I went to an information seminar a few weeks ago at her office, I guess that is the same thing you will be attending? Did you get insurance approval already? I am still getting my info together, I only have to see the nutritionist tomorrow and then have the scope done and see the physiotherapist. Just wondering how much longer it will be before I can get a surgery date too. June would be fabulous! I am sure you are super ecxited!

 Hi Robin!  It's a closed group on Facebook. I am trying to put together a psychotherapy group for WLS patients that is not affliliated with any surgeon's group. After a quick glance at your blog, I thought you might be interested in it.  Contact me via email at [email protected] with your last name, and I will send you a request to join the group on Facebook. 

Who facilitates this group?

 They went excellent!  My scope was so easy.  I was kinda sleepy the rest of the day but that was the only side effect I had.  I will get my surgery date on April 30.  I am hoping for the last week in June.  I absolutely love her!!!!!  Are you going to the seminar on April 30?  She said it is alot of good info.  If so, I would love to meet you! 

 I have good news if you are struggling with Dr. Bellows.  I have been going through the same stuff with him, Vanessa, and Sheila and I was beyond fed up.  I called Brooke Stowers.  The wonderful scheduler!  She has more pull than we know!  I voiced all of my frustrations to her and she discussed my case with Dr. Noria.  The new surgeon at Tulane.  They were able to get my case approved through  the review board at Tulane and now I am Dr. Noria's patient!!!!!! Apparently Dr. Bellow's won't let any of his patients go even though he has an extremely long wait. But that doesn't pertain to me anymore!!!! Thank God!!!! I saw Dr. Noria on the 9th to discuss everything in my file.  She said she liked to do an EGD (upper GI scope) prior to surgery to make sure everything is ok with my stomach.  She scheduled me for that same Friday.  Had the procedure done this past Friday and it was super easy!  Now I see her again on April 30th to discuss my results and set a surgery date and then get Medicaid approval.  She set my appt for that date so I could also attend a weight loss seminar at Tulane so my memory could be refreshed since it has been almost a year since I started this journey and saw the nutrionist. She said my surgery would be no later than the first week in June.  Dr. Noria is AWESOME!  I have spoken to only her about my case. I don't have to go through a PA or nurse. She is very thorough and I know I am in good hands. I know my wait is almost over.   So if you are going through struggles with Dr. Bellow's, call Brooke!!! She is amazing!!!!!! She is very pationate about helping weight loss patients!  Tell her  Melissa told you all about her and she will know exactly what to do!!!  I hope this helps!!!!!!   

Brooke 504-988-3589
[email protected]

Best wishes, 
Melissa