New here .. just saying hello..

Hello everyone! I'm new here, I posted once a few weeks ago on the main board, and haven't had a chance to check in since. I'm beginning the process to have surgery, and am still trying to pick a surgeon. Based on my insurance, it looks like I'll be going to GW Hospital in DC. Anyone have any recomendations for a surgeon there? Anyone to avoid? Any other words of wisdom for somoene just starting the journey? Thank you! Annette

Welcome to the VA boards. I love it here. The people here are so helpfull and encouraging. My words of advice to you is to have patience. The part of the process that you are going into is the slowest, the approval and waiting for a surgery date. Then waiting for that date to come also ticks away slowly, but... as soon as you get the surgery and start you life all over again.. watch out! It is a wild and crazy ride that goes very fast and is so exciting!!! So congratulations of your decision to change your life and start this incredable journey of WLS!!! Cathy

Hi Annette! This is the greatest group of people, and you will find much support and acceptance here. I second Cathy, be patient! Be sure to get your ducks in a row, and you'll save yourself time in the long run. Something that helped me was having my insurance company FAX their specific requirements for the surgery (also for plastic surgery - coming up). Then after choosing my surgeon and making sure it was a "go" I had 3 doctor's write me letters of medical necessity, based on my personal health, but written around the requirements and terminology of the insurance company. Those three letters were submitted WITH the surgeon's paperwork. I was approved for the WLS, and 2 plastic surgery procedures - both within 2 weeks of submission, and even with 2 different insurance companies. And finally - enjoy the journey!!! It will be so..... worth it! Crystal

Welcome Annette! I don't I'm down south a bit...sorry just wanted to say hi and welcome Anna

Hello Annette, and welcome to the VA Board! You will love it here and learn so much. Truly amazing. Well -- I had my surgery at GWU Hospital a year ago (actually a year last September). I had the best experience, best nursing and hospital staff. My physician was Dr. Paul Lin, and I can't say enough good things about him. He and his office staff are awesome. I have excellent follow up care and he did a fantastic surgery on me -- no complications at all. If you want any more information please let me know and I'll try to help. And it would be nice if we could meet for lunch or something. I am not that far from you (Fairfax Station). Please let me know. Good luck and Merry Christmas! love donna

hey annette! welcome! great to have you! this is truly an amazing journey not to be missed! christine 253/173/158/134 preop/current/surgeon's goal/my goal

Annette, Welcome and best wishes for a Happy Holidays and an early surgery date. Seems you've found a friend close by in Donna Mae in Fairfax Station and had surgery at GW too. My advice is be sure of your insurance requirements and ride shotgun on being sure stuff is getting processed from the doctor(s) or it could take months. Also learn as much in advance about your surgeons procedures and after care so you can stock up on proer dietary items and be mentally ready for the weeks after surgery. Most of us are on a liquid diet for two weeks followed by two weeks of soft food. Last, find out about any WLS support groups available to you, when and where they meet so you can find one you can attend a week or two after your surgery. They are usually led by or associated with a nutritionist that is very helpful to have access too after surgery. There will be some bad days after surgery but they go pass and the good days are more frequent. I call the bad tims my bumps in the road. It is a great journey. I am at 3 months Christmas and am already down from my heaviest 101 pounds. I would have never believed it would happen this fast. I still have 120 to lose to goal but this is a real motivator. The poeple on the is OH site are also wonderful and supportive. Any time I am a little down or want to talk, I come to OH and look at befopre and after pics and read some profiles and see others successes and chat a bit on the message boards. It always helps me. Let me know if I can be any help anytime. I am wjoegreen and can also be reached at [email protected]. Welcome.

Hi Annette, Sorry I am late with this but this is a very hectic time of the year. Congratulations on making the decision to take your health back into your own hands..... I can't be of any help with the surgeon or hospital but Donna gave you some excellent advice and she will be a great source of information to you..... Good luck! Jackie