SpecialK

There is a whole group of people who discuss their experience with the vertical gastric sleeve on Obesity Help - Weight Loss, Surgery, Support Groups, Forums, Surgical Procedures web site forums.

These are some graphics I have been collecting to explain to family and to have for myself. I am basically going to allow my surgeon to pick the right one for me since I've heard they are both equally good. AP New Band Type picture.bmp Bands filled and unfilled.bmp

Sorry but I didn't have the graphic of the Realize band when I posted the first entry above and I can see the second picture was a little grainy but you can hopefully see the difference of the inner circumference of the two types with this second picture.

Here are the pictures I've collected for my own info. AP New Band Type picture.bmp Bands filled and unfilled.bmp

I think I have some pictures. Let me see if I can upload them. The AP or Inamed/Allergan band has puffy pillows (non medical term!) and the Realize looks smooth to me all around the inner circle where the fill water goes.

Okay ladies, still no word on my insurance approval. The waiting is hard. Jury duty is going well. Got put on a jury by 9:30 a.m. on the first day and its keeping us going. It looks like that will wrap up by maybe Tuesday next week so its definitely not going to interfere with surgery if I get the call I've been approved. Just taking it a day at a time.

Hi there to Canal Winchester. When we met in December we just had a roundtable discussion with each other since we'd never met. Introduced ourselves, what stage we are at in the process, what challenges we are having, how supportive or not family and friends are being, etc. This time it looks like we'll get to meet many more than we had in December when there was only 3 of us the first time -- someone has to go first! And several ladies are talking about bringing their good usable clothes in sizes they've lost and no longer need to share with others who may be just getting to that stage. Since this is all informally organized, we'll just play it by ear. Are you banded yet or checking into it? If banded, are you in the Barix, Mt. Carmel, Riverside or OSU programs?

For those of you who are in the 'I don't care who wins category' here's a funny one for you.

Me too on being hopeful to have to not ask for a seatbelt extension some day soon. It is embarrassing and some flight attendants are very discreet about it and others are clearly annoyed to have to help you. I just say to myself - "look, I have a right to fly and see my family or take a vacation just like the rest of you so tough! " I can fit in one seat with the arms down so the middle person can't say that about me but its not comfortable by any means flying. My other big goal for 'fun' is to be able to go on roller coasters again and fit into the seat!

I called Aetna today and verified that they have received and logged in the paperwork from the surgeon as of January 31 to review my lapband surgery approval. When I first asked how long did he (customer service rep) think it might be before I'd know if it was approved, he said 'gee, maybe 30 days depending on how backlogged we are" . I said Whoa! I've been working on all the medical clearances and things that Aetna requires for about 6 months now so I'm hoping it doesn't take that long. He said, well, call back in about 2 weeks if you haven't heard anything. I sure hope I get a call from the surgeon's office this week saying it went through in 3 days like some of you did!

I called Aetna today and they verified they have my paperwork to approve my surgery logged into their system as of yesterday January 31 so let the countdown continue!

Juli - that is too funny about the Drivers License! I have to go get mine renewed today and I was going to still let them keep '200' on there as my weight...been faking it for a long time and don't plan to stop! Sounds like you were honest with your DL weight...not many are.

Growingpanes - I am not yet banded but the Mt. Carmel doctors are Dr. Patricia Choban, Dr. Phil Price, and Dr. Marcus Miller. I think Heather has said the Riverside practice doctor for lap bands is Dr. Steven Meyers. And I think Juli has mentioned a couple different doctors names at the OSU bariatric practice. (Dr. Mikami) Finally, Thinner Me is working on banding thru Barix Center in Groveport OH on the east side of Columbus (Dr. Ramos). Maybe one of the 4 major practices for Bariatrics in Columbus would be an option to get fills in the Columbus area for you. Maybe check your health plan and see if any of the doctors these ladies talk about in their posts are on your plan. Good luck. I'd hate to have to drive to Cincy from Mansfield to get a fill.

Seebs -- I have also selected Dr. Price! Can't wait to meet you at the get together. I am waiting for insurance approval now, it was submitted yesterday to Aetna!

Juli - just noticed your updated ticker! Go Girl.... you are really hopping along there! Congratulations.

My surgeon's office submitted my packet for Aetna HMO POS II approval today. Say a prayer its approved please!

Charlene at Mid Ohio Surgical Associates submitted mine to Aetna today for approval! Please say a prayer for a quick approval within a week like Niki had!

:rolleyes2: Great birthday present to get a call from Charlene at the Mid Ohio Surgical Associates that she has my packet for approval submitted today! When the phone rang I had this moment of panic she was calling to tell me I was disapproved and then a second moment of panic that she might be calling to tell me I'm approved...so silly!!! :cool2: Say a prayer now for a quick insurance approval!

These are the ones for Mt. Carmel's Bariatric Program in Columbus, OH. Maybe someone can post the Riverside and OSU programs' support meeting dates and times. They are held at Mt. Carmel West Hospital, Medical Staff Bldg, which is just to the left of the Emergency Room entrance, in the Auditorium on the 1st floor. Here are the dates. Jan 7 - New Years Resolutions Feb 4 - Post Op Patient Panel March 3 Relationship and Sex Therapist Presenter April - ANNUAL STYLE SHOW - will be at Polaris Mall - more details to be announced. These are patients at or nearing goal and the mall stores help put them into new outfits and you get to hear their Before and After stories. May 5 food is a Nutrition Tool June 2 Vacation Planning July 7 Self Esteem August 4 Ask the Expert (Dr. Patrician Choban, MD) September -- TBD October 6 Reconstructive Surgery (Dr. Bivik Shah, MD) November 3 Holiday Planning December 1 - Patient Panel - The Gift of Weight Loss - Life Changes

Niki- Your old signature motto says you "started the journey in October and still trying to get insurance coverage"... Now you need to put a new exiciting tag line in there like a count down to your band date!

Put me in the list of those who have lost 100 lbs (unfortunately it usually was to please a man!) only to be disappointed and gained it back plus some. This time, this is for me and me alone.

I just can't help adding my applause as well for a fantastic accomplishment. Be sure and go to the PICS Before and After and post some pictures for those of us who also need inspiration in visual form. AND its a chance to Toot Your Own Horn! You deserve it so much!

I had another thought... she called on January 24 and had an opening for February 6th -- that is really fast! Made me realize that when she calls with the good news I need to be mentally ready to say Yes!

I'm so jealous! I would love to make it to banded land in March! Congrats Niki! P.S. Send Charlene some good vibes her way for being on top of it! I can't wait for my call!

Ladyroz - yes, Welcome to the group who has a connection to Mt. Carmel and otherwise wants support for the lapband process. See the Columbus get together notice on this Ohio forum page and hope we can meet you in person at the Polaris Mall.