Now Im Nervous

I have my 1st consultation appt on 7/17. Im wondering what should I expect and do most people make their decision to go forward at this point? I cant wait for monday! Any info would be great Denise

Denise~ That is a very hard question to answer. I think some people, maybe more than we know, might change their mind when they meet a doctor? Maybe after hearing all the details and what a life style change it is, they decide against it? But we don't really know those people personally, because the one's that come to the support groups are the ones that are still considering surgery OR have already had it. I would suggest meeting the doctor and coming to a support group and talking to others, it sounds like you haven't made up your mind, and you don't have to make that decision the day you meet your doctor. Take your time and talk to a lot of people. Good luck with your journey, and let me know if you want to come to the next support group meeting. The next one is July 20 @ Kimball Medical Center 7-9pm. Michelle Brennan Brick

I had consultations with 3 doctors in 3 completely different hospitals before I made my decision. Beware of docs who try to sell you nutritional products, who want to charge you for support group meetings and/or nutritional classes. Doctors typically who advertise on the radio, are like salesmen, in my opinion. I made my decision with the Univ of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Hospital, and it's the best decision I've ever made, so far. Top notch, excellent doctors/staff, and no 'sales' pitches, no charge for support group meetings and a onetime $200 fee for nutritionist, but that is lifetime, you can see him for the rest of your life, whenver you want, and will never be charged.

Hi Denise: At the consultation if you have not already been given the packet of questions and information via mail, you need to fill out like 10 pages, you will be weighed and your height measured and perhaps have your blood pressure checked. You will speak to the nutritionist to discuss your attempts to lose weight prior to you coming to that doctor. You may also see the surgeon's assistant who will discuss, in detail, your BMI, your assessed weight now and the loss you can healthfully expect over the year after the surgery. Then you will see the surgeon. He will review your information that you provided, ask you some health questions and then explain the procedures that are available in 2006. He will examine your belly to be sure there are no reasons not to be able to do either procedure. He will discuss all the risks, benefits, rewards. THAT IS THE CONSULTATION! It is a good idea to have a list of questions ready to ask the doctor that you are concerned about and really sit there and write in the answers, because you will not remember what he said after you leave there. Make sure you do the research on him, his practice, the hospital he is affiliated with, the costs, if any, insurance pre-certification requirements, etc. If I can help, reach out to me...... ShelleyAnne