Where are the vermonters?

[Mindful Eater 2]

My surgeon is Dr. Forgione. He is a really great doctor. Overall, I've been really happy with him. His office does have a program that you have to go through which includes an application. If you application is approved (if you appear to be a good candidate), then you must attend a large info session to decide if the surgery is right for you. If you want to go ahead with it, you need to meet with thier psychiatrist and determine that you are mentally stable and can handle the surgery and follow-through with the diet and exercise. If you pass that step, then you meet with a dietitcian. If all looks good there, then I think you finally get to meet Dr. Forgione and start your process. They will most likely ask you to lose 5-10% of your body weight beofre your surgery to show them that you can stick to diet/exercise. You'll also have a few "homework" assignments along the way as well as a practice liquid diet. So the hard part for me was working with Dr. Forgione's office and getting through the program itself. The easy part was my insurance, they were super easy to work with. Also life after being banded has been great. Along the way, I have learned to eat diferently and exercise more regularly. I don't regret the surgery at all. In fact, I recommend it to anyone who is interested in making a serious life change. We are about the same age (I'm 28). Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. I remember feeling lost, confused, excited and aggravated during the first few months.

Great! I am happy to find people from Vermont, especially since I'll probably have Dr. Forgione. I'm just starting the process I meet with my PCP in 2 weeks. According to my insurance there aren't "hoops" per say but the Dr. might so I guess I'll find out. Is there anything you guys recommend I do before my PCP appt? A little intro, I'm 29, full time student (senior in college) and a full time single mom (my daughter will be 8 on friday). I look forward to the day I can go on amusement park rides with her. Also her classmates give her a hard time because I'm so overweight, that just breaks my heart.

I look forward to talking with you mitamia and all the other Vermonters