Just beginning..............

Hi Brandon - I was disappointed that I couldn't have mine done in Eugene too. However, the new Health and Fitness Center at OHSU is right off the freeway by the Ross Island Bridge. It's very easy to find and there is underground parking right there and it's FREE! There is quite a waiting line at OHSU, but since they are a large teaching and research hospital, I feel very confident that I will receive the best of care there. My partner Freddie had his surgery there in January and is doing very well. Linda

WHEW!! That is a load off my mind. My nephew had a kidney transplant at OHSU last year. I thought I would have to go that route again. Glad to know that it is easily accessible. Yes, as soon as I receive my packet in the mail from my insurance company, I am calling OHSU and set up my appointments. Can you tell I am extremely eager? I am gathering that it takes a while to set up necessary appointments, but I did read, I believe it was you, that set up more than one appointment in a day. I am also hoping that I can get everything scheduled by the end of the year. Hoping that isn't too unrealistic. I have incredible medical bills this year, and reached my high deductible early. But, I won't let that stop me. That would be ideal. I have my local seminar tonight. A friend of mine is also considering the surgery, and we are going together.

Well, if you're thinking of coming up to Portland you can't rule out the Legacy group at Good Sam! Not that there's anything particularly bad about OHSU (god knows they LOVE me at the hospital, lol) its just that I felt more comfortable at Legacy. Except that my sister's brother-in-law did get to see me naked in all my glory spread eagle on the dang operating table. I *think* the drape may have been on me but I wasn't awake... And I don't have the guts to ask, lol. Anyway, the roads in Portland aren't THAT bad most of the time. Good luck and, yes, please bring on the questions! Lori

I am still waiting for information from my insurance company. But, I did talk to the woman at work today, who just 6 weeks ago had her surgery. I had not wanted to pry, but was full of questions. So, today, I bit the bullet and asked away. She was extremely receptive and answered my questions. So that was great. I did find out for sure, that I am not covered at Sacred Heart, and will have to travel to Portland. Not looking forward to that, but am sure I will somehow survive. She even invited me to come to her support group with her to get my questions answered. So that was cool. I may take her up on it. It meets next Tuesday. I did make progress. Figured I would need a referral from my Dr., so called and made the initial appointment today to go discuss with him and hopefully, he will be in agreement, and give me the referral that I am looking for. I do know that I am a 52 year old woman, who has struggled with her weight for years, more years than I want to think about. So, admitting that I have a problem, and cannot conquer it completely on my own, should be in my favor. I also have high blood pressure, but is is controlled thru medication. I could also bring up the sore knees......but will see how it goes. Like I said, I am attacking this problem all wrong, but hopefully, it will have a great outcome. My friend and I attended a seminar last week, and she wants me to take her son. He is just 19. Do they do surgery on people that young? She is having to go out of town to tend to her father who just had a stroke. I am willing to take him......not a problem. I do understand how hard it is to ask for help and to admit that you can't go it alone. It is great that are so many understanding people.

19 is certainly not too young. Actually the Legacy group is doing some type of study on teenagers and lap band, I believe (I can't access their website on my computer because I don't have Internet Explorer but their website is www.oregonweightlosssurgery.com). Lori