Is there anyone from South MS here who used Dr. Avera in Ocean Springs? If so, how was your experience with him? Does he require a 2 week pre op liquid diet?

I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr, Avara on 4/9. I like him a lot. Have you been to an orientation meeting or preop appt with him yet? The center will give you a binder with the info you need. They do require a two week mostly liquid diet beforehand, which I'll start on Monday. I've already been on a semi-liquid diet for the past three weeks in preparation. It's not bad after the first couple of days.

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I am from Natchez,MS but I had mine done with Dr. Bellanger in Baton Rouge,LA and he is THE BEST!!!!!!

it has been 4 months since my operation and with no complications at all

Yes I have been to the orientation meeting. I gave them my insurance information and the next day Valorie called saying that my insurance does cover the surgery. She also gave me the information on how much I will need out of pocket. I have my first appointment with Dr. Avera and the nutritionist on next Friday the 30th. I am super excited and nervous at the same time. I don't think I will have to do the 6 month supervised diet. At least I hope I don't. I am so ready to have this surgery and begin my new life. From there, Valorie said they will make me a psyc evaluation appointment. I am really nervous about that. I am not really good at talking about my feeling with a stranger and wondering what kind of questions they will ask. I am not really afraid of any of the other test.

I have always had a problem with my weight since I was a child. I think for me it began at the age of 10. I was always bigger than the other kids my age. I have always tried different diets. I would loose 20 to 30 pounds just to put it back on again. I know this is not an easy way out and that is not what I am looking for. I am just looking for that little bit of help that really works. I am super excited about my new journey and can't wait to get started.

Thanks for the insight on Dr. Avera. From the information we received during our orientation session, he seems like a great surgeon.

Dr. Avara (pronounced Avery, go figure) seems like a very calm and positive person and really made me feel comfortable. My insurance had a six month wait when I started, but they changed halfway thru my program to no wait and I was able to bump up the date a little. Valerie has been awesome to work with, as well as Kim for preop.

One of my best friends was sleeved about six months ago by Dr. Avara's partner Dr. Jenkins. He has done fantastically and is down about 120 lbs.

I'm getting excited now! Let us know how you are progressing!

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Don't be nervous about the psych eval. I was apprehensive too but it was a positive experience. Check my earlier posts for a thread about the process.

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Cool, LeLe! I'm from Natchez and just had mine done by Dr. Hargroder, small world!

Hey ladies!

I live in Lucedale and have my first appt w/Dr Jenkins next Wed 4/18. I cannot wait! My insurance will not cover wls, so I'm refinancing my home. It scares me to death, but at the same time I'm really excited about a new, healthier life!

Hi Shelly....My name is Dina, and I am also from Lucedale. Dr. Avera is my surgeon. I am waiting on insurance approval. My insurance co. reqired a psych eval and an appointment with the nutritionist. I am also very excited and nervous.

I am happy to know there is someone else from Lucedale.

Hi Shelly....My name is Dina' date=' and I am also from Lucedale. Dr. Avera is my surgeon. I am waiting on insurance approval. My insurance co. reqired a psych eval and an appointment with the nutritionist. I am also very excited and nervous.

I am happy to know there is someone else from Lucedale.

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Hey Dina! My surgery went really well and Dr. Avara and hospital staff were all awesome. Wishing you lots of luck on your insurance approval!

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Thanks Whoozisanyway. How has your 1st week been?

Going so well that I'm almost afraid I'm going to jinx myself! Definitely sore, but very little actual pain. Incisions are healing very well. I've had no trouble getting enough liquids in, although I'm nowhere near Protein goals. Living on thinned creamed Soups, Protein shakes, Jello with added Protein powder, thinned Greek yogurt, and Crystal Light. Tummy talks like Chewbacca, lol. I get 2-3ozs of liquid down at a time. The most difficult thing for me is getting in and out of the car. The swelling and puffiness from surgery is staring to dissipate finally.

@Dina, let me know as your surgery date gets closer. PM me if you need any help, advice etc.

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So excited for you! I'm going to pm you my cell#.

Thanks Whoozisanyway....I'm sure I will have many questions for you as my journey continues. I am so exited for you. I can't wait until I'm sitting on the looser bench with you.

Yesterday was my daughters prom and while she was getting her hair done, I found out that her hairdresser is 4 months out. She is doing sooo good. We talked about her sleeve and her experience for a while. That talk just made me realize that this is the right choice for me.

@ Shelley....good luck on Wednesday. We should keep in touch since we are going to be neighborly sleevers.

Hey Dina! I added you to FB!

Thanks Whoozisanyway....I'm sure I will have many questions for you as my journey continues. I am so exited for you. I can't wait until I'm sitting on the looser bench with you.

Yesterday was my daughters prom and while she was getting her hair done' date=' I found out that her hairdresser is 4 months out. She is doing sooo good. We talked about her sleeve and her experience for a while. That talk just made me realize that this is the right choice for me.

@ Shelley....good luck on Wednesday. We should keep in touch since we are going to be neighborly sleevers.[/quote']

Dina, I just wanted to tell you that a few of my steri-strips came off and I am SO impressed with Dr. Avara! The four small incisions don't look like much more than cat scratches and I don't think I'll have much scarring! Leaving the steri-strips alone on the two remaining larger incisions, they are still a little tender and the strips aren't ready to fall off. He must use surgical glue instead of stitches, even better.

After ten days I'm only down six lbs, but that makes 25 including preop diet, and I just got back from Target where I bought a couple of shirts in the misses' section. Woohoo! I've got other medical issues that have severely impacted my metabolism so I knew this wouldn't be a quick fix, but that's ok. It's all downhill from here.

Are you getting excited?

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