reboot

Then I will be there for sure! My #6 Nutrition Appointment is just a few hours before.

I couldn't agree more! If I had listened to my doctors years ago, I would have probably avoided a heart attack.

One more quick thing I wanted to add, that really resonated with me when I spoke with Dr. Fitzer.... I have roughly 170 lbs to lose. For most of my adult life, I have been "dieting", losing 10 lbs here, regaining, then losing 20, or 30. I think the most I've ever lost in one stretch was 50 lbs. His words - "Statistically speaking, your chances of losing all the weight you need to lose on your own, is practically 0". I was shocked, and even mildly insulted. It was hard to take, but once I processed it, I realized he was right and I am grateful he said it because it was exactly what I needed to hear. The truth is, most of us fail on diets, especially those of us who are severely obese. And guess what? While it may be our faults we put on the weight, it's NOT our fault that we are unsuccessful at taking it off. Its not just as simple as will-power or calories in-calories out. Even with the surgery, YOU still have to put in the work to lose, but the surgery is a very powerful tool you can use to get there.

I just wanted to give a thumbs up to a few of the things that SampTheChamp and gr8ful1 said. I too had been told for years that I needed to consider this, but always fell into the "I can do this myself if I put my mind to it" trap. The recommendations to look into this started 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure... I ignored them. Then I got sleep apnea - I still said no. Then I had a heart attack - AT 36 YEARS OLD - that still wasn't enough. It wasn't until I found my 2 year old son on top of me screaming"Wake up Daddy" after my blood pressure got so high that I fainted that I decided to do anything. I called three different surgeons, then met a patient of Dr. Fitzer. I came in for my appointment and felt good but was still on the fence. It wasn't until I attended one of his support groups, and met, in person a number of his patients that have been through the process (Including these two guys) that I decided to go through with it. In the area - there is no one better than him. I'm 61 days out until surgery and absolutely can't wait. Having seen the new lives that people have been blessed with is beyond words. It will be a whole new life for me, and it can be for you too. I strongly recommend you come out to the next group meeting which I believe is on September 3rd in Reston (correct me guys if I'm wrong). In the meantime, you don't have much to lose (except the low cost of the sessions) with starting the nutrition counseling with Jessica - who is awesome by the way! If you decide to go through with it, you'll be glad you got a head start on the counseling which is required by most insurance (mine is 6 months). You really aren't committed to anything until about a month or so before the surgery, so you have that much time to really decide.

Oh maaannn... I wish I could come but i'm in the middle of a move. I'm so happy your surgery date is approaching!!! Good Luck!

Absolutely... google "Reeger Cortell"

I'm much in the same boat as you... and the wait is killing me! Like you, i've done everything I can so far, burned through youtube and podcasts, etc, etc. The wait is driving me crazy. I do know that I should start to limit my portions, eat slower, practice not drinking while eating, etc but its hard to do. Sometimes I feel like all of this isn't real. My surgeon has a monthly support group which has been helping - everyone says the time flies by, but it doesn't feel like it to me so far. I've also been collecting recipes of things that I think I might like post surgery - i figure it will be helpful then during meal planning. I suppose trying hard to distract yourself with other things in life is best, but hard to do. Hang in there!

Exactly - it feels a lot more "real" now. I can finally start to think about vacation time and scheduling all of this with work. THANKS! Me too... I'm really looking forward to the next group meeting.

I just had my 2nd (and last) visit with Suzanne. I was shocked to get my surgery date right afterwards... October 8 (the day before my 37th birthday). My family was a little irritated by the date, but I'm thrilled. I can't imagine a better birthday present.

Oh no! - Well I suppose I'm lucky to still have one more with her before she goes. :-(

There is a 'secret' facebook group for patients of Dr. Fitzer. You get an invite once you have attended one of his monthly support groups.

So happy for you... can't wait to hear all about it!!!

Hrmm... I didn't - I suppose I'll keep waiting :-)

Me neither... btw.. .did you ever get an invite to the FB group?

Likewise - its great to have others who can relate to the process - if either of you ever need anything, let me know.