Just wanted to introduce myself

Hello everyone. I'm fairly new to the site, and I figured that I would stop by and see what the PA forum was all about. I live in NW Pa, and am just beginning my journey to a healthier me. I had an appontment with my PCP today and we discussed me having Lap Band surgery. One of the first things out of his mouth was "I'll give you a referral".
I am excited about this whole process. I know its not going to be something that happens over night. We all know how insurance companies like to drag their feet.
Hamot Bariatric Center in Erie has said that I am looking at 3-6 months before I will actually have the surgery. Next Wednesday I go for my first support group meeting and then after that I will have my first meeting with the doctor (which will be a group meeting). I've done a lot of reading about both the surgeons that are in the practice and all of what I read was great stuff. Its nice to know that I will be in good hands.....

welcome, great board here.  It took me from February to September to complete all the requirements.  Patience is the key.  It'll be here before you know it and you'll be on the losers bench.

Thanks for the welcome

Welcome to the Pa board!!  This is a great board and every one is SOOO nice here!!  Good luck on your journey.  I remember how excited I was when I first decided I was going to pursue WLS!

Keep us posted on your progress!!!

Welcome!  This is a great and supportive group.  You'll get a ton of information and lots of support - whatever you need.  This is a "family" of friends and we're always thrilled to make room on the Loser's Bench for more folks!

Karen

Welcome I am new also. I started looking in this last May started group sessions in June. I am waitinf for ins approval and surgery date(Dr's office) it's most likely in January. Welcome to the site and trust me everyone is sooo helpful and full of insight. Keep reading! Good luck with your journey to a healthier you!

Thank-You for making me feel so welcomed

Welcome aboard! The PA site is all about encouragement, education, sharing and support. We have been known to give each other a swift kick in the backside if it is well deserved, but then a hug of reassurance, that we all can move on, and continue successing as we call it. This is the time to educate yourself all about your surgical options, and also why you eat the way you do. The surgery operates on your stomach, but fixing the head is up to us. Keep us all updated on your progress.
Chris

Welcome!

Even though the wait may seem long, you will find that the time to become educated about all aspects of WLS will be worth it. You will be READY when the time comes!

welcome aboard!!! I am from the opposite side of the state. We are like one big happy family around here. Nothing is taboo or silly to ask so please don't heistate.

Welcome to the beginning of the best journey of your life!

Liz

PS - my approval process was quick, I was lucky. Informational meeting August 1st - surgery January 30th