Broome County WLS support groups

Does anybody know of the WLS support groups in Broome County and when they meet? 

Also, for your Dr. that requires you to attend groups...are you allowed to attend any or just the ones through their clinic?  I keep forgetting to call and ask, so figured someone here might know. 

Thanks!
Sarah

Hi Sarah, Dr. T is my surgeon as well.  Mickey encourages us to attend any and all support groups, no matter what hospital/Dr. they are affiliated with.

Where are you in the process?  Mickey will give you a huge list of all of the support meetings through them.

There is also a support group that meets every 3rd Wednesday at the Vestal library from 6:30 to 8 pm.  They are an awesome bunch of peeps!

Let me know if you need the dates for the ones through Dr. T's group.... they have many dates/times to choose from.

Okay thanks so much!  I will call them today and get some dates/times. 

As far as where I am at:  I applied to the clinic about 3 weeks ago, got my approval as a patient, have my 1st nurse visit the 2nd week in July (would have been this week, but they called me to reschedule), and will be going to the Bariessentials program later in July.   

How long did it take for your process? 

Thanks,
Sarah 

Contacted their office on 3/27, got my forms submitted, approved and first visit on 4/23.  Baressentials on 5/11.  Psych eval with Mickey on 5/21.  This is where you'll get the list of classes.  There is one TONIGHT b**** the clinic, at 7 pm Thursday June 25th...

Had my first appt. with Maureen (the nutritionist) on June 5th, second one on 6/18.  She recommended me for surgery already!!

You will have to attend 4 pre-surgery support group meetings before being signed off by Mickey... I'm on #3 tonight, the last one is July 7th.

Unfortunately I can't submit to insurance until September due to a required 6 month diet.  So I am almost done with Dr. T's requirements, but still have to wait for insurance...

It seems to take FOREVER from the time you submit your first forms until the initial appointment then Baressentials class, but once you get past those two, it goes VERY fast...

Let me know if you need anything!

Thanks for giving me all that info -- it helps to see what steps and time frame.  The 6 month diet requirement - is that from your insurance or Dr T's office?  I really hope I don't have to wait an extra 6 months....that would stink. 

I did attend a meeting yesterday (Wed) at Lourdes in Vestal, was a good meeting.  Was nice to meet some others and there was a couple guest speakers too. 

Have a good night,
Sarah

the 6 months is required by my insurance.  Dr. T's office says their program usually takes 4 months, so it's not "too" much longer! 

I heard the Lourdes meeting was a good one.  For some reason I never even concidered going to those.. guess I should!

Hello I have Dr.Cole and they dont say you have to have a support group but its very much emphasized that you should attend them.  And as Tina said above theres one in Vestal at the Vestal Library on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm.  The next one is July 15.  And she is serious when she says its a great group of people and they are at all stages of the program. Some people just wanting more information before they make a decision and people who have already had it and people who are going threw the process.

I started my weight loss journey February 23 and as of today my surgery was approved and Im scheduled to have it August 14 so it didnt take that long but I have heard horror stories of it taking longer!! Its all up to what your surgeon and insurance company wants from you. Good luck and congrats on wanting a healthier life style for yourself!! 

Thanks much for your response!  I am going to try to attend a few meetings at least (possibly in different locations) - the times they fall on aren't as convenient for me as I have 3 kids 5, 4, and 1...and we start getting them ready for bed between 7-8pm.  But I can see where they would help out.

Congrats on getting your surgery date!  Good luck and let us know how it goes. 

Sarah

Thanks, I will try to make it to the Vestal Library one!  Good luck to you too.

Sarah