ON MY WAY!!!!

I just had my first Seminar with the Cori Centers! He was very straightforward, but also sensitive to the discussion. He informed everyone of the risks as well as the benefits of the surgery. I have been researching this now for a long time and could not believe there were people there who had not done any research on the surgery at all...they just WANTED to have it! I was so amazed! This is a major surgery, not just something to go into blind. Anyhow, I met Melanie and Dawn, and just like everyone said, they were awesome. So sweet and attentive, and didn't lay judgement at all! I really wanted to have Dr. Sapala do the surgery, but I met Dr. Azura today, and he was good, I just don't know much about him personally. If you have had your surgery performed by him, I would appreciate any feedback! Well, everything else went great! Just have to wait until May 14, 2005 when my insurance becomes effective. Melanie told me they have absolutely no problems with Empire BC/BS since they are in-network and their approval is the easiest!!!! Woohoo for me! I'm on my way, I'm on my way! Andi

How Exciting for you! I'm always surprised at the number of people I've seen who had the sugery without doing any research. I've been researching on the web and have read a couple of books for at least the past 6 months. I, too, have BC/BS and the approval came within 4 days of the submission. I'm scheduled for March 28 and I'm doing a 10 days presurgical liquid diet. I absolutely hate jello and I'm not fond of popsicles, but I'll get through it! Good luck with the rest of your journey. I hope it's quick and without too many bumps! ~Cheryl~

Good for you! Good luck on the presurgical diet. I asked the surgeon at the seminar about the presurgical diet, and he said he doesn't require it. He said the liver is difficult to get around, but he's never had any problems. I think I like the idea of the presurgery diet, though. I mean after the surgery you don't get to eat, so if you do the diet before, at least you have an idea and time to adjust! Congrats again on your surgery! If you need anything, please let me know! Andi

Andi, I could no imagine going into this without researching this thing to death.... Why people do no research thier surgeons background prior as well... It sue makes you feel a little better once you meet the staff and they are warm and caring.... I wish you the best of luck hun and you will do just great...... Take care Debra P

Hey Andi SO I see you met with the best of the best. Dr Sapala is my doctor. And I love him. I had the micropouch done. I'm five weeks post op. So if you have any question. Just let me know Take Care {{{{hugs}}}} Maria

Hey Maria, Actually, I met with Dr. Azura (?) with the Cori Centers! He's new with them, but has had his own practice in Westchester. I really want Dr. Sapala though. Dr. Azura is nice, but I don't know anyone that has had him, and I like to be informed about a surgeon for major surgery!!! I will contact Melanie and ask her what the wait is for Dr. Sapala! I still have 1 1/2 months to decide before my insurance becomes effective, so I will be thinking more about it! Thanks for the post, Andi

Hey Andi I never met Dr Azura, so I can't give you much information about him. Well.. I can't give you any. But like you said you have time still. SO that is good. Keep me inform on your search and if questions that I can help answers. You know what to do. Later Maria