Live in Bel Air, Newbie needing advice and assistance

I have been considering surgery (not set on a particular procedure) for some time now and as I keep pondering the idea my weight still continues to go up even further. I really need to get started in the process and I don't know where to start. So if anyone can offer me support and guidance I would greatly appreciate it. I would also like to start attending group sessions and don't know one that is close to my area. I just moved here about 6 months ago from AZ and still not familiar with the area.

Virginia, Welcome to Maryland. We are having a support Group meeting for everyone to attend this Wednesay evening at St. Agnes which is right off of 95. You can actually pull up the hospital on line and it gives you directions from where your coming from. This is our holiday party at it starts at 6:30 pm. We have a clothing exchange and bring lots of different bariatric friendly dishes for everyone to enjoy. It is a great place to start to get answers to your questions. There are many physician's out there and most will tell you their surgeon is the best, and they are for them. Please search around until you find a program that is going to support and one that you will be able to follow the guidelines. Each one is a little different. In any event, good luck with your journey and feel free to email me if you have any questions and I will make every attempt to at least point you in the right direction.

Welcome Virginia. I'm typically not on here as often as I should be, but I was updating my profile when I saw your post. I too live in Bel Air and would love for you to attend a support group meeting with me. I've been at this process for about 4 years, but don't let that scare you, it typically does not take that long. I've been through several "consultations" and last year, found the one that was right for me. I did that by posting a plea for help, just as you have. My team is the Upper Chesapeake Bariatric group. Dr. Smoot and Dr. Fullum both have very impressive resume's and the program is totally committed to every patient. Their office, and the meetings are in Havre de Grace, on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and you are more than welcome to attend one. My insurance was a little picky but after working with my insurance, the team, and my primary care doctor, I was finally approved. My surgery is scheduled for next month. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have and again, you are more than welcome to come to the next meeting. email me if you are interested in learning more. Roni [email protected]

Hi, Virginia! What an exciting decision you're looking into making! I started researching WLS a little over a year ago. My surgery is on Tuesday! Providing I am feeling up to it, I will also be at the support group meeting at St. Agnes this coming Wednesday. The great thing I like about Dr. Singh and Dr. Averbach is that they do the surgery laparascopically instead of open, which allows for a lot quicker recovery time. I've read just about every review on here about them and I haven't seen anything negative. It's certainly a big decision, and there are many factors that come into play on selecting the right surgeon for YOU. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to send me an email. If I can't help you, I'll be happy to try to point you in the right direction! Good Luck!! Robin

Welcome! Sinai Hospital has a support group that meets in Timonium (just north of the Beltway) or at the hospital -- which is right off of the Jones Falls Expressway. To get info on their sessions, go to www.lifebridgehealth.com, click on Sinai Hospital, and then click on the bariatric program. Lots of information there.