I GOT IT!

Went to see my PCP today.  She gave me a referral to see Dr. Cobean!  So once his office gets all the info they need from my dr. they'll send me an appointment. YAY!!!!

 Isn't that a great feeling?  Just like you, I'm new at this.  My PCP sent the referral letter a couple of weeks ago and last week I received my "Welcome" letter from Dr. Cobean's office.  I've completed the on-line registration forms and have been put on a waiting list for my first appointment, which I'm told could be months, so now I've just got to turn off my "I WANT IT NOW" switch and keep myself from obsessing about it.    At this point, I'm still trying to decide which surgery to have.  I think I've decided on gastric banding but then I read something, and decide I want gastric bypass.  Do you know without a doubt that the banding is for you?  If so, why? 

I to was like you and didn't know which one to go for. But while having my interview with Dr. Wolff she kinda told me which one would be better for me. She didn't say I had to have the lap band but did say it would be better for my history with operations to go for it. I did not argue with her and knew she would know better for my health which one to have. I am very happy with the choice we made.  Linda                                        May 22,2007     /       highest weight/ day of surgery weight/ weight as of june 27 post op           268         /               257                 /                       228

I've done a lot of reading on the different types of WLS (focusing more on the bypass and Lap Band) and I have decided to have Lap Band.  I chose it because I don't feel I need the malabsorption part that goes along with the bypass. I have worked hard over the last couple of years to train myself to eat healthier foods and am doing pretty good with that.  What I need is the help with portion control and staying full.  Another big factor in chosing the band over bypass is that I am more comfortable with the risks associated with it.  I've discussed it with my boyfriend, family, and pcp, and we're all in agreement that Lap Band is a good match for me.  Now it's a matter of meeting with Dr. Cobean and seeing if he agrees. Are you sure that you want the bypass, or are you going to wait on deciding until you speak directly with him?  This decision can make you feel a bit like a yo-yo huh.  With all the information out there on both procedures it can get a little overwhelming.  Good luck in whatever you decide.  Keep me posted on how things progress for you.  With us getting our referrals so close, maybe we'll gets dates close too!  Take care.......and don't forget to BREATHE. Julie

Thanks to all of you for your responses and valuable input. Lots of good suggestions and I hadn't thought about making a list of questions to take with me for my first appt. That's a GREAT idea. I've been doing a lot of reading and researching also and yes, I have to admit that I am overwhelmed. I finished reading Khaliah Ali's book "Fighting Weight" and now I'm reading "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies". These are both really good books, I recommend them highly. I feel that the Lap Band is going to be the best choice for me, but I'm going to wait until I speak to Dr. Cobean to finalize it. It's nice that there are a few of us just starting on this journey at the same time, it'll be awesome our dates were close!!! Good luck to all of us!!

Great news!  Your on your way!   If you haven't done alot of research yet, now's the time to do it.....While your waiting for appointments you can get together any questions you might come up with from your research.  Do you have a checklist going?  It's nice to be able to check-off appointments or steps you need to do to get to the surgery and see that your moving forward.. Blessings,, Yvonne

Awesome! I'm at the same stage ... I went to my PCP on Monday the 25th and she put in a referral for me to see Dr. Loggins at CMMC! I'm waiting on their call now too! I hope we both have appointments soon! YIPPIE!

Congrats on geting your referral too!  I think it's great that there are a few of us going through the same stage at the same time.  Makes it a bit easier knowing I'm not sitting here all anxious by myself.  I really hope we all have good luck with getting in SOON to meet with the surgeons.  My b-day is in August...can you guess what I'll be wishing for?  LOL

I agree! I'm glad that there is someone else just starting out too! I had called to fnd out when my surgons monthly info session is - in case it was before they called to set up an appt - and they are't doing one this month ( it would have fallen on the 4th of July) so I'll need to wait until August but they said I could still meet with the surgeon in the meantime and they're currently scheduling appts in mid to late July! I hope to get on the schedule soon! Keep me updated! :)

A couple of months ago I made the decision to look into having bariatric surgery. I drove the 2 hours up to CMMC and attended Dr. Jamie's monthly info session earlier this month. It was very informative, and touched pros and cons for both Lap Band and GBS, but the focus of his talk was more on GBS than on Lap Band. There was a question and answer session at the end which was really good because I went there with lots of questions and they were answered, either by my asking or someone else in the group asking. Lucky you, you get to have an appt. with your surgeon so soon!!! I was told the waiting list at Dr. Cobean's is 4-6 months long.