So Many Worries....

I'm new to the message boards...and I'm trying to have WLS.I have one more appt with Dr. Cole (in Horseheads, NY) then he sends out the paperwork for approval. I live three hours away from where I am having it done and am worried about being so far away from the hospital thats doing the surgery.I also have to stay in a hotel/motel for a week after the surgery and am trying to come up with the funds for it all. How do you get past all the bundles of nerves up to the point of surgery. I keep reading on this site so I can see all the good stuff the surgery brings.I haven't gotten an Angel yet....I don't know if they are assigned or someone volunteers-I'm not even sure what they do but I think "having an angel" sounds like a good thing. Looking for much support...other than my husband I'm not getting much up here. & 's -Betty-Jean

Hi Betty Welcome to OH. It is a great place to get information and meet people going through the same stuff as you. I am almost four months post op and (I read your profile) don't be deceived this is by no means the easy way out. It is possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. Facing the food demons is hard. this is a tool and it must be worked. Everyday gets easier and it is so worth it but there are bad days. Some people soar through and don't find it a challenge but I am not one of them. I do everything strictly by the book as well. No cheating for me, I didn't put my life on the line to not make this work. Anyway, I don't live close by but I can be an e mail angel if you like and I can call you in the hospital and update everyone on your status, if you like. Someone closer might be better because they can visit but I am willing to do what I can. Let me know, you can e mail me anytime and we can talk on the phone as well. Good Luck Tina

Betty Jean, This site has an awesome support system. Feel free to ask questions, vent, chat, anything. Everyone is great! I'll see if my daughter can get you a deal. She works at the lodge on the green. If not, we'll try to help you get some places to stay. I have a couch, and a big blow up mattress. It's not the best, but it's free. My hubby and I work during the day but would be home to help you out in the evening. There are no stairs and all one one floor. It's small, but homey. You have my email address. Let me know how things progress. Terri

Hello Betty We have a couple things in common. One being that I also see Dr Cole. Another is that I also have GHI FHP. Which was awesome with the approval time. They got my request on a Friday and the Dr had the approval on the following Wednesday. It was very fast..although to me I was on pins and needles so at the time it seems longer than what it actually was. One thing that I can pass on to you is...things will go quicker if you have your PCP do the letter of support in advance , so that way you are not waiting for it. Just my opinion anyway... Good luck on you next visit, and rememebr to keep us posted. Tara

Hi Betty Jean. I just wanted to let you know that I also am seeing Dr. McKane in the Horseheads office. I only live about 45 minutes from the office. I have already been approved for surgery and I should be having my surgery in April. You won't be disappointed with that doctors office. The people there are amazing and are just great. I am very happy with the whole situation so far. If you have any questions or would just like to chat, please feel free to email me at [email protected] I also have Yahoo messenger. My screen name is Twinkletoes267. Let me know if you would like to talk. Take care, Danielle Simoens

Sorry I haven't responded to any of your responses. My best friend of 16 years is in the hospital in Syracuse dying of lung cancer. She is 29 years old and she is a single mother of three girls- 11,8 & 3. I have spent all weekend down there in the hospital with her and had to come home to see my kids who I missed terrible. As hard as it has been watching her struggle with this, it has strengthened my resolve to get this surgery done ASAP so that I can spend the life that God has given me in a much healthier way than I have been. Also, I have no problem sleeping on a couch or a mattress or a floor after surgery-as long as the people dont mind having us( my sister and I). We have to stay down there for a week( 3 days in the hospital and 4 out) so that if anything happens we are close and the drain comes out at the end of the week I guess and Dr. Cole said he'd like us to be close till that happens. Feel free to call me 315-681-4975 or email [email protected]. That is also my screen name on yahoo(eeyore2623). Many thanks, -Betty-Jean