CarlaG

HarleyNana, Do you go to the support group meetings? I used to attend Weight Watchers and I didn't care for those meetings. Do you know if the support group meetings are similar?

Wow! Everybodies stories inspire me. Signgirl: I added the Zannie after I sent my post. I love to hear from anyone. I just saw her post that she used the same doctor. Harleynana: I don't know what you said about my PCP but I'm guessing it was something about the loser part. I know it probably didn't sound very good, but the way he put it was much more eloquent and was very inspiring. He just didn't want me to feel like I was a failure because I have not been successful with my weight loss up to this point. He really is a good guy and is very supportive of my decision and willing to help any way he can. I'm jealous that you all are so far ahead of me. I am so anxious to get all this done and go. I've been lurking on this board for months and finally my husband agreed that this is what we should do. He felt like I should try other things first (even though he's seen me lose and then gain right back numerous times) until he saw Dr. Clark on the Sentara program a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely couldn't make the commitment without his support (especially since I am self pay). Gina: So far the only pretesting I will have to have is the blood work. Is that not covered in the hospital part either? My doctor said to get a list of what needs to be done and he will do it through my insurance. We thought it might save me a little bit if it is part of the hospital price. Carla

Gina, Since you are self pay maybe you can answer my questions. Did you stay overnight? Is that included in the price you pay? Would it save me any money to have my primary doctor order the pre-op tests so my insurance will cover those or is the price they give you a package deal? I told my primary doctor that I felt like doing this was a failure but he told me that winners make plans and goals and follow through. He said I am a winner because I have set my goal and I am going for it. He said failures/losers make a plan and don't follow through. I know this is a really big step and I am definitely scared, but I feel like I can do it. I obviously overeat (at times, but not all the time), but I also have health issues that cause me to hold weight (thyroid, hysterectomy, taking hormones, etc). I don't feel like food rules my life but the extra weight I'm carrying around does and I'm tired of it. I want to feel better, look better and be able to wear stylish clothes. I don't know why designers think that all overweight women are matronly. It's so hard to find nice clothes that fit (it doesn't help that I am short either). Gina, I can't even imagine that losing 104 lbs. could be a possibility! It is so wonderful that you have done that and are now moving down again. I really do wish you luck and hope that we can keep in touch. I am definitely going to need some support and I hope I will be able to return the favor to others. Carla

Diane, My doctor is Terracina (sp) at the WLSC. I've already done the computer test and see the counselor on Monday. The office said since I am self pay, once they get the all clear from the counselor (it takes about a week), it will just be a matter of a phone call to set the date. How was your experience with WLSC? My primary doctor really seems to approve. Do you have any idea since I am self pay if the hospital part would be any cheaper if my doctor did the lab work and such that my insurance would cover or is it a package price?

How do you feel about dispatchers in this thread? I'm surprised I haven't read any posts from dispatchers. We are the most sedentary member of the law enforcement family and usually the heaviest. I'm going through the process now and hope to have my surgery in early March. Have you all discussed your decision with your co-workers? What has been there response>

Zannie, Hi. I've been reading your posts and see that you used the same dr. I am using. How are you doing now? Are you still happy with your choice and/or the results? Do you still go to the support meetings? What was they psych evaluation all about? I know that's alot of questions, but sure could use some reassurance. P.S. I wrote this post before I saw your last post. I didn't realize how old the post was that I originally was responding too but I hope you are back to stay on the boards. For some reason your posts stick out to me and have been giving me inspiration.