Newbie.....any NEMC patients out there???

Hi there, I have been a lurker for about a month or so now and I have learned so much from all of your stories! I am in awe of the results and the enthusiasum of all of the losers here! You have inspired me to persue this journey. I have an appt at Tufts/New England Medical Center on May 8. I received a packet in the mail which I have filled out and am to bring with me that day. I believe I am meeting with the psych and the nutritionist for this first appt. I am just wondering if there are any other NEMC post or pre op's out there who might tell me a bit more about what to expect from the program there. I live about 90 miles away from Boston so it's not going to be easy to get there often. I am most wondering about the overall experience of anyone who went there and how long it took from the first visit to surgery?? Thanks for any help!! Melinda

Thanks for the reply Mira! I'm only hearing good things about NEMC so I guess I will be in good hands!! Melinda

Hi Melinda, I had my surgery at NEMC and am very happy with it and the surgeon. You do have to go through many classes, tests and appointments before you even get a date. That is to prepare you for surgery. They do not procede if there is any physical problems until your ready and healthy. I chose the lapband and have been loosing accordingly. We had group sessions for 8 weeks and my group keeps in touch by email all the time. We have become email buddies. I think it is a good choice. Just try to make the best of your appointments. They always try to book them separately. Try to get in at least 2 each time if you can. Good luck in your decision Maraki

Hi Maraki Thanks for the info. My appt is coming soon....5 days! I'm excited and think I've made a good choice with NEMC! Melinda

Hi Melinda, I have gone through the NEMC program and can reassure you that it's great. I am fighting an idiot insurance company right now, and am not yet banded, but will return to Tufts without hesitation when I win. Barb H.

Hi, Although I didn't have mine done at T-NEMC, it still is a good hospital. You want Dr. Shikora to do it. He's the best one there and he's a close friend of my in-laws. They told me that after booking my surgery at Brigham & Womens. Only bad thing about having it at T-NEMC is that you may or will have to wait at least 3 months or more to have surgery depending on surgeon's schedule. If you decide you want to change hosptials I had mine at Brigham and Womens. I had my pre-op group last Tuesdsay in August, 2005, met Surgeon 2nd wk in Sept., 2005 and had surgery 10-18-05. I waited like 4-5 weeks, big difference. My primary physician now refers all this pts to Brigham and Women's all because of me. Good luck with your future appts and surgery once you get a date. Lisa J

Thanks for the info Lisa! Too late for me to change hospitals.....I already paid that non-refundable program fee at NEMC. But I feel good about my choice. I have to wait until the Fall to have the surgery anyway as I work at a seasonal business on Cape Cod and the season is about to get rolling. So I hope to be able to fit all the other stuff (classes, appts, tests, etc) in over the summer so when I'm free I can have the surgery and have the off season to recover. Congrats on your success! Melinda