CoreynVA

Susie, I had gastric bypass on Feb. 14 with Dr. Bautista at Commonwealth Surgeons. Surgery went great though he was running a few hours behind and my recovery has been wonderful. I have been very pleased with the follow-up from Commonwealth Surgeons; calls have been returned promptly and they have been very willing to answer all my questions. If you have not attended any of the support group meetings I would encourage you to do so. I've been to the group that's for both lap-band and gastric patients up to one year post-op. There was a good mix of people waiting for surgery (both gb and lap-band) as well as though who have had surgery; lots of good discusssion. I also went to the monthly lap-band support group meeting the following week because I wanted information on Protein supplements and they had sales rep's in that night with sample products. Good luck and enjoy the ride!

I saw my pcp in August and mentioned WLS and she gave me the name of a surgeon. At the time we didn't discuss what type would be best. A few weeks later I saw my OB/GYN, my weight had gone up again, and I asked his opinion on WLS. He was all for it but felt GB was the best way to go. After attending the seminar and following this website I decided to go for lap-band and had my surgery scheduled for Jan. 14. I saw my pcp doctor last week to review my meds and she truly believed gp was the best and explained why given my medical history. Needless to say, I've switched to gp with a Feb. 14 surgery date. After hearing her reasons why gp was better for me I wished I had talked with her in depth earlier. Now I'm trying to find a discussion forum like "lap-band talk" for gastric bypass patients. For those who ask how long it takes for insurance approval, I talked with my surgeon's office on a Monday and had approval for GB the next afternoon; my lap-band approval took four days.

When I went to my seminar I understood there would be an overnight stay. However when the office called to confirm my surgery date, Jan. 14, she said to be prepared to be off 1-2 weeks! I purposely scheduled my surgery around the long President's week-end so I would have less time off from work. I had foot surgery last Christmas and know that sometimes things don't always work out; I ended up off work an extra two weeks, but I am determined to be back at work on Jan. 22. They may be preparing you for a worst case scenario. I have doubts too but look at a photo of myself and realize that I need to do whatever it takes to get this weight off. You've got Christmas taken care of so breathe deeply and try to relax.

I live in Richmond and am using Dr. Baustista. I have not met him yet, appt is Dec. 13, but surgery is scheduled for Jan. 14. I found e-mailing Hilarie moved the scheduling process along. I received a quickly reply from my initial e-mail and that's basically how we've been corresponding so far. To date I've only seen the FNP, Maya, and she was nice. My only complaint to date is that I waited over an hour for my appt with the FNP and I had scheduled it during the middle of the day. My future appts are early morning. Please keep in touch.

Lumpy - Did I read you were using Dr. Bautista? He's doing mine on Jan. 14. I start all my appointments the week of 12/13. I also live in Richmond (Chesterfield Co.). Please keep me updated on what it's like since I'm right behind you. Ashley Suzanne - Congratulations on your approval! I saw the FNP on a Monday and received my approval letter on Saturday. I know the next couple of weeks will go fast and once Christmas hits I'll be getting myself ready. I read this site daily. Please keep in touch.

I had my surgery date changed to Jan. 14. Works out well for me as I work for the state and we have two holidays that next week so less time off from work. My psych eval was with Lisa Berman. I think I was her first lap band client; she had just met with the surgeons the night before to get briefed on the procedure and how the process works. I really liked her. We talked for about an hour. I start my various appointments on Dec. 13 starting with the cardiologist; dietary classes are the 17th for 3-4 hours. I read the stories from others as to how long it takes to get approved and guess I was either lucky or my insurance is very good - I saw the nurse practitioner on a Monday and received my approval letter on Saturday. I'm excited and nervous at the same time and pray that my body can tolerate this change that I'm putting it through. Has anybody else used Richmond Surgical Group?

I have put so much on in my middle (I'm only 5'1" so there's not much middle) that I have trouble getting up too. I know how you feel. It will get better. I'm so sorry you had to experience all of that. Hang in there!

I'm scheduled for Jan. 14 at St. Mary's in Richmond with Dr. Bautista. Received my instructions over the week-end with all of my dates for appointments. I know several of you have used the other surgical group at St. Mary's but who has used Commonwealth Surgeons or more specifically, Dr. Bautista? I'm 5'1", 267 at last appointment and hoping I can make it under 200 by my birthday in May. Do you think I'm being unrealistic? :guess

I'm getting banded on Jan. 14 by Dr. Bautista at St. Mary's in Richmond, VA. Received my list of instructions over the week-end with all my dates for physical, cardiologist, classes, etc. I called today to find out the cost and what all it covers and was told it was $60,000 - or at least that's what they bill the insurance. My insurance covers the surgery as well as fills. A part of me waivers back and forth as to whether I should be doing this but I'm morbidly obese, my body has changed the last five years or so and nothing seems to be working. Listening to what all of you have to say is encouraging. My daily visits to this website keep me going and make me anxious to see what I can accomplish.

Hi, Group! I was approved in the last week and am scheduled for surgery Jan. 21st. My doctor's office had nothing available til mid-Jan which is okay for me, I have a few days off then so won't have to use as much leave time and I won't have to start the pre-diet until after the holidays. I fluctuate between nervous and being okay with it. Once I attend the nutrition seminars I think I will feel much better, I just need to know that I can manage it. One thing I've thought about is Mexican food, my kids favorite place to eat. Have any of your tried to eat it and been successful?

I'm from the Richmond area and scheduled for banding Jan. 21 at St. Mary's. This website has been a wonderful resource for me - lots of information and things to think about. Welcome!

How did your nutrition evaluation go? I just scheduled my surgery for Jan. 21 at St. Mary's with Dr. Bautista. I had my psych eval last month - it was interesting. I was told today that I should plan at least two weeks off from work. At the initial seminar I understood that we could be back at work within a week or sometimes less. What has your physician said about recuperation time?