Kinda new here

Hello. I wrote an intro a few weeks ago but then we went to visit my parents over the holidays so I haven't been back since. Now that my schedule is getting somewhat back to normal, I hope to get more involved here. I have been on the waiting list here at Ft. Bragg since September. I've been through the initial consultation, psych, nutrition, and attend support groups here. The wait for me is still about another 13 months. Recently I was referred out to the network in hopes of having the surgery done sooner. I have my initial consultation with Dr. Carter in Fayetteville at the end of this month. Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Carter? How do you feel about him? Approximately how long is the wait for surgery after the initial consultation? Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me! I'm also looking for a "weight loss buddy" of sorts-- anyone from this area who is at about the same place in this process. I've always found it easier to go through things together.

Hi Jill, not in the Fayetteville area (live in Durham,NC) but wanted to say hello to you and ask you why there is such a long wait? I haven't heard of such a long wait anywhere around here. With kindest regards, Donna Earleyhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NC_WLS_Information_and_Support/join

Its only that long of a wait on base, because our surgeons are soldiers and they get deployed. So there are months where no surgeries can be done at all. When there is a surgeon or two here, they only do a few surgeries a month (they are shooting for 8-10) and there are over 200 people on the waiting list, with more being added all of the time. So that is why they are starting to defer people out to the civilian world.

Oh wow that stinks! Are these surgeons specialized in these procedures? Which procedures do they do? Thanks, Donna Earley

Yes, our surgeons specialize in gastric bypass surgery. There are only 3 of them (I think), which is why is stinks when they're gone. They will only perform the open RNY here on post.

Monica, I am so glad to see you back!!! I take it you were at conferences. I will be there Thursday night once my grandkids are all tucked in bed. I hope to meet you in Pittsburg. I am very excited about going. See you lighter. Joanne

Monica, I am praying I can attend. I have a meeting for the ladies auxiliary to VFW meeting that night...SO i am hoping, I can get in and get out. Lea Lewis

Hi Monica Yes, I am planning to be online on Thursday night. I am looking for a printout for my group on Stress. I looked at the meeting documents. The issue on Stress relates to 'Holiday Stress'. Do you have any other info I can use. I was looking for info on what happens to our bodies and our blood chemistries, when we are stressed or depressed. Why is it we are craving sweets and what we can do to appease that craving without going off our food plans. Let me know if you have anything I can use. I am also looking for some stats on obesity for a food manufacturer who does a sampling program. They want to know if our 'market' is worth their time and effort. Do you have this info or should I go to ASBS? Talk to you soon. Paula

Isn't that just the best! Congrats on the progress. Christy

Way To Go!! I have gone through my closet twice and thrown out clothes that are too big, and it is a great feeling. Keep up the good work. It is so worth it. Donna