New To This Site

Hello Tammy, so glad to meet you. I am also using Dr. Blake. I'm waiting for my appt. at the medical mall. I think I have all my test already done. Unless, I have to have another sleep study. I was diagnoised with sleep apnea in 1996 and after talking to the hospital and my doctors office, it seems no one has my test still on file. I have been studying and learning for about one year. Everything just takes time. But, I think you will find the message board the most wonderful place to be. I already have 3 notebooks filled out. Having knowledge about the surgery, makes me feel more in control of the situation. Welcome, Smiles, Jan,,

Hey Jan, How long did it take you to get an appointment with Dr. Blake? I have heard that it takes about 4-6 months sometimes. I'll be old and gray!!! Sounds like I need a notebook or two myself. My neice had this done (at the coast) about a year ago and she has lost about 118 lbs. so far. She looks wonderful. So now, myself and my brother (her daddy) wants to have it done. Talk soon, Tammy

Hi Tammy welcome to our state board, we're glad to have you. You're also surrounded by other short fat ones, don't worry, I started at 5 ft 4 in and 334 lbs. It ain't easy, and the road for some of us is long and nervewrecking, whatever happens, just hang in there, follow up on things you are told to do and stick with the program, you eventually WILL succed! Took me two years to get surgery, but two years is nothing now, considering how wonderful I feel now. The long car rides to the doctor and the waiting was worth it. I'd do it again in a NY minute! Feel free to post here anytime you need help, we're here to help everyone!! Good luck on your journey! Andrea RNY 6-23-04, 334/ 271 / 170

Hey Andrea, Thanks for the info. I'll hang in there!!! Glad you are doing so good. I'll be glad when I can say that too. Tammy

Hey Tammy! My name is Kristi Ethridge and I also live in Meridian, MS. I am using Dr. Salameh at UMC and I LOVE HIM. I was originally going to use Dr. Blake but the wait was just toooo long for me. I first met with Dr. Salameh on May 4, 2004 and I met with him today to get my surgery date. My surgery is set for Sept. 13, 2004 and I can't wait! My insurance won't cover the surgery, so I am going through Vocational Rehab. They are paying for the surgery and the hospital stay but I am responsible for all of the pre-op work and any complications that may arise after surgery. If you have any questions or need to talk let me know and I will send you my # so that you can call me. It's a long process, but it is sooooo well worth it when it finally gets there!! Welcome to the Board!!! God Bless! Kristi

Hey Kristi, Wow, you are getting in there fast with Dr.Salameh. Maybe I need to try and see him!!! My brother is also going through Voc Rehab, he will see Dr. Blake in Jan. 2005. I don't have insurance, I'm not working so I don't think Voc Rehab would help me, and I don't have Medicaid. SOOOO I get to pay for mine!!! Yaaaahooooo!!!! I'll be broke for about ummm 30 years . But at least I'll be healthy and alive. And that is 4 Sure worth it I am soooo Happy for you. I know you are ready to go now!!! My day will come soon. I know it will, I know it will, I know it will. Best of Luck & Stay in touch, Tammy

Hi Tammy, I know the waiting is soooo hard. YOu might call the surgeons office & ask to be on list if there are any cancellations. Some Dr.'s do that & some don't. If yours doesn't, when theres a rainy or snowy day, you could call & see if there are any cancellations.(assuming you wouldn't mind driving on a day like that). Often times you can get in sooner by doing that. Good luck to you. I started the process Oct. 2003 and finally got my approval last week. I should be having my surgery in Sept. I'm sooooo excited. Good luck!