Also considering surgery

[Colleen]

Hello, I am considering having this surgery but am so uneducated about it all. I am really interested in getting information about it and about how to go about getting started with it all. I'm so nervous about this surgery and scared about what can happen. If anyone can fill me in on how to get started and where to go I would greatly appreciate it.....Thanks, Colleen

[NCatena]

Hi, Colleen! You have made the first step! The internet is a great place to get info. Just make sure you are looking at things that are approved by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. Anybody can put things, accurate or inaccurate, on the internet, so be careful. The next step is to meet a surgeon, and ask questions! Dr. Allam is GREAT at that! He takes his time, and is not at all pushy. Third, come to a group meeting, and meet us face to face. You will hear all about our triumphs and our trials, and meet us crazy folk in our native environment!! :D We are a talkative bunch, and have no problems bearing our souls. :p You can e-mail me anytime, or post questions on the board. Lots of us check daily, and are very happy to help. It's a big decision, and not one to be taken lightly, but a decision I have never regretted for a moment. :D Hope to see you at group....April 20th, Hampton Atrium, Building B, downstairs. New patients are ewncouraged to come at 6pm to meet Jen, who gives great advice re: insurance, etc. The rest of us come around 7pm. Til then..........Nanette
Zamarhalal@aol.com

[Regina]

First let me start off by saying Welcome to the message board. Here you can ask your questions and someone will answer them.

Now let me say this to you thinking about the surgery. I thought about it and did research for just about two years. All I have to say is that I am so sorry that I waited so long. It is the best decision that I had made for me in a long long time. I am so happy now, I feel great and I am able to do the things that I wasn't able to do before the surgery. I agree with Nanette first that Dr Allam is a great surgeon. His staff is great and well hey all of us are great too. We have great support meetings every month. Come to our meetings and ask all the questions you want. I am sure that someone will answer them for you. The best advice I can give you Colleen is to really make sure that this is what you want. If you have been reading the post her and looking at our before and after pictures you will see that we all are happy with the choice that we made. We are a great group and I hope to see you at our next meeting April 20th. Try to come you will be very happy that you did. Feel free to e-mail me also at regg1@optonline.net or just post your concerns here we will get back to you. Again Welcome to our Family here! :D

[Wendy]

Welcome welcome.....
this is a great place to be......Regina is our FEARLESS LEADER....any problems...just see her.
My Girlfriend from college decided to have bypass surgery August of 2002....I thought she was NUTS...beyond belief.....crazy.
One Year almost to the day later...I was on the operating table.
Let me tell you....it was the best thing that has ever happened to me.....8 months later....I am down 110 pounds and counting!

[Regina]

WAY TO GO WENDY WOOOOO HOOOOOOO YOU GO YOU LOSER!!!!:D :p You are doing great keep up the good job.

Now about this fearless leader thing Hmmmmmm:confused: when did I get that title? ummmmm Not that I am complaining because I am not!:D I like that title very much just don't know if everyone will agree with you LOL but thanks ;)

[Colleen]

Thank you everyone for the helpful information. I am going to try and make it to the meeting on the 20th. I'm not familiar with the area and would need directions. I can't stop reading information online and reading peoples testimonials. I still am very nervous about it all but also getting very very excited about it. I know it's a long process and takes awhile before it all happens. I can't wait to get started. Thanks again!!............Colleen

[NCatena]

Take Sunrise Highway to exit 65 South. Get off the exit, and immediately get into the left lane. (There is a Macy's on your right, a diner in front of you) Turn left at the light in front of the diner. (This is Montauk Highway.) JUST BEFORE the Shell gas station on your left, you will see a driveway. Turn left into that driveway. Go to the end, (50 feet) and turn left at the stop sign. In front of you is Building "B" of the Hampton Atrium. You will, most likely, see lots of cars parked on the front side of the building. Park there, enter the building. There is an elevator on your left, as you get into the lobby. Take the elevator to the basement. Once downstairs, you will go straight down the hallway. The "Community Room" is a large meeting room on your right. (Just after the kitchen!) New people are encouraged to come at 6pm, and meet Jen, Dr. Allam's "right hand", so to speak. She will answer insurance questions, prerequsite questions, etc. The general meeting begins at 7pm. I am sure you will have many of the questions you have, answered before the night is through. I also encourage you to bring your spouse/significant other.....anyone who has questions. This is something you do not have to do alone, nor should you! Support is vital! I look forward to seeing you there! Your life is about to change for the better! :D Nanette