KathyfromPgh

BG I received the laproscopic Lap Band because it seemed to fit my needs. My friend had that one and she is happy, healthy, and thin. I ruled out the Gastric Bypass because it seemed to drastic and too much cutting. I have a genetic bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand Disease and wasn't crazy about all the internal surgery. I talked with Dr Uchal 7 or 8 months ago, explained the situation and he recommended the Laproscopic LapBand, so I went with his advice. As far as the port, again I let him pick the spot since he knows more than I do and he is the one filling it. :Dancing_wub: One of the residents was Dr Rebecca Solomon, I believe. She was very sincere, sweet and observant. I know she will make a great doctor if she stays this way. :Dancing_sorry: I don't know about the fills yet. I hope my insurance covers some or all of it. I have Highmark Blue and a rep just called to follow up on my surgery. That was a surprise. I was approved in just a few days after I handed everything in. I used AGH for everything included my 6 months of dieting. I went to see Dr Andrews for that. AGH Pulmonary Group, AGH Cardiac and AGH Blood. My insurance covered everything. The nice thing about using AGH is that the other groups are onboard, non judgemental, they know what is required and where to send it. I didnt want to have to explain that to miscellaneous offices all over Pittsburgh. I just Dr Colella referred me and then they knew. YEAH! I waited until the 5th month to get all that done because I didn't want to hear something like this is more than 60 days old so you have to do it again. Patty is hard to pin down but always nice. The office staff have no personalities at all, but are responsive. The Surgery Nurse, Melissa is great! The blonde gal (not Patty) who did the final Pre Op Class was a hoot! Loved It. :crying: I didn't care about an excercise physiolgist either. I am joining my old gym in West View after the Holidays or Club Julians. What part of Cranberry do you live in?? Are u from there??? I live off the Mcknight Rd exit of 279N.

Band Groupie :Dancing_wub: Haha, I was right. Just to let you know, I was banded this past Monday 11/10/2008 with Dr Uchal from the Allegheny Gen'l practice. I live in the North too and decided just to go to Allegheny without looking at the others. I went to the seminar and was impressed. I've had a long time allegiance and admiration for AGH so there wasn't any issue with the level of care. I felt good about my decision then and now. I am at Day 5 of the Clear liquid Diet which is somewhat difficult but not horrible. :tt1: Dr Uchal is like a TV doctor. When he walked into the Surgery Staging Room, I heard the song, " You're So Vain" in my mind and thought he actually looks like a doctor on the Guiding Light or something. Most doctors are not so handsome. haha. To add to his appeal, he smiles like a leprachaun yet he is very nice, direct and professional. :bored: :Dancing_sorry: :w00t: He had an entourage of residents with him in the OR and when he followed up in my room. The care by the nurses was over the top. They made sure everything was taken care of and were very responsive to me. I had to stay two days instead of one because of high blood pressure, a questionable swallow test and low potassium. Dr U and Dr Colella take the "high risk" :crying: patients from the other practices, so that should tell you that are highly regarded by their peers/competitors. I can deal with anything from the staff if I know the doctors are top notch. If you have any additional questions, let me know. Kathy On my weigh to success!!

Hi, I'm glad to hear you are doing well. I was banded on 11/10 and ended up staying an extra day too! I actually visited my office today but left because I felt a bit weak. I am trying to get through each day on the "clear liquid" diet which is difficult. My follow up is Dec 2nd and I wish it were next week. I try not to focus on staying on a liquid diet for 3 weeks because it seems impossible. Other than sore, I don't seem to notice the lapband at all. Take care, Kathy :Dancing_sorry:

After reading your dissertation which btw was very interesting, I think you picked AGH. Was I right?