I'm getting frustrated!!! But CONGRATS to Nicole.

I realize that this whole process is going to take some time, but I was hoping to at least make a bit of progress. My first decision was to make Albany Med, my place of surgery...but a week has gone by and they still haven't sent my info packets. I have half a mind to go down there and pick some up. How long does it take to mail a brochure? Then after discussing Albany Med with my lil sis, I thought perhaps I should look into other options, despite the obvious travelling convenience. So I found a surgeon that sounded like what I'm looking for and he's out in Buffalo...That would mean a 3.5 hour drive but I was willing to make the sacrifice of being so far from home. Alas...Synergy Bariatrics doesn't accept CDPHP. So we have another obstacle in the road. I'm trying not to be discouraged, but I'd really like some guarantee that I'll get this weight off my body in a reasonable time. Right now it seems this will be yet another attempt, with little to no results. Well...I've got a 10 hour road trip to VA coming next weekend (a sort-of family reunion). Perhaps I'll just put this out of my mind until I get back. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Sonya...try my doc in Syracuse. The whole group is phenomenal! It's going to be loads closer traveling by the thruway! Here's a link to his info: http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/profiles/dr-md-reports/Dr-Howard-Si mon-MD-0A104719.cfm (315) 464-5540 is the phone # Here's more in on the Institute for Human Performance: http://www.upstate.edu/tours/tour_ihp.php Keep the chin up sweetie!

(((HUGS))) you really need to be at a total peace with your choice. You must trust and love your Surgeon. The front end needs to be just as good. I would also call and see if it had been mailed and if not why. Keep hanging in there babe!

If its any consulation to you, it took me 2 years of research and interviewing surgeons before I finally found the right doctor to put my life in his hands. I went through the entire process completely once only to have to look for a different doctor all over again because I did not trust the original surgeon I had chosen. Insurance and all that aside, its a lifesaving procedure and not one to enter into lightly. Although at times now that I am 7 months post-op, I often feel like I never had anything done, it is truely an amazing experience to get this weight off so fast and I promise if you just try to maintain your patience with the process, you too will get there sooner or later. One thing I've learned for sure, you have to be your own advocate, do not rely on others to pull you along, you are just another link in the long line of possible candidates. Push your way to the top!! Who better than you deserves this? You have to keep telling yourself you are worth it and it is worth the fight to get there. In the meantime, try to eat lightly in preparation for what is to come. The surgeon may want you to lose as much as you can pre-op to shrink your liver to provide for a safer surgery. I hope this helps. Try to hang in there!! Regards, Trish

I too have felt your frustration. I saw my last pre-op doc today, but he wants me back on Tuesday after some blood work. I have been workign on this for over 2 years, finally decided on my surgeon in December of 06 and started all the pre-op. Every doctor I see thinks this is a bad idea.. an I know it's my only hope. Hang in there.. I thought I'd never see my 'final' doctor, but I get the blood work done in 2 hours and then I go to him on Tuesday and then and only then do I finally get my date.

Hun take a deep breath! This journey sure takes time and allow yourself that to make sure you are in the right hands! It does not hurt to research many Dr's to find one that is RIGHT for YOU! Oh yeah venting here is also a good thing ~hugs~ I wish you all the best! Debra P

Yes, i suggest you take up yoga, tai chi and do some deep breathing because this journey is just frought with obstacles in the road. Go on over to Albany Med and pick up your brochure especially if it's close to you. Do your research, make sure you really really like your surgeon, your life is in his/her hands make sure those hands are worthy! Did you go online or contact your insurance company to find out what they require of you? Enjoy your family reunion. ANDI

Sonya, I am going through the process at Albany Med. It took about two weeks for me to get the paper work. It isn't just a brochure its like a 15 page medical/weight/diet etc.. history. On the positive side once you get it and fill it out you can fax it right back to them. I faxed it and they called me within two days to schedule the informational session. I did have to wait 3 weeks to get into the infromational session but now things are moving steadily. The program at Albany Med is approximately 6 months long ( they require 6 months of documented weight loss attempts) Hang in there once you are started the 6 months will fly by. I am already 6 weeks in and there is so much other stuff that I have to do that the time is flying by. I have gone to my first appointment with the nutritionist and psych and saw the doctor to schedule my sleep study yesterday. My next appointments are for the end of june and the sleep study has been scheduled for July 13th. Just hang in there. Albany Med is a center of excellence and their program is designed to meet the strictest Insurance criteria. Just keep venting and remember all good things come in time. Crystal