Actually you probably won't have that long of a wait to get approved. It took me 30 days after appealing to get approved. I was originally denied because of the 6-months of supervised dieting. As long as you meet the criteria, you will be approved. But.... the wait will be with the surgery date. You can expect to wait a while for that. I was told 8-10 months but I also heard 1 year. Just depends on how fast the doc can get us all through I guess. Sounds kinda like an assembly line! Good Luck to you on your journey! Have you checked out the "Your Journey" section on this website? It is very informative. Find it at the top right after the "main entrance" link. Take care, Lori

I totally understand about keeping house. I've been a whole lot better since dropping so much weight. You know that saying, "It's a small world?" How 'bout this ... The church you go to is right next door to my parents' house. In fact, my dad jokingly says he doesn't need to go to church because he can just stand outside and listen to them next door. Did you recently get a new pastor? There's a man who's living in a small trailer in the back who has been asked to move so my parents have offered to let him park his trailer on their property and in exchange he has been doing some yard work for them. To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled when I first saw his trailer parked so close to their property, but it looks like he might be an OK guy. I always worry about them and they've had problems with theft in the past. It really is a small world isn't it? So it may be easier to meet at my parents' house, even though I only live a few minutes away. They're in the brick house with the long driveway. How about noonish and we'll have lunch and bring your grandson. Jake is about 25 pounds. I'm not sure how tall (short). He's very small too. Please don't worry about ironing. Love Diana

Hi Lori. I just read your profile. I'll have to do more with mine. If you live in the Tacoma area, I hope you can make it to the support group meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month-6:30 pm at GHC. My first time was last month and I learned a lot. I saw my Dr. on Feb. 7. I came prepared and even wrote a letter explaining my lifetime efforts to lose weight and my health problems. I had a copy of my 6-months at Weigh****chers. I felt like such a failure as the Dr. interviewed me. My Dr. didn't know there was a specific form that he needed to fill out. It was thanks to a great nurse who started the referal while I was there standing at the nurses station! I told her the Bariatric center was in Redmond, she called them and they told her about the special form and then faxed it to her. I stayed and made sure it was received, filled out by the Dr., and sent. She was so nice and wished me luck. (I did apply a year ago, but that is another story for my website. lol) I got an approval Feb. 18! I talked to Harriet on March 14, got my packet right away and did all the tests. I am about where you are, finished with tests (except the Pulmonary Dr. at the end of the month) and waiting for an orientation date. I'm just waiting to hear if my tests are ok and what the next step will be. Geez! it is 3 am. Going to bed. Mari

Wow! You really do have some schedule. I admire you for all the volunteer work you're doing. I'm glad you're interested. Tuesdays would be perfect for me as I am off that day. How old is your grandson? I have a 2.5-year-old boy, Jake. I live in Parkland near Spanaway. You can come over or we can meet somewhere. Just let me know. Love Diana

I am at the very beginning of my trip to surgery. I have my appointment for the referral... 4/26/05 ... 2 days before my 32nd Anniversary. The days are crawling by and at the same time speeding by, does that make sense? I told my husband I was considering the WLS and he was relieved! Seems he didn't tell me how concerned he was about my weight. I understand I have a loooooong trip ahead..........