New to site Hello to all in Maryland!!!!!

Hello to all, I am new and it was great to find locals who are supportive of each other. I am considering WLS and am in the gathering phase. I have spoken with my PCP several months ago but have done nothing yet to proceed. I do know where my insurance company stands on this and will need to follow protocol for approval. The most important thing for me is matching myself with the correct surgeon. I am looking forward to connecting with you all and sharing your stories and success.

Hey Wendy - This is a GREAT board! We're a warm, funny, slightly nutty bunch who take good care of each other. Please feel free to post with any questions or concerns you have. My surgeon, David Von Rueden, at GBMC, is phenomenal. I worship at the shrine of DVR, as we call him. In fact, there is an info session on 3/28, and guess who's the guest speaker? ME!!!! Wow!! Pre-op, all I wanted to do was blend into the woodwork! Yeah, like at 370 pounds, I could do that!!!! If you'd like to read my story, scroll back to August 2 and read my one year reflections (if you can stay awake!!!) Take care and keep us posted, Teresa (Tia)

Thanks for the reply. I would love to come to the info session, I was a contractor and did some work out of Bayview. Do I need to r.s.v.p.? I have been on this site all day, can't wait to read your story. Talk soon, Wendy

Wendy - I THINK, but I'm not sure, that you need to schedule a seat for the info session. Give their office a call at 443-849-3779, and keep pressing options until you get a real person. I think option #6 will get you there. Also, you might want to visit their site, www.gbmc.org/bariatrics. If you have a problem getting in, let me know. Tia

Wendy. Welcome aboard! I'll second what Tia (Teresa) said about the board. We are most definitely a group and always happy to expand!! Best wishes as your WLS journey continues. We are all here for support! Not only do we support each other here in cyberspace but we also have semi-regular social gatherings as well. We will be bowling at Dave & Busters in Arundel Mills on March 31. Please watch the board for details and feel free to come join us .. for bowling or just socializing. Hugs, Mo

Mo, Thanks for the reply. I have been here all day reading and amazed. I'll keep the event in mind. Looking forward to meeting, Thanks again, Wendy

Welcome Wendy. I am also a DVR patient. He is the best. So is his partner, Dr. Moe (affectionately caleed.) I am nearly 5 months out and feeling like a new person. I have had some ups and downs, mostly emotional. Physically, I feel great. I would recommend attending the information session. That way you get to mee Tia. Aime

Aime Thanks for the post. I think I am going to try to attend the session. I am unsure what I need to do to attend. I read about the two of them and did some work out of Bayview as a contractor, so I am somewhat familiar with them. My PCP is out of University of Maryland. I also think they have a Bariatric Program connected to her office, shows you how much I pay attention when I am in the office. Thanks again and I will stay in touch. Wendy

Hello Wendy. First, welcome to the board. You are correct that University of Maryland does have a bariatric program. Dr. Kligman, who I used, and will forever swear by and his new doctor Fullum. The staff are incredibly dedicated and so wonderful. Here is the url for their website: http://www.umm.edu/weightloss/. Good luck in your journey.

Thanks for the site. I see Dr. MaryBeth Grotz in Millersville, I am going to attend sessions and see who is best suited for me. It is great to have options I had a close friend go to Langhorne, P.A. I felt for her and all the travel to be done. Thanks again to all of you for info. I am looking forward to this journey. Wendy