Newbie

Hi, everyone. Though I've been reading and researching for a bit, I've never posted a message. I just wanted to thank everyone here for the incredible support you give. I have Dr. Cobean for a surgeon and have been waiting quite a while for an appointment. At one point, I almost went with another doctor, but knowing how good Dr. Cobean is, I decided to wait. I have just gotten a date for my first consultation. I am sooooooo excited and really scared all at the same time. I know this is the right thing for me. I am ready for it. Sometimes the fear makes me doubt my decision. That is when I read the postings and have my post-op questions answered. Everyone is wonderful and thanks again. God bless Sandy

Welcome Sandy, I have also been researching for quite some time and also have my consult scheduled with Dr. Clough. My wait has not been as long as i expected (so far). I have heard a lot of great things about Dr. Cobean, and Dr. Clough. I have not met him yet but still feel very confident in choosing him for a surgeon. Again, Welcome... This site is very informative, and the people are wonderful!! Hope to hear from you again soon. Take Care..... Kell

Hi Sandy, Welcome! I have been visiting this site for close to a year now. I found it very helpful when I was doing research. The support here is wonderful! Best of luck on your Journey. Hope to catch you to chat sometime soon. Sue - pre-op, open rny scheduled for 10/14/2003 with Dr. D'Augustine

Hi Sandy! I had surgery with Dr. Cobean on July 28th, 2003 - and I have to tell you - he is WORTH THE WAIT : ) I had zero complications, sailed though surgery as well as these past four weeks as a post-op. I did my research before I chose a surgeon. I looked into a program in Boston at New England Medical Center with a team led by Dr. Shikora (another excellent surgeon), went to a few of Dr. Cobean's meetings back in 2001 (before he had even completed 100 weight loss surgeries!). I read up on many other area surgeons, and in the end, I felt most comfortable with Dr. Cobean. I will never regret my choice. You have already made it through the hardest part of weight loss surgery -- the wait for your first appointment! My initial consultation was May 14th. My second appointment was June 11th, and then I was scheduled for surgery July 14th (although it was postponed two weeks because my insurance, CIGNA, didn't come through with an approval fast enough). The time flies between your first appointment and your surgery - just hang in there! As for your fear, I think it is extremely normal. I have parents and a family I love, three daughters and a husband I am crazy about - I was nervous too, but I knew that this operation would improve my overall health - so for me, I felt the gain outweighed the risks! Good Luck to you, Sandy - welcome to the Maine Board - and be sure to let us know how you are doing!

Sandy-Welcome! As the previous poster stated the wait is the hardest part. I am thrilled with my decision, I'm sure you will be also. Good luck! Lynda ME/FL