HELP JUST GETTING STARTED-NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT...

I FINALLY MADE THE DECISION TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE AS A NEW ME. I WILL BE ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON MAY 19TH. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS ATTHE SEMINARS AND WHAT STEPS ARE TAKEN AFTER YOU ATTEND A SEMINAR. IS THE WAITING TIME LONG FOR A SURGERY DATE AFTER YOUR INSURANCE APPROVAL? ANY ADVICE OR INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL. THANKS. DEBBIE

Hi Debbie, I am pre-op also and I am finally near the end of the pre-op process. The only thing I can tell you is to have some patience. The whole process depends on how quickly you can get appointments and how fast the Dr.s send in their reports. I started in March and have done everything, but some of the Dr.s were very slow in sending in their reports to my surgeon. I made alot of calls and even had to get a little nasty, but they got them sent in. I'm having the D/S surgery with Dr. Smith in ATL and that was kinda difficult getting my consults here and then sending them to him in GA. Everyone is different but good luck and don't get discouraged Cassandra

Thanks Cassandra I appreciate your help. When is your surgery? If I may ask, why are u going to ATL instead of SC?

Well after a lot of research I decided to have the duodenum switch surgery rather than the RNY. It was better for me that i can eat a more normal size meal and still have some sweets. You also have the chance to lose 80%-85% of your excess weight. On the down side you have a greater chance of protein malnutrtion so it's important to get protein in after surgery and it's a little more complicated surgery. I have to go to GA because no one does this type of surgery in SC. I could have gone to NC but my sister lives in ATL so it was an easy choice to go there. If you want more info on the DS surgery go to www.doudenalswitch.com. Make sure you do alot of research and choose the best surgery type that you can live with.