New to the Board

[LuuLuu 62]

Hi,

My name is Lisa and I am starting my LAP-BAND®® journey. I am pre-surgery...one month into my 6mo approval period for insurance. I am still undecided if this is really for me but I am going thru all the steps - hoping the decision becomes clearer.

I cannot lose weight on my own. I am hoping having a physical limitation will help me change my life. My first month of "on my own" I have lost seven (7) lbs. I have attended one support group meeting and met with the surgeon for the first time yesterday.

I am excited to find this forum because the support groups offered in my area aren't traditional / sharing groups - they are more like informative seminars. There were 80+ people at the last one, not enough seats or handouts, and the guest speaker was not a LB patient but rather a bypass patient (this was a LB meeting). Not exactly what I was expecting.

I was wondering what kind of relationship you guys have with your surgeons. His staff is great, but I feel like I am a number / slot on his roster. I thought he would ask me why I wanted the surgery - what I hoped for it to change - etc. Instead he seemed concerned about my paperwork and my insurance approval - that's it. I don't know if I am expecting a rapport that is not typically there with surgeons? My husband pointed out that soooo many people come in and out of his office, some not committed, that maybe he doesn't "invest" at this stage...maybe that comes later?

I am anxious to know other's experience with their surgeons.

Thanks!

LTOT123

Edited October 22, 2009 by LuuLuu

[june09bandit 0]

Welcome to the board! I think surgeon's have a special personality type. Mine is still not invested in me personally, however, his nurses are. Mine has also added an additional surgeon and a PA who seem to be more personable and more willing to talk. I think surgeons prefer to deal with us only when under anesthesia

The psych will ask you all those questions when you visit them. They are the ones that try to get into your brain to see if you are making an informed decision. Good luck in your journey! I hope you can figure out what is best for YOU!

[LuuLuu 62]

I have been away. We were told we were losing our insurance at work and it looked as if the surgery, that I had not even decided I wanted, was a NO GO.

Turns out insurance is staying the same so I am glad I continued with the motions of the 6 month pre-approval.

So, I am back on track - with only having gained 2 pounds between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a vacation! Not too shabby.

L.

[umystifyme 3]

My surgeon is very invested with his patients. He never once asked me about my insurance. During my first visit all he would discuss was why I wanted this procedure, what it entailed, how I would have to change my life, and what to expect. He told me not to make a decision that day. He told me to go home, think about it and to email him with any questions. He then gave me his email address. I was in constant contact with him via email after our initial consult. He answered all my questions and supported me even when I couldn't decide if I wanted the surgery (even after I was approved). Then when I finally decided to have the surgery, he had me come in and sit down with him and talk about everything again. He's very hand's on. Very personable.

The evening after my surgery he called me to see how I was feeling. He told me he would be going out of town but would be calling to check in on me and if I had any problems or questions to call him. He called me for the first few days post-op and always returned my calls. I was talking to him at least twice a day! And he was on vacation!!

I started this process at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2008. I stopped going because of personal reasons. I re-started the process with this surgeon in June 2009. I was a bit wary at first because he was not with a Univerisity Hospital. However, before his private practice he was with Northwestern University.

I have had an amazing experience and would highly recommend my surgeon. I've had a lot of health problems during my life and it is difficult to find a doctor that can relate to you on a personal level. However, they are out there.

[dreamsrmadeof? 0]

My first meeting with the doctor had me in tears. He was very blunt and to the point. The doctor address several issues that I haven't dealt with in my past and could effect me being successful in my weight lose. After speaking to his nurse I understand that he wants each and everyone of us to be successful. It makes him look bad if we don't succeed and accomplish our goals. As he explained it to me, this is a tool to help you lose weight but it isn't the solution. I am struggling everyday with ghosts in my closet. However, I know that I need to take control of my life and stop hiding behind my weight and food addiction. Since the first meeting my relationship with the doctor has improved and I have enjoyed the progress I have made, even though it has been slow. He has been very helpful and encouraging, but firm. I absolutely love his nurses. Good Luck!