Support group in ENid

[jaciqltz 0]

I am in Enid, but of course having surgery down in OKC.

I am looking to meet others in this area or a support group here in Enid. I am getting NO support from family or friends and at this point, (12 days to surgery) I am ready to give up!

[MaggieGT 0]

Hi Jacquie,

I'm in Tulsa. Had my surgery 8/25. I'm very happy I did this.

I looked at gastric bypass in 2002. Even though I was heavy I was still very healthy. I didn't like the significant risks associated with that surgery.

Recently I started researching the lapband. Seemed like less of a surgery than having my tonsils out. I have been on a lot of diet/ exercise where I would lose 4 to 6 pounds per month but kept getting stopped at 20 to 30 pounds off. The latest stalled out in April this year. :ohmy:

In the five days since my surgery I have lost 3 1/2 pounds and am not hungry between meals.:wink2:

For the first time in 20 years, I believe I can be normal weight again.

LIfe is good!

Maggie

[okiegirl79 1]

Maggie-Hey! I am from the Tulsa area and looking for a support group in this area. There is really nobody I even know that has had wls except those I have met in this forum. A local accountability meeting would be nice.

Jaci- I am having surgery in a couple of weeks in Norman and I know they have support group meetings in Norman and Enid....it is just to far for me to drive. Let me know and I will give you the info!

[MaggieGT 0]

Hi Okiegirl,

I don't know of any support groups here in Tulsa. I enjoy this forum though. Lots of good info.:scared2:

I am going to go to Dr Keith for my post-op care and fills. Is that who is doing your surgery?

Maggie

[okiegirl79 1]

Hey Maggie!

I remember talking to you before...you were going to San Diego right?

Yes, I am going to OWLO but Dr. Nelson is actually doing the procedure as oppsed to Dr. Keith.

[MaggieGT 0]

Cool,

What day are you having surgery? My first appointment post-op is the 7th.

Maggie

[okiegirl79 1]

I am not 100% sure but I will know on Monday. I want to do it on a Thursday so I am guessing October 15th. I have had to do this process completley backwards....I had to do a 6 mo diet plus all the testing requirements (diet, psych, support group meeting, etc.)from the surgeon before my insurance would approve the surgery. So, I have already gotten my official letter of approval from my insurance and have never even gotten to see the surgeon! That is all I have left to do..meet with her and schedule suegery! There is a 10 day pre-op diet required so that is what pushes me back to the 15th.

Why don't you go to Dr. Gorospe in Tulsa? I wish I could go there! I am sick of driving to Norman! I ma hoping they are not too conservative with fills b/c I don't want to have to go back a 100 times before I can get to my sweet spot!!!

[MaggieGT 0]

Hi Okiegirl,

I emailed or called Dr Gorospe and other LapBand surgeons in Tulsa, OKC and Norman prior to my surgery, when I was looking to set up post-op care.

Some only took care of their own patients, some wouldn't take people banded in Mexico and some were very expensive for each fill.

Darla at Dr Keith's was very friendly and helpful.

[DRSharp 14]

Ladd Atkins, DO is with Lap-Band Center of Oklahoma in Tulsa and will see already banded patients in addition to new bands. I trust him over Gorospe anyday. I've heard some really bad things about him. There's a reason he only operates in Wagoner now...Be careful! Dr. Atkins number is (918)392-2806.

[denbnt05 1]

Ladd Atkins' date=' DO is with Lap-Band Center of Oklahoma in Tulsa and will see already banded patients in addition to new bands. I trust him over Gorospe anyday. I've heard some really bad things about him. There's a reason he only operates in Wagoner now...Be careful! Dr. Atkins number is (918)392-2806.[/quote']

I am going to be going to Ladd Atkins for my lap band. I have blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma but it is not included, does anyone know what the recent cash price is? Also why wouldnt it be included when it covers other people with the same insurance? I am going next week for the free seminar. But that will be my first step.

[DRSharp 14]

I am going to be going to Ladd Atkins for my lap band. I have blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma but it is not included' date=' does anyone know what the recent cash price is? Also why wouldnt it be included when it covers other people with the same insurance? I am going next week for the free seminar. But that will be my first step.[/quote']

I just saw Dr. Atkins today for a fill. Roberta had said before that cash price should be around $12,500.00 or so (preop, surgery, a year of follow up, etc.). I ran into the same problem with my insurance and the cause was that my employer excluded it to keep costs down. Good luck with the seminar. Dr. Atkins is great and wants you to be fully informed about what you're getting into. He has truly gone above and beyond for me and my wife. (She is down 152 lbs since May of last year...he'll probably mention her case lol) No doubt about it; even paying cash, it's worth it if you can commit to the lifestyle change!!

[denbnt05 1]

Thank you so much for the info! I will be going to the seminar thursday of next week cant wait to learn more.

[denbnt05 1]

Went to the free simnar it was interesting. I go today after work to see if my primary doctor will give me a letter if approval. I meet one on one with Dr. Atkins the 26th. I cant wait.