Do we have a Hi I'm new?

Hello I'm new, not new to the site but new to being a member.  Until now I didn't have the guts to join.  Now.. I do. I guess I'm new in other ways too, I have only lived in Minnesota for a year and a half so I'm really going this whole thing alone.  Any advice or help would be great.. friends are also welcome just so long as your not lame, mean, or a cat hater...  >_> I do have one question.. How long did it take?  From the 1st group meeting to going under?

The hat got me. Welcome!  Keep your sense of humor.  It will help you down the road! How long does it take?  That depends on what surgery you choose and the doc, and your insurance.  Researching your surgery type will usually lead you to a doc so that's a good place to start.  Visit all the forums, listen to the the complaints and success stories.  Pay attention to what post-op life is like and choose accordingly.  Then pick a doc.  If you pick the doc first, you will end up with whatever surgery they do.  Sort of like buying a car.  The VW dealer isn't going to tell you about the great new Toyotas.  Take your time!  Much better to choose well the first time around! Good luck!

Welcome to the support board Rindalyn!  From where had you moved?  Welcome to Minnesota, land of (more than) 10,000 random acts of kindness! I also live in Hopkins, am a cat lover (Chloe) and had laproscopic RNY with gall bladder removal 07/25/06 through Fairview-Southdale in Edina, and have maintained a 105 lb loss.  My primary GP had recommended WLS (weight-loss surgery) during March 2006.  The following week I attended the infomation session at FVSD,I'd been a long-time smoker, and that evening I learned they preferred their WLS clients were smoke-free for minimal four months preceding surgery.  I knew I wanted mine soon as possible, so left the session and threw out all my cigarettes, plus all at home.  Just four months later, I began my new life.  I'd been previously seeing a psychologist for another issue, and when I told her I'd be having the surgery, I found out that was her specialty!  I strongly recommend therapy with a licensed psychologist for anyone having WLS, because food emotional eating led to the addiction which made us obese and more.  The surgery fixes the gastrointestinal system, which results in rapid massive weight loss, although the brain just doesn't 'get it', and therapy is an amazing complement to the new  transfomation. 

Have you chosen a hospital or surgeon?

  I'm more than pleased to support you on this journey and anytime you'd like to get together or chat, please PM me.  At the time of surgery I had minimal support, and hadn't joined these boards for a couple months after.  However, this site will be your new 'best friend', especially after losing your other best friend:  food addiction.  Best wishes as you embark on the most amazing journey of your life, and never hesitate asking questions, as we've all been new to this and learn so much positive information from one another, through many variations of our experiences.  Hugs galore, Patti

Welcome............ you will never feel out of place here :) Each program takes a different amount of time so you have to chose the right one for you.

Hope to meet you soon,

Linda

Welcome!!   I am so glad you joined....this is a great place to ask questions and get LOTS of answers.  I am not sure on how long each program takes, because each is different .  However, in my case, insuracne dictated a bit of my program.  My nutritionist and surgeon said I was ready at three months of nut visits, but insurance required six months.  Just an example.  (BCBS of MN). I hope you find all the info you need.  Let us know how you are progressing! Jeanne

Welconme to the board. The folks here are the beast and it is a great place for support and information. Best wishes on your journey.

Welcome!  You will find that people on this board are so kind and offer you some great advice.  I decided to have wls last April, started the insurance process in May, saw my surgeon in July, had my lap RNY in November.  It just depends on the hoops you have to jump through for the insurance company and the doctor.

Hello and WELCOME to the MN board!!  Glad you decided to join us.  As for the lenght of time...every doctor, every hospital, and every program is different. A lot also depends on the type of surgery you choose. Good luck! Hugs, connie d

Welcome and best wishes from one MN Transplant to another.  I came here from AZ so it took awhile to buy all the winter layers that I need now.  I love animals and one of my pets IS A CAT.   Actually she owns us. 

Welcome to the MN board!