Mary Ann H

I haven't had surgery yet, so my numbers are huge still. Height: 5'5" Weight: 294 Jeans: 24--I should probably be in a 22 because my 24s are baggy and loose, but I am afraid to try a smaller pair.

I have an appointment for my first consult with Dr. Macik this coming Thursday. Is the six months an insurance requirement, or is six months if you self-pay too? It's my insurance requirements. Hope it all works out for you! Thank you! Good luck to you too as you get near the light at the end of the tunnel!

I have an appointment for my first consult with Dr. Macik this coming Thursday. Is the six months an insurance requirement, or is six months if you self-pay too?

I love, love the Gilligan and O'Malley microfiber briefs from Target. They are the most comfortable underwear I own.

I've been reading a ton about VSG surgery and exercise. Most of what I have read pertains to going from sedentary to starting an exercise routine in conjunction with a pre-surgery diet, so you have a foundation post surgery. I haven't seen a lot of information pertaining to those that are already pretty active. Even though I have a desk job, I am pretty active already and work out 3-4 days a week on my own and once a week with my trainer. I've been doing this about 2 1/2 years now. My question is, how long before I can really get back to exercising like that after surgery? I know it is different for everyone, but is there a ballpark? I talked to my trainer yesterday and mentioned that I might be having this surgery, hopefully within the next few months. He said that he could work around anything we needed to--just to let him know what any limitations are. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

My goal weight is 150. For my height, the top of my weight range is 155 and I'd like to be a little below that if possible.

Atlanta Bariatric Center at Emory Johns Creek is $11,000 for surgery and anesthesia. I know it's not exactly close to Calgary, but Atlanta is a major airline hub, so flying to Atlanta is pretty easy and there are good deals out there.

I met with my PCP this morning and discussed the idea of surgery. He was totally in support of it. He said that the patients of his that have done it have had great results. He said that I am ideal candidate in his opinion, because I have a lot of excess weight and deal with just elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. He said since those are my only issues (aside from, obviously, weight), he would be happy to clear me for surgery. He said for the surgeon's office to just let him know what they needed from his office and they would take care of it.

I'm looking to be sleeved at Northside too. I live in Brookhaven, and my parents are just down the road in Sandy Springs, so it makes sense to check out doing it at Northside first. I have an appointment with Dr. Paul Macik next week.

Hi! I'm in the Atlanta area too--I live in Brookhaven, so between Chamblee, Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs. I'm looking to have a sleeve done at Northside Hospital, which is the closest hospital to me,

Has anyone else had an experience with Dr. Macik? I have an appointment with him next Thursday and would love to hear any feedback about him.

I'm going to one of Dr. Hart's information sessions next week. I was looking for someone closer to me (say Northside Hospital or even Piedmont, because I live in Brookhaven), but I'm going anyway, just to see what I think.

Interesting. I am going to be self pay because my insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery. I wonder if that would affect any clearance needed by my PCP. I really love my PCP so hopefully he will be supportive.

My sister has the Jawbone Up 24 and loves it.

Hi everyone. I am brand new here, as in I joined maybe 20 minutes ago and this is my first post here. I haven't made a firm decision about surgery, but am definitely leaning that way. I just signed up yesterday to attend an information seminar at Atlanta Bariatric Center at Emory Johns Creek in a few weeks. I've already done a lot of research, and am so excited by the possibility so I can't wait to read here and see everyone's insights.

Hi! I live in Brookhaven and am just starting the process of finding a surgeon and deciding what type of surgery is right for me. I would love to have it done at Northside or even Piedmont, because those are fairly close to me, but I don't really know where the right surgeon for me is, so I guess that will dictate a lot. One of my good friends just had hers done at Gwinnett Medical Center and was very happy with everything.

I totally get it. I have lower back issues, and my knees are a little creaky. I'm sure that has to do with weight. I was like you in my 20's--just not in the right place. Now, just a few weeks from turning 37, my mindset is different and I think I'm ready to do something. Of course there's the problem of my crappy insurance and money, but for my health and a better life for myself, I will find a way.

I had that side effect on Depo (along with about every other side effect on the list). I didn't gain a ton of weight, but it was a lot harder to control my weight and keep from gaining a ton because of appetite. I should mention that mine was without WLS (haven't had it yet).