Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Sacramento Area Bandsters?



Recommended Posts

Looking for support in the Sacto area!

Was banded 10/20 by Dr. Machado

I live in Citrus Heights - Work in the Arden area

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

I live near Lake Berryessa in Napa county not to far from you. I was banded by Dr. Kuri January 11th 2003. I am also in need of support and look forward to talking to you more. Good luck with your weight loss. Jessica

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

I just sent you an email, but will also reply here in case the email doesn't go through.

My name is Mercy and I was banded this past February in Roseville by Dr. Waldrep. I have a small Yahoo group for local Sacramento Bandsters. Our group have been banded by different Drs, a couple were even banded in Mexico.

We meet once a month for lunch. We are meeting a week from Saturday on November 19th in the Natomas area. Here is the link to join our group:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ Sacramento_Valley_Bandsters/

(Remove the space before the "S" in Sacramento, I had to put a space there, otherwise, the forum goblins would eat the link.)

Please feel free to share this link with other local pre or post-op local bandsters.

Mercy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hey there! I live in Vallejo, and was banded by dr. Kuri July 12th--there are some other support groups on yahoo too. I even started one--still small yet when I first got banded because I couldn't find anything in northern california--turns out they are there--just harder to find than all the socal ones. anyhow--love to chat with ya anytime--

shrina

7/12/05 Dr. Kuri

274/230/125-150

fills: Dr. McKeen (san jose) 3 --2.4cc current total in a 4cc capacity 9.75ml inamed band

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest cali4101

Hello fellow Sacramentans!

I am just starting the long process of being approved for the Lap Band.. My Dr. is Dr. Patching and I have Healthnet for insurance. My BMI is 41 - and I CANT wait for that to change!!! Any advice is welcome!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My band will take place in early April 2008. I live in Elk Grove (Sacramento County). I would like to find a support group for banders. One that does not criticize the band approach rather than the gastric bypass approach. Any assistance would be appreciated.:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm so glad this popped up in the threads again. Looks like an old one that's been revived.

I would LOVE to find some local support in Sacramento.

I just submitted a request to join the Yahoo groups mentioned above.

Let's keep this one rolling.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Looking for support in the Sacto area!

Was banded 10/20 by Dr. Machado

I live in Citrus Heights - Work in the Arden area

I live in Elk Grove and hope to be banded by late March or Early April 2008. My last psyche consult is this Friday. Its great to know that there are other banders in the Sacramento Area.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Morningoasis811. I live in Elk Grove and notice you had Dr. Fuller at UCD Med Group as your surgeon? I, too, have UCD as my med group (Anthem Blue Cross). I have an appointment with my PCP mid-March and was wondering if you have any advice? I've done some research and will ask for a referral to Drs. Ali and/or Fuller at UCD. I called Anthem BC to see what my coverages were but they told me I had to go through the medical group. I have a relatively low BMI of 35 and am concerned I may not be big enough for the surgery? I do have high BP (already on meds) and high cholesterol, so I'm somewhat optimistic I will qualify. Thanks for any advice. Best of luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi 65toGo,

Yes, I had my lapband surgery done by Dr. fuller at UCD in October of 2007.

I had Healthnet at the time and everything was covered. I was worried of course but the gals at the clinic assured me that I'd be good. I had previously lost weight using OA and was supervised by my PCP so that helped (even though I gained it all back) my case AND my BMI was over 40. So I'm not sure for you since every insurer is different. But if the surgeon feels that you're a candidate I know they will fight for you. They seem to do a good job of making a case for you. If you have co-morbidities (bp and such) you might be good. I know the band is preferred for lower BMI's in general I guess...

Word of caution to you though, UCD is not Pro-Band. I had to fight pretty hard for mine. I think I was only the 8th band they did. Usually they do the band as a back up if you are not considered a good candidate for bypass. Feel free to message me with questions along the way or let me know how your experience is going.

If you do get the band through them, Dr fuller himself does all the fills. The nurses are great. I go in once a month for an adjustment.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.

Emily~

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

65togo

Just thought I'd jump in. I'm in central CA but my mom lives in the Sac area. She had GBS through UCD with Dr. Ali and loved him. I don't know how he is with LBS but she was thrilled with her experience with him and his staff. Thought I'd let you know.

Best wishes in your journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Emily and Heartfire, thanks for the advice. I did read on the UCD web site they perform the RNY procedure with no mention of the band. That's too bad. As long as I can handle NO, it never hurts to ask though, right? :)) If I do have WLS, I absolutely do not want the bypass procedure. It's just too invasive.

I've lost 51 lbs. on my own (it's taken me three long years) and if I am denied by insurance, or UCD will only perform the RNY procedure, I will continue on my path until I reach my goal. I may never reach what the BMI charts suggest is a healthy weight, but I will reach a reasonable weight for my frame.

Thanks again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to the seminar for Dr Ali @UCD, and walked out because of how negative he was about the band. Personally I didn't want to fight that hard for a surgery that the surgeon didn't believe in. I didn't want him to say "told you" if I had a complication....

I was banded 2/11 by Dr Koura out of the methodist hospital. I look forward to meeting a support system here in town.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Sacramento Area Bandsters---

I am scheduled for surgery on March 25th. My surgeon is Dr. Waldrep with SALSA. On Saturday my husband and I are attending the support group for Waldrep. According to their staff they can have 50-70 in attendance. Is anyone else seeing Dr. Waldrep?

Michelle

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello All:

My name name is Reg Toran and I am waiting to be schuled for my band

surgery. I plan to be be banded at the Kaiser Hospital in Fremont,CA.

I have been advised that I will probably have the surgery late April or

early May 2008. I am new to this group and sometimes it is easier to

ask questions and get info in person rather than rely on e-mails.

After some input from several members, I would like to schedule a

support meeting on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 1:30 PM, at my home:

3551 Marsh Creek Way

Elk Grove, CA 95758

916-897-9432 (Home); 916-558-1804 (Mon - Thurs before 3:00 PM; or 916-

203-0463. E-mail: spartans818@... or rtoran@...

If attendees provide the beverages, I will provide the food. If people

have special diets, please let me know. If this date is acceptable and

you would like to attend, please RSVP by March Tuesday, March 24.

I look forward to meeting you and hosting this meeting.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BlondePatriotInCDA

      I'm officially no longer "obese" and now classified as "overweight!" Years ago when I was 108 lbs (my old adult holding weight until the last 10 years) would I have ever thought there would come a day that I'd celebrate being "overweight!" 
      I hit my one year surgery anniversary next Wednesday (August 21st, 2023) and just so happen to have my final bariatric clinic check up on the same day. I'm looking forward to seeing my surgeon and being officially released into the wild! 😋
      I'm curious as to what my labs will say, especially since they told me to not take my vitamins a few days before the labs. To be honest, I find this confusing since the whole point of taking vitamins is to keep your stats within normal ranges - to assure they're working as intended, yet since I quit taking them it will show I need to take them..so I'll hear "make sure to take your vitamins!" A vicious circle. Who knows why?!
      Anyway, I have 40lbs to go to meet my goal and I'm really hoping I can do it in the next 6 months (for a total of 18 months post surgery). At my starting weight the charts show only 20% reach their goal within 18 months with a starting weight of 259 the day of surgery. I'd like to add that to achieved goals. Fingers crossed!
      I'm amazed and thankful for everyone here on these forums who've supported me, answered my questions and understood the plight! Thank you all, you know who you are.
      · 2 replies
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done!

      2. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Thank you! I appreciate the feedback and support.

    • BlondePatriotInCDA  »  Crayon

      Welcome to the bariatric forums!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • juliie

      Good morning all, how long did it take insurance to approve you?
      · 5 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Once it was submitted, not long at all. Just a few days, I think. But my surgeon's office didn't submit it until all my requirements were met, which included psych eval, dietician meetings, a certain number of visits, bloodwork, etc. As long as you've checked all the right "boxes" they require, the approval process should be very standard and easy. Your surgeon's office should know exactly what you need to get approved.

      2. juliie

        good morning , I just need one more clearance from the insurance requirements which is my basic nutrition class , and that's on the 26th of this month. I have BCBSMI insurance. my surgeon said it usually takes 4-6 weeks for them to approve but can be sooner

      3. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Once I completed all the insurance/program requirements - about a week. It seemed fairly quick, but I also contacted my insurance company several times to confirm all the requirements I needed to satisfy there paperwork machine and also nudge (nag squeaky wheel) them 😋 ! Also, my bariatric clinic is/was on top of it.

      4. juliie

        @BlondePatriotInCDA thanks, I have BCBSM hopefully it doesn't take them long to approve me, i just need one more clearance from their requirements. wow a week ? that was fast ,have you had yours yet?

      5. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Yes, my one year anniversary is this Wednesday. It will go quickly, it may not seem like it now..but trust me it will. I have BCBS as well. Good luck, you can do this!

    • rsmith2593

      I has my Ru &Y July 7, 2013.  I was 389 lbs on surgery day.  I am now 198.  I feel so much better ! I can keep up with my grand kids ages 3,3,4,8 and 13
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Long whine alert - I'm really disappointed! I saw my primary Dr last month and told her I wanted WLS and she was all for it. Said that I had to do the 6 month supervised diet for my insurance and a boatload of other tests. Ok. I understand. She started my 6 month diet last month and sent a referral to the bariatric surgeon. MY plan was to do the supervised diet, then at the end of the 6 months in January, do all the other tests...sleep study, endoscopy, ekg, psych, nutritionist, etc. because all of that would get my insurance deductible met, then have surgery in February or March. Since my deductible would be met, I'd only be paying my 20% coinsurance by then. Got the call from the bariatric surgeon's office on Friday and was told that THEY are the ones that will do my 6 month supervised diet. I explained that my primary Dr already had me on it for a month but they said everything will go thru them. Ok. I understand. So I explain about wanting to complete the diet first, then do all the other testing (because I don't want to have to pay my deductible twice by paying for all that stuff now, & then it starts over in January) but she tells me that they do the testing while I'm doing the diet. That means that I cannot even start their bariatric program until January! They made my first appt for Jan 9th & that's when the 6 month diet will start with them & they'll submit to insurance for approval in June & I would have surgery in July. Man!!! That's almost a year from now! All because I don't want to pay $4500 now, than have to pay it again in January. I don't understand why they won't let me diet now & do the other tests at the end.
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        Before you assume that the testing will take your full deductible, I would make some calls to your insurance. I have a 3k deductible and my portion of the bloodwork was nowhere close to that even though I assumed it would be. I think my copays ended up being around $1k or less for all the preliminary tests. And remember, you will have extensive bloodwork multiple times after surgery, so there may be no way to get it all into one calendar year. Also, you might look into financing options through your hospital. Mine allowed me to put the $3k I owed after the surgery (because yeah, that did max out my deductible for this year) on a 24-month no-interest payment plan. Depending on your options, it may be affordable enough that you can book your appointment sooner and get this whole thing going instead of having to wait almost a full year to have your surgery.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×