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Hi everyone, So I just got my surgery date set for August 9, 2016. My surgeon is Dr. Matthew Fitzer. I really like him, but don't know anything about the hospital. Has anyone had their surgery at Haymarket Hospital? What was your experience? Thanks for any feed back.

I started taking pills the day I got home from the hospital, the day after surgery. No problems. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

So excited that I have my date....but very nervous. Any others scheduled for August and from VA?

I wish you luck with the revision. You got this!

That's awesome. Congrats and good luck! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Hey Sunshine1531. I work in Alexandria, VA. I have my first Consult appointment tomorrow in Reston. So I will hopefully be starting my journey real soon.

Hi Mommie, Boy do I feel your pain. I too am a mother of 4 and have absolutly no support at home. My husband does not see my weight as a problem and has decided to ignore my desire for the band in hopes that it will just go away. I am 5'10 and 304 lbs. I have started my 6 month pre-diet requirement and have actually gained weight. However, I want this so bad...not only for the health reasons, but to be able to enjoy life with my children. No matter what I have said to him, it doesn't seem to matter. So I have decided that I am going to do this for me and not let him bring me down. This site is AMAZING and will offer a ton of support. But the most important thing to remember is that you have to do what is best for you! Sorry I don't know anything about your insurance. Have you called them yet? Try that first and foremost and then go from there. I wish you all the luck in the world in proceeding with what you want.

Thank you so much Tracy.......that made me feel a whole lot better. I will certainly do my research. I did contact my insurance, for I think the 8th time, and someone finally pointed me to a page online that stated the following: Surgical treatment of morbid obesity is considered to be a viable treatment option in patients who meet all of the following criteria: 18 years old or older and complete a psychological examination to determine readiness and fitness for surgery and necessary postoperative lifestyle changes and complete a structured diet program in the 2-year period that immediately precedes the request for the surgery by participation in either: - one structured diet program for 6 consecutive months or - two structured diet programs for 3 consecutive months. (can include commonly available diet programs such as Weight Watchers® or Jenny Craig®) and meet either of the following criteria: - BMI of 40; or - BMI equal to or greater than 35, in combination with one or more of the following co-morbid conditions: hypertension; a cardiopulmonary condition; sleep apnea; diabetes; or any life threatening or serious medical condition that is weight induced - Virginia plan members must meet either of the above criteria or the following: Weight at least 45.5kg (100 lbs.) above or twice ideal body weight as specified in the Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables. (see Tables Below) So, I guess I have to do the 6 month diet. Ughhhhhhh!!!! It doesn't however look like it has to be supervied by a doctor. I am still going to ask my doctor if she can supervise it just to be safe, but what a waste of time. Thanks again.

:rolleyes2: I was told by my sergeon's office today that my insurance, carefirst blue perferred, required a 6 month weight loss program. But Carefirst told me that this was a national standard just like the 40 BMI and 100 lbs overweight, and that they are not the ones that require it, but the doctors do. Doctor says it is Carefirst, in VA. Can anyone shed some light on this for me so I know what to do. I would rather not wait 6 more months but can't seem to get an answer. I'm so confused.

Thanks Misty, I will do that. I have an appointment with my pcp tomorrow and will make sure to ask her.

Thanks all. It is so hard to be so excited about something and then be told that you have to wait another 6 months. However, I will do what I need to do to make this change in my life. I am now an official member of WW and will deal with that for the next 6 months. Does anyone know if I do lose weight, does that mean I will no longer qualify for the surgery? Thanks again for everyones help.

Hi Chica717, I had my consult yesterday and it all went well. They basically took me back, took my weight (YIKES!!) and my BMI. I thought this was much lower using the online calculators, but it is 49 according to dr. office and like 43 online. Ouch! Anyway, then I met with the dr in his office and he just went over everything about the band. Asked if I was sure I was ready to make this commitment, explained the pro and cons of both lapband and bypass. Then told me that he would submit my paperwork to insurance and we would go from there. He indicated that if I were denied, we can appeal, but I should hopefully have some word in about a week. Once approved, I could have my surgery in a month to a month and a half. Hope this helps and good luck.

Hi All, I was just wondering if anyone was a smoker when they got banded and where they required to quit for a certain period of time before the surgery. Thanks.

Soaplover57, Were you required to quit smoking in order to get your band?

I am currently on Chantix for the 2nd time. I quit a few months ago for about 3 weeks, but then quit taking the medication to early. Just wanted to know if it was my choice or if it was a requirement. Thanks. Mr. Husker, no side affects for me, just makes me a little sick to my stomach when I first take the pill, but a real amazing medicine!

Hi Ashlee, Wow, 1 week. How exciting! I have my first consult appointment tomorrow with Dr. Halmi in Woodbridge. I don't know what to expect, but am very excited. Do you like your doctor? I was looking at him as well, but got through to Dr. Halmi first. Can you tell me how long you had to wait for your surgery following your very first appointment with him? Thanks and good luck.

Hi everyone, I am going to my first consult next week and don't know how I am going to show that I have been overweight for at least 5 years. I have been over weight most my life, but unfortunately, never really had a primary care doctor, so don't know how to do this. Has anyone been approved for the surgery, without having all the back documentation? Nervous and need this soooooooo BAD! Thanks

Thanks for the support all. I have my first appointment tomorrow and will go from there. Can't wait to get this ball rolling.

Congrats on appoval!!!! Sure hope mine goes that fast. Who do you have and what state? :-)

I have bc/bs carefirst ppo. Well, 3 years will help a bit. I am seeing the dr. that I have always seen and am hoping that they have some weight records. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will be quick and painless. Thanks for the info.

Good luck and keep us posted. It will be interesting since our first consult is only a day a part to see how our journey goes. I wish you luck and much success.

Mee too. Very excited, but also terrified of surgery. I think I would be less nervous if I didn't have my 4 kids, but the thought of something terrible happening, well, I just can't get it out of my head. Although, haven't read anything but positives on this site. Would love to hear as things progress for you. Where are you having it done?

Hi All, hi Melissa, I too am going to be getting the lapband. I have my first consult on January 24, and CAN'T wait. Melissa, I feel the same way. I am at my heaviest ever and am tired of the looks and the way I feel. I saw a picture of me standing next to my husband at Christmas time, and removed it from the pictures before sending them out to family and friends. I looked so much bigger than I see my self. I am so looking forward to being healthy and being able to keep up with my 4 children. Good luck to all of us as we start our new lives.

Hi all, I too am considering Lapband surgery. I have my first consultation on 1/24/08. I am terrified of surgery....4 small kids at home, but am so unbelievably excited, I can't stand it. How long did it take to get the surgery once you saw the doctor for the first time?