June 23, I went to a weight loss surgery seminar held by Atlanta Surgical Associates. Here is a little background, I have been back and forth with my weight since 2007. I have done so many diets and exercise programs over the years just to go back and forth. I have done the program at the VA twice called MOVE and had several trainers. All in all I have lost weight yet it easily comes back with some unwanted extra pounds. So I started doing some research on weight loss surgery and also talking to many people in the weight loss community on IG. I followed their journey and seen the changes that weight loss surgery has improved in the their lives. So I decided to make some moves and go to the seminar. I must say I was blown away by the staff upon the greeting. Dr. Qammar Rashid, came in and electrified room with her knowledge about Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Rashid, gave the pros and cons of each weight loss surgery that is performed at Surgical Associates. The way she spoke with such energy and knowledge help me decide that she is the right Physician for me. So after gathering all the information that was put out, I was now confident that I was ready to make my appointment. It so happens to be that they were setting up appointments for consultation outside the room. So my consultation is June 30th, my journey begins. Updated on 27 Jun 2016: Updated on 3 Jul 2016: So I had my consultation on June 30 and it went very good, I must say. At the jump, the staff was very inviting and I felt like they cared. Even from the recpitionist the smiles were all over the office. I was taken to back within 10 minutes and waited at least about 8 mins after the nurse came to do all the questions. Then Dr. Rashid came in with a high level of energy. I was kind of nervous of what was going to be said, thinking some how I would not be able to be a candidate for surgery. Dr. Rashid and my wife went over my medical history and being a Combat Vetrean the history was pretty long. So I had a heria repair back in 2012 and left a pretty long scar. At that point I was thinking that might be a hiccup in the road to a better me. Yet that was not the case, Dr. Rashid said she sees no problem proceeding with the go ahead with surgery. I was really excited at the news then she went over the requirements that BCBS require. So I have to do a six month surpervised diet that will be the only real thing that will string out my surgery date out. It really is not that long when I think about my weight doing the yoyo for a couple of years. My next concern is what is my out of pocket expense for this surgery yet I'll send a email after the 4th.