Pittsburgh Banders

[Swmcknight 0]

How do you go about signing up for the classes at Mcgee? I've looked around for local classes, as I know a local clinic has offered them before, but the hospital website doesnt have any listed any time soon.

[Swmcknight 0]

Ok, nevermind about my above question.

Went onto the Mcgee website and found the phone number.

Scheduled for the November 19th session with Dr. Hamad.

[KikstersRT 0]

I'm excited....went to class #2 last night...lost 9 pounds since last weigh-in!! Woo hoo

[Colleywobbles30 0]

When you talk about classes? Do you mean the free classes that you start with? I go on Dec 3rd and I'm wondering how many trips to Magee I need to prepare for... I live about 50 minutes away. Ugh.

[KikstersRT 0]

No....I am talking about the 6 months of classes you need to attend prior to surgery. There is a fee associated with the classes/program.

[brez1015 0]

hello everyone,

I went thru the classes and weigh in's for 6 months at magee. there is also a psyc test there and meetings with the nutritionist. as far as pre op tests go. it does depend on your health. myself i had to have a stress test and that was all. the first time i went to the surgeon's office for the consult that is the weight they used too go forward for the 6 months stuff. they review all of that. and the nutritionists review and the psyc eval and then they will schedule your surgery. my doctor's name is carol mcclosky. she is very nice. you might want to check on DR. Hamad. when i was looking for a doctor she was only doing the gastric bypass unless she does the band now. something to check out. good luck in your journey.:thumbup:

[KikstersRT 0]

How long was your psych eval?

[ShiraSimcha 0]

I just want to know how much the Magee classes cost out of pocket. They said at the seminar that there was a fee but they didn't say what it was. :tongue2:

[ShiraSimcha 0]

Well, I answered my own question and for anyone else's information the classes are $20 a class which isn't bad at ALL. When I called to see if I was eligible for the surgery, the very nice chickie on the phone signed me right up for the class. I am going tomorrow to get started on this journey. I can't wait.

[Colleywobbles30 0]

Hello everyone,

I started this journey wanting the Lap Band but after a lot of research, I 've decided to go the route of gastric bypass. I considered a lot of things and with the goals I want to meet and the amount of weight I need to lose I think the bypass is a better option for me.

I wish you all the best of luck on your weight loss journey.

[KikstersRT 0]

Well, I answered my own question and for anyone else's information the classes are $20 a class which isn't bad at ALL. .

$20 a class?? For 6 classes?? That's $120 - not what we had to pay at our first class (for the program).

[mareinpa 0]

I have my nutrition consult on Tuesday at Magee. I am worried about the test that the nutritionist gives. She says one has to score at least 80% on it. I have not taken a test in forty years and I am worried.

Any suggestions? I am reading the nutrtion info given and trying to retain all of it.

[sandi1011 0]

hi,

first off i live in robinson township (NEAR IKEA). i am going to dr ramanthan , from mckee. i am scheduled for surgery (hopefully in end of april).

i have gone thru many tests, they will give you all to do, and yes from sleep study to stress test, so insurance will pay and since it is a elective surgery they put you thru many tests.

i am so excited, i need to lose 90 pounds, so i just make it, i have highmark security blue. they should pay for 100% of surgery.

will keep everyone posted.

(also leslie i sent you a private message, since you went to dr ramanathan)

good luck everyone!

sandi

[sandi1011 0]

hi,

went to nutritionist, she just talked and asked me real easy questions, i don't think you will have problem.

[ksunfire 0]

Hi I am from Pittsburgh also and I am having my surgery tomorrow 2/23/2009 at magee with dr. Ramanathan. Same group with McCloskey and Courcoulis....I am excited and nervous at the same time....