orientation tomorrow

Tomorrow my husband and I are both going to the 1:30 orientation in Portland. This could be the start of something! Melanie

That is really exciting. I remember when I went to Orientation. GL I hope it goes well. Where are you having orientation? Rebecca

Good Sam... see next post for more info.

That's great. Which one are you going to? When I went to one at Kaiser it was pretty useless, but the one at Obesity Institute/Good Sam was great. I remember one of the things that impacted me a lot was being in a room with so many people that were in the same boat as I was. It was a relief to not be thinking for once "I'm the biggest person in the room". Peer support has been such a help for me all through this, and something I really didn't even know I needed. Good luck to you on your journey! Patty

Yes, I went to the Good Sam orientation. It was pretty good. Actually, I thought it was a little bit glossy/enthusiastic toward the benefits of WLS, kinda skimmed over the risks- I feel like I have a more well-rounded set of expectations after researching here on these forums, on the internet, and having subscribed to some yahoo groups for post-ops. I know it's a business model, and that they are probably more intense about all side effects for people who come in. There were a lot of people there, about 100. We were on the young end of the crowd (32) and about average weight in the room, which is a nice change of pace. They had a woman present, a skinny woman, and it was comforting to hear that she was a former patient. It seems like I hear more online about people reaching their goals or at least being within a close number, and at the orientation they showed stats that people, on average, lose about 65% of their extra weight. Which is 10 times better than I have ever done on any diet, but I hope I can be committed enough to lose 80% of the extra baggage. Ha. The application is short, and I was surprised at how they squeeze in all the pre-op stuff in a day and a half- which I imagine is really nice for people who come a ways. But eating and weight is such an emotionally laden thing, I wish they required more time in counseling or self reflection. Maybe the support groups help make up for that. It seems the process can move so fast! In reality, I've been considering this option for about three years, so it's not a hasty decision for sure. They didn't mention anything about having to lose any weight- maybe that comes next after they reel you in. ;) I am still excited about it, and am going to get that ap filled out! Thanks for kind wishes, Melanie

Melanie, That is so great this is going to be a step in many steps to making a life change. I remember the meeting and how inpressed I was with how many people are in the same boat as me. Today at my appt. with my surgon I looked at all the people in the waiting room some before some after and it really sunk in how this has given people a chance that we just cant have without help. I just got my date today so I remember when it felt like I would never get to this stage and here I am,,, my knees are a knocking but I know it will be fine. I am a fighter. I have a strong body. I ask Dr Jan today if I can go diving in April and he laughed asked how deep. LOL but he said yes. I hope my dry suit isnt to big by then Kel