Does anyone have Dianne Lawlor e-mail address as I would like to contact her to see if my refferal has been sent? Thanks

 So glad you had such a positive experience!

Welcome to the loser's bench and enjoy the ride|!

Hi Valley Mom,

Welcome to the forum.  From the time my referral went in to the time I was actually done (just last week)  it was about 2 1/2 years.  What happens is they take into consideration your age and any health complications you have and that is how they decide where you will be slotted in the queue.  For once my age went in my favor - I'm in my late fifties with sleep apnea, high cholesterol, arthritus, high blood pressure.  For me it was like a dream.  When my referral first went in, I used to just read and read about all the lucky people that were getting it done.  By the way, as long as your BMI is over 40, the surgery is covered by MSI.  Originally I had asked my doctor to write to MSI and see if I could have the lap band done in NB, but MSI said no, that she should refer me to the NS program.

  Once my referral went in, I waited about a month.  Then I emailed Dianna Lawlor (Nurse Practitioner for the program) to confirm that they had received my referral.  I also asked her if she had any idea when I would hear from them.  She told me it would be sometime within the next two years.  So that gave me some idea and some hope for the future.  About 16 months later I was invited to an information session.  At that time I was told I would hear back from them within the year.  I was called to go in to see them in March.  I did not take my WLS binder and I did not have any food logs or exercise logs with me.  They sent me back home and said I wasn't ready.  I was given another appointment for June and told to bring everything with me this time.  I did so and then I just had my surgery last week.

I guess what I'm trying to say is at first it seems like a dream.  But be patient and it will happen.  Perhaps you can email Dianna and confirm that they've received your referral.  Good luck.

Hi Caper Gal,

I just got sleeved on Tuesday of last week.  From what I understand you need to email Dianna to let her know you were done and to give her the appointment time for your follow-up visit.  Also according to what I have been told you need to take your weight loss binder and your food logs and exercise logs with you for all your appointments.  I don't know yet whether you meet with your doctor and Dianna, but I'm assuming that's what happens.

Good luck and check out my email address - we're not far from one another.  Maybe we can get together for tea.

Glad you're doing well with losing - 21 lbs is great!!  I don't remember what happens at the follow up (too long ago..) but click on my name & check my page - it sounds like something I would have recorded  :)  Sorry your skin condition came back!  If you're still on liquids you shouldn't be having that much trouble getting enough in since it all counts to your liquid intake...  and if you are, then just do your best to get more in because you don't want to end up with a dehydration problem  :S  What you're eating seems right on track to me - if you get bored try some greek yogurt blended up with a little fruit & some splenda - delish!  :)  Glad to hear from you!!  :))