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Eve, I will see you in a couple of days. My best friend is coming with me...we are both nurses and friends for many years. She can force me to laugh and be brave in any situatiom. I will also leave my room number at the desk for you, and am happy that I will know someone there. How is the liquid diet going? I really thought it would be harder. But still have only lost 3 pounds, though my clothes feel looser. See you soon, Sheila

Good luck!! I will be there on Thursday, the 13th and have surgery on the 14th. I hope that we meet and can give each other some moral support. I had similar problems with my insurance, AETNA, and my employer, but I think all will work out for the best. See you soon, Sheila

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am scheduled for July 14 and have a bit if the jitters. I am on my second day of Slimfast optima...have a bit of a headache and am a little shaky. Haven't cheated yet and don't think that I will. But I still don't want to get on the scale till Monday. Good luck on your journey.

Good luck. I am scheduled for surgery on July 14 and can't wait. I will let you know how it goes. If thee is anyone scheduled for July 13 to 15, please contact me. Sheila

Cindy, Thank you for the helpful hints. I am scheduled for surgery on July 14 and am anxious, but really looking forward to it. I love the idea of having a partner. I will be arriving in TJ on July 13. If anyone else is scheduled for the same time, please let me know. I would look forward to writing to you. Also, is there anyone out there from NJ? I live in Monmouth County and plan to attend a local group after the surgery, but would also be interested in communicating with someone near me who went to Dr. Ortiz. Sheila

Chelley, I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz on July 13. Reading your your entries has been a help to me. Like you, I am also a nurse. I have had a weight problem since shildhood, but was always able to control my weight through yo-yo dieting, diet pills, etc. However 11 years ago, I had a hysterectomy, followed by radiation or a thyroid mass. I gained sixty pounds in 6 months, and never lost it. I am 4'11" and weigh 186 pounds. In the past 18 months, I have developed so many medical problems: diabetes, hypertension, mitral regurgitation, arthrits and loss the vision in my right eye. I realized that I had to do something about my weight or I would die an early death. I started investigating surgical options and became sold on the lapband. My insurance wouldn't cover surgery, and surgery in NY is over $37,000.00. I finally found out about Dr. Ortiz, checked all his credentials and spoke to him. Despite arguements from some of my medical friends, I decided to schedule my surgery with him. He was so nice that he agreed to have my friend, an ICU nurse, be present in the OR with me. That really put my mind to ease. I have found a local physician who was trained by Dr. Ortiz who agreed to do my post op care and fills. Now with all the planning complete, I am now preparing to enter into the pre-op diet phase. I must admit, I am becoming very nervous. I am worried about being hungry...in my stomache and in my mind. I look forward to hearing your story, and those of others, because it gives me hope. Keep writing. Sheila