LiveLifeAgain

I have Reactive Arthritis and Osteoarthritis and take Azulfidine for it. I finally was able to get off prednisone Jan 25, 2008. I am getting banded April 23 and have been wondering if I can take the azulfidine without cutting or crushing it. (since it's enteric coated) Any thoughts?

Jill,

I live in Mishawaka and am having surgery April 23 with Dr Greg Credi at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Where did you have yours done?

My surgery is scheduled for April 23, 2008. I have anthem bc/bs and they have been very good covering things for me. For some reason, I haven't asked about fill costs or if insurance covers them. What has been your experience with this? Im getting panicky because I haven't ask about this until now, but I need the surgery for health reasons so if I have to pay out of pocket, so be it.

I am being banded April 23. I had my appointment with the dietician yesterday to prepare me for the 2 week pre and post op liquid diet. She gave me a bag of samples to try. Unjury Protein Drinks, Proti 15 drinks some bars also. Also a sample of "Boost" to try. What did you all drink on your liquid part? Did anyone use these?

Do you have energy eating this amount? I should be banded in about 3 weeks and have been wondering how you feel eating very little calories?

Frankly, Im anxious to be on my 2 week pre-op diet. Sometimes it's easier when you have less choices. Plus the weight loss will start. Has anyone used Unjury products? Do they taste good?

Dr. R Greg Credi in South Bend, IN. Im scheduled for a Gall Bladder Ultrasound, a new sleep Study and the esoghageal manometry as my Pre-ops so far.

I just got insurance approval yesterday:thumbup: and my surgeon requires an Esophageal Manometry. It doesn't sound too awful bad. Ill be having it done soon.

I know of Dr. Hoekstra. I use to work in Elkhart at OSMC. I almost went to a seminar a few years ago with Dr. Hoekstra. I now work in South Bend and am associated with Memorial Docs. I was recommended to Dr Credi and Memorial's Bariatric Surgery Center by my family doc. Im in Boot Camp now. I have my 2nd appt with the dietician Monday, then the team meets and decides if I will be a good surgical candidate. Then hopefully they'll submit a request to my insurance for approval. It's such a slow process.. Was it that way with Dr. Hoekstra's program?

How do you feel about your decision to have your Lap-Band done. Do you have any regrets? What has been your toughest time with it?

Has anyone been banded by Dr. Credi at Memorial Hospital of South Bend? He's been doing these surgeries for about 4 years and seems very competent.

I just would like to hear from other patients. The program here seems very good, very in depth and complete. Im in Boot Camp now.