Ailie

I was shocked to find out about the $750 fee at first and was wondering if this was unusual or if it was the norm. From what I've been reading, it's not that unusual. Then I looked at the fact that everyone I spoke with about this doctor absolutely loved him. I also had the chance to meet with him previously when my husband had to have his gall bladder out and liked him then. The way I understand it is the $750 fee covers things insurance doesn't. I know that includes the program guide. But I think I need to investigate it a little more as I'm not clear on what other things insurance may not cover.

:whoo:Last Tuesday night I went to my first seminar. It was very interesting and exciting. The seminar is a requirement to be accepted into the program here. The next night I filled out the 11 page application. The woman who handles all the inquiries is out of the office for the next two weeks, so their response time is going to be slower unfortunately. But that's okay. I took the first tangible step toward my goal of being banded and it feels great. This will also get things rolling with the insurance company (they require that I go through a six-month program that they sponser before saying yes or no). One thing's for sure, this whole process is going to teach me the benefits of having patience. But I've got the process started and that's the important thing!

It could be that doctor isn't interested in learning more about the lap band; therefore, in his world it doesn't work "in the long run." Anyway, congratulations on your consultation (with the other doctor). I'm looking forward to having that date, it will just make it that much closer.

I have a $750 out-of-pocket fee that has to be paid before beginning my program.

I'm not banded yet, but I will be starting WW next week. I know they would like me to try to lose some weight before. I am interested though to read what others have to say in terms of this.

I'm very excited. I have my seminar on Tuesday (10/2). I've spoken to a few people in the past few days who love the surgeon I'm thinking about going to. Once I get the paperwork in, it's going to be a six-month process...that I'm not looking forward to, but I am looking forward to the end result.

I have my first seminar too on October 2. It's going to be a long road, but one I'm very willing to travel.

You really got my attention with the popcorn. I love popcorn. I think I could live without the bread and pasta, but there's something about popcorn. Of course, I still have a way to go before I have to worry about it, but you definitely have me thinking.

Hi Stephen from a fellow Massachusetts resident. I have my first seminar next month and am looking forward to it. Welcome!

Thanks for the welcome Margie. I have been doing more and more reading. I'm nervous, I'm excited and every emotion in between.

Hi everyone. I'm new to the board and to the idea of WLS. I have been doing a lot of research and have decided that I want to go with the lap band. I am going to a seminar on October 2 and I'm really excited about it. I know that whatever happens, it's going to be a six-month process through the insurance company, but that's okay. It will give me a lot more time to research and draw up a list of questions. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi.

As I mentioned in my earlier post (just beginning my journey), I'm still in the research phase and as soon as my primary comes back I'm planning on getting the ball rolling. I would be interested in hearing from others in the western part of MA...if they've been banded yet or not, who their surgeon is/was, etc. There's just so much to learn. Thanks! :eek:

Hi there. Nice to hear from you both! I'm even further west in the Berkshires. I just signed up yesterday for a seminar that is taking place in October. It's the first step and in the meantime, I'm continuing to do more research.

I'm reading with interest the posts on Pioneer Valley Surgeons. They were one of the places I was thinking of going once my primary comes back from an injury. My chiropractor used Dr. Haag and recommended him highly. He never said anything though about having any trouble with the office staff. I will have to ask him about it when I see him next. I'm even further west, in Berkshire county. We have local doctors, but the only thing I've heard of them doing is gastric bypass and I'm not going that route. Anyway, thanks for the information on this.

Hi everyone. I'm a very new newbie if you will. I'm still in the gathering information stage. I've already called the insurance company to see what their procedures are and was told that before the surgery is approved I will have to go through a 6 month course. I'm waiting to get in to see my primary, but unfortunately due to an accident, he is out of the office for a while. Even though I don't need a referral from my primary to see a surgeon, I don't feel comfortable going ahead with that until I talk to my primary, especially since he is the one who is the most familiar with me and all of my medical issues. I'm really glad I found this board. It gives me an opportunity to become more informed about the procedure and create a list of questions for my doctor when I do finally get in to see him. It's going to be a long journey, but one that I'm very excited about. :girl_hug:

It's a confirmation that we are not alone out there, which sometimes is very hard to believe.

As I read through the replies I see myself so clearly. I've been overweight my whole life too. I have tried so many different diets and all were very successful at taking the weight off...not keeping it off. I am definitely a foodaholic. I use food to help relieve stress. I use food to help make me feel better when I'm depressed, etc. Everything I've read on here is so encouraging and informative. Good luck PCGirl!

Hi there Thinner me. Thanks for the welcome!

Thank you Tree. Hope all goes well with the insurance for you. I will keep you posted on my progress with the doctor. I have a feeling he will be very supportive as he has been in the past.