UMass Medical Center Bandsters

[amm.imperial 1]

Mary, I missed this huge event in your life. WAY TO GO!!!!!

[lpglarry 1]

hey girl your here thats whats important, keep your head up high, and we are here to help if we can, i really like u mass i love the dr.s ,the support groups, dieticians, i am getting banded 12/7/2009 i was told to be ther 5 45 a.m i am so ready good luck ,see you online or at a support class larry

[amm.imperial 1]

How did it go yesterday, Larry?

Did you stay overnight? You probably aren't home yet. :-)

[lpglarry 1]

hey sorry i am doing ok thanks,surgery went well, i went in for 5.45 a.m got home at 3 p.m took 2 percosetes went sleep, i am a little sore,but doing good thanks ..

[manseaud 0]

I have my very first meeting with a UMass Dr. 12/17. They told me at the orientation meetings that it is a 6-9 month process.

[manseaud 0]

Hi lgplarry!

How are you doing? Did you still get banded on 12/7??

[lpglarry 1]

yes i was banded everything went well, i am still uncomfortable but it/s only 2 days, have u been to the meetings yet????

[manseaud 0]

Yes. I have been to the introductory meeting and one of the group meetings with people who have had the surgery. I had my first appointment with a doctor in the Weight center at UMass this past Friday. She says I'm candidate for the surgery and has set up an appointment with a nutritionist and psychologist for Febraury '10.

[lpglarry 1]

hey i got banded on 12/7, thanks i am doing really good,,, i had not to much pain, I lost 18 lbs since ii got banded.. met with dr kelly/s assistance she look at my wound said it was ok ,then i met with nutrionist and i am on a mshie diet now, i can have soft fish,soft foods, it is so easy to get my Protein now i can eat.. I was at u mass monday,,for check up... hey if u want anything please feel free to ask me . i will help if i can,,, so where you from???I live leominster.thanks and happy holiday Larry

[khath0620 20]

Hi there...I saw this UMass Medical Center Bandsters thread and wanted to ask a few questions. I have my introductory meeting next week and am really looking forward to it. I have been in Overeaters Anonymous for 1 year now, been seeing a therapist for 2 1/2 yrs, and have been working with a nutritionist for 6 months. I just saw my PCP and she has approved me to go ahead with the process. I have a BMI of 41 and have been struggling w/ high BP. I feel like I have made a great start and am ready to take this journey.

My question is how long does this process usually take to get to get a surgery date? I have already called my insurance (BC/BS of MA) and they said that all I have to do is submit a medical authorization form. What steps do I have to do with the Weight loss center in order to get my consult w/ a surgeon? any suggestions for a surgeon?

I know there are a lot of questions but I don't want to go into this blindly.

Thanks,

:smile2:Katie

[khath0620 20]

I have my very first meeting with a UMass Dr. 12/17. They told me at the orientation meetings that it is a 6-9 month process.

So do you know if I have already done a lot of the prep work outside of the Weight Loss Center, is the wait still that long??? I have been seeing a nutritionist for 6 months, a therapist for 2 1/2 yrs, have had a gym membership (and attending regularly) for almost a year, etc....

Thanks, Katie

[lpglarry 1]

I waited almost a year from my intro meeting to surgery,, but they have other meeting you need to schedule like meeting with psych ologist, nutrionist,physicals, and meeting with sureons,, I was so impressed wit u mass,, they make sure you understand what your in for, and they give you all the support you need.. i will be next door at the support meeting next to your meeting,, they run support group meeting once month last thursday at 6 p.m,, girl good luk i am here if u need to ask anything ..dr.kelly is awsum

[khath0620 20]

Thanks, Larry! Do you know if you had to wait longer for Dr. Kelly or is it that the program makes you wait that long? I was hoping to take "1st available" pre-surgical appointments with the specialists you listed to expedite the process. I am really looking forward to this meeting and getting the process underway!

:wub: Katie

[manseaud 0]

HI Kath:

I started the program in Dec 2009, had my first intake appointment with a weight center doc., then met with the psychologist, both cleared me for the surgery. Now I have to meet with the nutritionist and sign up for two separate classes; one a behavioral class and the other a nutrition class. After these are done, I have to go backto the psychologist and doc.,' then hopfully I will be able to see a surgeon. The whole program takes about 6-9 months to complete.

[lpglarry 1]

i may have waited few weeks longer for dr. kelly but they are all good, O can tell you they try to talk you into the bypass surgery instead of the band,, so ask around i am glad i chose the band,, it is a slower loss of weight but much safer