Lap-Band in Upstate NY

[hnladue 7]

I dont remember if I had to get that from Shedd..... I started when Dr Glavin was there and he got everything going. Dr D just got to do the surgery!

[bugsbuni70 1]

Im going to talk to my doctor about the lap band. Are there any questions I should ask the doctor and the surgeon?

[barbie1978 22]

the biggest question would be if it is the right decision for you...and does your doctor approve? Some doctors actually lean more towards Gastric Bypass depending on your weight and health....have you read up on the Lap Band?

[runningagain 0]

I've heard/read that placing the band properly is really crucial to having success with the band. So I would ask them what is the most weight they have had someone lose at their center. Post surgery support from them will be important as well. I know there are many other factors that play into it as well, but placement is very important. I'm still trying to decide which surgery is best for me. Good luck in your journey!!

[bugsbuni70 1]

Yeah I have read somethings and I feel this better for me than gastric bypass. I will do my best to let my feelings known about the lap band.

[barbie1978 22]

I understand...when my mom had gastric bypass she wanted me to do it too...but that just seemed too severe for me. Plus now there is so much more information coming out about how after roughly 3 years a lot of people (but not all) start putting weight back on. No thank you. I wouldn't go thru that type of surgery just to gain it all back in a few years...

That is why I started researching Lap Band and I know it's for me. It's permanent Portion Control for LIFE. I'm so excited about the surgery and I wish Preferred Care wasn't so strict because I would LOVE to have the surgery now....it is going to change my life for the better and make me healthier (along with exercise) and that is just so exciting for me!

Goodluck to you and keep us posted!

[hnladue 7]

Got my first fill today.... oye his uses a big needle!!! So far so good!

[gilta 0]

Sorry I was missing for a bit, but went on vacation. I found out my MD is going to have surgery and will be out 6-8 weeks! They offered me to meet with another one of their surgeons, so I meet with him next week. I figure I did not really know the original surgeon, just listened to him for the meeting. If I don't like this new one, I can always switch back!

Ok - so my meeting is on the 28th. I am down 1 lb which is good, so hopefully I will be all set with the insurance. I think my surgery will be mid July now. Hopefully!

How is everyone that had the band recently? All working well?

[hnladue 7]

Just a warning about fills everyone.... They are $150 EACH and are no covered by all insurances.... BCBS will cover about half, preferred care, nothing!! *At least Dr. D's office told me this yesterday*

We might want to start calling our ins co and say, you cover the surgery, but not the maintenance?? It's like not covering the perscriptions for a heart patient! Or the battery for their pacemaker.... oye.

[barbie1978 22]

wow...good to know....at least we don't need fills constantly....

Was the needle that bad? I'm terrified of needles!

[barbie1978 22]

i'm stressing about my paperwork. My PCP doesn't have my immunization records (don't know how that happened) so how am I supposed to fill out all this paperwork?? I'm so confused....

[barbie1978 22]

ok so my first appointment with Dr D is tomorrow!!!! I'm BEYOND excited! I'm jsut waiting to hear from my old pediatrician and high school records department....i have to get my immunization records from them! At least I can fax it over asap......just wish I had them now....wish me luck!!! :sad:

[Melissa3 0]

Hey...while you're there ask them how far out they are booking their surgeries right now :lol Be sure to report back :sad:

[barbie1978 22]

ok so i LOVED the PA (Karen?)!!!! She was amazing...thinks i'm a perfect candidate, highly motivated and that I'll do really well....she made me feel so comfortable!

Dr. D was amusing It's nice to be able to joke and be sarcastic with your surgeon...at least I think so! AND I have all of my appointments set up....Psych eval in June...sleep study and second Dr. D appointment followup in August....bloodwork done some time before that (my discretion)....and they didnt' think I needed to go to the Nutrition appointment b/c of Beyond Diets but she said to call anyways closer to being finished....

I'm FINALLY on my way!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!! :biggrin:

Heather how are you feeling with your first fill??

[hnladue 7]

I'm ok with the fill!! Not really too much of a difference. It does slow me down a little. pineapple is a little difficult, but I just need to chew and slow down.