christellini

I am not banded yet but I would be interested. I do have the same question as Lisa though. Would bandsters be allowed? Let me know. I have the book but I haven't done the program, there are some really inspiring BFL stories! Christel

Okay so I had a consult and was given my list >nutrition consult, that was not too hard, I found one about an hour away and have an appt next wednesday, $110.00 but I think that sounded reasonable...easy enough >letter from pcp and blood work, I have an appt with my PCP this week...simple >get psych eval---------Well, I called the the mental health professional that was closest to me on the list that my surgeon gave me and she said that she would probably want to see me a minimum of 3 visits before doing the report for my surgery!!! Each visit is $90 and on top of that the cost for the letter/report is a flat fee of $150. This seems excessive to me. Is this reasonable? Did anyone else have to be seen 3 times minimum? All of the posts that I've read have given me the impression that it's only one visit. I'm thinking I should shop around. Advice??? Christel

ReneBean, lol, that's what I was thinking. Julie, since our locations are so close would you mind sharing with me who you saw for your psych eval. thanks again, Christel

Thanks to everyone for replying. I will be shopping around. I just was so surprised when she told me that. She didn't sound very supportive of WLS anyway. She kept saying that people are getting surgery before they've dealt with why they overeat. And that she's seeing so many patients coming back to see her to finally deal with their issues and now they are sick. Very negative. Thanks again!!! Christel

My surgeon is sending a letter to my pcp. He also gave me sample letters for the therapist and nutrition evals. Could you ask for something like that. HTH Christel

I totally understand and agree. I don't want people judging, and making comments. I don't have a date yet, but I'm only telling my closest friends and family. And while I totally feel this way a certain part of me is like I should tell people what a great tool the band can be. If it weren't for the few critical people that I don't want to know......

Hi everyone. I had my consult today with Dr. Barry Sanchez in Burlingame, CA. He was held up in surgery and was 2 1/2 hours late but it was worth the wait. (I had a friend with me and we went and had lunch and did some shopping) He was great! I go back in 1 month and I have to have psych eval, nutrition appt, and blood tests. They are going to call me tomorow and let me know about insurance. I really want to thank everyone on here for sharing your stories, advice and support. I've been reading posts as often as I can and I really felt prepared and armed with good questions for my doc. I met a really nice lady in the waiting room who had the band placed in Sept '06 and has lost 110 lbs, she said she hasn't had any complications and highly recomends Dr. Sanchez. Today was a good day:nod: *Christel*

Thanks Julie/neighbor. You are right down the highway from me. I live in Castroville (Prunedale area). I love your shopping there. I go there to hit Walmart, VitamineShoppe, Lane Bryant, Sport Authority, everything else all the time. I was thinking that I would do a consult with Dr. Mckeen as well and then go from there but I really hit it off with Dr. Sanchez, the only thing is he is 2 hrs away for fills and follow ups. I see you've done really great on your weightloss:clap2:. Congratulations!!! Thanks for your support! Christel

Bikergirl, I plugged my numbers in on a website. I confused bodyfat % for BMI though so I guess your BMI is what it is. Unless anyone knows anything different???

Is anyone familiar with Dr. Barry Sanchez in Burlingame, CA? Or Dr. McKeen in San Jose, CA? I am just starting out and so far these are the two that I am looking at. Any info is helpful. Christel

Thanks Susan. So would insurance companies take BF % into account? I really appreciate everyones insight. I just have so many questions. I guess these are things to bring up at my consult, which is only 2 weeks away :welldoneclap:

Thanks Julie, I have a consult with Dr. Sanchez on April 2nd, but I am planning to attend a seminar that Dr. McKeen's office told me about. I am hoping to get approved and decide. Can you give me any info on his process for fills and such? Much appreciated. Christel

I thought this would be a good thread to ask. I know the formula for calculating BMI and mine is 35-36ish with the formula but wouldn't different bodytypes change that? I am apple shape and thinking that this is not accurate. I was wondering if anyone's dr ever used a different method of calculating BMI. I've heard of weighing in water and by measurments but couldn't find any info anywhere. Christel

Anyone use either of these two Drs?

I have Blue Cross and when I contacted my insurance I was told that LapBand wasn't covered but that some people get it approved anyway and that I can still attend a consult. I couldn't believe they would explain it that way. I hung up still not sure so I'm going to see what the surgeon's staff has to say about it when I go in for consult.

What Dr. Sanchez are you talking about????

Hi, I've been lurking here for a while, not banded but the more I research the more I'm convinced that it's something I want to do. I do have a question tho....do I just research a Dr and go in for a consult? Go to a seminar first and how do you find them? What exactly is the first step??? I have PCOS, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, BMI is around 35. My doctor just keeps saying eat less calories. Anybody feel as lost as I am when they started out?

Hi, not to worry you won't gain muscle on top of fat. In fact our muscle is underneath our fat, we just can't feel it sometimes. Weight training is an excellent way to increase your metabolism too. As you lose weight and gain muscle your body will start becoming more tone and firm. Most gyms offer at least one free session with a personal trainer. If available at your gym take advantage of it. It's worth it. Also try some magazines like Muscle & Fitness Hers or Oxygen, there are several good fitness magazines for women. Hope that helps!!!:girl_hug: Christel

Thanks everyone for your replies. Everyone here is so great. Well after researching area surgeons and OH I have a consult with Dr. Barry Sanchez in Burlingame on April 2nd. Anyone familiar with him? I was also wondering how some of you decided on Lapband vs GB? Christel

Hi all I'm from the Monterey Peninsula. Prunedale to be exact. Most people have never heard of it. Anyone from around here, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz? I'm new to this site and just getting started on my journey. Would love to hear advice or tips from any neighbors. Christel

Thanks!!! I am so glad I found this site. I'm on a mission to find seminars. Thanks again!