New kid on the Block

Hey yall from Haw River, NC... I am so excited about my surgery, even though I am in the beginning stages. I have my initial appointment with Dr. Bauman on 31 May 06. I have coordinated with my insurance company, United Health Care, which does cover the majority of the costs, amazing to me! The nurse was very patient with me and let me know what all they need from me, my primary care physician and Dr. Bauman. I have an appointment with my PCP on May 1, to complete the necessary blood work and tests. Hopefully, the test results will be in by the end of the month so I can take them all to Dr. Bauman. I am very excited, very hopeful and very determined to make this work for me. This is a new beginning for me, even though I am 54 years old! Ok, I've rattled on enough yall. So great to be here and have this wonderful support team. I plan on being around for a very long time! Blessings, Diane

Diane - So happy to hear that you have gotten alot of appointments scheduled and I know how excited you are. I started my process the end of January and looks like I will be having surgery near the end of May. That is even after being denied and having to appeal before receiving approval for gastric bypass. I sure hope things move smooth for you and welcome aboard. Donna

Hi Diane, I wish you the best on the beginning of your wls journey, I know you will be successful. I am scheduled to have my surgery 5/30/06. Just to let you know, while Dr. Bauman is not my surgeon (not on my insurance plan), he did do one of my best friend's mom's surgery last March. Also, my friend (Leigh) has since started working with the doc as his nurse--you'll really like her. Well I'll be praying that everyone goes smoothly for you. Cathy

Diane... Congratulations on making the best decision of your life (or at least it was my best decision!). I'm 53 and had the surgery 9-13-05. In addition to being on the NC board and the September 2005 board, I also really enjoy the Over-Fifty Forum here on OH. Good luck on your pre-op journey! Can't wait to see you on the losing side!!

Hi Diane - my name is Tricia and I am new too! Literally just starting the process. I am also using Dr. Bauman and my insurance is United Healthcare. I am going to the Lap Band Seminar on May 18 and my appointment with Dr Bauman on June 9. I have to make an appointment with my PCP for the bloodwork etc and I am nervous about calling him. I guess I am worried he won't approve of the surgery! But I will make the call anyway and get the appointment! Then I guess the psych evaluation and the nutrionist appointments are next. Glad to know there is someone on my same path! Good Luck! Tricia

Thank you so much for all yall's support! I am so hopeful at this point to really change my life! I must admit that I do really well on diets. I can lose weight. It's just that when I stop dieting I put it all back on and THEN SOME! I have been replacing one meal per day with a shake I make from Whey Protein powder, ice and nonfat milk in the blender. I have been doing this for about a year. I know the protein is good for me because I crave that protein drink daily, and enjoy it very much. My question is: Since protein intake is so important to us post-surgery, will I be able to continue with my whey protein shakes? Maybe smaller ones? Thanks, Blessings, Diane