Hello. I am new to the boards......

Hello. This is my first time posting any messages on the boards. I have been checking out the site for a few months now and it has been very helpful reading about everyone and their stories and messages of support. I found out today that my insurance has approved me for the surgery and I am thrilled! My doctor is Dr. Steve Tersigni in Coos Bay. From what I have read on here and from my own meeting with him, I feel comfortable with him as my doctor. I still need to find out what is the next step for me in the whole process of getting everything set up for surgery. I still have to go to the seminar, etc. I am hoping to have the surgery soon. I would love to hear from anyone with their thoughts and feelings about Dr. Tersigni, the procedure, post-op, etc. Thanks for reading!

Hi Rachella - I'm just to the south of you! You should come down for our Thursday night get-togethers at Marie Callender's with the PRIDE group. As for Dr. Tersigni, I don't know him but I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him both as a surgeon and for his bedside manner. Not only that but you get to go to the coast for your surgery. That isn't half bad! I'm not sure what his requirements are but I know that many docs will have you lose a little weight before surgery and you will have to go through some testing for things like sleep apnea and other such things. Sounds like you may have been through some of the hoops to have approval already, but I know some of the tests they run are for a better overall view of your health status when they go to do the surgery. Glad you came to check us out. I don't get on here near as often as I want to lately but I will always be there (barring overtime or some other inconvenience) at Marie Callender's on Thursday evenings, and at the regular group meetings. Let me know if you want more info. Dina

Thanks for your reply's! Do you have your meetings at MC every Thursday or is it once a month? What time do you meet? I will try to come out and join sometime soon. I have had some tests done - I do have sleep apnea. I have had an ultrasound of my gallbladder and a CT done of my abdomen. I have to work on losing 20 lbs. per Dr. Tersigni's request. I will give a call today to see where we are at in regards to setting up the remainder of my appointments, etc. You are right though, at least I am by the beach for my surgery! It is a nice area. I enjoy the beach. We used to live in CA so we would often go to Monterey for the day. I have read a few posts from a couple of people who have had the surgery and they have not lost a significant amount of weight. Is that common? I believe someone stated that they had the procedure done over 2 years ago but have only lost about 70 lbs. It just doesn't seem possible. I am a little nervous about the surgery but I just want it to be over and done with! Okay - enough rambling! Hope to hear more from everyone! Rachella

Rachella - Yes, we meet every Thursday @ Marie's for the informal get-togethers and welcome anyone who wants to come. We meet a 6:30 and all you need to do is ask the hostess for the Pride Group. I'm thinking about making a little sign to put at the table, but I always forget! LOL! Your questions and concerns are normal to have. I won't be able to stay on for too much longer, but we are getting together tonight so if you want to come, please do! Dina

Welcome to the board! You're in my old stomping grounds.....go Cavemen! Glad to see Dina's already hooking you up with her group. And, she's such a sweetheart! Remember, support is a key to success, so go to the meetings! You'll get so much information and support. Take care and congratulations on your approval, Michele

Welcome and Congratulations! I can't help you with info on your Dr. cause I'm and Eastern Oregon gal. But you probably will have some pre-tests done and you will have to find out if you will be Laproscopic or Open. And what type of route they will give ya, Rouin Y or something else. Your seminar will fill ya in on the details, Good Luck to ya, I'm 7 1/2 mo. out and feeling great! Catherine 275/196/150ish 1/22/04

Thanks again to everyone how posted. I am hoping to get to one of the meetings soon. I would have gone yesterday if I didn't have such a horrible migraine. I have them frequently and often am unable to do much of anything that requires thinking! We recently moved to Grants Pass from California. We like it so much! My mom lives here and so it is nice to finally be closer to her. I talked to Dr. Tersigni's office yesterday to verify that they had gotten the approval letter and was told that they had not. Strange. They are going to check into it and then let me know what is going on. I am hoping to be able to go to the next seminar and have the evaluation so I can get that done at least. I guess it is just a waiting game at the moment. Talk with everyone later. Rachella

Rachella - Come when you like to the Thursday night meetings. We also have the more formal meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. This month we will have our 3rd Tuesday meeting at Marie Callender's also at 6:30 since our regular spot (Smullin Center) isn't available this time. So if you want to come this Tuesday or even this coming Thursday we will be there at Marie's and would love to have you come! Dina