Any Long Islanders?

[503-250 1]

There is some cost involved for the nutritionist and therapist I don't remember exactly but I believe it was 200 each.

I can't tell you how great their staff is, I trust them 100% and I would recommend them to anyone who asks.

Willo and Christine are the backbone of my support system and they are available to us 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. The same goes for the docs and PAs. I'm always happy to answer questions or help in any way I can...please feel free to ask.

[Candle 11]

I think I am going to go to the support group on 9/18 at Dr Geiss's office.

[notmzperfect 0]

I got my banding date today....it's going to be October 29, by Dr. Geiss.

I am so excited. Let the journey begin....

[Sooverit! 1]

I originally was going to have the lap band done by Dr. Ren/Feilding at NYU Med center because Cigna will pay 100 % if done there, but found that Dr. Geiss' office said they don't do fills for other surgeons! I'm nervous that if I have a problem and feel really sick I would have to truck into the city. The surgeon at NYU said it shouldn't be a problem to get fills from LI docs. I am surprised when they all say no!?

[Candle 11]

I originally started the process looking at NYU as well. So much of the band is after care, I decided against all those trips into the city. Then I found Dr Geiss and couldn't be happier with my choice!!! I love all his support staff and they are really the ones I have almost ALL my contact with.

I had to do some fancy foot work to get insurance to pay for my band and for a time was looking at self pay with a surgeon in CO. In my research I found that most (not all) do not like to see patients from other doctors for fills and aftercare. I think you are going to find that to be a problem. That seems to become an issue for a lot of people that go to Mexico.

Good luck

[Sooverit! 1]

Hi Candle how are you? I wonder if things have changed since your banding...actually forgot when you got banded, but I forget everything lately. :cry When I call Dr. Geiss' office it seems every time I call they are so discouraging to me. They first told me a few months ago I wouldn't qualify with a 36 BMI period then they said maybe but it would cost $20,000 out of pocket then now they say $20,000 to $30,000 wow...that would set me back for decades. This makes me want to check out anywhere outside of Long Island ..where I know i would be cheaper...out of pocket that is. I'm so uncomfortable with this weight ...it's all in my stomach and breasts...feel like I'm being choked by them at night! Too bad they only judge BMI not fair!

[only4me 0]

Sooverit, You should go to the Long Island support group. There are a few people who live out here in suffolk that were banded in the city and are very happy with their doctors. You should go to the next one and speak to one of them. The most crucial after care I would say is 1 month after surgery and most people do not have alot of problems, after that you are talking about a trip into the city once ever 6 weeks. Thats 8 trips a year into the city for something that will be paid for 100%---

[Candle 11]

I agree with Anna! The hassle of going into the city is well worth it if your only other option is self pay!!

(Not to mention, NYU has an amazing reputation)

[only4me 0]

Candle- how are you doing. Have you gone for your 2 week post op yet?.. Your progress is amazing.

[Sooverit! 1]

Thanks you for bringing sense into light here for me regarding being banded at NYU. I actually like going into the city and have relatives I can stay with and visit etc. You are right, my only concern though was that if there was an emmergency and I needed un unfill I wouldn't want to go into the city if I felt sick but you're giving me hope that that won't happen too much! Good to hear~ I will try to find the groups thanks!

Hi Candle: How are you doing? Your weight progress is an inspiration! BTW, Cigna pays 100% at NYU....big IF ...I'm approved ...and covers 80% IF I'm approved anywhere on Long Island. Perfect scenario ...I'm approved at NYU and have no problems! Only 3 more months left of PCP supervised diet!

[Ron Cusano 0]

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

Hi All! The next meeting of the L.I. Lap-Band Support Group will be tomorrow, Wed., Wed., Oct. 4th, 7:00 PM at "Samantha's Lil Bit Of Heaven", 287 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731 "Bring Your Own Pot-Luck Dinner"! Very informal - Bring what ever you want to eat, if you so desire! beverages will be provided!

If you have been banded, are waiting to be banded, or are thinking about being banded, then this meeting is for you, and you are most welcome!

This venue provides us with a private meeting area in a setting that allows quiet conversation and sharing. It is comfortable and homey, and is NOT a religious based meeting. If anyone has question, comments, want to get on our e-mail list, or needs directions, please contact me at 631 864-0814 or by e-mail!

Ron

[Candle 11]

Thanks guys - I'm doing great!!

Part of my weight loss was 14lbs on the pre-op diet but I have steadily been losing since surgery as well. I hope I can keep it up. I won't be getting my first fill until the beginning of November. (my doctor does fills at 6 weeks and I'm going on vacation at the 7 week mark. They want me to wait until I get back.)

Two things that I think have really helped me: I been walking A LOT with my dog and I plan out my meals for the day, the night before. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep that up but for now it's really helped me stay on target.

I can go back to "regular" food two weeks from today. I think that going to be a challenge.

[Carolk1 0]

I had my first meeting with Dr. Geiss and his staff today. What a great group of people. Everyone was so nice, much different environment then when I met with a different surgeon 2 weeks ago. I plan to move forward with the surgery and Dr. Geiss. I have been reading and following all of you for months. You've all be a great inspiration. After I got home from my appt today I made all my follow up appts. Most of them will be done next week. By 10/11 I will be completely done with all the pre-op testing. Fortunately, I have a great insurance plan that doesn't require me to jump through hoops so hopefully I'll be banded before the new year. YAY!!!!!!!!!!! The only one set back was I told my husband tonight and his response was don't you want to wait until after the holidays, so it doesn't interfere with anything....??? My first thought was what the F is that all about? I really thought that a little odd/selfish since he claims to be so supportive. I'm excited and hope he understands this is for me and not for anyone else. Then he proceeded to change the topic and whine how he is 30lbs over weight and needs to do something immediately....It's tough trying to go through with life altering decisions with an individual who sees everything as competitive. Did any of you experience this type of issue?

In any event - I can't wait to join my fellow bandsters. I feel like I know a little bit of each of you by reading/following your stories.

[only4me 0]

CarolK1- You sound like you are ready now, If you finish with your testing soon, and your insurance company gives you the go head----then go ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dont wait........The holidays will come and you will be that much more overweight....You still will have the holidays.....just differently! Good Luck

[Ron Cusano 0]

Hi All!

We are having our next meeting of the Long Island Lap Band Support Group in East Northport on the first Wed. of October. All are welcome. If you would like to be added to our e-mail list for announcements, please send me your e-mail address. Blessings,

Ron