SumPsychChic

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The worst part of this whole journey is that you have to jump through the hoops of the insurance companies. The doctor office is at their mercy too!
I had my first appointment on June 9, 2013 and I was sleeved on September 12, 2013. I was lucky because I had actually been working with a dietitian for 6 months prior to looking into the sleeve. I still had to wait and they counted the 6 months as my medically supervised weight loss period.
Good luck and I promise it is worth the wait and whatever hoops you have to jump through I could not be happier!!!!

I am also going to have my surgery at Emory John Creek April/May 2014 if everything goes smoothly with the whole insurance process...Glad to hear from someone in my area, lets keep in touch.

Congrats on your progress! Keep in touch with any helpful updates. Thanks again!

Dr. Singh is the medical doctor there. From what I could tell, he handles your appointments and clears you for surgery, while Meghan is the nutritionist and then you have a surgeon also.
BUT, their nutritonist for whatever reason didn't count for insurance, I had to make an appointment with a different one for that, which wasn't a big deal.
They also require a psychologist, but since your insurance requires it, you will already be going to one. I scheduled an appointment with one of the ones they gave us that was on my insurance plan.
My letter of necessity came from my PCP, but I think Emory just requires it to be from someone other than them.
I wish I could have surgery sooner, but at the same time, I feel comfortable getting myself prepared and making changes with my food now.

I was 26 when I had mind done and I carried most my weight in my stomach! I was 296 pounds when I had my surgery! As soon as I was cleared for work outs I stared core workouts because I was told that if you build up the muscle the skin attaches to it! I also started as soon as my wounds were healed palmers with extra elastin on my stomach twice a day! I have lost 120 pounds and I do have a little skin but my doctor assures me that if I keep working it will get there! The one other thing I have done is the It works body wraps! It has helps detoxify my skin and snaps back faster! I am very happy with all my results and my stomach which I never thought I would ever say!

I'm in Atlanta. My first appointment at Emory Midtown location is tomorrow. Not sure of how long the process is before I get a date but I sure hope it's within two months.

The early days can be really tough, between the discomfort, the liquids, the healing challenges, etc. Head hunger is a really big obstacle to overcome, too. Like any other major change, this takes some adjustment & some missteps. You mentioned seeing a psychiatrist before, but psychiatrists are often more medication-oriented than therapy-oriented. Why not try seeing a counselor/therapist, perhaps one with some experience in eating issues? The surgery is not reversible, so the focus now should be on creating and living the best and happiest life you can. A good therapist can help you get there, and give you a safe & non-judgmental place to get out all the frustrations you're feeling. Good luck!

I hear it depends on genetics, how long you were at your weight, etc. I'm already thinking mine will be pretty bad. I'm already in bad shape without losing weight with my "second stomach". Ick. But I don't care. Hopefully I can save up and have that taken care of when I lose the weight. Some insurance companies will cover the panus? if it is causing problems like rashes, etc.

I lost 85 lb when I was 15,and I did ok, I had stretch marks so bad ppl ask if I had a baby but they faded away till 10 years latter I really did have a baby and gained it all back , my belly was never flat but still looked great, my arms never looked like our 1st ladies but they looked fine, my legs ( I play softball) looked amazing bc I worked them out but still where mushy when I sat down, over all I say I was sexy, had no issue with how I looked and never had any neg comments. I think age was def in my favor, this time loseing I'm not sure how ill do, I'm 28 now.

Thank you all! I'm going for it!

I'm sure you will get responses from folks much farther out than me, but for me personally this has been the best decision I could have made. I was 320 at my highest, right before the start of my 2 week preop diet in June. I was sleeved on June 19th & I'm down about 73 lbs so far. I have mobility issues & I used to be in pain every day. Now I can walk and move much better. I have about 70-80 more pounds to go, but the difference is already quite significant. I enjoy the foods that fit into my high Protein, low(er) carb eating plan. I feel full & satisfied after I eat, and I'm very surprised at how much I am genuinely enjoying exercise. There is no way I could have lost this much weight in the amount of time on my own. My ongoing progress keeps me motivated & keeps me mostly on track, food-wise. It is absolutely a lifestyle change...and one that was very much needed in order to improve the quality of my life. Good luck to you!

How has your experience with them been? I just got finished with my first appointment there earlier this week. I have to do the 3 month supervised diet for my insurance, so I have some time. I felt like the team was great except the front desk ladies.'
Edited to add: Athens, Georgia here, but going to Emory Midtown for surgery.