New Member to Message board from Saint John NB Canada

Hi everyone -- I found your message board this morning and want to congratulate you on this wonderful support system and sharing of information. I've been reading posts and profiles and am so glad to know that there are so many WLS successes in the nearby state of Maine. I live just outside Saint John NB and am hoping that WLS will be available. Do you have any members on this board who are from Canada that I could get some information from? I've sent emails to Casco Bay and Dr. Clough this morning and am going to make an appointment with my doctor to discuss this possibility. I am 5'2 and 235 lbs and am "worried" that they will turn me down. I don't have health problems, other than back pain and general "sick of this" ness but I've lost and gained 50 lbs at least 3 times in my life and I'm tired of living this way. Thank you for this spot to post ~ if there are fellow Canucks out there that could share their experience in getting the ball rolling, I would really appreciate hearing from you. My email is [email protected]

Hi Krista, Welcome to the board! I am also 5'2" and weighed 235 when I started in Dr.Clough's program (240 the day of surgery). I didn't have any other health conditions either. I had surgery on 6/12/03 and have lost 115lbs. Feel free to read my profile and email anytime with questions. Casey

How long did you have to wait from the time you contacted the Dr's office 'til the time you had your surgery?

Hi Krista, I saw my primary doctor at the end of October in 2002. She gave the ok. I had the appointments done between December and January. Saw Dr Clough in March and then had surgery in June. I had to delay it for a couple months because of my husband being in college. So the total time from beginning to end is usually 6 months.

Hi Krista, Welcome to the Maine state board. I had surgery with Dr Clough on July 15th 2003. I was 5'2 and weighed 235lbs. Since surgery I have lost 80 lbs and now weigh 155lbs. Do you have insurance that would cover your surgery here in Maine or would you be a self pay? I would highly recommend surgery at EMMC in Bangor with any of the surgeons in the program. All are excellent in their profession. Please feel free to contact me. My email is [email protected]. Hope to see you post often. Theresa OpenRNY 7/15/03 235/155/140?135

Hi Krista, welcome to the Maine board. I am 5'2" and weighed 228 when I saw Dr Toder (in DR Clough's office) the first time. I had AGB on Thursday the 11th of March and came home last Friday. I am supposed to only have fluids for 2-3 weeks and feel no hunger. My PCP referred me in May of 2003 for the surgery but it was September before I got an appointment for a pre-op class, and January when I saw Dr T for the consult. Go for it girl! You won't regret it. Linda