Maverick70

I go in for an Upper GI, meet with the anesthesiologist, a pulminary test, and a "short" physical next Friday. That's 10 days before my scheduled surgery date, and they told me they will explain the pre-op diet and procedure then.

Hello to All! My name is Dennis, and I joined the New England Medical Center Obesity Consulting Clinic last January. I've been heavy all my life. The heaviest weight that I know I got to was 355 pounds in 2002 when I turned 50, all on a 5ft 3in frame. I suffered going to the "Big and Tall" stores for many years, and making do with whatever they had on hand in the store. When I went to the OCC in January, I weighed 304 pounds; I've been as low as 210 and as high as 304 since I initially lost a lot of weight 6 years ago. The other physical problem I've been fighting the last several years is arthritis; while I don't expect a weight loss to "cure" my arthritis, I feel the weight taken off my joints will relieve my symptoms. I have lots of reservations about the surgery; even though its relatively minor surgery, its still surgery and everyone reacts to it differently. My weight goal is 175 pounds; I haven't weighed that little since I was 16. Good luck to everyone with their weight loss. If all goes well, I'll be banded on July 2! Dennis

I don't know about the insurance, but Tufts does have the Obesity Consulting Clinic. I'm getting a Lapband through that program. You can find their website at Tufts Medical Center - Obesity Treatment. They have a video of the operation, etc. on their website. Good luck. Maverick70