BloomingLotus

I'm an attorney and took the NY and MA bars back to back over the course of 3 days. I also used BarBri. I am pre-surgery so I can't help from that end, but I think the main issue will be energy. Although you are in BarBri for a portion of the day, their schedule has you studying many hours after the course each night as well. To keep up and retain a decent amount of what I was studying I was looking at about 15 hours per day dedicated solely to studying at the beginning and even moreso right before the exam. Obviously everyone studies and retains differently, but that was my experience. I found myself to be very drained focusing on that alone. I think there are a few factors to consider: if you can't keep up and don't pass, you have to wait 6 months to try again. Do you have a way to support yourself during that time? If you're already working will your employer keep you on staff if you don't pass? Will you be able to dedicate time to study again at that point? Obviously if you've gotten to this point of the bar you are smart and know your own study habits. If you are confident that you can keep up, or have a solid back up plan if you can't, I say go for it. Life as an attorney is insanely hectic and taking time off to do this once you're employed isn't easy either. Not sure if I helped or confused you more! Good luck on all fronts!

@@jjyogalove were you able to do the seminar and schedule an appointment?

His first name is Bradley btw - sounds the same!

As for a timeline - I took the seminar in late August and called the next day for the appointment, which was almost a month out. I'm not scheduled for surgery yet. I think his surgical coordinator doesn't schedule you until you've done all your insurance prerequisites, but I may be mistaken. I expect a date in jan or early feb, since my last weigh in is on dec 23.

My insurance requires 3 months of the doctor-supervised program. NYU required that I saw a psych and have an endoscopy done. They recommend docs for each if you don't already have one. I've done the psych which was simple- some intake questionnaire and an hour of talking. He basically just ensures you don't have a binge eating disorder or abuse food eating emotionally too often. I see the GI doc 2 weeks from now. My insurance also required a reco from my PCP but it looks like you've already got that covered. No one has indicated that there are any mandatory support group sessions, but you do have to take an orientation before they will schedule the initial appointment - but you can do it online!

That's who my surgeon is. He's been super patient with me when I asked 3 million questions and has a great bedside manner. I think you'll like him!

I'm 31 and in Brooklyn. I started the process in September at NYU. Where are you thinking of going?

Time off is a big concern for me as well. My doctor suggested one week off, and light duty if possible the next week. I don't have a very physical job, so he said one week should be enough, but warned that I may tire easily on week two.

Time off is a big concern for me as well. My doctor suggested one week off, and light duty if possible the next week. I don't have a very physical job, so he said one week should be enough, but warned that I may tire easily on week two.

@@Bufflehead that sounds seriously intimidating to me right now, but it can't hurt to give it a try. I'm pre-op and I worry that I'll have the same issues post op as well, so I want to starting working on it now. I took a full body photo on the morning of my first appointment and I hope that progressively taking photos and comparing them will keep me in check!

By any chance are they short length??

Let me start by stating that I know this is all in my head. I am pre-op and in the supervised diet phase, and I have been doing well and losing weight. Yet I FEEL bigger. I know this is physically impossible, but I'm so much more aware of what I was blissfully (and intentionally) ignorant to for so long. I notice a roll here or how this shirt isn't flattering. Clothes I wore 3 month ago suddenly are all unflattering even though I'm smaller than the last time I wore them. I have a feeling that I'm not the only one who has experienced this, so I'm wondering how you coped? Taking measurements? Photos? What worked for you?

A weight watchers leader that I loved would always spaz when people said "only" her response would be: are you closer to goal than you were last week? Last month? Last year? All those "only" losses really accumulate over time! You're doing great!

Only?! Don't diminish a 22lb loss! I'm pre-op right now and losing 22lbs in a month seems glorious! I know compared to some it may seem slow, but everyone's body moves at a different pace. Be proud of your loss and be assured that more is on the way!

Great work!

My surgeon gave me his email address, and I have the emails of the surgical coordinator and nutritionist. Maybe it will be easier for you to write out each question and ask for a call back? Or just call and ask? You have every right to ask questions, be your own advocate!

It actually doesn't take much to pull a muscle. I once pulled a muscle in my back/side by leaning over my bathroom sink to fix my mascara in the mirror! You don't need to be doing anything vigorous to pull a muscle, it could be just a matter of moving the wrong way!

Thank you! I hope the same for you

I'm in Brooklyn too I'm in my 3 month hoop-jumping period now, but I'd love to have the local support!

I've set the stage for losing weight/surgery by telling people it's suspected that I have a hiatal hernia (I don't have one).That being overweight exacerbates the situation so I have been seeing a nutritionist who has put me on a high protein and low carb diet and has me drink protein shakes for lunch. Hopefully losing weight will help the issue, but if it is still a problem in 3-4 months I may need surgery it explains me drinking protein now, losing weight, and possible surgery.

Great news!

@@esskay77 there are great interval training apps for running. I personally like the "couch to 5k" program (that app is 5k runner). It starts slow with minimal run and more walking. Each week it gradually ramps up. I have always been overweight so "running" has been impossible for me thus far, but I would use it for light/slow jogging. If a week was too hard, I would repeat weeks until I was better. Even my shuffle jogging hurts a little too much right now, but I'm really looking forward to a color run myself! You're an inspiration!

Great job!

@@Kindle thanks for the tip! I'm allergic to peanuts so I can't have most protein bars, but I will look into the ingredients

Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry you had to experience that. I can't believe that employee would even say something preemptively... That's incredibly insensitive. IF someone said something maybe then approach the subject in a more tactful way. I'm sorry at least you know you're on these boards for a reason and are completely surrounded by people who understand. *hug*