What Up Jersey!

[cakelly73 28]

Awesome! I was so glad when he came to Bayshore. When i had my surgery in aug. he wasnt doing surgeries at Bayshore yet so i was trekking back and forth to Montclair for al the pre-op visits, and surgery. I go now to Bayshore for my 6 week fills. He is awesome! Both me and my husband are patients, and about 10 of my husbands co-workers as well. How are you doing so far Meredith?

[MeredithMcFee 98]

Yes, I was lucky, he was at Bayshore already. My husband has his surgery don 4 weeks ago today. Still not filled yet. He went last night for follow up and goes back in two weeks for his fill.

I think we're very lucky to have someone like Dr. Strom and his entire staff so close by. When I hear some of the stories of those who have their fills by PA's {nothing against them} however, I like my surgeon to do the fill since he knows where he put it. Also, some go to the Dr's office, get the fill there, then go to the nearby hospital, have the barium and then back to dr's office if it's not the right amount, etc etc etc. Like I said before, one stop shopping. :-D

[alexd 12]

I'm feeling great, but hungry, can't wait to get a fill in few weeks. Started yesterday c25k and feeling good, besides the port tugging sometimes, called Dr.'s office and nurse Toni if you remember her said its normal so I will have to deal with it. So far I'm happy with my decision, lost over 30lbs(see ticker) and few pant sizes already.

[cakelly73 28]

Yes i rememebr Toni, i met with her early on in this proces.,I am getting my 4th fill next week. I think i am almost at that "green" zone, or whatever they call it. I am slowing starting to not feel hungry at all, and almost have to remind myself to eat. I have pretty good restriction, but i think a pinch more will do it. I do love the fact that Dr. Strom does the fills himself. I am still amazed at how quickly he finds the port!

[MyTurn 4]

I'm from Somerset and was banded 10/08. Lost 60 lbs. and gained 40 lb back .... Starting back to support groups and getting my head around a low carb food program.

I have meetings the 2nd and 3rd weeks of the month. Looking for something the 1st and 4th weeks of the month.

Any chance we are going to have a meet up? I'm interested.

[MyTurn 4]

Hi, from Somerset!! Hope everyone is doing well. I had a real good run for 5 weeks then dropped the ball this weekend. However, I am back on track and hopeful that, one day at a time, my resolve will reappear and stay with me for a loooong time.

I have an appt with my dr. in September for lab work and to schedule a fill!!

Best to all!!

[Asherscrashers 43]

hey all! sorry i haven't been here in so long! But i have been struggling lately haven't lost anything in a couple months. I think my old eating ways are trying to creep in. I need to get back on track and excercise more and eat less

[Daisy1244 36]

Hi, I am stating the process with dr reich in manahawkin nj. My surgery date is set for dec 14. So right now I am going to all the doctors. If anyone out there wants to share any info I'm all wars. I have been looking at lbt fow awhile and in mid august went ton the surgeon office to speak with him. I was surprised how quick everything got starred. I explained to him although my bmi is around 35 I do not have leep apnea, high bp or diabetes. But dr. Reich feels that my insurance company will approve it. I have blue cross blue shield. He says they are not one of the more difficult insurance companies to get an approval. So if any you nj peeps out there who want to share your experiences please do so!

[MeredithMcFee 98]

Hi Daisy. Welcome to the group here. I had my surgery in Jan by Dr. Reich's and partner, Dr Strom at Bayshore Hospital in Holmdel. I actually saw Dr. Reich this summer down in Manahawkin for an unfill as well as Dr. B. Both doctors and their staff there were very accomodating and extremely friendly.

My BMI was around 37, no high BP, diabetes, any meds, other then thyroid and bad knees for the most part. My ins is also Horizon Blue Cross {Direct} and they had no problem getting the insurance precerted and covered 100%.

Can I ask why so long for your surgery date?

[Daisy1244 36]

Hi,

Thanks for responding. Sounds like you were in the same boat as I am in. First when I went for the consultation they asked me what date I wanted. I must say I was a little shocked because I was not expecting to seethe doctor and get the ball rolling. I really don't know what I expected to be honest. So I have almost two weeks off in December and I have a job that requires me to be on my feet all day long so I decided to take the later date. I was looking to change it but decided against it and keep the Dec date. I also have direct access. I have to go for a sleep apnea test and a endoscope of my stomach. That is pretty soon. Not crazy about the endoscope but the doctors said it has to be done. Did you have to have this?

[Asherscrashers 43]

dr reich moves stuff along right away i love that about them b/c i tried a different hospital first and they didn't do that

[MeredithMcFee 98]

Hi Daisy,

I understand when it comes to work, most times it dictates our schedules. Being a surgical scheduler myself, I'm use to telling the patients the first available date. I, too, was surprised when they asked us {DH & me} when we wanted it. I had heard it could be months and months before surgery, we were surprised to get dates 6-8 weeks after our initial visit. Believe it or not, we could've had it earlier but it was during the holidays and knew we couldn't get all the pre-testing appts sooner with offices taking off.

Don't fret about the endoscopy. It is NOTHING! You're in a twilight sleep and come out rested and ready to go. We didn't require the sleep apnea test but all the other testing was required. I found them to be extremely thorough throughout the whole process making sure all medical clearances were done.

Daisy, you're in good hands with this entire group of professionals. Good luck!

[Daisy1244 36]

Well thanks for all the info. It means a lot to me. I know 4 people who went through this process. Two did very well two did not. I am opting for not telling anyone except my husband. It is not easy but I feel at this time this is best for me. So I love these forums even more so and I lov the nj one because I feel you all cn relate. Please all keep and stay in touch with me!

[Feb 11]

Hey guys. I'm in Bergen county. Was banded 2 years ago and I'm about to have revision surgery. Good times.

Faith

[Daisy1244 36]

Congrats