My journey begins

PugMaster · August 23, 2006

Hello everyone.

I have been researching LAP-BAND surgery for longer than I care to admit (would you believe nearly two years). This is my first post.

About three months ago I decided it was time to get off my over-sized posterior and take action. With the full support of my PCP I started the 3-month multi-disciplinary program required by my insurance company. I continued to research local surgeons and narrowed my choice to Dr. Michael Schweitzer in Baltimore and Dr. Eric Pinnar in Reston. I attended Drs. (Dr. Eric practices with his father, Robert) Pinnar’s seminar last Tuesday evening and I had my consultation with the program director and with Dr. Eric last Thursday. The seminar lasted more than two and a half hours and covered every aspect of the surgery. Given all the research I had done, I didn’t learn very much about the surgery, itself, but the seminar was very, very thorough and well done. Most importantly from my perspective, the doctor, his staff and three of his patients described in detail the extensive pre-operative, after-care and continuing support that, in their minds, is the key to success with the LAP-BAND. Frankly, I had never thought that much about after-care. I knew I would need to have fills but the importance of full-fledged after-care and continuing support had escaped me.

The program director, Sue, and Dr. Eric also emphasized the importance of the program, not the surgery, during the almost two hours I spent with them for the initial consultation. I can’t even begin to describe how impressed I was with Dr. Eric, his staff, his concern for his patients as people, his commitment to the LAP-BAND and his program. He made my decision an easy one: on Friday, I cancelled my appointment for an initial consultation with Dr. Schweitzer.

So my journey begins. Next week I start the psychological evaluation and other testing Dr. Eric requires of all patients.

I will keep you posted on my progress. Please keep a good thought.

momsue · August 23, 2006

Hi pugmaster,

I found your post quite interesting. My daughter was banded a few month's ago and unfortunately the pre-op consultation and post -op follow upa were not what we had hoped for. In short she was hoping for a little more interaction with the surgeon and there was none. That was the only thing missing through this whole thing.

She is now almost 3 months into her banding and down almost 26 lbs. with a 6 c.c. fill but would like to have more interaction with the doctor.

Does your doctor have a website?

What unsurace plan do you have.

thanks and hope I don't sound to nosy. I am planning on having my own banding in 2007 and Reston is not far from home.

thanks!

:scalesno:

PugMaster · August 23, 2006

Hi momsue,

Dr. Pinnar's website is http://www.pinnarsurgical.com. The next seminar is on September 6th. You need to make a reservation.

My insurance is Aetna Choice POS II. Aetna started covering the LAP-BAND in March of this year.

Don't worry about being too nosy. Questions are good. Answers might be bad but questions are good.

AnotherMe · August 25, 2006

Pugmaster,

Welcome to LBT! It sounds like you have an incredible Dr and staff.. Sometimes we (as patients) are so excited to learn about this procedure, that we don't think past how soon we can get it, how to qualify, and what surgery will be like.

The aftercare IS so important because you need to have the ability to call with any questions or concerns, or just to be able to get in for routine fill appointments. I had surgery 10 months ago, WLS was not covered by insurance so I decided to self pay and the main reason why I chose a local doc ($15k) over a going to Mexico ($7-9k) was because I felt I needed the ability to make a appt for an office visit, a fill, or any sickness/illness etc related to my band.

It sure sounds like you're on the right track, and after a few more tests you'll have a date. congratulations! Keep us posted.

I wish you all the best,

Karla