MrsLD

I have searched the forums but haven't found many recent posts about experiences with Dr. Robert Pinnar. Has anyone gone to him recently? I have my initial consultation with him on Tuesday and do not know what to expect. I'm not sure how long it will take and the various things that will be addressed. The drive to his office is about an hour each way for me so I want to try and reduce the # of times I have to make it!! Any help is greatly appreciated :thumbup: Even if you had your surgery done by him a while ago, I would love to hear about your experience! Thanks in advance!!

Hi Everyone, Sorry if there are other posts about this. I've tried using the search feature but haven't found any similar threads. Like many others, I was originally set on lap-band surgery. I went to my consultation, the surgeon said I was a good candidate and it looks as though my insurance will be approving the procedure (I have Federal BCBS). I starting reading more and more stories about complications after lap-band surgery, I really thought hard about all the doctors visits for fills and unfills, and not to mention all the extra expense of it all (time away from work, $ for the appointments, $ for gas, etc.). After researching and talking to more people about VSG, I really think it would be a better option for me. My question, then, is if I get insurance approval for lap-band surgery, would another request need to be made specifically for the VSG? To complicate it further, the surgeon who was going to do my lap-band doesn't perform VSG so I will have to change surgeons. Has anyone else gone through this? I am curious about the process and all that is involved with switching procedures (and surgeons) after insurance approval. Thanks!! ~Laura

Dr. Pinnar was great. I met him and Sue. I didn't have a chance to meet Paul, though. Sue and I must have talked for at least 45 minutes. She was great. Sue weighed me and Dr. Pinnar did a quick exam. Sue also called my insurance company the next day and got the approval! Now I'm just waiting on the official letter.:biggrin:

I had my appointment on Tuesday and it went really well. I met with a nurse and the surgeon who both agreed that I would be a good candidate. The nurse called my insurance on Wednesday and received an approval! I am waiting to receive the official approval letter in the mail before scheduling the few appointments I need. Hopefully I will get to pick a date soon!

Thanks for the suggestions! Hopefully I will get the official approval letter in the mail soon so I can chat with the other surgeon on Monday!

I got a confirmation over the phone today that I was approved for the lap-band surgery. Maybe once I get the approval letter I will have a better understanding of whether I can switch to VSG with a new surgeon!

I'm 5'1" and currently 188 pounds. I don't have a surgery date yet but hope to have one soon!

Thanks for the info! I was hoping that there would be a little more to the 1st appointment. Oh well. I guess I'll find out everything tomorrow!

Thank you for your response! Congratulations on your surgery date :thumbup:. Hopefully I won't be too far behind you! I guess I'm just not sure what to expect on the first visit. Will they weigh me, do blood work and discuss any other appointments that I might need to satisfy my insurance requirements? The receptionist said the appointment will be about an hour... I would like to keep in touch with you!!

That's how I feel as well. This is such a major decision and I am glad you all are here for support!!

Thank you for your post and congratulations on all of your success! I am at the beginning of the process and hope to be as successful as you :thumbup:

Welcome to the group! :thumbup: So, I am curious.... has anyone else contemplated having a vertical sleeve gastrectomy instead of the lap-band at all? For me, the thought of having 85% of my stomach taken out scares me but at the same time, for some people having something foreign in your body is scary as well. I am moving forward with going the lap-band route but was just curious about your opinions.

Thank you for your post and congratulations on your weight loss success! I am still early on in the process so there are so many uncertainties right now. Thank you for offering to answer any questions!!

I just got a call from the surgeon's office (that I was meeting with tomorrow for my initial consult) and was informed that the surgeon is out of network so none of his costs would be covered under my insurance plan. Although it really frustrates me that I have had this appointment for over a month and they waited until today to let me know, I am glad that I didn't get stuck with a bill that I would have had to pay out of my pocket! I called my insurance company and got a name of an in-network surgeon, did some research, and now have an appointment with him this Tuesday 9/21!! I am anxious already. I can't imagine how anxious I will be when waiting on approval from my insurance!!

I really hope everything ends up working out. I have a bmi on the lower side so will need to have qualifying comorbidities in order to get approved. I haven't had a real thorough check-up / physical in so long!

One of the surgeons in my area offers a free informational gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy webinar about twice a month. It lasted close to 2 hours and was extemely informative. After participating in the webinar I decided to schedule a consultation with the surgeon. I am hoping everything goes well. The consultation supposedly lasts about 4 hours and includes education on preoperative requirements, weight loss programs components, support, and an overview of our nutrition guidelines; a review of health history and the risks of surgery; a physical examination; and a review of insurance benefits. I noticed that you have BCBS. I have Federal BCBS so I am hoping everything will go through alright! I am also a mommy :thumbup:. I have a little girl who is 2 years old.

Hi All, Unfortunately my primary care physician is not a fan of weight loss surgery. I asked him whether or not he would recommend lap band and his response was that he does not recommend it for any of his patients. So, I am curious if there is anyone on here that has a primary care physician in Montgomery County MD (or even Frederick MD) that has recommended weight loss surgery. Thanks in advance for the help!

Bry, Thank you so much for your recommendation. I was surprised that my PCP wasn't a fan of weigh loss surgery. I do have a consultation with a surgeon this Thursday so I will see whether or not he needs information or a letter from a physician. I definitely have a long history of weight problems as well as a laundry list of programs that I have tried. Thanks again!!

Best of luck tomorrow!

Hi there I am going for my consultation this thursday 9/16/10. I participated in a webinar on 8/11/10 and this Thursday was my first opportunity to go in for a consult due to work obligations. So, I don't have a surgery date but would love to be a part of your group!