Upstate NY finding a surgeon

Definitely book yourself in the seminar now - you can always change your mind later. I went to the seminar May 17th - booked my date end of March!! They make the appts for you but I had an appt to meet with the nurse & PA by the end of June - it had to be rescheduled to July 11th not sure why, didn't ask - my new appt was the day after my birthday so I could celebrate with my friends & family!!!! After my 1st appt I was put on a 12 week Medifast program on July 17th & right now my surgery date is October 22nd. Trust me - it seems like a long time but it will fly right along!!!! I can't believe that my weigh-in on Tuesday will be 4 weeks for me already!!! It hasn't been easy but it is going to be so worth it!! Cece

Hi Itsme13! I had my surgery by Dr. Clarke at Ellis hospital as well! For me the whole process from start to finish took 6 months. What takes the longest time is getting in all of your appointments. I know that you said that you have your mind all ready made up to have the surgery but the informational seminar will help you as well. It is mandatory for almost all programs that i know of. As for the required 10% weight loss that is required they use medifast which works great. You can read my blog thingy about my experience on it.  Jamie

(((((HUGS)))) I am sorry that you have had a rough start here.  I know how horrible it is to be told that if we just did so and so.  Sometimes getting a tool to help with the job makes it a lot easier.  I love my Dr and he was and is amazing.  He is Dr Mecenas in Ithaca NY.  That might be quite a drive but it might be worth it too.  Good luck love!

I too live near lake george... and i chose ellis hospital.  i am glad i waited for the seminar.  i was upset that i had to wait a month...but i did.  it was a ton of info... i have been researching for two years now, and i still learned a lot.  my appt is for the first week in october.  dr clarke is the only one taking appts at this time, so it takes a month to get into him as of right now.  i went to the sminar and waited for a week then called to make my surgeon appt...they usually call you but dont wait, call them after you go to the seminar.  good luck... kristy

I realize that you haven't attended the seminar, but you should ask the Drs office if you could start the pre op work ups, with your prim care dr.  Find out what they want from you, such as cardio work up, psy eval, etc.  That in itselt can take a while to get all the appts.  Also ask at the Drs office about the nutritionist appt schedule and possibly make those ahead of time if they let you.  There is so much to do before maybe you can get a jump start.  Good luck judy