I attended the mandatory informational meeting last Monday -- took my Mom because she is the one who is the most oppositional to this whole thing.

Lots of developments....1) I was relieved to learn that my surgeon's practice is a center of excellence...apparently that is a big deal. 2) Mom ended up promising her support and declaring that she wanted only the best for me and my health! Yeah!!! :tongue2: 3) Actually found myself debating between being banded and having the bypass....I was so positive before that I wanted the band...now I'm waffling. :confused2: 4) Was reassured that everything the doctor talked about, I already knew from visiting this site!! :thumbup: 5) Have been officially declared a "candidate" by the surgeon:blush:

Now the frustrating part....my insurance makes me complete SIX months of a physician supervised diet! And....drum roll....my first appointment with my surgeon is October 29!! :smile2: That was his first available!! So not only do I have to wait two and a half months to see him, I have to do six months of dieting after that before I even GET to the band. :laugh:

I feel like I've tried and tried and tried to get the weight off and been unsuccessful and now I'm at an all-time high for weight. I've faced the reality of the health concerns and researched and made a major commitment to this and I can't move forward...like I'm circling above the airport but I can't land.

Ugh!

Many insurance companies prefer the 6 month diet to be done by your PCP anyway. Why not see if you can get into see your PCP earlier? Just makes sure they know what documentation is needed and do it properly every month.

Mac,

Thanks for that suggestion! I actually thought of that last night and made an appt w/ my PCP for next week....I'm back in forward!!

Yes.. definitely talk to your PCP... So by the time you see the surgeon you will have two months down and 4 to go!