oldest was born at West Jefferson hospital which was a better experience but not great. I am excited about trying a new hospital I have Aetna PPO and meet all the qualifications for surgery. They do require that I meet a specialist dealing with food for 3 months before they will approve. Dr. Thomas' office has assured me my insurance is easy to deal with and I shouldn't have any trouble. I wish I could go ahead and start everything today but I realize if I am going to do this the right way my insurance is correct in sending me to learn healthy eating habits before the surgery that will change my life. I know I am on the right track and doing everything my insurance wants me to do but I am so excited I can't seem to stop reading this website and looking at all the pictures!!!! I was at Walmart today picking up a few things and looked at the regular size clothes and picked up a size 7 shirt OMGOODDNESS there is no way I will ever be able to fit in that shirt!!!!!!! It was sooooo tiny! I think my arm would fit inside the neck hole MAYBE!!! I am still having a hard time realizing that I could be close to that size this time next year. I almost bought the shirt as a token but thought I better not jinx myself!!!!!! I am still really confused over the type of diet after surgery and what foods are off limits forever. I keep reading and the more I read the more I get confused. I see where some say no dairy and some say no carbs and some say no fat and some say no sugar and some say no fiber.... what's left to eat??? I am sure by the time of my surgery I will have everything down pat! I go to my doctors seminar on Jan 24. I am sure that will answer many of my questions. I have all my medical appointments set up from now until March. I am hoping to be able to apply to my insurance by March and get approved without any problems. Thanks for such a great welcome!

Brook, Welcome! I used a surgeon that is in the same group as Dr. Thomas. I had Dr. Lavin. You will just love Chris, the NP in their office. You have chosen a great group. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 -156 lbs

Brook, I wanted to say welcome to our board!!!!!!!!!!! Dr. Lavin did my RNY in Aug of last year in fact I will be 5 months out on Monday. it you have any questions or want to talk email me. Sounds like you are ready for surgery just keep your head up and it will be here before you know it. take care, Chrissy 226/163/125

Thanks Chrissy. I am excited about using Dr. Thomas. He sounds like a wonderful guy. It is just all this waiting to get test done that can drive you batty!!!! Who invented weekends anyway? Brook