mommy0f5

I tried to get an appt with Dr.'s Baghai and Takahashi but they are both booked til May! My insurance will only pay for me to go to these 3 doctors, who are all on the same team. Dr. Solomon is new to their team (joined last year) and has about 3 years experience in Bariatric / general surgery. He had an opening for next week so I took it! Now I'm wondering if I should wait for the other doctors who have more experience, and seem to be very popular. Anyone have any feedback?

Hello Fellow Lap Banders! I just got approved by my insurance to get banded and I am soooo excited! :thumbup: I just called to make an appointment with the surgeon but there isn't any availability until May! I talked to my insurance company (I have an HMO) and they said there are only 3 doctors for me to choose from and they are all in the same association. So, I called the surgeon's office back to make an appointment with another doctor, and she also isn't open til May... And this is just for the consultation! Apparently, they are VERY popular bariatric surgeons, which is a good thing. But I am trying to stay motivated here, and May is just too far away. So, I asked for the third doctor on their team and lo and behold, he has an available appointment as early as next week! He recently joined their group last year. He graduated from med school in 2002 and completed his residency in 2007. He seems to have about 3 years experience total in bariatric/general surgery and his fellowship is in Advanced Laproscopic Surgery (what's fellowship? :confused:). And although the Lap Band is not his specialty, he does perform it. His specialty is in Bariatric & General Surgery. I also googled him and he doesn't seem to have any malpractice/complaints against him. I think my concern mainly is that he's too new. Well I went ahead and scheduled the appointment with him. I was really excited to be able to get a consultation so soon and start the process already! But I am aware that it's all about the doctor's experience when it comes to any type of surgery. I would really like to get started with a surgeon now but I want to make the right decision as far as choosing the surgeon. Is he too new? He IS on a good team apparently, so am I being paranoid? Aside from that, I am stoked about doing this. I have tried every diet and exercise method you can think of. And despite a few drops, my weight continues to climb. I've had 5 kids and after my last one, a year ago, I can't seem to lose the weight no matter what I do. It's like my metabolism just totally stopped. I've always been pretty slim growing up so now being 253 and 5'8", I'm at a point where I don't even want to leave the house. And I refuse to buy bigger clothes. I don't even know whose body this is, but I need to give it back :wink2:! I can't breathe, I can't cross my legs, I can't even suck in my belly like I used to.. it now comfortably overlaps my belts. How sad! I really am done being a fat girl. I dream of walking in to a store again and not having to look for the Woman's/Plus size section. I also dream of wearing clothes that fit and not clothes that cover my fat. Most of all, I want to have the energy to keep up with my kids and be healthy. And I'm ready for the boost I need to get my life back! I know it's a pretty simple procedure, and I gotta give up some food, and old habits, other than that I don't really know what to expect. But I'm ready to get banded! Let's do this! **Your support & feedback is greatly appreciated**

Wow! You seem to have found the right doctor!!! :bananalama: Thanks for the advice.. I am definitely doing my research, slowly but surely I am going to get the answers I need. I guess that's the price you pay for going thru your insurance. If I could afford to pay cash I would! But thanks for your reply and good luck on your journey! Your band is around the corner! Very cool. :cheers2:

BTW- Heather, congrats on your weightloss and your new baby to arrive soon! Thanks for your reply & God bless!

I can't seem to find out how many bands he's placed. The doctor's office personnel has no idea and says they do not give out that kind of information and directed me to their website. Their website does not specify that.. it basically only gives an overview of his education/vague experience. So I happened to find him on Facebook and sent him a message.. do you think that was inappropriate? :bananalama:

I have Anthem Blue Cross HMO- Healthcare Partners. I've talked to them extensively about this and those are the only choices they gave me.

Good to know, no regrets! :thumbup: I look forward to my journey ahead, thank you for the encouragement!

Hey everyone! I've been wanting to do this for over a year now but finally got the means to do it thru my insurance. I thought it was a simple outpatient procedure but as I read more and more I'm finding out about the 'fills' and the different types of bands and tightness. Whoa. I didn't know there were so many details involved. Well I look forward to sharing support and inspiration on here as I prep to get banded. My first consultation is Feb. 16th. I can't wait!!!! WOOHOO!

cwm812- thanks for your very relatable story! That's an awesome testimony, and I feel very encouraged to hear it all worked out for you. My doctor too looks very young but I believe (because he's apart of an apparently reputable team) things will turn out like they did for you. Thanks again and congrats on your weight loss! Great job!

Thanks Susan, I really appreciate your reply. I will definitely stay connected!

Thanks LongIslandGirl... fingers crossed for you! :cursing:

I didn't know what that meant either. I found this answer from another board: "PB'ing means productive burping and it is what happens if you eat something that cannot get past the band. Basically you just throw it back up. Sliming usually preceeds pb'ing and it is when your body creates a lot of saliva in your mouth and mucus in your stomach to aid in throwing the stuck item(s) back up. It sounds gross, and well, it is, but if the band is properly adjusted pb'ing can be avoided by chewing thoroughly, knowing which kinds of foods are likely to cause a problem for you, and eating slowly."

Hi and welcome! I'm new too. I just got approved my by insurance company and I'm excited! I have Anthem Blue Cross HMO- just switched this year from Kaiser (because Kaiser doesn't do the lapband). I just went in to see my primary doctor, told her about my idea to do the lapband and she said it was an awesome idea. 2 weeks later she requested my insurance to authorize my surgery and they did! I don't have any risk factors, my BMI is 38.5 but I did submit all my diets and exercise so I think that helped. I hope you get approved. It's an awesome feeling to know that there's real help for better living on the way!

Very true. He's apart of a great team, and that already says alot. Thanks for your reply and support!

Thanks for your reply... I totally agree, thanks for the encouragement! My line of thought exactly.