Taking another step into being fat free! Adirondack medical center here I come!!

Well, I am pleased to announce that I am going up to Adirondack Medical Center this coming tueday for a mandatory informational seminar. I have to drive over 2 hours to get there tuesday night but I feel I am making steps towards my future! I have a full physical with my primary on thursday and also i'm hoping he is on board with my decision... i also want to thank every one who has given me advice so far I've been really tired and busy lately and haven't answered back to anyone including those who have asked to be my "friends" on this website!! YOU all are my inspirations and I hope to be on the other side soon too!! I know I've got a long way to go (mist of you say the process is usually 3-9months for approval so pray for me!! ps what is an angel?? rae

Best of luck... I've heard good things about Drs Hill and Hixson. I think there's even someone on the DS board who had Dr Hill perform his DS. If you are in fact going there for the DS, I encourage you to stop on over to the DS board and introduce yourself to the switch crew.... lots of good info over there to be had relating to the DS procedure, as well as specific issues that an RNYer or BANDer probably wouldn't know. (or at least not know first-hand) an "Angel" is someone who agrees to keep the OH boards updated on your progress while you're in the hospital (either from direct contact with you, or through one of your family members)... sometimes, it IS a family member who makes posts for you letting us all know how you're doing, other times, it's either a friend of yours, or even a fellow OH member who you (or you family) calls to update. if they're close enough and have time available, some Angels will even come visit in the hospital... but that's not as common.

Rae: HI! Wishing you well...dont forget about support groups we'd glady have you in Saratoga I have facilitated a Bariatric Support Group in Saratoga Springs since mid-2003 (at the time Dr.'s Yeaton/Anderson were performing RNY at the hospital). 1st Monday of the Month (next few are: 2/5, 3/5) at Saratoga Hospital in the Board Room 211 Church Street Saratoga Springs NY 12866 My contact info (office) 518 583-3035 x 212 *can call and by 3pm if I cancel due to weather it will reflect that on my VM message, or hospital operator 587-3222 would know or on our website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SaratogaSprings-NY-WLS-support/ I usually present a topic (realistic expectations, WLS lifestyle, protein sampling, trimming the psychological fat, regain issues, body image/self esteem...are some) and plan on having some guest speakers (Plastic surgeon/psychotherapist on emotional eating) in near future. __________________ A new group, I have little info on and have never attended closer to you in Perth (*I have not attended) is in Gloversville NY (run by a pre-op pt/beginning training by OH) http://upstatenybariatricsupport.bravehost.com/ meeting every Second and Forth Sunday of the Month Place: Nathan Littauer Hospital 99 E. State St Gloversville, NY in the Auditorium Time: 6pm to 8pm Please Email Staci White with any Questions at [email protected] http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=W1144872146 is her OH profile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Angels is in reference to the term used in WLS. In WLS an angel is someone who is also interested or has had WLS and is there to support you, to email you, send you electronic cards, call you and check on you during and after surgery, if they are close enough frequently they stop by the hospital. They are there to answer questions and be a friend who has gone through similar things. Many times friendships bloom and last a lifetime! I guess that is the best explanation I can give. My angel and I have become good friends even though we have never met --- YET!! I have also angeled many and developed friendships-- many have continued and developed into wonderful relationships. I consider them all extended family-- sisters!! I know that if I travel anywhere in the USA I have friends and family to visit (friends and family from GBIC an yahoo group I belongto and moderate)! Having and then later joining the Halo Squad to be an angel to someone is wonderful and rewarding!! Email: (*she is working on being Angel coordinator I believe) MsMoozy(Debra) [email protected] Take Care, Jamie 100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY 320(preop)/163 (lowest)/174 (current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/ "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"