"I get to meet my surgeon on April 25th. I was told by his co-ordinator for the center to prepare to be there for the day for the initial consultation and processing for the surgery date. I don't know anyting except that I am happy that I got a date for the consult so soon. I can't wait to meet him and be on my way towards a healthier life.
April 29, 2003....I met with my surgeon on April 8th, due to someone else canceling their appointment for that day. He was very compassionate and made me feel like a real person with real emotions and feelings. He did not take anything I spoke about lightly and he did say that he was very impressed with my story and would be glad to assist me in my new journey. He and his Nurse (program Co-ordinator) explaine dthe entire procedure to me and my husband. Explained the aftercare and the importance of the aftercare program which is mandatory in His Bariatric program. You can not have the surgery unless you commit yourself to the program for twelve months after the procedure is completed. We did get to see teh informative video and I tell you my husband was so supportive and impressed with this entire prograam. he is not overweight and has never had a problem or sickness in his life. I was concerned that he would not understand this or me, but because of the doctor's bedside manner and his genuine concern, my husband came away well informed and newly educated regarding obese persons and dieting. I was afraid of being turned down by the doctor. He explained so much to me in those few hours. So much that I had never learned before. His entire staff was very professional and vdery informative as well. They all treated me as a person and not as a fatty. I did not feel like I was under anyones microscope or any kind of judgemental attitude against obese patients as I have often been confronted with in my own PCP's office and the hospitals. I am happy I chose to come to this program. I did not feel like i was being run through a meat market approach like so many other programs or doctors that I took the time to learn about.I was accepted as a patient and scheduled to return on the 24th of April for the final consult. By then he would have all the medical information from my PCP and pharmacuetical records as well. I returned on the 24th and needless to say, I was disappointed when I arrived. The Doctor had to leave for emergency surgery at the hospital with another Bariatric patient. But my husband and I were staying overnight in a local hotel and I was given a work in appointment for the next morning. Goodie, I left with my spirits intact. That night my husband and I went to my first support group meeting in Salisbury, MD. (were my doctor is located). It was awesome to see and hear the experiences of other people going through this same journey. There was even a nutritionist and an Exercise (personal) trainer there to give pointersand comments. Answer lots of questions about things I was always afraid to ask. I can already feel my confidence building in me. Thank God for this tool of WLS. Made my appointment the next morning and it was GOOD! I got my surgery date for June 2, 2003. I am estactic. I go back on May 8th for some PRE-OP stuff and another support meeting. I am EXCITED!!! Please pray for me, that I will remain confident and strong. These are my own personal experiences and opinions for now. i am sure I have made the right decision for me and the right choice of a doctor for myself.
Penny"
