Hi there, I just started w/Dr. Ahmad, in PJ.
I live less then a mile from his office :confused: My primary Dr told me the band would be a good option. I have always battled with my weight.
It is so nice to meet people who understand. So many people think "just stop eatting" well, its just not that easy. You can't escape food and you need it to live. Drugs and drinking you can do without, but not food. People have more sympathy and give more support to people in rehab, but look down on those getting banded or bypass....
Anyway, for years I have been on the fence about getting banded but then finally decided to really look into it. So after going to a presentation, I decided to go for it. By pass I never even considered--- in my opinion, there is way too much risk. Banding has risks, but I think it is safer overall.
So, I had my one-on-one with the Dr about 2 weeks ago. I was really shocked (and pleased) at how awesome the Dr and the staff are (one of the secretaries has been banded too) and even his wife works with him. Just about everything I will need is at or within 2-3 miles of his office.
I can't believe the "laundry list" of things to do in preparation for the procedure. But I am so glad for it because it really is very intensive and he makes very sure that your mind and body are as healthy as possible before operating. Can't beat that!
For me the band is like getting a new lease on life. I will start over, and learn how to eat. I want to eat to live-- not live to eat!
I was told that the first thing insurance will want is the Psych eval and the nutritionist's comments, along with the forms I filled out for the Doc. So I planned all my other appts for after these two visits. Then, once I get the approval from BC/BS (he thinks I will because they approve easy he said) I will go to the other appointments I have already made. I figured no sense going through it all if I won't get approved. My paperwork is submitted so I am waiting........ for approval right now......
There are about 8 or so appointments in total that are required, and each Dr booked me really fast for them.
Overall, from the my first visit to the last Dr appointment I am required to have, the process is less then 2 months--- but the hang up is waiting for the insurance company to approve.
But that is ok- because I am traveling a lot over the summer and do not want my surgery to interfere with it anyway. I have 3 family vacations that we are going on (one is a cruise!) and I want to enjoy whatever I want to eat!! Afterall, it will be the last time that I will binge like that ever again. I'm going out with a bang!! LOL.
So if all goes well, I plan to have the surgery in Sept or Oct of this year. I will be ready to be the "new me" by then. It is a life changing event :eek:
*I was told I have a 3 or 4 month window that I can have the surgery done in, after all those Dr visits I will have had. I'm so excited!!!
Any others seeing or been to the good Doc?
