ginga126

Thank you all for your kind words! It truly is wonderful to have support in this (my family isn't very supportive, and they don't think I should be doing this at all). My mother and sister are both really overweight, and can't come to grips with the fact that they should be making a positive change in their lives as well. I'm hoping this journey will light a fire under them. I actually have a meeting with the weight loss surgeon on 7/2, so I am excited to see what lies ahead. Congrats Jim on your AMAZING weight loss!!!!!!

I finally had my orientation for the weight loss clinic today, which wasn't as hopeful as I had hoped. It was basically all the things that I had learned in my research (which was very through). What my doctor told me was a referral for surgery was actually only a referral to the weight loss program. I now, more than likely, have to do the six month weight loss study first, and then might not even be approved for surgery. I know that either way it's a step in the right direction, but after being told one thing, and then not having the outcome you were expecting, I feel so disappointed. I know I shouldn't, but I do.... Need some inspiration.

The thing is, I already had approval for the surgery BEFORE I got to the clinic (I didn't go to the clinic and then have to jump throw all the hoops- my primary care physician already got it approved for me). Where did you get your surgery, @Johnny 99?

I have been talking with my doctor for months, and after finally being approved, I have orientation with the weight loss clinic that has been approved by my insurance, on 6/18. I am super excited to get the process started. They told me that I have to take 6 nutrition classes and do a psychiatric evaluation prior to them scheduling the surgery. Since my primary physician already had the surgery approved, I don't think that there are any other steps past the classes that I need to do. Has anyone else been to the Clinic at Mount Sinai in Chicago? How long was your journey before the actual surgery? I am just curious as I want to schedule the surgery before I go back to school (I only get 5 days off a year as 'sick' days).