New to all this.. live in Richmond, VA

[ciconetti 0]

I stumbled on this site while in the midst of setting up my siminar appointment a few weeks ago. I have been reading and don't usually join sites :seeya: I was impressed by the support. I have had my consultation and dietician, and therapy appointment. Just waiting for them to return their reports and submit to insurance. I have made a lot of changes in the past month since I have decided to do this, and am commited. I hope to read more and get some good info on this site. I live in Richmond, VA and CAN'T WAIT to get started!!! :biggrin2:

[HarleyNana 10]

Congratulations on your decision. I have been banded almost 4 years now and have no regrets.

This is a great site for support of a types, I wish you the best.

[agw504 0]

Hello! Who is your surgeon in Richmond? Dr. Schroder is my surgeon and I am waiting on insurance approval then my surgery will be scheduled! My surgery will be done at St. Marys Hospital.

[ciconetti 0]

Is in with the same group as yours.. Dr. David Elliot. I have elected to have the surgery done at HDH Parham Campus. From what I understand they are able to spend more time with you there, then St. Mary's. Since I live in far west Chesterfield Co. and work downtown travel seems inevitable . I have to wait for the paperwook (mental health, and dietician) to be returned to his office and as of last friday this wasn't done... Seems like this process takes a lot longer then I thought. I'm the kind of person that does not makes decisions quick, but once there made.. I'm READY! I know I won't go back on this decision. I just am anxious to feel better and enjoy time with my family! But looks like I may have a while. I have BC/BS of IL and I hear they are atrocious! If you don't want to answer.. I totally understand... Whats your BMI? I'm 5' 6" and im at 43. with 2 co-morbidities.

Have a Great Monday! -C

[agw504 0]

Ciconetti:

I did not know they do the surgery at HDH Parham Campus. I will have it done at St. Marys since I work on that campus in a physician's office and the doc I work for know Dr. Schroder very well, I feel more comfortable being there. My BMI is 55.2 and I have Cigna HMO, which I hear can be hard to get approved also! We just have to hope for the best. I am ver nervous and excited to have the surgery done. I want to feel better and be healthier also! I seem to get tired just walking around the grocery store and my back hurts too! I am hoping that with the weight off, my back pain will go away and I will be able to do more. If you want, you can e-mail me at racinfans@earthlink.net and we can keep in touch on our progress!!!

Angela

[tnag86 0]

Hi Virginia girls, I was banded by Dr. Brengman (of Elliott and Schroder's) group on 7/17. I am a nurse at St. Mary's and also chose to have my surgery there. I cannot tell you how great everything went! I have nothing but great things to say about all the surgical and post-op staff who cared for me. Hope you guys have just as great an experience!

Nancy B.

[ciconetti 0]

Nancy B.

I am still waiting to hear back from the doctors office for an approval. I have BC/BS of IL. I hear they are horrible to deal with. I hope things are still going well for you. Have you adjusted ok? Any problems with certain foods? I love to hear how this is going, especially with the locals and these doctors. I have been very pleased with them so far. Seem to really be willing to help in any way.

Take Care-

[tnag86 0]

Hi Ciconetti, I had my pre-op appt this past Tuesday and all is well. I saw Erin, the Nurse Practitioner. She scheduled me for my first fill in 3 weeks, which I need, as I notice I am starting to get hungry sooner than I did right after surgery. I love the group and have no complaints.

Have you been to any of the support meetings? There is one this Monday that I am going to at St. Mary's. If you haven't gone, you should try it. It is also a great way to get info from other patients that may help you.

Nancy

[roland130 0]

Hi, Ciconetti,I endured the nightmare of BCBSIL & finally was approved! They are so picky about documentation. They would not accept a letter from by PCP listing the dates I was seen by her for medical supervision of weight loss diet. They would not accept a summary either. I finally had my PCP senc copies of all 35 pages of my records for the last 12 months! Joyce @ Dr. Schroder's office was so wonderful in helping get everything together. My date is 9/05 for my banding at St. Mary's. I live in Chesterfield, near Midlothian, so it isn't far to drive. Good Luck!

Shirley

[agw504 0]

Hey Nancy & Shirley...... It is great to see posts from two people in my area and go to the same physicians office!!!!! I will be banded this thursday by Dr. Schroeder at St. Marys. I saw Erin pre-operatively and she is great! Nancy....I work on the St Marys Campus in the west building...what a small world! Where do you work in the hospital?

[roland130 0]

Angela,

Do you know when the St. Mary's support group meets?

Shirley

[tnag86 0]

Hey Angela, there are several types of support groups at St. Mary's, but there is a really good general one that meets tomorrow in the big classroom (meets on 2nd Mondays of month) from 7-8:30.

Shirley, I work in labor and delivery at the hospital:)

[ciconetti 0]

Just Got Approved!!

Wow! I am just so exited! My date...9/24/2008!

By the way .. How do i get the weight tracker/ ticker, now that I'm official.

[veggiesyum 0]

I was banded on 7/31 by Dr. Brengman at St. Mary's. I have never been treated as well as I was at St. Mary's. I would go back there for anything (and I came from Williamsburg) I am on mushy foods right now and just starting to get hungry, I am having a hard time getting all of my Water in. Where do the tickers come from - I have already lost 15 lbs - go me! Best of luck!

[tnag86 0]

Go to weight loss diet ticker to create your ticker. You'll have to paste it into your profile here. It took me a little while but I finally figured it out. There is probably a thread on this website if you search, that will give you better instructions. Nancy:)