Newbie.....any NEMC patients out there???
Hi there, I have been a lurker for about a month or so now and I have learned so much from all of your stories! I am in awe of the results and the enthusiasum of all of the losers here! You have inspired me to persue this journey. I have an appt at Tufts/New England Medical Center on May 8. I received a packet in the mail which I have filled out and am to bring with me that day. I believe I am meeting with the psych and the nutritionist for this first appt. I am just wondering if there are any other NEMC post or pre op's out there who might tell me a bit more about what to expect from the program there. I live about 90 miles away from Boston so it's not going to be easy to get there often. I am most wondering about the overall experience of anyone who went there and how long it took from the first visit to surgery?? Thanks for any help!!
Melinda
Hi Melinda,
I had my surgery at NEMC and am very happy with it and the surgeon. You do have to go through many classes, tests and appointments before you even get a date. That is to prepare you for surgery. They do not procede if there is any physical problems until your ready and healthy. I chose the lapband and have been loosing accordingly. We had group sessions for 8 weeks and my group keeps in touch by email all the time. We have become email buddies. I think it is a good choice. Just try to make the best of your appointments. They always try to book them separately. Try to get in at least 2 each time if you can.
Good luck in your decision
Maraki
Hi,
Although I didn't have mine done at T-NEMC, it still is a good hospital. You want Dr. Shikora to do it. He's the best one there and he's a close friend of my in-laws. They told me that after booking my surgery at Brigham & Womens. Only bad thing about having it at T-NEMC is that you may or will have to wait at least 3 months or more to have surgery depending on surgeon's schedule.
If you decide you want to change hosptials I had mine at Brigham and Womens. I had my pre-op group last Tuesdsay in August, 2005, met Surgeon 2nd wk in Sept., 2005 and had surgery 10-18-05. I waited like 4-5 weeks, big difference.
My primary physician now refers all this pts to Brigham and Women's all because of me.
Good luck with your future appts and surgery once you get a date.
Lisa J
Thanks for the info Lisa!
Too late for me to change hospitals.....I already paid that non-refundable program fee at NEMC. But I feel good about my choice. I have to wait until the Fall to have the surgery anyway as I work at a seasonal business on Cape Cod and the season is about to get rolling. So I hope to be able to fit all the other stuff (classes, appts, tests, etc) in over the summer so when I'm free I can have the surgery and have the off season to recover.
Congrats on your success!
Melinda