Charlottesville Area Lap Band Support Groups

[Short n' Sassy 0]

I second what Mecia said. Dr. Trahan and staff are wonderful. I am so glad I had the surgery. My bmi has gone from 38 to 31. Yeaaaah!

I know you are anxious. We all were, but soon you will be on the other side with us. I feel better than I have for years and you will too. I was amazed at how well I felt following the surgery. I've had 2 prior surgeries and this recuperation was by far much easier. I had no problem going back to work in 2 weeks. I've only been to 1 support group meeting. I ride to work with my husband, so it is hard to stay in town for the meetings. I need to work it out so that I can go more.

The best part of all, I finally enjoy shopping for clothes again.

[Keswick Lady 0]

Hi is the group still meeting ? Was just banded almost a month ago and would love to have a support system here! Love the forum, it has been so helpful. I live in Keswick, about 15minutes east of Charlottesville. Pam

[Roses4me 10]

I do not know, I have not had any luck with the support groups. I have been unable to call in for the most part. I need to give it another chance.

[SusanC is ready 0]

Hey! Its good to see some fellow Charlottesvillians...lol! I too, had my surgery by Dr. Trahan at Martha Jefferson on 11/17/09! He and his staff are awsome.I had my first fill 12/30/09 and it was not at all like some horror stories I had heard. Actually it was pretty easy and painless!I have gone to some of the support groups in the evenings and they were pretty informative. Best of luck on your journeys and keep in touch!

[JennyVA 0]

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since I visited this board and it's nice to see some people in the Cville area now. I had my surgery with Dr. Trahan in June '08 and my PCP is Dr. Quillian (amazing).

I've been to the MJH support group and I like it, but I wouldn't mind having some people to meet up with from time to time. I think it's helpful to hear how other people are doing.

Anyone want to meet up for coffee sometime?

Jenny

[kfstinson 0]

Hi folks...I see this thread hasn't been used in awhile. I was banded this past Monday, March 29th by Katherine Trahan in Charlottesville. Anyone still here????

[grl2boy1 0]

Hi folks...I see this thread hasn't been used in awhile. I was banded this past Monday, March 29th by Katherine Trahan in Charlottesville. Anyone still here????

Hello, I just found this thread...I live near Charlottesville and was banded on March 1, 2010 by Dr. Katherine Trahan...How is it going so far for you? I go tomorrow for 2 month follow up not sure if I will get a fill then or not. I had my first fill 4 weeks ago.

Hope to hear from you soon!:scared2:

[kfstinson 0]

I went for my first fill yesterday. I can't say that it was a pleasant experience. Took her 3 tries to get the correct place on the port. I thought I was going to pass out! No pain but the anxiety associated with it made me so uptight. I actually think the surgery was not as bad! :scared2:

[grl2boy1 0]

Yes it took her several times for me also. She had me standing up and after the second try i said I am feel like I'm going to faint so she had me lay down.

Today was not a picnic either, we decided to add 1cc and it took her the same amount of time that it did the first...but then when she had me to drink Water 1cc was to much the Water was not going down...so she had to start all over again and take a half cc out...not pleasant experience at the time...but just tried to focus on the outcome!

How is weight loss coming for you? It seems to be going slow for me!

[rott_n_dog 0]

Does anyone know if UVa or MJH will perform the surg if you will be moving out of the area within a year?

I am with Coventry Southern Health ins and wonder if anyone has a link or info on what it takes to get qualified other than BMI?

All info is greatly appru...

JA

[kfstinson 0]

I'm not sure. How far out of the area? Is it possible to make a monthly trip back? The follow-up appointments are important. I'm 4 months out and go back to Dr. K. Trahan every month. As far as insurance, you should call. I'm a state employee and the requirements changed right before I scheduled my surgery date. Thankfully, I was grandfathered in. The requirements now, include a year of doctor supervised weight loss program, participating in a state weight loss group program and other insane things. I was greatly offended by the changes. It is not as if I hadn't tried all of that before. Weight loss surgery isn't something that most patients just up and decide. It is a long process. Sorry for my rant! The point, is, call your insurance company and talk to them.

[rott_n_dog 0]

I live in c-ville, so it is really a matter if they are willing to procedue with the knowing I will be moving out. I was just informed that my insurance Coventry Southern Health does NOT cover the procedure. Oh well. WIll try again when I get different insurance in a year or so.

Thx

[kfstinson 0]

So sorry to hear that about your insurance. I was VERY fortunate. Good luck!!!

[RiahRiah 0]

I know this thread hasn't been used in a while... Dr. Katherine Trahan is doing my surgery on 8/30/10. My pre-op appointment is on 8/11/10. The staff has been wonderful so far. I was approved quickly with CIGNA. Any advice? How are the support groups?

[kfstinson 0]

Congratulations! I know that this has been a hard decision. It was for me but I was more than ready. You are in good hands. I have been nothing but pleased with both Trahans and Martha Jefferson. As soon as surgery is over, get up and walk as much as you can. I did stay the night but was released by 10 the next day. Don't be scared to drink broths and Water. I was scared I was going to throw up. But, if you have any problems, make sure to let the nurses and Dr. Trahan know ASAP. Follow-up appointments are short. The hardest part of the surgery is that time you are transitioning to solid food. Hang in there. It is over before you bat an eye! I've been to one support group meeting and wasn't really impressed. I'm not really sure what I was expecting though. We sat around and talked about the psychological impact. There also were only 4 banders. Maybe the night session is better. Don't take my word for it. You still need to go to at least one to see if it meets your needs. The best advice I can give you is NOT to read any of the 'complication' posts put on this message board and talk to Dr. Trahan if you have any questions. Both are good listeners and will give you great advice. Good luck and congratulations again!!!! :rolleyes2: