SueAZ

I, too am a west side in Goodyear. My PCP is out of Estrella Medical Group. Not the biggest fan of the surgery but did support and get me a referral to lap band surgeon. I wrote him a letter stating why I wanted this surgery and my family history of obesity and heart problems. He then got me my referral. This was back in January. My surgery date is May 23. I also went to Bridges out of St Lukes. I am still evaluating their program, I hope the support groups will be good. My insurance either didn't require the 6 month or my many,many years at this weight was enough to press the issue. My BMI was only 36 but that still way to much weight to be carrying in my opinion. I just 2 months ago started taking high blood pressure meds. Check, alot of the insurance companies are forgoing the 6 month diet. Good luck on your search.

Your messages on how your surgery day went are very interesting to us that are just about to hit our surgery day. Seems that the more you are able to get up and move, the better you feel. I'm going to make sure I get my tush in gear and walk. Thanks for taking the time to write in the forum.:smile2:

Good luck tomorrow and smooth sailing. A new way of life awaits.

I'm using Dr Daniel Fang out of St Lukes. I started with Bridges weight loss group.

I am to be banded on May 23 with the Realize band. I to am looking forward to their website.:welldoneclap:

Just found the AZ bandsters on the forum. Can't beieve I hadn't seen it. I have my surgery date of May 23. It seems unreal that it is finally happening. Right now I have no pre-op diet but that may change. Any suggestions that you would suggest for after surgery? Anything you wish you had known? Count down time.:welldoneclap:

My PCP wasn't gung ho on the surgery but after seeing my resolve on my weight and the problems that obesity causes he referred me to a lapband surgeon. I think most doctors now realize that being overweight is serious and other options are not as out of this world as they used to be. Keep looking you'll find the right doctor.

I just received my date of May 23. My preop testing is May 15. So far I haven't been told of when or if I have to the liquid diet. I have been looking for good liquid foods for after the sugery. It doesn't seem to be real. 12 days and counting.....:welldoneclap:

If you know which doctor or surgeon you want to do your surgery, their office might able to recommend a PCP. Then you can see if they take your insurance.

Thanks for the input, I'm going to ask the doctor for the overnight stay

Just got my list of preoperate tests to be done May 15 and will have the surgery May 23. Are you staying overnight or leaving same day??

I got my surgery date of May 23. I was wondering how many of you are planning an overnight stay. I know that a lot of the surgeries are outpatient. How many of you would have preferred to have the overnight stay. I still have a hard time talking with the drs office, they don't get back very quickly if at all. I'm trying to check so see if I can have the overnight stay. I can't wait...

That's a good idea, I think I will start eating without water. The baby forks and spoons sounds like a good idea to keep the bites small. I have been chewing longer now but I wonder how much is enough??

I don't have to do the six month diet, but the office seems like I may have to wait 2-3 months for surgery.

Today I got offical notice from the insurance company they approved the surgery. YEAH. Now the waiting for the doctors office for a surgery date. This office has been slow with everything. I am hoping they get back to me but their answering maching for the scheduling desk desk said allow at least 3 days. I know I didn't gain the weight in three days but I am so ready to start my new life. Any suggestions on things to start avoiding. My biggest vice is coke/pepsi. I'm starting to replace with water now. Anything you have done different BEFORE surgery??

Check out in the introductions section "ErikMesa" had surgery with your doctor on Monday, nice story they wrote.

I went to their seminar last year and went for the consult with the Drs. in their Sun City location. I am currently jumping through the hoops wih insurance. I wondered how many bands he had done because I think that's all he does. Good luck to you.

A big thank you for posting. It is wonderful to see your success. It gives many of us the encouragement we need to keep going.:ohmy:

Depending on drs scale I am either a 35 or 36 BMI. All three docs, PCP,cardiologist, surgeon all think I should be approved. I only have high blood pressure. Good luck to us both.

I've had knee surgery and abdominal surgery and breast surgery.. Believe me the scars will fade with time. Don't tan that area, if you were thinking of it. The sun will make incisions more noticable. I hope you get some positive support I think questionig yourself after surgery is normal.. Good luck to you.

I have just finished all the requirements that the surgeon office asked for. Cardic consult, dietitican consult, psychological evaluation, medical records and attendence of seminar classes. The surgeons office will now submit to insurance, how long should I wait before I call to see if I am approved. This doctors office is on the busy side and the are short staffed I was told. Any ideas?? I don't want to be a pain but I want the surgery

Dr Juarez an Dr Fang both seemed nice. I saw Dr Fang. Took his time with me not that I Had a lot of questions then... His office does not run on time. I was there for over 2 hours. Maybe his PA and fill people are more on time. Wasn't bad experience just time consuming.

I had a reduction in 2004 after losing 45 pounds. Never once during the weightloss did I lose breast size. If you have alot of fatty tissue the I'd say wait but if it's glandular tissue it won't go away. Problem is how do you know what you have?? I went from 44H to 44B I love'em..:thumbup:

Thanks for the input will check out the link. These doctors have done alot of bypass but the banding group is growing and they are getting on it. He said they had done over 400 bands last year. They are now going to do the Realize band after march.

I had my consult with Dr Fang. Both doctors work out of either St Lukes or Banner Hospital. Any info on either doctors or hospital?? :confused2: