Hi Brenda: I am enrolled in the program at Lowell General Hospital bariatric and hope to have my surgery scheduled the end of March 2014. I am interested in reaching out to you to get your feedback on the process of having a gastric sleeve and how you are doing a year out you regret the choice? Is the weight loss what you expected it to be? I have asked the office what my out of pocket expense will be but the did not answer me. My BC/BS told me that in network they would cover 90/10/ Was your out of pocket more than $2,000.00? I need to start preparing for the expenses to come. Do you still go to the support groups at 20 Research Place? I appreciate any advice you can give me to calm my jitters. Thanks!

Hi Brenda...Sounds like you are happy with your sleeve surgery and are doing so well! I live just outside Exeter, NH and will be having surgery in September at Lahey in Burlington, Ma.. Am a 70 year old retired RN and am looking forward to reclaiming my energy! And my body as well. Nickname is mojaleski (I play scrabble on line with that) but my name is christine.

Hi Cindy ~ Congratulations on your surgery!!!! You're going to be so happy you did it!!!

I had my surgery at Lowell General and attend support groups at the Center for Weight Loss Management in Chelmsford. They are a great group of people who have been a big part of my weight loss. I'm not sure what the procedure would be for sosmeone that had their surgery someplace other than through the Weight Loss Center, but definately give them a call and ask them about what you would need to do. I have also joined a Facebook group for weight loss patients that has been great. It is by invite only so if you would like to friend me I can send you an invite to this site. This has been another great resource!!!

Please feel free to contact me if you need or want to chat!

Talk soon!!!
~Brenda Blake
bnana3590@msn.com

Hi Bnana4590.
I am 4 days out from having surgery. I am seeking a local support group. (I had my surgery at Lahey in Burlington). Can you tell me about any local support group meetings by chance? Thank you in advance for any help you can offer! Cindy