Went to my first support group!

I went to my first support group to check out what it was about and to learn as much as I could before considering having the surgery! It was great! Julie was a great support person and recommended I attend a meeting. Thanks to her I went and learned a lot! It was nice to meet her in person. However, I would like to apologize to her for not getting a chance to talk to her for long. After the meeting, the woman I was next to and I shared our first support group meeting experience. Then I spoke to Dr. Cobean. Julie is right he seems like a great doctor. Very humurous! Anyway with all going on I didn't get to talk much to her but if she is reading this Thanks a bunch and hopefully I'll get to chat more at another meeting. This meeting was a great boost for me and I am excited about starting the process. I know I have a long wait but being part of a support group helps! For those who have not attended a meeting in your area - give it a try! Even if you do not have a date yet you can still learn a lot while waiting!

Hi Lisa! It was great to meet you last night! I'm glad you enjoyed the meeting and found it helpful. They really are a wealth of information and there are a lot of wonderful people there that are very generous with sharing their stories. Usually Barbara Corriveau, the dietician attends the meeting, hopefully you'll get to meet her next time. I know the wait will seem like a long time coming, but Dr Cobean/Dr. Wolff are worth the wait. Don't forget to call your insurance to request a list of the requirements and maybe set something up with your PCP for monthly weigh-ins! Another thing....... If you do get something set up with your PCP, make sure he/she DOCUMENTS that you are there, what your diet/calorie intake is and your weight each time....If you can get a copy of this in writing each time it would be to your benefit. Missing paperwork has been known to really mess things up! Hope to see you again soon! Julie

I have already set up my monthly appointments with my PCP. In fact, I see her today. I got a copy of all my labs and put them on a spreadsheet to make it easier for the doctors I may see down the road to look at. I am not sure what my caloric intake is since my dietician has been handling that. I will have to email her to find out. I only now how many carbs I can eat a day. I plan to set up an folder to keep all this information in one spot. I talked to cigna and they made it seem like no big deal as long as I have a doctors letter stating it is necessary - but I know better! I will try to be as prepared as possible. I have had to fight insurance companies for my parents, brother and myself so hope I will be prepared for this one. I started logging my food intake on a day timer planner for diabetics. Great way to show someone just what I have been taking in! I also will begin light exercises but I have physical limitations on that. Anyway, I am moving forward and this helps to keep me positive. By the way what was the other web site you mentioned? I may want to check it out as well. Thanks for your help!

Hey Lisa! Susan here, the first timer that was sitting with you at the meeting. I hope all goes well for you. It appears you're getting everything ready to roll. I have Anthem Blue Choice. I haven't heard yet if I'm approved, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My second appointment is 9-20. It seems like such a long time but I'm sure it will go by fast. Take care and keep in touch!

How funny! I was responding to your post about the length of time and did not realize you had already contacted me! I tried to find you on here earlier but my memory is lousy when it comes to names. I could remember Westbrook but nothing else! Glad you did better than me! I really hope this goes by fast for you. I am very excited for you! Let me know if you need support! Even if it is to be there at the hospital the day of the procedure or afterwards. Or maybe just someone to talk to when things get nerve racking! Whatever I can do. I ordered some samples of the UNJURY protein supplements to give it a try beforehand. Not just for the taste but also because I have food allergies and want to make sure I tolerate it for now. I know after surgery food tolerances may change but I am hoping by trying some before the surgery I will have options. In the meeting they said UNJURY supplements were pretty decent and when I called UNJURY for more information he was really great about giving me recipe ideas. Anyway that is all for now. Had a long day yesterday and I think I am over due for bed. Talk to ya later!