New to the group

[tgolic 0]

Hi all,

My name is Tony Golic and I've just had the Lap Band surgery (9/20/07). My wife was banded in July and we're both looking forward to making the life changes we need to make sure we're here for a long time to come.

I was banded in Charlotte, NC by Dr. Keith Gersin. When I started the process, I was 368 pounds. I'm at 350 pounds now thanks to the pre-op diet.

I am looking forward to "chatting" with you all and encourage anyone to send my a private message if they need anything (advice, an ear to listen, a ride to the airport, whatever) :eek:

Thanks!

Tony

[DonHoll1 0]

Welcome to the site.Hope both you and your wife do well.This is a great support site. Donna

[Thinner me 1]

Welcome Tony and congrats to you and your wife on your bands.

[katiekat22 0]

hi...i'm new to this site and was just wanting to know some basic info. i have a physical on tuesday, and am going to request the lap band. from that point, if it is a go, approximately how long until i would have the surgery?

[Nancy33 0]

I haven't been banded yet but I can sure answer your beginning question! You have a ways to go. At least from my experience. First you have to get the support of your GP usually they are supportive if you have been trying to lose through them for a while. Next they will refere you to a Dr. in your area and then the fun starts. I had to have a psychological eval, meet with the respiratory therapist,and the physical therapist. I met with the dietician about 4 times (one visit each month). I also had to have a gallblader ultrasound, an echocardiogram, a manometry, a gastroscopy and because I'm almost 50 a colonoscopy. Many of these were combined or done on the same day so it wasn't that bad. I pushed things along and scheduled my own appointments when I could such as seeing a dietitcan at a hospital closer to where I live and setting up my own psy eval. This cut down on a lot of waiting time!!! Check with the hospital doing your surgery to see if this is OK. The surgeon and his staff I m using were very complete and I got approved by my insurance right away, even though I was told on the phone that they had a 12 month waiting period, I got approved in 4-5 months from my first appointment with my GP til my surgery date of Oct 3. The time went fast! I'm sure everyone's experience is different but this is how it went for me. Good Luck and I hope the decision you make is the right one for you.

[katiekat22 0]

thanks, nancy...i'll see what the doc says on tuesday.

[Iluvharleys 15]

Welcome to LBT and to bandland! I think it is so neat that the two of you are doing your bands together. How supportive that would be!