mdargen

Hi everyone, My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 24th with Dr. Kirschenbaum. I am really excited about it but I am starting to scare myself with worries. I realize there are risks with any surgery but I can't stop thinking "what if I die?". I have read there is a 1 in 50 chance of dying during gastric bypass. Is there a death percentage for lap band procedures? Is it rude to ask your doctor if anyone has died while he was operating on them? Did any of you have this worry? Thanks, Michelle

Hi everyone, I have my surgery all set with Dr. K. My consult with him is on the 5th but i have too many question to wait! :thumbup: How does he give you pain meds after the surgery? Can you still take regular pills? I am a huge pain wimp. LOL I just wish Sept. 24th would get here already. I am so excited to start my new life! ~Michelle

I just moved here from Denver in December so going back gives me an excuse to see my family too. How bad do the fills hurt? Do you have to get them all the time? I spoke with Natalie this morning. I have a consult set up for Aug. 5th. But I will be in Denver the weekend of the 8th so she is going to see if she can fit me in for a face-to-face consult instead. Then she scheduled my surgery for Sept. 24th!! I couldn't believe she was scheduling my surgery. It was shocking to me. I didn't think anything would ever go this easy. The past few months have been such a struggle trying to get this surgery to happen! Take care of yourself and I look forward to chatting more too!! ~Michelle

I am all set. I spoke with Natalie today. I have a phone consultation set up for August 5th. I will be in Denver on the 8th so I may be able to have my consult in person! That would be the best!! My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 24th. Holy cow that is going to come up so fast. I wasn't going to tell a lot of people I am having this done but I told my mom. She lives in Denver so I asked her to be my chauffeur. It surprised me at how supportive she is of this decision. Now I just have to find a local fill place. Wow. ~Michelle

I am planning on having Dr. K do my surgery. On his website it says he offers both the Lap and the Realize bands. Is there an advantage getting one over the other? Is it easier to find local (I'm in Vancouver, WA, a suburb of Portland) fills? Is one better than the other? Thanks, Michelle

Hi, My name is Michelle and I am just starting the process with Dr. K's office. I know I am not banded not a mentor but maybe we could be banded & soon-to-be-banded buddies from Vancouver. How many times have you been back to see Dr. K.? Is there a place here in town that will do fills after the surgery or do we have to go back to see him? I have so many questions for you but I don't want to annoy you. Take care, Michelle

I have been exchanging emails with Natalie today at Dr. K's office. I just sent her the "I'm ready to get started!" email!!! I can't believe this may actually happen. I won't believe it until I have the surgery. LOL A few questions for those of you who travelled to CO to have the surgery. How long did you stay after the surgery? Did you fly back to CO to have your first fill? Have you had problems getting fills in your cities? Thanks a lot! I can't wait to be one of Dr. K's Happy Bandsters!! Michelle:biggrin2:

Oh my gosh! That is so exciting. I just sent them an email asking for more info and when I could speak with them. It actually feels like this may happen for me. I wish I would have looked into this when I lived in Denver. At least I still have my moms house to stay at. :confused:

I am really interested in this doctor. I just moved from Denver (go figure LOL) but am willing to travel back for his price. How long did the whole process take? Did it take months to get a surgery scheduled? Thanks, Michelle

The full amount is 19,555 at SWMC. I really like the doctor there. I felt really comfortable with her. I want to find a doctor in this area in case there are problems, ya know. Coos Bay isn't that close but I can still drive there. LOL

I just looked at their website and it says the 12,550 price is a cash price. Can you still get the price using a credit card or is it strictly cash? I am in Vancouver and that prices is almost 8,000 less than at the Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Congrats!! That is awesome. Do you mind if I ask you a really rude question? Who did you get your loan through? I am self-paying as well and want to look at all loan options, ya know.

I was just told by my doctor's office that my UHC policy will not cover the surgery. It was written in as an exclusion. I am now looking into financing it. It is so frustrating. Good luck!

Thanks for tip. I guess I am just scared to call. I'm scared I will be denied and scared they will make fun of me for needing surgery. Can you tell I am paranoid! LOL

Hi everyone! I sent my application to the Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Wa last week. Am I suppose to call the insurance company myself to see if I am approved or do I wait for the doctor's office to call me? I am not sure how the process works. Thanks! Michelle