Anyone going to Dr. Gorospe's seminar this Friday ?

I'm scheduled to attend Dr. Gorospe's seminar on Friday the 10th. Anyone else ?

No, but I had my bypass done by him last May, and it was fantastic!!! He is a wonderful surgeon, I'm very happy to hear you are going to his seminar! Feel free to email me if you have any questions: [email protected] *hugs* Valerie

Valerie, Thanks for your reply. I was very pleased with what I saw and heard at Dr. Gorospe's seminar. He seems like he really cares for his patients. Sounds like you and your husband have done wonderful. Keep up the good work. Hopefully I can have surgery in the summer. Loretta

I know you wrote this like 10 days ago, but I wanted to let you know that I went to the seminar. I had no idea there were going to be so many people there!! I had my initial consultation right after the seminar since I am out of state (MO). So, at this point I am at the waiting stage to get insurance approval so I can get a date!

Lisa, I checked out your profile before I replied. I was so surprised that there were that many people at the seminar. Even tho I know I'm not alone in my struggle to lose weight,,,just seeing all those people made me feel better somehow. And as crazy as this sounds, it was the first time in a very long time that I felt comfortable in a room with a bunch of people. I didn't feel like everyone was staring at me. I felt like I was with friends. I also was quite impressed with Dr. Gorospe. I like that he uses that ring---seems to ensure success. One of my questions was also asked. I'm the one who asked the question about being non-compliant with Cpap. I've got to get compliant with that dang machine. I'm gonna try my hardest. Good luck, I'll cross my fingers for your insurance approval. Mine is a ways off as I'm not wanting to have surgery until the summer.

I was glad you asked about the CPAP! I have struggled with my machine for over a year now. I gave up on it for about 6 months and since you asked that question, I have been back at it. I still end up taking it off after about 45 minutes *sigh* If you get it to work let me know how you did it! I got a call from Lisa (the scheduler for Dr. G) on Friday and she said I have to go in for another sleep study to test the pressure on the CPAP. Luckily I get to do that her in Springfield with my old sleep Dr. Still waiting on a callback to determine if I actually have to see him or if he can just order the study. Lisa also said that my insurance stuff was sent in, so I am just waiting!

To Lisa and Rhetta, Congrats on your first step - attending the seminar!! It is so hard sometimes to do something like that. When I went, the room was so packed, I felt HUGE. I remember whenever someone got up to go to the bathroom or whatever, I would try to make myself as small as possible, so they would have room to go past me in my aisle. It's a small thing, but after losing 112 lbs, I don't take up such a huge space anymore! You will be surprised at the things that will change! I can't wait to hear about your journey(s), be sure to update this thread as you get approval, a date, etc. *hugs* Valerie

Valerie, I know what you mean about feeling huge. Ther were three people to our table and of course I was in the middle. I just thought, Please God, don't make me have to use the bathroom before everyone has to get up! Well, semi big news, I have insurance approval!! I got a call today from Nycole, my insurance case worker at Dr. G's office and she said she checked this morning and they have approved the pre-determinations letter! One more thing to check off my list. : ) So now I wait until I hear from Lisa, the scheduler for all my pre-op testing and stuff and surgery date! I hope she called within the next couple of days. I want to tell everyone that knows about this that I have been approved, but I am holding off on the majority of them because the next obvious questions is 'So when is your surgery?' Kinda ruins the mood, because this is a big step in the process for me and that question just kinda sets that goal asside for the next one before I really get to 'savor the moment'. I can't tell you how much I dreaded the prospect of an appeal. So! I will savor the moment until I get my next moment (surgery date) and will update you all when I get the date! Valerie, I am just amazed at what you have accomplished and am glad that you still visit the boards to support us *newbies* That's another question, at what point are we not newbies anymore? 3 mo out, a year out? Just a thought...Lisa

Lisa, I totally understand about waiting for an actual date. Kind of like the difference between saying "We're trying to have a baby", and "He's due in September!", right? The surgery makes things harder and easier. You will lose weight faster than you ever thought possible at first, but it will never seem like enough. Don't compare yourself to others, but be happy with every little accomplishment you make. Your weight loss will slow down, and there will be plateaus, but you will continue to lose, especially if you follow the rules on protein and water intake. Hmmm, I don't know when you stop being a newbie, good question! I felt like I really had a handle on things at about 6 months? I would say, the first year is pretty much like being a newlywed, gee, I'm just full of metaphors this am!!! Be sure and let us know when you have a date! *hugs* Valerie

I HAVE A DATE!!! MARCH 15th I will be having surgery. I am so excited! Take a look at the updates on my profile if you want all the details. I have to be in Tulsa on the 6th and 7th for most of my tests. I will coming alone because my husband has to work and watch our girls. If anyone is not busy on those days, I would love to meet some of you. I will also be coming back on the 13th for the pulmonologist appt at 11am and the support group at 6pm. I am almost there! Lisa