Re: First Appointment>Alison

[Guest guest]

hi Maree (and all)

I must admit Maree - I did not type it clearly either .. hehe. I typed it in a bit of excitement!!

I am hoping that after the initial appt is done how long does it normally take to have surgery, do you all think. I am hoping it is sooner rather than later :-)

Also, does anyone know.. I am not from Sydney - I live in Tamworth. Do I chose which hospital to go to - or does the doctor choose it in this instance?

Thanks everyone!

Alison :-)

From: SydBand [mailto:SydBand ] On Behalf Of mareeSent: Tuesday, 18 April 2006 6:19 PMTo: SydBand Subject: Re: First Appointment>Alison

Sorry Alison, I read your post wrong, I thought you were going for surgery on Thursday, derh!!Anyway, once you see the Dr. have some tests etc. it won't be too long.Any questions to settle the nerves, ask away. They are a beaut group of friends on this site and will support you however they can. Maree

[Guest guest]

Hi again, from memory, it usually takes about 6 weeks but I guess that

depends on hospital availability.

When Dr Ritchie was going to do me it was at Sydney Private at

Ashfield but as you see he did Elaine at Potts Point.

I think he has dropped off doing the patients at Sydney Obesity Clinic

these days (where I go) and is more into a private situation.

Most of the hospitals are comparable though, I have never read of

anyone having complaints from the various hospitals where this type of

surgery is done.

Just be guided by him, obviously if he works from specific hospitals

and there is a vacancy for you you would be well advised to jump at it.

They like you to see a psychologist and dietician and get your bloods

taken usually and if you have other health problems they may want

xrays or other tests. Some Dr's also like you to go on Optifast for a

short period also to get rid of some of the fat from around your liver

(I didn't have to though). It all flys by really quickly though.

Are you going to be staying in Sydney? I was wondering, they may let

you have tests done up your way to be forwarded on.

Why not contact Elaine though, her surgery was recent and she had him

so she is more up to date with his procedures these days.

You will be so pleased you have done this once it's over. It's a life

saver and gives you a second chance at a thinner life. Maree