New to the board

I am 54 yrs old and definitly need to lose weight.  I have severe sleep apnea as well as arthritis and asthma.  I am going to the informational meeting at DHMC in Concord, Dr. Goldenberg.  Apparantly, this is a new part of their practice, and just wondered if anyone else has used their services?  Also, how long would I need to off work post-op?  I am a nurse on night shift, and it can get quite busy at times.  Thanks for all of the great info I have gotten since finding this site!

Welcome to the forum, Susan from The Only Henniker On Earth!  I've been waiting to see where the first Concord program would spring from - and it looks like DHMC takes it.  This must be brand spanking new.  How exciting for you.  I'm having RNY in mid-Sept at PRH.  I have sleep apnea just recently diagnosed and all I can say is bless the good soul that developed the cpap.  Wow, what an improvement.  Time out depends on the surgery type and on many personal factors.  I'm planning on 3 weeks off with the option of a 4th week if I don't feel ready to handle the commute to Concord  and a hectic work day.  Yes, OH is a wonderful resource so ask away there is a ton of experience here.  Nice to meet you - Treading

Unfortunately, I have not been able to tolerate CPAP, thus weight loss was reccommended.  I really only sleep with Ambien and Miraprex (for restless leg).

Sorry, I don't have answers to your questions, but I wanted to say Welcome to the group.  So, WELCOME!!!!

I am glad to hear that DHMC is starting a program in Concord.  I used their program in Manchester a little over a year ago.  If they run the Concord program as they do the ones in Manchester and Lebanon, you will be in good hands.  I had laproscopic RNY and was out for 4 weeks.  I was glad I had taken the 4 weeks, as the exhaustion of surgery did not hit me until week 3.  You will also want to see what your surgeon recommends for returning to work, especially if your work as a nurse requires you to lift patients, as you are not able to lift more than 20 pounds for at least 6 weeks.  (all of which they will cover with you during the information sessions and your individual sessions with the program staff).

Best wishes as you begin this journey to a "new life"  I am very glad I did this for myself.  My sleep apnea is now completely gone and (according to DBF) I sleep like the dead now.  I no longer need blood pressure meds and all my labs are well within the normal ranges.  

The best result is that I am now able to keep up with the grandkids (in fact was able to run up a hill with the 3 yr old and keep pace with him - never could have done this before).

Hi and welcome.  I am having lap band surgery this Friday.  I am planning on being out of work for a week.  I have a fairly seditary job though, so it is easier for me.  Are you having RNY or Lap Band.

I am hoping for lap band.  also, do I need to get the letter of determination from my pcp now, or wait until after the info meeting?

Hi there!  We are neighbors, I'm in Hillsboro!  I just posted something about the Keene program - it is new too but another option for you!  I don't have any personal experience with the Concord Doctor as a patient, but a couple years ago he took out my niece's gallbladder and I didn't care for his bedside manner when I was there with her... however, I have another friend who had surgery with him and had no problem.  Good luck and keep us posted!!!  Oh Keene's next info seminar is Sept 9th and I'll be going to be there as a post op for people to talk to!

Thanks for the info, I have also heard his bedside manner leaves much to be desired!  I have an appointment scheduled with him on sept 8th.  I went to the info meeting last night.  I am a bit concerned over whether insurance will cover or not.  My BMI is at 39, and they require a diagnosis of morbid obesity which is BMI of 40.  I do have severe sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol and paiinful arthritis.  I'll gain a few pounds if I have too, lol!!!

Good luck!!!  I didn't have any problem because my BMI was 46, but a friend of mine lost so much weight pre op that insurance denied her and she had to gain 16 lbs back for the surgery to be covered!!! Gotta love insurances!!!