DTMEDIC

Still have some hoops to jump through...as soon as I get psych and nutrition visits done We can schedule it. Since I am self-pay will probably be in 6-8 weeks...maybe less

I am from the Hampton Roads area - Live in Gloucester County which is near Yorktown, Williamsburg, Newport News, etc

I have RA & OA. I take Meloxicam daily and Enbrel injections weekly. Per the surgeon yesterday, the only viable option for me was going to be the sleeve because I could still take my meds - though it would obviously be best to use the Meloxicam as needed vs. daily. He also told me that a large percentage of RA patients have achieved remission following WLS...so I may not need it anyway, but that I should assume I will battle RA and the damage already done by the OA for the rest of my life...but I should feel ALOT better not carrying around 150 lbs of excess luggage everyday.

That's outstanding news...onward and upward

I can do simple alterations (taking in a seam here etc) but a true seamstress can work wonders in correcting how your clothes fit. I remember Clinton Kelly on "What Not to Wear" saying that EVERY person needs to have is a good tailor/seamstress to make even your brand new clothes fit well. Was just talking to a good friend that has lost 160 lbs and has problems getting pants to fit in the thighs due to excess skin...just told him to find a good tailor and then saw the original post.

I'm a paramedic...literally ANYTHING could cause an abnormal EKG. If they didn't jump on it within a day or two it probably isn't anything serious. The cardiologist will probably just re-do the EKG to his standards (skin prep/lead placement, etc) and send you on your way. If you tend to get nervous or are a big caffeine drinker, you could have some benign irregular beats...he'll say-cut the caffeine. :-) Hope everything is A-Okay! Try not to fret too much...but it is scarey to be told your heart's abnormal and have no idea why. Keep us posted.

Don't throw away/give away clothes too fast. I have a wonderful seamstress that can make alterations (up to a point) which I'm hoping will prevent me from having to ditch my clothes quite as fast. Check in your communities...I guarantee there is someone who can make alterations in your clothes for a FRACTION of what it will cost to buy new.

I am from Virginia too, and I'm new to the forum as well. Had first consultation yesterday. A little nervous.