AMB

Hello. I'm still gathering tests for co-morbidities, psych evaluations, etc. before even submitting my application to New Start. I understand that the file doesn't even go to the surgeon for review until everything is included. IF I get approved, what "pre-op" tests happen that I haven't already had and who does them? I asked someone at New Start, but haven't gotten the answer back.

Hi Mary. I have never met Dr. Fowell, but he will be assisting in my surgery. I switched gears. I'm going with a newer procedure, called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. New Start is just beginning to perform this procedure, so you may not have heard about it yet. Anyway, Dr. Richardson is the lead surgeon for me, and I like him. I'm sorry I can't give you any info on Dr. Fowell. Good luck with everything. Ann

Hi there. I've also read that the MGB isn't the best of the options. I only know of one person who had it. She lost the weight, but was in the hospital for unidentifiable abdominal pain. Obesity Help website has lots of information and message boards on all of the weight loss surgeries. I have just been approved for the band, but the surgeon is beginning to to the VSG (vertical sleeve gasectromy) and it sounds like a great alternative to the band, so I'm looking into that before making final decision on which way to go. What kind of problems are you having? Ann

Has anyone gone through New Start at St. Alexius Hospital. I went to a seminar with Dr. Norbert Richardson and am looking into lap band surgery with him but do not find a lot on OH website or Lap Band Talk. Thanks for your comments. Ann

I believe you will do it this time. Best of luck to you and please keep posting. Ann

Krystal, your honesty and candor is a blessing to anyone struggling with their weight - with WLS or without. Thank you for sharing your story and I will pray for you to succeed. I can see my own personality traits coming through in your story. I'm not through the insurance process yet, but I'm already worried about failure and the horrible thought of the pre-op liquid diet. I don't know HOW I'll do that.

Krystal, I am also in South County. Hoping to be banded. Why do you think it didn't work the first time? I recently started looking at the Vertical Sleeve procedure. Anyone have comments about that? Ann

That's great news Jennifer!!!! Keep us posted. Ann

Coolbrez84. I might have responded to your message privately (not too good with this PM stuff). Anyway, if I messed it up....my insurance is CMR through Carpenters Health & Welfare. One thing I've noticed about New Start, is that they seem understaffed administratively, so calling them with basic questions doesn't get you too far. You may already know this, but the Psych evaluation has to be done before the surgeon reviews your file. My insurance didn't cover that....$300 out of pocket. I had a sleep study and blood work done. I'm waiting for my PCP to send her letter to New Start. Once she does, my file will go to the surgeon for review. If surgeon approves me as candidate....New Start will send a letter of "medical necessity" to my insurance company....if/when the insurance company approves me, New Start will set up consultation with the surgeon and I guess a surgery date would be arranged at or after the consultation. Does this answer some of your questions....if more, keep on asking. Ann

Jennifer, Congratulations! You must be so excited! Keep us posted on your progress. Ann

The seminar is an overview of the gastric bypass & lap band surgeries. They do have a time for Q&A at the end of the presentation, but the questions asked/answered are fairly general. Some good questions were asked, but most discussion and interest is really geared toward the by-pass.

Is high cholesterol typically considered a co-morbidity?

Thanks, both lists are helpful. Ann

Thanks for answering. Looks like you're doing great! Ann

I don't fully understand how the band works....mainly doesn't the bottom part of your stomach (below the band) feel hungry all the time? I asked at a seminar how that works....Dr. responded that he didn't know, but that it works. Anyone know the answer to that? Thanks, Ann

Thank you for your responses. I guess you all agree with the Dr. that it does work....so you're not feeling hungry all the time?

I'm just curious as to the reasons people chose one surgery over the other. My BMI is under 40, so I'm not even sure I will get approved, but I'm trying to compare the 2 surgeries. Also, does anyone know where long term statistics on lap band and RNY can be found? Thanks, Ann

Great points, most of your reasons were in line with what I'm thinking. I need to lose - doesn't have to be overnight, mostly need to quit gaining. My problem is that I can really put away the food. I also have children 6 & 7 years old - need to be around for them for awhile. Sorry, I'm new to this message board stuff - I didn't realize until after I posted that I should have posted to a different thread. Thanks for your answers.