New Here & just starting the process

Hi everybody. I've been reading this board for a little bit now, replied to one post, and now I'm ready to "de-lurk" and introduce myself. I am 37 years old, married 4 years to a wonderful younger man, I have a 13 yr old daughter from a previous marriage, and a sweet little boy who was just born last December. I've been obese for quite a long time, and battling my weight for even longer. Originally I was looking to get the lap-band, before I really had much knowledge on it, and decided that the lap RNY would be a better option for me. I've been to 2 seminars, and decided to go with Advanced Laparascopic Surgeons (Florham Park, NJ). After attending their seminar, I decided to make my first appointment with Dr. Bertha. He seemed very nice, came highly recommended, and had an appointment available within 1 week (awesome!). I didn't want to have to wait any longer. So, my appt. is on Wednesday. Right after it, I have both my psych eval and nutritional eval. I'm really curious to know what I should expect at the evals. I'm nervous, but I'm ready. It's like I just can't wait to get this done like now. My family is extremely supportive and I'm grateful for that. I look forward to getting to know you all too. ~ Kim

Hi Kim, WELCOME!! Wishing only the BEST - you are in VERY good hands - my and my husband's surgeon was Dr Abkin, and Dr Bertha assisted. THEY ARE EXCELLENT !!! Don't worry about the psyc or nutri. eval. The Dr for the psyc ( can't remember his name) is very nice, from what I remember, you meet with him and talk for a little bit, then they give you a 300 or so question "test" which is one of those fill in the little circles things - with questions that are somewhat repetitive and some are outright funny. You have to answer them with not true - somewhat true - somewhat false - false -- or something like that. The nutri. asks what you are eating, takes a food history and explains your new way of eating and relationship with food. Don't be frightened - they are all very nice. It's great that you have family support! My husband had his surgery almost exactly 6 months before me, and we are taking this journey together! I wish you lots of good luck and much sucess! Just remember - FOLLOW ALL THE DR'S RULES - and you will do fine! Email me if you have any questions - or would like to "talk" - take a peak at my profile for more info if you'd like. Again - welcome! Take care, Sherri

Kim, Welcome, I'm really glad that you have decided to "de-lurk" and tell us a little about yourself. I had my surgery May 17, 2005 and as of 8/25/05 I had lost 82 lbs. I feel healthier and happier. If it wasn't for arthritic knees and shoulder pain, I'd feel better than I have ever felt in my life. Dr. Abkin did my surgery with Dr. Pupkova assisting. I can not say enough about all 3 of the surgeons in that office. As far as the psyc. eval, Dr. Grant did mine and I found him to be professional but very down to earth. He was extremely compassionate and understanding in reference to obesity. His wife gave the written part of the eval and Sherri explained that in her post. The nutritional eval. was very helpful especially prepping us for pos-op needs for good nutrition.You will get a "Red Booklet", which became my bible. Also she gave some good information on vitamins and protein drinks. Kim, I too was nervous, happy, anxious, scared etc., a whole range of emotions. I don't know if this will help you...someone on this board told me that I made the decision to have this surgery and now I need to live the decision. I was more afraid of not having the surgery, since death is no stranger to obesity. The day I went into surgery I had such a feeling of peace and such confidence that I had made the decision to do something toward a healhier me. I also had such confidence in choosing the best surgeon for me, Dr. Abkin, who I trusted 150%. I have also met Dr. Bertha and I feel that you are in GOOD HANDS... People often ask me if I would do this again...My answer is, "IN A HEARTBEAT". I am 62 years old (61 when I had surgery), I only wish that I had done it sooner. If you would like to talk or just vent about anything please feel free to email me at any time. Hugs and Good Luck, Fran

Hi Fran, I'm new here too and we probably at the same seminar. I have all my stuff scheduled in the next two weeks and I am so excited. I didn't think this would all happen so fast. I only hope my ins. company doesn't give me any problems. My goal was to have the surgery right after the new year but now I think I'll be able to have it alot sooner. The only thing I'm worried about is one of my jobs. I am fairly new there and Dec. is their busiest month and if I have the surgery around this time I won't be able to do my job. I want this more than anything in the world and I deserve this!!! I never do anything for myself. I work three jobs, am a mom to a 2 1/2 year old, a wife, plus run an entire household (cooking, cleaning, shopping, paying the bills) This is my time. Well enough about me, good luck at all your appointments and keep me updated on how they went. Best of luck. Karen

I was scheduled to see Dr bertha, but when ask about a complication (previous surgery) he felt i had to go to NY for ds. cant have the rny. the ds is not available in NJ, Its hard to do and hard to get insurance to pay for it. check it out at the ds forum, its a lifetime decision.