baseballcat

Ter72, Thank you for your thoughts! I'm excited that you are getting sleeved this week! I think it will evenutally feel comforting to you that you will never have to worry about your band slipping or failing. I will say a prayer for you:) I don't know if you have been to the support group the 1st Wednesday of every month but I went this month for the first time. It was amazing! Denise hosts it and I walked out feeling empowered, comfortable, happy and proud of every one in there! If you haven't gone, I would highly recommend it. I am your age and live practally down the street from you, in the Shores and your response regarding Drs. Hawasli, Meguid and Harriott has left me feeling much more confident in my decision to use this practice to help me start my new life. I am waiting for insurance approval - I believe they are just waiting on my completion of my dietian meeting with Denise which will be completed Tuesday. Good luck and blessings this Tuesday! Hopefully we will meet at the next group meeting in October:) Cathi

Hi! How did you like Dr. Hawasli and Dr. Meguid's practice?

I think I may get away with not having the H pylori and Upper GI because I've had those tests w/in the last 2 years. My doctor was vigilant in documenting my weight and BMI for the last 10 years, so I think I may be ok with that. I was on a few different diets for the last 3 yrs, which he monitored every three months. My situation is a little different, I couldn't see my dr. every month b/c he is in another state. I hope Aetna doesn't make me jump through too many more hoops. Thanks for all of the advice! Have a wonderful holiday!

Wow! That is great! I think I would only have family in town for the surgery day through maybe the first or second day out of the hospital so to hear that I would probably be pretty good on my own makes me feel a lot better. Thanks for the imput and stay strong on your journey

Hi Fluffy Diva! Congratulations on your journey! I am going through Dr. Hawasli's group - I chose Dr. Harriott - his newest surgeon. What has your experience been- both with Dr. Hawasli's office and St John? Did you have your surgery at Moross? What made you choose Dr. Hawalsi and not Dr. Meguid or Harriott? Sorry for so many questions but I am nervous about my decision to have this done and I am in the final steps (waiting for approval and pre-op stuff) before my surgery. Any imput is greatly appreciated!!!!

I live alone in a different state from my family and wondered, from those out there that have already had the surgery, do I need to have someone around right after the surgery and for how long will I need someone to help me? I know I probably shouldn't drive in the 1st week, at least - so I will need someone to drive me to my doctor's office (even though he's only 2 miles away from my house, I highly doubt I will want to walk there within the 1st couple of weeks - lol). I ask these questions so I can line up people and some of them need time to plan for the time - for obvious reasons (family/work/etc). Any information is greatly appreciated!

Thank you Krista and N2B8R! I've only been overweight for roughly 10 years but these last 10 years have been like a prison for me. Like you, Krista, I feel I need to do something and if I die trying (not that I will) at least I tried to do something to better my quality of life. I am thrilled to see your results in just a mere 6 months and hope I can have at least half if not the same results! N2B8R - I have done all of the Aetna requirements - except I only saw my doctor every 3 months but for the last 10 years. He provided his SOAP (treatment notes) to my surgeon and I have completed my psych exam and sleep study (I get my CPAP machine on Tuesday). I believe I still have a stress test and endoscopy to do, once the approval is in, before the surgery. I hope it gets approved soon, I would like to get the surgery done sooner than later. I'm excited to start my new life. God bless you on your surgery! It's not far away at all! I'm looking forward to your updates on your success!!

Thank you for your post. I just joined today and saw your post and it says everything that I've been feeling. After reading the replies, it too has made me feel a little better. I am in the process of getting insurance approval with Aetna now and that worries me a bit. I do have a few questions for you and others out there: 1- I have Aetna - how were you able to get approved within one day? Is this normal for Aenta? 2- Do/Did any of you have fears about the removal of the stomach being "permanent" ? - This, I think, is what is scaring me the most 3 - Did any of you, that have had the surgery, experience any leakage from the staple site? - This is my 2nd fear. Any imput would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!