OK.. It was interesting. It was a little odd. It was an open forum where you could come and go between a three hour window. I was told to be there at 4 PM and not sure really why. Anyway, they gave me a 1400 calorie diet and told me to exercise more. I briefly met with a nutritionist and he was very nice! Had my first weigh in. UGH 275! My highest was 298 last year when my dad passed. I got down to 231 around August and now back up to 275. Sigh... Well, this is why I am here.

I am still a bit confused. When I spoke with my insurance (Aetna), they told me a three month monitoring period instead of the six. The information the hospital (UPMC PGH) provided me was only for a 6 month program. I will find out more when I have my appointment on Sept. 4 with the Dr. **fingers crossed for 3 month program**

There were so many new people. There had to be 20+ attending their first meeting. However, I can say I didn't know if I should be happy so many people were there to get healthy and have a better life or sad that there were so many of us at this point in our lives. We all know how hard the struggles are and the agony we go through, especially in private. I hope those people there know where to get support. This board is a great place and I am so far ahead of some of the folks there as far as knowledge. So keep sharing. Even if there are not a lot of responses, people are READING what you say. THANK YOU!! I plan on sharing this site to my new 'friends'. :-)