That's right everyone I GIVE UP... I doubt that I am going to have WLS, and am ready to throw in the towel. I got a call today telling me that my Dr. (Dr. Robin Blackstone) has had some issues come up in her personal life that has had a dramatic impact on her schedule. As they put it, they are on a "limited OR schedule, effective immediately". Basically what it means is that my already long wait was extended to an extremely long and unfair wait. I have been bumped from May 3rd to August 29th, a difference of 4 months. Even if I was OK with this, the fun does not end there. I am probably going to have to cancel and re-schedule (meaning a later date), because my wife is due September 14th with our first child. I am not going to miss that, and she does not want to miss my surgery. I considered moving to a different physician, but my insurance does not want to pay twice for things, (which I totally understand). The long and the short of it... I am either waiting a full year to have this done, or not having it done at all... I cannot believe the complete disregard for my health and medical considerations. I have been fighting for so long... almost 5 years (it will be over 6 by the time I am done), and I have nothing to show for my effort... nothing... Insurance companies and doctor offices continue to disappoint me. I am at my wits end!!! Richard I PS Please excuse me, as I am still emotionally charged, but I had to vent someway, and this is all I got at the moment.

Do what I did......make out my next day's menu and be sure that it's healthy eating. Be prepared and be sure it's adequate nutrition for yourself. Use a program like dietpower or fitday to see how many carbs, protein and fat grams you're planning to consume the next day. it's alot easier to deal with if you're prepared I think. It worked for me, I lost 28 lbs prior to surgery in about a month's time........all I really did was cut out all processed carbs. that's bread, cereal, pasta.....that sort of thing. You can do this, Richard.........and yes, going to a psychologist will really help deal with the issues as to why you turn to food for comfort in the first place. Hopefully will start you to thinking about food more as a way to stay alive as opposed to making you feel better mentally.......cuz as we all know, that is a very temporary feeling.... I am currently dealing with not liking how my body looks right now due to the saggy skin and dealing with the fact that my blood sugars spike/crash if I eat anything at all that is grain related (processed carbs). Carol J

Hi Richard and everyone from New Mexico. I'm Barb, four months out and 78 pounds down after WLS! Whoo Hoo! Look forward to reading all our local posts and seeing how everyone is doing. Good luck Richard, on getting a Four-corners group up and going. Hope we get to see you in ALbuquerque someday soon. For anyone who needs more info. The ABQNBB - Albuquerque New Body Beginnings support group meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Presbyterian Northside. I can be contacted at [email protected] for more info.

Hey, Richard. I think seeing a psychologist isn't a bad idea at all. I saw one for about 6 months before my surgery. Also, I'm sorry that I haven't seen your posts here. I didn't even realize there was a local forum!! Ooops. Will check this one more often. Take care. Sharone

Richard, IMHO, it is the best investment in your future that you could make!! I saw someone for about 6 months prior to surgery and now 17 months post-op and down ~220# from my pre-op high I am beginning to REALLY see how ingrained my behaviors are.....I seem to have a need to destroy myself. Mostly by eating to much and to often. I am really aware of this and that awareness is keeping me moving aoong a fairly successful path but it is not without effort. I find that I absolutely must stay connected with others who are progressing through this wls journey - we can learn so very much from each other. I wish you all the success possible. And, enjoy getting re-acquainted with your old therapist. When my offer for you and your wife to come visit if you ever get back to ABQ - I have a guest room that you are welcome to use. I am sure everyone in the group would love to see you again. Only the best....Valerie