Lisa73

Hi I was banded Wed 10/7 Iam doing well physically but also dreaming of food I almost ate a cheeze it without even realizing it. I finally went to walmart last night and bought some carnation instant Breakfast drink (no sugar added) just for something different. I felt like it helped and seemed like a treat compared to the protien drink I have been drinking-muscle milk light. My mom suggested warm skim milk, I have not tried that yet but she said it would be very satisfying. I aslo bought diet hot chocolate, that was really good to. Hang in there you know you can do it:thumbup: Lisa

I have United Healthcare and just received an approval letter 3 weeks ago. I am so excited! I chose DePaul Hospital based on it's reputation. I was assigned Dr. De La Torre which was fine by me I attended his seminar and he seems very personable. I have an appointment wed sept. 9th for the all day testing, counseling and surgeon consult. I was told I would schedule my surgery date at that time. I was just curious if anyone else was a DePaul patient and had any advice for me? Thanks Lisa

Maplef50, Thanks for the info on sleep study very interesting. I thought about what you said about changing to a different psych. dr. but I had to call the ins co. and get the approval and an auth # myself, and the list of other bariatric psych. dr. on the list are pretty far from where i live but i did call the office and asked them to put me on a list to call if there are any cancellations. Who knows I might get that call. Today I am preparing to go on vacation next week. Me, my husband and 4 year old daughter are going to Branson, MO for a week. 5 hrs in the back of a mini van with a 4 year old. I hope this is going to feel like a vacation. Let me know when you find out your surgery date. Lisa

Hello Maplef50 sorry it took so long I didn't think anyone replied to me. That's great you're approved ! I just received a phone call from my surgeon's office and they scheduled me for a Psych eval. I was suprised she was booked all the way out to Aug 3rd. I was wondering how did your surgeon come to the conclusion you needed a sleep study or is that mandatory for the lapband surgery? I really do not want to do that I guess it just seems like a big hassle and a little bit of an invasion of privacy. Let me know how yours turn out. Lisa

If you scroll down to "similar threads" there are quite a few posting on both topics. Lisa 73

I have not been banded yet but i looked up some of the abbreviations Pb=productive burp I think slimming is vomiting saliva not postive though I'll definately check back to see if anyone else responds I would like to know myself. Lisa73

Hello My name is Lisa I am looking for a buddy to talk with while going through this process from beginning to end, no experience required. Hx I live in Alton, IL. I am married with one daughter and run a home daycare. I am waiting for my educational seminar on June 10th at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, MO with Dr Scott and Dr. DelaTorre. I have United Healthcare and hear they are really good about quick auth. I have called the ins co. and they informed me they do indeed cover wls. I also called and received pre-authorization number for the psych evaluation. When I called my PCP in April the soonest appt. they could give me was three months out. (June 16th). I'm trying to think of everything I can do to make this happen as quick as possible. I think I have read every blog on this site trying to educate myself as much as possible. Thanks

Babs15 Hey if you have to do the 6 month weight loss trial don't be discouraged it's very common with alot of insurance companies it will be worth the wait. I just got off the phone with my ins co UHC my husband just got a new job so this ins co. is new to me, but I just found out my surgery if auth would be covered 100% no co-ins. Hooray:lol:! I have just been assuming it would only be covered at 90% and the place Iam having the surgery charges 20-25,000 so thats a big savings I was not expecting. Lisa73:cool:

I have researched a couple of weight loss institutes and am very interested in DePaul Hospitals weight loss clinic in St. Louis Mo. I would love to hear some feedback from any of thier patients. anything from consultation, hospital stay to fill appts. I have read on this site that they offer one incision site vs. 5-6 incisions. I have also learned that the fills are done in the radiology dept under fluoroscopy not sure what that means. I am waiting to attend an educational seminar on June 10th with Dr DelaTorre. I have United Healthcare Insurance I read that thier pretty good about covering and authorizing this surgery. I hope I don't have to try an alternative weight loss method for 6 months before ins auth. Iam already obsessed with having this surgery done yesterday. :rolleyes2:Lisa

I am new to this sight and doing as much research as possible I have seen and read some on this sight about DePaul Hospital and Dr. Scott. I am attending a seminar on June 10th at DePaul with Dr. DelaTorre. I have United Healthcare Ins. and was wandering how Dr. Scott performs his fills.(office or radiology, does he use an anesthetic or nothing, does a nurse perform the fill or does he do it himself?) I would like to know any info good or bad. Thanks Lisa 73:lol:

Thanks so much for the info I did check out the "Doctors and Hospital" category and found good things about Dr. Wagner but not so good about St. Alexius Hospital. I called DePaul and reserved a spot to attend a seminar June 10th so I am excited to hear what thay have to say although I have done so much research already I don't think anything they say will be new news. Lisa73

Hello Babs 15 I am also new to this site and I am from Illinois about 30 min from st.Louis where are you considering having your surgery performed. I also have hbp, cholesterol and was just dx with diabeties about 6months ago trying to control with diet and exercise, but thats not working to well. I know if I don't get this lap band I'll be on diabeties meds before the end of this year. I suffer with heal spurs so it's really had for me to get exercise my husband is helping me shop for an olyptical exercise machine. I hope this well help me. I have already made up my mind I want the band the surgery doesnt really bother me I have had my gallbladder removed laprascopically no big deal. It's the fills and maintenance of the lapband I'm dreading. Lisa73 245lbs Waiting to attend a seminar May 15 DR Van Wagner St. Alexius New Start Lisa73

Hello Iam just starting my research on which surgeon I want to use Iam considering Dr Wagner I have read other entries and seen Dr Wagners name, but not Dr. N. Richardson or Dr R. Follwell. I want someone who is experienced and has a great reputation. I would also love any feed back on how you feel about the staff's experience when you go get a fill done. Thanks for any information. Lisa