:)Hi, I just wanted to pop on and say HI and introduce myself. I have been lurking for a while now and decided to go ahead and sign up and get started. My name is Amber, I'm from Shreveport, LA. I haven't even had my consulation yet, but I finally called yesterday and got it going. They are verifying my insurance and they'll call me back soon (I hope!) if I don't get a call back by Tuesday I'm calling them back...lol. I called my insurance company yesterday to even see if they will pay for any of it, and get this, they pay 100%, I about cried when he told me that...lol. BUT, they do have to evaluate it and all that. I'm excited and nervous and scared all at the same time. I have so many worries and what if's going through my mind, what if it goes wrong, what if I don't do anything, what if I'm never the same? It's a big decision to make. I'm lucky to have a supportive husband standing behind me, he's not ecstatic about it, but he is going to be there for me no matter what I choose. He's going to go with my to my consulation and all that too. Who knows he might decide he wants it if I do good...lol. I'm scared of the surgery itself, that creeps me out, but I guess if I can handle a c-section like a pro, I can surely handle this, right? lol Anyways, I'm glad I found this board and I hope I can stay aboard and share my journey with ya'll!

Hi, Amber & All,

Wow! Amber, you are young. I am 63 & wish I had done something like this a long time ago. I've had my initial consultation & done a lot of research, attended a seminar. I'm waiting for my medical records to be transferred from OK to WA. Once they've been reviewed we should be ready to set a surgery date. I'm very anxious to get this surgery behind me & get on with some weight loss!!:clap2:

Oh, I'm going to Virginia Mason Clinic in Federal Way WA & seeing Dr. Hunter.

Phyl

AmberWaves and phyllser:

Welcome to LBT! This is a great place to make new friends, get support, and information. Don't be afraid to ask away!

Good luck to you both during your journeys.

Shauna

Thank you! I am trying to get my consulation with Dr. George Merriman at Surgical Specialists in Shreveport, LA.

Phyllser, just curious, how did you come to choose that place? I'm going through the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery. I went to their seminar last, but did attend another by Dr. Oh, from a hospital in Federal Way. I'm always interested in why people choose the place they do.

I haven't had surgery yet, but have my consult with nutritionist, Psych and Dr. on June 19. Excited and nervous, but mostly excited about it all. It will be nice to finally be able to maintain weight loss.......

Caolin

Phyllser, just curious, how did you come to choose that place? I'm going through the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery. I went to their seminar last, but did attend another by Dr. Oh, from a hospital in Federal Way. I'm always interested in why people choose the place they do.

I haven't had surgery yet, but have my consult with nutritionist, Psych and Dr. on June 19. Excited and nervous, but mostly excited about it all. It will be nice to finally be able to maintain weight loss.......

Caolin

Hi, Caolin,

I am on Medicare because I'm on SS Disability. When I was doing my research, I was told that there were only a couple of WA state surgeons who met Medicare's "Center of Excellence" criteria & accrpted Medicare patients... one in Spokane, Dr. Oh, whose office told me they had a 3 yr. wait for Medicare patients, and Dr. Hunter, who agreed to see me almost right away. I couldn't find any others, so went to him.