jenpen2

Hi Flamingo, I spoke with my mom who said he is not in Pickerington with Mt. Carmel, but is now with OSU and practices up on North High St. They still go to him because they really like him, but if you are trying to stay close to the east side, my mom thinks his former Pickerington partners are good. Good luck!!

Hi Funny Flamingo, My parents live in Pickerington and go to Dr. William Buoni with Stonecreek Family Health. They really like him and the others in the practice. Here is the info: (614) 863-6116 - 1310 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH Good luck!

Hi Meliwriter, It is great to see you had a good experience with Dr. Needleman. He did my mom's gastric bypass and she really liked him as well. That is a bummer that you were the only bander in your meetings. I can see how that would be hard because although both are weight loss surgeries, the band definitely is unique. Luckily, my nutrition class was about half banders, so I met people going through the same thing. My experience was that they are moving in more of a direction of focusing more equally on band patients as well as bypass which is a good thing. Heck, when my mom went through the program a few years back, she had no nutritional or bypass education classes offered to her and really struggled in the beginning. She said back then you just had the surgery and that was it, but wished she had more education in order to better prepare for after surgery. She is now doing great though. Hope to see you as well at the next meeting!

Hi Broken Angel, That is awesome your husband is so supportive. My husband has been great as well and I think that is so important to have the spouse and family support. The nutritional classes were easy and informative. Meeting other lap band patients was good. Definitely go to a program that you are most comfortable and I hope to see you next month!

Hey, it was great meeting everyone! You guys really lifted my doubts and answered some great questions I had. I feel really excited about my future and the surgery. I look forward to next month if my schedule allows! Thanks again!

I'll be there as well. The roads seem fine. I look forward to meeting folks!

That would be great to see pictures, Special K! I was wondering what is your snow cancellation policy? I don't mind driving in the snow, but if you cancel, does someone post it on the forum?

Hi Broken Angel, I just finished my last of my six month nutrition classes last night and that is funny you bring up costs because a few of us were just talking about that. So far, from talking to others, the covered costs varies depending on insurance. For instance, I have BCBS, so so far, they have covered all appointments, labs, and nutritional and psych consultations. Of course there were co-pays and deductibles involved, but the appointments were at least covered under my plan. So far, the only thing that insurance won't pay for is the six months of monthly nutritional and pre-op classes that they require before surgery (funny they require it, but won't pay for it :smile2: That was a little costly running around I think $300 for six months. Now the nutrition/pre-op class requirements vary from insurance to insurance. Some are 3 months, some a whole year. Your insurance company or Darren the insurance guy at OSU should be able to tell you what is required. OSU was pretty good about combining appts for me when possible for them and were aware folks had to travel like I did (I live about an hour and 1/2 away). I hope this helps!

That is awesome, Bill! So, your surgery experience with OSU was positive? Who did your surgery? As I get closer, I am getting a little nervous about the surgery and the weeks afterwards!

Hi Candy, So far, my experience with OSU has been positive. I went to a seminar in the summer and called them a few days later to get the process started. My mom had gastric bypass with Dr. Needleman and was really pleased with her care. Dr. Mikami does most of the bands, but I met him when he did my endoscopy (which is somestimes required before surgery for acid reflux patients) and I had a good experience with him. So far, they have done a really good job of walking me through all of the required appointments (which there are a lot of). The best thing I can tell you to do is check with your insurance first to see who are your providers if you haven't done that yet. The only challenge with cincinnati could be all of the pre-op appointments you may have to attend and the travel, but again it may depend on your personal situation. I have heard really good things about Mt. Carmel as well. Let me know if you have other questions!-jenny

Hi Broken Angel, I don't live too far from you...I'm a bit north around the Bucyrus area. I am currently going through OSU's program and will finish my last required nutrition class tomorrow and then if all goes well with the insurance piece, I will have my surgery. I'm thinking of going on Saturday as well since it is hard to connect with other lap band people. Hope to see you there!!

Hi, I don't know if I am posting in the right places and am new to the forum. I was wondering if you are planning on a November meeting? I would love to meet other folks who have had the surgery. Thanks!!