:-@ Just when things are looking up they get smashed

Afternoon everyone, So i have finished all of my pro op testing with Dr. Brown last week. I figure i am a month away from getting a date. Well i called to check with Dr. Browns office and my hopes get SMASHED. I have been told his practice is no longer going to be affiliated with St. Joes in Nashua and they are moving their practice to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. I was told they will be starting the program over at SNHMC but have no time line of when this will happen. I was told they will have more info at July's support group meeting. The only good news i guess is that i am told all of the testing and progress i have made so far will be carried over to the program at SNHMC. I was given no real reason why the change is occuring but i am devastated. I feel i have worked so hard to do everything i have done so far. I guess the main reason to write this is to vent. Well i will keep everyone informed of my status... Joshua

Joshua, I'm sorry but I wouldnt think it would take long. I did notice when I went to the office on Tuesday they had a sign they are moving the office to Main Street. Wouldnt you still be able to go there? It will go by quicker than you think. I was over a year It seemed forever but now I look back and it wasnt that long ago. I am sure it wont be to long. I wonder why they changed over. I know SNHMC lost thier WLS dr maybe He was offered something better to go there. who knows. I guess we will see next month. But vent all you want . I know it stinks. But you are so close you will be there so soon. Natacha

Hi Joshua.....same thing happened to me - I went for the 1st meeting with Dr. Drinkwater at SNHMC last July, 2005. I had done all the preliminary work - had my last meeting with the nutritionist on Tuesday afternoon, and they group was to meet on Thursday and set a surgery date for me. Dr. Drinkwater resigned shortly after my meeting with the nutritionist on Tuesday - SNHMC shut the program down - I was devastated. Well....I think it all worked out for the best for me. Dr. D gave us the name of 5 programs he was totally lined up with. I chose Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell and Dr. Michael Jiser. Their program is absolutely wonderful - they accepted my progress I had with Dr. D's office and I had my surgery March 13. I love their program - their support staff is wonderful and Dr. Jiser is the best. They have an absolutely wonderful program...and Lowell is not that far from Nashua. The hospital was wonderful and all staff caring, responsible individuals. I could not have asked for a better program to be involved with. They have support group meetings, dietician meetings once a month - and I have lost 70 pounds as of this morning. I don't know if you have totally decided on Dr. Brown, but you should check out the Weight Management Clinic at Saints Memorial. Email me if you have any other questions. Good luck. Barbara

hi Joshua I second EVERYTHING Barbara said!!!!! I had bypass the same day as her at the same hospital and have no regrets at all! Lowell is the same distance away as Nashua (from Pepperell). Saints Memorial has a great program one where you go to a central location for all your appointments (psych, nurse, nutritionist, etc). The people are great, the program is stable (been there for years, no plans to disappear), lots of support groups and people on hand if you need or want it. I would call them and see if they would accept your progress from the Nashua program and go from there. I wouldn't wait around for a program to re-establi****self espically with surgeons having to start a new program at a new hospital (new rules, new guidelines, etc). seems like a waste of time and wayyy too much emotional stress!!!