Hi there! I will be having sleeve surgery in the fall. I've been very lucky to connect with some wonderful mentors, but I would also love to have some buddies who are in a similar stage of the of the process. I'm in Baltimore, and it would be great to have a local buddy, but you don't have to be.

Thanks!

8 hours ago, brightfaith said:

Thank you! I still have a long while to go -- I have 1 down of 6 monthly supervised nutrition visits, which will be completed by the end of March. As long as all my clearances have come back fine, the hospital will submit my paperwork to insurance then. I'm hoping to have a May 2018 date. April would be even better, but that might be overly optimistic.

It would be nice to have a local support group, but the only one I know of is at Bayview, and I believe that is for their patients only. UMMC doesn't have an in-person support group (they said people don't show) but said I was welcome to try to start one! I would love an in-person group, so maybe I'll think about it.

Hey Brightfaith,

There are a few support groups (in-person) around. The best that to do is call the hospitals that offer the surgery and see if they have an support group. I am not sure were you live however, Howard County Hospital has a support group and St. Agnes Hospital has one as well. Well you are in search of a group go to the Bayview group sessions. They are free and I don't think that you have to be a patient. If they do tell you that you need to be a patient just state that you have not picked a Doctor yet. I happen to like the bariatric program at Bayview (John Hopkins entire bariatric program).

Your pre-qualifying part of this journey will go really fast so get ready. You will learn alot of nutritional tips and secrets but keep in mind that many of the foods you like or love now, you may not like after your surgery. Also, be mindful that this will be more of a mental journey then anything else. You will be taken away from your comfort zone with food and face some challenges but just know it is all worth it and you will make it through.

Hey Brightfaith,

There are a few support groups (in-person) around. The best that to do is call the hospitals that offer the surgery and see if they have an support group. I am not sure were you live however, Howard County Hospital has a support group and St. Agnes Hospital has one as well. Well you are in search of a group go to the Bayview group sessions. They are free and I don't think that you have to be a patient. If they do tell you that you need to be a patient just state that you have not picked a Doctor yet. I happen to like the bariatric program at Bayview (John Hopkins entire bariatric program).
Your pre-qualifying part of this journey will go really fast so get ready. You will learn alot of nutritional tips and secrets but keep in mind that many of the foods you like or love now, you may not like after your surgery. Also, be mindful that this will be more of a mental journey then anything else. You will be taken away from your comfort zone with food and face some challenges but just know it is all worth it and you will make it through.

Thanks for posting that info. I live in Howard County so I’ll definitely call Howard general today

I’m in southern MD and having my surgery 11/29. I’m so ready for this to happen.

9 minutes ago, Mrs.2252 said:

I’m in southern MD and having my surgery 11/29. I’m so ready for this to happen.

Mine is on 11/15! I will be thinking of you!

Looking forward to seeing your progress updates. They gave me the option of having surgery 11/15. I’m ready for surgery but still need to plan accordingly.