Hamot Bariatrics- Erie, Pa

[adoptmom2_3 11]

Has anyone else utilized Hamot Bariatrics in Erie, Pa? :tongue_smilie:

[marmar 0]

Hi adopt mom I,m from Kane PA and am in the process of getting the lap band from Ali in Erie. I,m glad to see you are doing well and would love it if you could give me any info you think I should know. Keep me posted on your progress. My appt to meet the doc is in APRIL. It seems way to far away. I have been wanting this surgery for 7 years but my insurance wont pay for it. So I,m going to just pay for it. I hope Im making the right decision. So what can you tell me about Ali? All Ive heard were great things.

[adoptmom2_3 11]

Hi there,

I had my surgery Oct 2nd. I am doing well. Was just to see Dr. Ali on Friday for my third fill. I am now at 7 cc in the 14 cc band. Hoping this is the fill that slows down my eating ability!

I, fortunately, have never had any kind of problems whatsoever. Have not gotten sick at all. Feeling better than I have in years and have only lost a total of 23lbs..... (holidays put a couple back on).

Dr. Ali is great. Very kind, knowledgeable. I don't think you will regret the decision at all (even with self-pay, although that stinks). The really tough thing with lapband I have found is the waiting.... wanting the weight off, wanting to look and feel better sooner rather than later. But, since you are only supposed to lose 1-3 lbs a week....it isn't fast. Once I was able to wrap my small brain around that knowing.... I am doing better with not getting frustrated with myself. (ok, at least sometimes) lol

Exercise of some sort is a must ( I swim). The more you lose ahead of surgery, the better off you are.. of course most of us are not able to lose the weight alone, that is why we turned to surgery in the first place.

If you drink anything with carbonation, stop as soon as you can. Definitely can't drink it afterwards... (painful & dangerous to your pouch). If you smoke, you must quit before he will do surgery. I thought I would miss sugar more than I do. Nice surprise.

Let me know if you want to email outside of here with any questions. I will be happy to answer anything I can.

[marmar 0]

Thanks for your reply. I see you have kids. I do too. Three boys. My hubby is going to take off work for a few days to help after surgery. When did you start feeling ok. did you have to spend the night or did you get to go home the same day? Do you go to any support meetings? I cant wait for this surgery. Take care

[adoptmom2_3 11]

Are you counting down the days until see Dr. Ali??

[marmar 0]

My appt to meat him isnt untill the end of april!!!! Ive been waiting forever!!! How is it going for you? Are ya glad ya got it? Any regrets?

[nanband35 0]

i am looking for any dr ali patients..i have completed all of my requirements and sherri is about to send my info to insurance...i heard it takes about 3 to 4 days to hear back from insurance..does that include weekends (i would imagine not) once they find out and if im approved, how long before they can schedule surgery? i know it has to be at least a week for the pre op liquid diet...any info would be great:sad: guess im just getting anxious.

[adoptmom2_3 11]

Depends on your Ins as to when you hear back. Mine was quick! I was scheduled for the pre-op visit to meet with Dr. Ali and others scheduled for surgery the same day as you to sign paperwork. He will tell you then how many days you need to be on the liquid diet. Everyone was different at mine ( 9 days for me). Last Oct. when I had my surgery, it only took a few weeks after approval for surgery date! Good luck and let me know how you are doing or if you have any questions!

[nanband35 0]

guess i am just venting here..i know its a minor set back but frustrating once you go through all the hoops and wait so long. i went in to my last appointment with heidi today and all my info was in. i thought we would be submitting to insurance today and was so excited. i guess after getting an EKG dr ali would like me to also get a stress test. so now i have to wait to goto that on june 4th and then probably 5 or so days to get the report back to submit to insurance. that is if nothing is wrong with the stress test. i know (as a nurse)the heart is crutial and better safe than sorry but still just frustrating. guess i just need to take a deep breath and refocus and get on track:closedeyes: