First Dr. Visit

I have my first appointment next thursday. I am nervous and anxious all at the same time. I am leaning towards the Lap-Band. I think for me it is the best choice. Any advice for the first visit?? I would love to hear from you all. Susan

Make a list of your questions for the doctor, otherwise you will get in there and forget everything you wanted to ask. Be sure to find out his track record - how many and what types of surgery he has done. Good Luck and keep us posted. Susann

yes, questions are a good idea, and having them written down is very wise... Don't hesitate to also ask - how many of these procedures have you done, and how many, (if at all) have you died during/following surgery due to complications... VERY IMPT!

1st OFF, WELCOME TO OUR BOARD , MS SUSAN ... &, WE HOPE YOU BECOME A "REGULAR". YOU'LL FIND SOME FANTASTIC PEOPLE HERE ... LOTS OF SUPPORT & INFO AS WELL. ALSO, I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A FORUM FOR LAP-BANDERS WHERE YOU MIGHT GET SOME GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK PERTAINING TO THAT PARTICULAR PROCEDURE (NOT THAT WE WANT YOU TO LEAVE US - JUST A GOOD PLACE TO GATHER INFO). I'VE ALWAYS SAID TO BE PRO-ACTIVE ... BE A PART OF THE PROCESS; DON'T LEAVE EVERYTHING UP TO YOUR SURGEON & STAFF. SIT DOWN & WRITE OUT ALL YOUR CO-MORBS/HEALTH ISSUES & HOW THEY EFFECT YOU. WRITE A 2nd DOCUMENT THAT TELLS HOW YOUR LIFESTYLE IS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED & HAVE YOUR SURGEON INCLUDE BOTH DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR PACKET GOING TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FOR APPROVAL. BE DETAILED & BRUTALLY HONEST. IF SEX IS OUT OF THE QUESTION DUE TO PAIN & NOT BEING ABLE TO PHYSICALLY PARTICIPATE ... WRITE IT DOWN. IF YOU CAN'T GET UP OFF THE COUCH WITHOUT HELP OR IF YOU NEED HELP CARING FOR YOUR OWN FEET ... WRITE IT DOWN. BE SURE TO INCLUDE REPEATED PAST ATTEMPTS TO LOSE THE WEIGHT & A LITTLE ABOUT THE KNOWLEDGE YOU'RE GAINING THROUGH RESEARCH, YOUR SURGEON'S OFFICE, SUPPORT GROUPS & HERE ON THE BOARDS. YOUR INSURANCE PACKET IS GOING TO BE READ BY HUMAN BEINGS SO MAKE SURE YOUR PACKET STANDS OUT FROM THE REST ESPECIALLY IF YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAS A HABIT OF DENYING OR MAKING IT HARD ON PATIENTS TO GET APPROVED. I GUESS AFTER THAT, I'D SAY "ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE". YOU'RE GOING TO HIT SOME BUMPS IN YOUR WLS JOURNEY & THE ONLY WAY YOU OVERCOME THEM IS WITH A STRONG, POSITIVE ATTITUDE. WE'RE ALL HERE TO HELP ONE ANOTHER ALONG THE WAY SO YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! GOD BLESS DAWN & NICK I'LL ADD YOU TO OUR WEIGHT LOSS LIST, MS SUSANN ... DO YOU LIVE INTHE LOWCOUNTRY, MID OR UPSTATE?

I live in the upstate. Near Seneca. I haven't seen anyone close to that area. Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions. Susan

I have you on the list ... You're most welcomed, ms susan.