jovaughn

Hi, can anyone recommend a doctor in Georgia? If so, where are they located? I am close to Atlanta and there are several but if I could get anyone's input on who they used, that would be great. Also, if you were self pay, approximately how much did it cost? Not that the cost is as important as the doctor's knowledge and experience is.Thanks!

I recommend Dr. John Bagnato in Albany Ga. He is the best!! I know several folks that went to Dr.s in Atlanta and were not as happy with their choice as I was!

Jo

Update.. Now 16 months post op..down 77 pounds..Love-n it!!

I am just now starting to research cosmetic procedures, and physicians, hosp. cost and insurance.

My lapband is now 1 year old and I need to have some skin removed.

What insurance companies do yall have? My BC/BC-Anthem covered my band, but I have no idea about plastic surgery.

I was banded on July 10, and LOVE it! I have lost 34 pounds, and I now have 5.5 cc in my band, and doing great!

I am in Eufaula, so that is not far from you.

So far I have done wonderful- except for the first few days I have felt great. The first few days I had a lot of gas- from the surgery, after that I was fine- hope you feel better soon, if I can help just holler- I am Jo, and if you need to talk to someone I can call you, o send my number and you can call me.

My cell phone is with Verizon-334-695-6615

Thanks for the welcome.

I am doing great. I was put on full liquid diet yesterday, because I was loosing too fast.

My surgical experience was easy. I was sore for a couple of days, but feel almost back to normal. I had almost no bruising, and my incisions look all healed up. All this in only 5 days.

15 pounds down- 79 to go.

OPPPPPS. I don't know why it posted like that. The first time I tried to post, it didn't work, nor the 2nd time. Now all 3 are there. sorry

My date was July 10- doing great!

July 10.

Doing great!

July 10. I am recovering nicely!

Hi,

I am Jo, and my surgery was July 10.

I live in Al, but my surgery was done in Ga.

I also bought several boxes of Crystal Light. My favorite is the Mango-Peach Green Tea. Plain Water gets pretty boring after a while. I made sugar-free Jello the day before surgery, and bought some applesauce. Yesterday I had the applesauce for lunch- it was really good!

Dr. Bagnato did not require me to be on a liquid diet pre-op.

I only had to be on the sugar buster diet. The sugar buster diet is almost the Atkins Diet. I am on Clear Liquids post op, my surgery was 4 days ago. I start full liquids on this Friday for a few days , and then soft foods. It has not been hard at all- and I have lost 15 pounds. I did not have to weigh after starting the sugar-buster diet.

I was banded on July 10-just last Friday.

Dr. Bagnato said NO straws. I bought a plastic pill cutter. A wedge pillow is very helpful.

The best Soup I have ever had is Egg Drop soup. It went down real smooth and easy.

I bought it in a box with 2 packages of soup mix. Mix one pack with a quart of Water, when it boils add a beaten gg. I added 2 eggs- and a cup of chicken broth. It tastes great- and gives you something besides cold stuff. It seems to be helping build my strenght back up.

I bought whey Protein, and will begin using it Friday- right now I am still on clear liquid. Not hungry though!

My insurance is Blue Cross- Blue Shield-Anthem.

I had no problems getting approved with them. I had to have an appt. with a dietition, and a Psyke exam. Both were really quick.

I saw Dr. Bagnato for the 1st time on April 28. The insurance company approved me pending the dietiton, and psyke exam. I saw the dietition on May 12, and the Psyke on May 18. I was approved by insurance on June 14.

My surgery was July 10-just last Friday. It was much easier than I thought it would be, in fact it wasn't bad at all.

I had my general practitioner write a letter to Dr. Bagnato, saying he thought lapband was good for me, as it should make a big difference in my blood pressure eventually. Dr. B's office staff was wonderful- they can help you with paperwork to help you get approved.

You can check with your insurance company and see if they cover Bariatric Surgery. Some do, some don't.

Good Luck!!

Jo

I had surgery yesterday. It was done in Albany Ga., and I live in Eufaula, Alabama. Just wanted to say hello, and into.

I am very sore today, but otherwise feel fine.

You are so right! I do love the staff (so helpful) and Dr. Bagnato.

I have refered 3 friends to him, and all three are doing the steps to get the insurance approval. They all have the same ins. as I, so I feel sure they will get it.

So tell me, if you don't mind, how much have you lost, has it been very hard?

I am so excited!! I have to go on July 1st, for a pre-surgical appt. with Dr. Bagnato, then over to the hospital for the pre-admin test.

No, I am not from Albany.

I am in Eufaula, Al. About 65 miles from Albany.

I did my tests at Palmyra Hosp., and I prefer Albany to Atlanta!!

I also looked for Dr. Bagnato patients on this forum and didn't find any.

I will be banded by Dr. Bagnato on July 10. I can't hardly wait!

Jo

Congrats to you too!!!!

I am still on cloud 9....

So excited.

Looking for support!! Just approved and have surgery date of June 22.

I am starting the Sugar Buster Diet tomm. 6-6-09. Anyone on this diet?

I was approved a few minutes ago by Anthem Blue Cross.

Surgery date June 22...

Doing the Happy Dance here!!!

Hopefully my surgery date will be in June.

All my test, and classes are done- now I am just waiting final insurance approval. It was approved already, pending all the test results. My surgeon (Dr. Bagnato) says they can schedule surgery a week after approval.

This waiting makes me a wreck!

I am ready NOW!!! LOL Can you say IMPATIENT?

Thanks.

I seem to be doing the insurance dance today.

Dr. Bagnato faxed paperwork in last Tuesday (the 28th). I called this morning, and they say they didn't get it.

Had it faxed again at 10 am today and will check back in the morning to make sure they got it.

Hi Yall!

I am Jo, and I am in south Alabama. My surgeon will be Dr. John Bagnato in Albany Ga. My Insurance is BlueCross/BlueShield/Anthem.

I already know they cover surgery, I just don't know how many hoops they will make me jump before approval.

I am 5 foot 5. BMI=36 225 lbs. Been overweight most my life.

I have co-morbid- back surgery (spinal stenosis), hypertension, sleep apnea, gerd,arthritious (sp).

Hopefully this will go fast and smooth.

Anyone else with my insurance?