CHRISTINA LI @ SINAI HOSPITAL

Welcome to the MD board. I was not a patient of Dr. Li. However, 2 former co-workers of mine both had their surgery with her. She came highly recommended. By the time I mentioned that I was having the surgery to these co-workers, I had already chosen my surgeon, so I didn't need their recommendation. But, both were very fond of her, and both have been very successful with their post-op journeys.

Personally, I wouldn't cancel because you didn't lose the required weight. Many doctors have you strive for pre-op loss, but few will postpone surgery if you do not. Meet with her, and talk with her, and let  her know what you have done, and have not done. She is your partner in this process.

Good luck!

Kathy THANKS  so very much. I feel a hundred times better. I was going to cancel today as a matter of fact. Again THANKS a bunch.

Hi butterfly, I am a patient of Dr. Li's also. Just this past Fri I got my surgery date of  2-24-09.  After the initial excitement  I  thought  Ooops!  I better work on this  weight  thing, before she sees me on the 18th for my pre-op.  My feeling is yes, she wants us to lose the weight, but she also knows that if we could lose weight with no problem we wouldn't be in her office. Great job on the smoking and just starve yourself ( kidding****il you go and see her. Back  to reality, I really have never heard anything negative about Dr. Li. Everyone seems to really like her. Even the people that don't end up using that practice the decision was not based on Dr. Li. Good Luck and I am sure you will have nothing to worry about,   Leslie

Hi Leslie, I was so afraid to go to my appt. with her. I know she is going to have a fit I have gained but at least I'm not smoking it has been about 1 month now. I feel on top of the world I still thing about cigarettes once in a blue moon but I just put it aside. I just want to have my surgery soon and didn't know if she would stop it from me not losing the required weight. I'll start today. Again Thank you so much for answering if you have anymore info please pass it to me.

I hope u have relaxed a bit,and really the most important issue was the smoking. Remember you are seeing Dr. Li 4 your weight . Now both issues  will be addressed. Where are  u in the whole process of WLS. I know u had your  initial consultation. Have you started any of your Pre Op testing. I will answer any of your questions. Believe me I have someone who answers all my questions,so I'm paying it forward. lol Good Luck on your journey.Keep me posted.  Have you met Nancy(dietitian) she is wonderful. She also will answer any questions. You can leave her a message, or e mail and she usually returns calls within 24hrs. Keep up the good work with not smoking. I know it's real hard, but SO WORTH IT!!   Leslie:)

Hey Leslie, Thanks for getting back with me. I'm done with everything. I did have a stomach infection and will be finished the medicine Thursday but other than that everything is done. I'm just worried that when I get there and she see's I've put on about 10 pounds she is going to say do you really want this. And not give me a date. I've been doing this since Oct. 08 and I'm just ready to get it over with. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm ready to get on that losers bench. You know what I mean. But my appt. is tomorrow and I will let you know how it goes. Thanks a bunch again. Friends in the struggle. La Shawn

That's great! Maybe you will have a date the same as mine, or close to it! Don't be scared, what's the worst she can do? She might get a little toody, but she will get over it. Last month she told me that she wanted me 2 lose 10-15lbs before surgery. If I could do that I certainly wouldn't need her or the surgery! I'll be thinking of u tomorrow, Good Luck and let me know what happens! Leslie

Aww Leslie you have truly been a GOD send. I will let you know what happens. And prayerfully I'll get a date that's all I'm worried about. Thanks again so much.

Well? Well? Was today not the day?  What did she say? How was your appointment? Give all details !!! Let me know   Leslie

HEY LESLIE. I THOUGHT I'D SENT YOU A MESSAGE THIS MORNING BUT I MUST HAVE SENT IT TO THE WRONG PERSON. ANYHOO I WENT YESTERDAY AND SHE DID JUST AS YOU SAID. THANKS. SHE WAS HAPPY THAT I DID STOP SMOKING AND SINCE I DIDN'T LOSE THE WEIGHT SHE IS GOING TO GIVE ME UNTIL 3-2-09 FOR HER TO SEE MY PROGRESS, AND IF I'VE LOST WEIGHT BY MY NEXT APPT. THEN I WILL BE HAVING SURGERY ON 3-24-09. I FEEL LIKE I CAN DO THIS NOW. NO SUGAR SHE SAID JUST TRY AND EAT PROTEIN, VEGI, AND AT LEAST 2 FRUITS A DAY IN IT'S OWN JUICE. DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE SUGGESTIONS?