Excited New Member

Hello All, I'm new to the forum and site. My name is Jessica and I'm married with two boys ages 2 and 6. I've just begun my journey with the Duke Weight Loss Surgery Program. My first appt is May 4 and I can't wait to get started. All of my preop test are already done and all are normal. I would like to hear other's experiences with Duke or Dr. Pryor (even better). Really I'm absolutely fascinated by the whole process and would appreciate any advice. I'm 5'3 at 235 and my BMI is 42. I have no health problems at all but I qualify for the surgery. As with everyone else, I'm sure, I would like to help fascilitate the process to move along as quickly as possible (safety of course first). Also, this may be a dumb question.....Where do I update my profile? Thank you!

Hi Jessica and welcome to OH! I can't tell you anything about Duke or Dr. Pryor, but I can tell you where to update your profile. At the top of the page there are different links like "home", "My OH", "Photos", "People", etc. Just click on "My OH" and it will take you another page where you'll cick on "My profile". That's the simplest way I know how to tell you to get there....or at least that's the way I know how to get there.

Hi Jessica, I just wanted to say welcome. I don't know anything about Duke, sorry. Good job on getting all the paperwork done- I'm right in the middle of it. Ugh!! Have a wonderful day!~~~~~Nancy

Hi Jessica, Welcome to OH. I don't know much about Duke WLS program. I went to Dr. Timothy Farrell at UNC Chapel Hill. I had my surgery on 3/28/07 and I've lost 25 lbs so far! I will return to work next week. I can honestly say I am ready. I know there are some folks here that went through the Duke program. Post often and let us know how you are doing! Blessings, Diane

Hi Jessica - My name is Barbara. I'm also going through DukeWLS Center. I haven't met Dr. Pryor, so I don't have any information to share re: his practice, manner, etc. I'm still in the pre-approval process. I am 49 yrs old, 5'6" my BMI was around 40 when I started. I've lost some since and currently weigh 238. I'm working on the High Protien, Low Carb diet prescribed by Patrick. I have multiple comorbidities so there isn't much concern about my losing too much weight ... I can lose about another 15 1bs and still be above the 35 BMI threshold. I'm waiting for one of my Dr's that handles another health issue that needs to be considered to discuss my case with DukeWLS before my "package" is submitted for a surgical review. Once it passes the surgical review, the "package" will be submitted to my insurer for their review and approval (thinking optimistically, of course ). There is a support group that meets in Raleigh once a month. You may want to see about attending that. It meets at the Perkins Rest. On Capital and 440. I'm sure I can get you the contact info if you are interested. Regards, Barbara

Welcome Jessica, I applaud your enthusiasm. I was once vey excited about the whole process too. I have been in the process since November 2006. I am awaiting my insurance approval then I'll get to meet my surgeon. I am going through the program at Chapel Hill with Dr. Farrell. It is a long process but I guess it is a necessary one for our own safety. Good luck with everything and keep posting here, it helps to stay motivated. E