DONT GO TO FALLON!

You've misunderstood or I made a mistake. I have met my weightloss goal for the program, plus. And I have been meeting with nutrition every month for the past 17 months, and I have also done TWO 6 weeks behavioral modification groups when our program only requires one. I have also met this outside therapists, individually with an internist on the team, and individually with the behavior specialist. People who have done a lot less then me and who have been in the program for a lot shorter time have been approved. I've done ALL the requirements PLUS. And when I confronted them I was told the ONLY reason is my age. They all agree that Im ready but are concerned that I may regret it 20 years from now. That doesnt make sense. And I am in one of the more stricter programs but I agree with all the steps 100%, thats why Ive done them- and redone them. I've followed all the rules. I've completed the program. Im not trying to get through any loop holes. Sorry if I wasn't clear, I wrote that in a fit of anger/sadness.

Wow. That's awful. Come on over to Emerson, in Concord. I think you'll have great success over here. It takes three to four months from beginning to end, and the staff is great. The next orientation meeting is the 8th of November. Here is the link to the program, if you are interested: http://www.emersonhospital.org/medical/surgery/bariatric_surgery/ I'm so sorry you've had such a rough go! Donna B.

I'm so sorry you are having difficulty. I wonder if there is more to the story, though? I can't imagine that any physician would lead you on for two years and then suddenly say "forget it". That seems very unusual. The only reason I bring this up is that before you try another program, you definitely want to be really clear with yourself about why you were wait-listed, know what I mean? If you were waitlisted after two years for no reason, then definitely try another program, but if there was a medical or psych reason why you were sidetracked, that will probably show up at the next program, too. You don't want to waste your time twice. At any rate, if you are going to try another program, I have to say that I am loving the process at Emerson in Concord, MA. Try them, maybe? Best wishes, and I hope things work out for you. Donna B.

Thanks for your input. I have thought about it and rethought about it- and I even spoke with two therapists outside of the program who specialize in bariatric surgery and they cant figure out why I didn't have it a year ago. Also medically- my pcp has been pushing for me for a long time now because she knows I am ready and that I am a super candidate. Im not going to another program, I made that decision- because I dont think I should be discriminated against JUST because of my age and if I fight and make it through then maybe it will be easier for the next person my age, who IS ready also. Thanks for the message though, I appreciate it! =)

Looking back at this post I wish Id never have posted it but hey whatever its a display of my emotions after hanging up the phone with someone who was clearly misinformed. Good news today actually- I got a phone call from my surgeon, Dr. Arcand, and this was the first time that I have ever spoke to him. I must say that I never have talked to a nicer doctor before. He didn't talk down to me and he didn't speak to me like he knew better than me- he completely related 100% and talked to me like we were equals and as if we've known each other for years. He told me that I should not be discouraged and that there is NO REASON why the team did not approve me and that I've passed the entire program and have met every requirement and he set the age limit to 18 for a reason, and I completely qualify. At the next team meeting he himself will put me through approval and whereas it takes most patients a few weeks for a consult- he will get me one right away because I was unfairly overlooked. He gave me his WORD. He is amazing. I also got a chance to ask about my friend Patti because he operated on her today and he said she is doing amazing and everything went as smoothly as possible. So Im psyched. God is looking over me!