Baboo

Hi Jenny, Sorry I didn't answer before now, but I didn't get on the computer yesterday. I loved Dr. McDowell. He is a wonderful caring doctor. I had my surgery on July 15 so I'm a week out from surgery. At the last minute I change my mind and had the more drastic RNY surgery. I think it was the right decision for me. I have Medicare insurance so I had a six month waiting period but then I was able to schedule surgery once I had jumped through all their hoops. Everyone I have dealt with at their office is great. You will be in good hands. I would suggest attending the support group their office sponsors and also go to the gatherings the people have put together on their own. The support of people who have gone before you will be invaluable. I wish you the best of luck B

Well I'm meeting my surgeon, Dr. McDowell, for the first time today. I think by the time I leave I will have a surgery date set and will begin my two week liquid diet. I want to thank all of you for your posts. I feel I am well prepared with questions and information. I haven't posted much, but have been reading what you guys have to say. I will let you know if I will be a July Bandster!!!:thumbs_up:

Has anyone used Dr. McDowell for Lap Band surgery? If so would you please PM me so I could ask about the 2 week post op diet. I have a copy of one someone gave me at the Support group meeting, but I've heard that each doctor does something a little different. I'm wondering if I started following the diet now before I see him if I could move my surgery up.

Has anyone used Dr. McDowell for Lap Band surgery? If so would you please PM me so I could ask about the 2 week post op diet. I have a copy of one someone gave me at the Support group meeting, but I've heard that each doctor does something a little different. I'm wondering if I started following the diet now before I see him if I could move my surgery up.

Friday was a GREAT day!!! After completing all the requirements before I could see my surgeon I was told his first appointment was August 18 and that it would be at least another 6 weeks after that before I could have my surgery. I began this journey back in January and my resolve was beginning to wane. I went to the Lap Band support group this past Thursday and talked to someone there who had used another doctor in the same practice. She loved him and was able to have her surgery soon after being approved. I called the office the next morning and ask to change surgeons and now I have an appointment on Friday, June 27 with a surgery date probably the middle of July!!!! I'm so excited and nervous. Will post again when I know more. Baboo

Thanks so much. This gives me some idea of what to expect.

I'm hoping to have Lap Band surgery sometime this summer and I'm wondering what I will be able to eat out after surgery. After reading your experience Bob, now I'm really concerned. I go to several conferences each year where we are at a location not close to anything and you must eat what they offer. Will I need to take protein shakes with me for the whole weekend? Thanks for any info.

On Tuesday, June 3, I will have my final visit with my PCP, fullfilling my 6 month visits. I have completed everything else that is required. I plan to call my surgeon's office that same day to begin the process for my surgery. Any ideas what timeline I can expect? I'm guessing the process is I will see the surgeon, and after his approval they will file with insurance (Medicare & BCBS) for approval? Then once that is received I will have two weeks of a liquid diet. Would the middle of August be realistic for my surgery? Dr. Charles Morton at Baptist Hospital in Nashville TN will be my surgeon. Has anyone used him before? Thanks for you answers. Barbara

Hey Crice, I suggest you call Amy Simmons at 615-284-7921(direct line). She is my contact person at Dr. Morton's office or you can e-mail her at amy.simmons@baptisthospital.com. Hope this helps.

Niecey, the support group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at Dr. Morton's office at 6:00pm. This group is for people who have already had their surgery. I'm hoping to learn a lot and get encouragement from this group. Brock, contrats on having a date for your surgery. I didn't know they would set a date before you saw Dr. Morton. My insurance requires that I see my PCP for six months before I can have the surgery. My last visit will be the first of June. I'm hoping to see Dr. Morton soon after that and have my surgery two weeks after meeting him. If either or both of you are going to the support group next Thursday let me know. I would love to meet you in person. Barbara

Thanks so much for your post! I haven't been banded yet (am still in my 6 month visits with my PCP). In reading the post of people who have already been banded it seemed all they can comsume is shakes and maybe a Protein bar! I didn't think I could live the rest of my life without ever eating real food again. I'm ready to cut way back on my food intake but not give it up entirely. I in Mt. Juliet, which is right outside Nashville. Dr. Morton will be doing my surgery if I'm approved. Who did your surgery and where do you live? Again thanks so much for your post! Barbara

I haven't been banded yet, but spend a fair about of time reading the postings. What is sliming? Thanks Barbara

I have to wait at least 6 months before my surgery. Did you diet prior to seeing Dr. Morton to get used to eating less or just wait until the 2 weeks before surgery? Do you attend the banding support group that meets the 2nd Thursday of each month? Barbara

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I look forward to meeting each of you at Dr. Morton's Lapband support group. I'm going to try and make it to the April meeting. Would like to go this month but already had something planned. I'm hoping by going before my surgery it will help me get prepared. Barbara

Thanks for your comments. I really need to get my head wrapped around this. I think today I'm going to make a list of what the advantages of weight loss are verus what food does for me. I know that sounds stupid but I think I need to see it on paper! Then I need to start letting go of my "best friend" FOOD! He has always been there to comfort me when I was down or Celebrate with me when something good happened. Oh, and let's not forget that he has helped me develop high blood pressure, high colesterol, not be able to tie my shoes, walk up or down stairs without huffing and puffing, etc., etc. What am I thinking about! Five minutes after I eat I can't remember what it was I ate. If I lose weight the long term benefits are something I can feel and see in the mirror. Thanks for letting me rant. I needed to see all of this on paper. I love this forum! Barbara