I am truly at the pre-dawn stage...

[msjoy83 42]

Hello everyone I'm Joy and I go for my first consultation march 13, with Dr. Neff in Cherry Hill NJ. I suffer from hypothyroidism so this is a concern of mine...o I'm 30 yrs old, 4'11 and currently 200lbs. I'm nervous more so to be approved than of the surgery. I have Amerihealth silver epo as my insurance carrier.

Though I am scared I'm also very excited to begin living a new healthy life, if anyone has any advice about first consultations,or my insurance, or my thyroid or lack there of please do tell me, other than that I look forward to being a part of this loving, informative community.:-)

[vdub_tx 92]

I don't have any advice really, other than ask any and all questions you have at your first appointment and all appointments after that. You'll feel more comfortable as you know more. Really I just wanted to say hi and welcome. I've found these boards incredibly helpful and supportive and I hope you do as well!

[msjoy83 42]

Thank you! I have read so many informative forums on here everyone seems very supportive and positive, unlike the people in my life who just don't understand why I need this for myself.

[marmello 77]

I know how u feel. My family dont agree with me having surgery but this is the first selfish thing ive ever done foe myself

[msjoy83 42]

Smh, they just don't understand their perception and my perception of what I see is not the same. When you go from a size 5/6 to a size 16/18 within a two year period, and not understanding how or why. You begin to lose confidence in yourself, at least I did. When I was finally diagnosed with the thyroid disorder I felt devastated yet relieved to finally have an answer. The past 5 years have been rough really rough, diets after diets gym after gym and still nothing to show. I have to do this for not only myself but my only child.

[marmello 77]

Exactly. Ive been heavy my whole adult life. I go to the gym and bust my butt. But never get big results. Its time for a change. Good luck in your journey

[msjoy83 42]

Congrats and best wishes to you also! I see you have a surgery date April 2nd! Congratulations can't wait to have a date also! Keep me and everyone else posted!

[marmello 77]

Thanks I will. U too.

[Pkdvm 175]

Hi, Joy

I just had my first consult with Dr. Neff this week and I liked him a lot. A good friend of mine was sleeved by him 2 years ago and she adores him and his staff. I also met his nurse navigator(she guides you thru the process), nutritionist and insurance specialist- they were all very pleasant and knowledgable. I asked all of my questions, he took loads of time and gave me all of the info I needed.

Good luck with your visit and hopefully I'll see you around! Feel free to PM me if you wish and welcome!

Phyllis

[slimdown456 0]

HI, I just went to my pre-op appointment yesterday. My surgery is scheduled for March 13th. I start the pre-op diet in 6 days. I am very excited to go forward with this procedure after years of problems keeping my weight off , and years of orthopedic problems. The first appointment is a little overwhelming, due to the amount of information given. I am now able to read the information and it makes more sense. My doctor is Dr. Teresa Lamasters , DesMoines , Iowa. My insurance is BC/BS.

[msjoy83 42]

Phyllis! Thank you so much for your post, we should def keep in touch especially being that we are in the first steps and seeing the same Dr! Awesome

[msjoy83 42]

Slimdown I hope I to will be there soon, please keep me posted on your surgery and new start to life.:-)

[Get.Waisted 45]

Hi Joy

I'm pretty new to the site also and I'm in the early stages of my journey. I had my consult earlier this month and I forgot to ask a lot of questions so I'll agree w/ the above poster. Do as much research before hand so that you'll have your questions ready to go. I was able to get all my questions answered when I went back to see the nutritionist, I had them all written down. You and I have a couple things in common: I'm 30 and I'm also 4'11!

Good luck on your journey and keep us posted as you move along!

[msjoy83 42]

Yayyyyy the "shorties club" lol how much do you weigh?

[Pkdvm 175]

This must be the thread for short ladies-I'm 5"1'! Not 30 though, I'm 55 and also have my daughter's welfare in mind(she's 23 but has special needs). I'm glad to have such a wonderful group of people to offer advice and share experiences with.