serenity55

My journey actually began last March when I joined the lap band web site.  That was the best thing I could have done, because I got so much support and information, and I would need it.  The first seminar I attempted to go to was a bust.  I was told that the seminar was at six, and when I got to the hospital I learned that it had been changed to five o'clock.  I went through several appeals, each time getting the run around.  I needed a psychological evaluation.  Got It.  I needed proof that I'd been trying to lose weight.  My trainer wrote a letter explaining that I'd been working with her for four years, and I added other attempts I'd tried.  No go.  I wrote to Obesity Law, and they were quite willing to help me, but in October, the 14th to be exact, I went to see my primary care doctor who informed me that my medical group had been bought out by another one.  She resubmitted all my paperwork and that weekend I received a letter informing me that I'd been approved to see Dr. Philippe Quilici.  (I didn't mention all the screw-ups my doctor's office had done.)  I called Dr. Quilici's office the next week, and made an appointment for November 17, I think.  The next day I got a call saying there had been a cancellation the following morning.  Did I want it?  You bet I did!  The staff couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.  I am totally blind, and needed someone to help me fill out forms.  No problem.  I spent a couple of hours with the staff dietician, and the patient liaison, and met Dr. Quilici, who was very warm.  He didn't discourage me from getting the lap band.  After that, things went comparatively quickly.  I had another psychological evaluation and was scheduled for another cardiology exam.  Fortunately, the cardiologist didn't feel that I needed to take another stress test, because I'd taken one within the last six months.  I was approved for surgery on February 10, 2009, and haven't looked back.  The procedure took 35 minutes.  I began walking that evening, and got on the treadmill twice daily for the one and a half weeks I was at home.  I followed Dr. Quilici's instructions to the letter, and walk at least a mile three to five times a week, more if I can.  I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.  I was sore after surgery, and only had discomfort when getting up or sitting down.  But it was manageable, and I never took the Lortab that had been prescribed.  I attend support groups and like the fact that the team wants to keep in touch with the patient.  The staff psychologist told us at a support meeting that she'd said to Dr. Quilici,  "You've done wonderfully," or words to that effect.  His reply?  "No.  We have."  I think that says it all.