Gusso5

Okay SD Bandsters, need some input! I live in SouthEast SD, and have 3 different facilities all within 90 mins of me. One in Mitchell, two in Sioux Falls, and one in Dakota Dunes/Sioux City! I have also considered Omaha, NE...since its fairly easy to get to..only 150 miles. I am a "personal attention" kind of patient, I like the "warm fuzzies", if that makes any sense?! Would love to hear your stories and experiences!!!

Oh wow, what a roller coaster!!! I would have drowned my sorrows!! GOOD FOR YOU!! So happy to hear you got the answers you needed!!!

Hi, my name is Bonnie, and I am a Diet Coke addict! Its not a deal breaker, but its gonna be a hard one for me! I have tried a few times over the years to kick the habit, but to no avail. Anyways, I know I need to be done with it, and I will, but doesn't mean I have to like it! HA! I am hoping and praying to have my surgery in Feb '11. I become eligible for Medicare on Feb 1st. Does anyone know if I have to wait until then to start the process? Or can I start getting things lined up ahead of time?

I am in the VERY beginning! I was actually a lot farther along in the process about 4 years ago....until my husband's employer took ALL weight loss treatments off the table. It was so heart breaking, I can't even describe it. Due to other health problems, I have been on disability for 2 years and will qualify for Medicare in Feb. Medicare covers Weight Loss Surgery!! I am even heavier than I was due to the meds I was on for so long caused excessive weight gain. I am doing much much better with my health and am off that medication...so its time to do something about this. Losing weight won't necessarliy "cure" whats wrong, but I am tired of being tired and run down all the time due to being soooo heavy! I just want to keep up with the kids activities, to be able to sit in seat at a concert, fit in an airplane seat...just the little things in life!! Anyways, back to your question, I am just getting started choosing a doctor!

Sounds like West River is the place to be!! alimaureen- please update us on how things go! I would love to follow along!!

Ya, the ridding myself of the DC isn't gonna be easy, but I want the surgery worse!! Right now I am working full time overnights to help out while a position is filled, so will have to stay on the caffeine until that is over!! Should be done the first week in Dec. So my goal is to be DC FREE in Jan 2011!! Hey, my first goal!!!!! The first of many I am sure! As far as the cold shoulder: I was just surprised that they weren't even interested in seeing the parts that I had already completed! I have a BMI of 51, so its not like I am borderline! Have done Weight Watchers, have done Meridia, have joined many health clubs...and now my PC wants me to have a sleep study for other reasons, so right there are most of they req's for the surgery! It may be a long tunnel, but there is a glimpse of light beginning to show up...and that is AWESOME!!!

Thanks! I know I have to get off that horrible DC! I no longer allow my 14 year old to drink any diet Pop. And I am really starting to limit the kids. Pop is now a treat!! I made a few calls about getting started on my journey to being eligible. Got mixed reviews about when I can start. One place was at least willing to start collecting data as far as failed diet attempts, sleep study, etc. So as of now, that is who I am going with! The other place I called was like..."call back when your medicare begins"...CLICK! Okay then! I have one other place to call. I am SOO thankful I found this forum, it has helped me so much already, and I just in the pre-Pre-Op phase! :thumbup:

Hi! I am curious about the recent experiences with medicare and the banding. I have been on disability for 2 years and am Medicare eligible in Feb 2011. I am very excited about Medicare covering, since my husband's insurance refuses to have anything to do with any weight loss help. What have the experiences been and what can I expect? I so wish I could start the process now so I could have my surgery scheduled for Feb 1st! ~Thanks~ Bonnie