I met Dr. McDowell

I attended the seminar in Nashville today and I got to meet Dr. McDowell. He is very nice and I liked him right away. He will be my surgeon if I can get approved through TennCare. I will be having the Roux En Y. I was pleased with everything I saw today and have already started my paperwork. There werent many people there and I was a little disappointed in not being able to start up some friendships. It was funny but the majority of the people who were there werent very overweight. I don't know why they were looking into surgery. Anyway, I just wanted to post about my day and share about Dr. McDowell. Blessings, Karen

I'm glad you liked him. You're going to love the others in the clinic at MSC. Dawn, Pam, Tiana & Mai are all wonderful! Susan

Thanks , Susan. I met Dawn too and she seems really nice. She offered her help in getting me approved through my insurance. I'm sure I will get to know her well. I already have questions for her and I will be calling her Monday. I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't get to see Dr. McDowell until I'm approved. I guess I was hoping the process woiuld move a little faster. It seems that Tenn care has a lot of requirements. Anyway, thanks for your good wishes. Is your surgery scheduled yet? Or have you already had it? I would love to hear about your experience so far. Blessings, Karen

I am just days away from my 7 month anniversary. I had lap RNY January 31st with Dr. Spaw who is also with Metabolic Surgery Center. I have lost 78 lbs since surgery and have gotten rid of 4 1/2 medications. I went from taking 3 oral meds for diabetes to no meds and fasting blood sugars in upper 80s/low 90s. I've come off my cholesterol medication and my total cholesterol is 135. I've also just recently reduced the amount of medication I take for Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri). I've had zero complications or problems. I haven't even lost hair! I feel better than I have in years. I just wish I had done this years ago. I wish you luck in getting a speedy approval and surgery date. Susan

Susan, Thanks for sharing. I also am diabetic and I'm on 3 oral meds and a Byetta injection. I also take medication for high cholesterol and triglycerides. I am worrying though about the pych evaluation. I have Bipolar disorder and am afraid that might disqualify me. I'm stable on meds and I feel good and strong emotionally. I hope this wont keep me from the surgery. I want to thank you for your support and encouragement. I'm really glad I found Obesity help. I've met so many nice people like you here. Blessings, Karen

Try to relax about the psych eval. As long as you are taking your meds and are stable there shouldn't be any problem. The main thing they want to make sure of in the eval is that you understand the risks, life changes & limitations of the surgery and that you don't have any other issues like anorexia, bulimia or substance abuse in your life. I've been under treatment for severe clinical depression for years but, like you, I am on meds and stable. Victor O'Bryan did my psych eval and he was very comfortable to talk to. The written part is long but that was given to me to do at home prior to my appt so I didn't feel rushed. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Susan

Hello! I am hopefully on my way to having wls with Dr Spaw from the same group you are seeing. I have been to my seminar. Filled out all the forms and my insurance was contacted. In return, they asked for 3 things. A Cardiac Work up, Psychiatric Evaluation, and Nutritionist Evaluation. Now, these things have been turned in and I am waiting again! Best wishes and don't be afraid of the things you have to do. As others said, they are all very nice.

Dee Dee, Thanks. I'm so happy for you that you are on your way. I still have a lot to do before I can get approved. It is nice to know you are out there and using the same docs. Are you having the RNY? I wish you the best too. Blessings, Karen

Dee Dee, have you started attending the support group meetings? We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 in the waiting room of MSC. There's always a lot of good information and sharing. If you can make the next meeting on September 5th, I'd love to meet you. We always go around the room and introduce ourselves so if you think you can make it I'll be sure and listen for you. I hope you get a quick acceptance from your insurance company. Susan

Susan, Thanks. I will try to relax. Someone else had sent me an email and told me that if I even hinted at depression I would be turned down so thats why I was worried. I feel much better now. Thanks for your help and support. Blessings, Karen