I will be banded in just 2 more weeks. I am so encouraged by everybody's stories and progress.

I originally had an appointment with a different sergeon for Roux en Y. But I just couldn't go thru with it. The risks are so high. It's so permanent. And it's re-routing the way God made me to work. Besides, I just didn't get a good 'vibe' from the sergeon. He couldn't look me in the eye. He was abrupt. When I asked a question, he would interject and spout, "Just wait...I'm getting to that." Plus, he was incredibly overweight himself.

I called the clinic about a week or so ago and told them about my misgivings. I told them I was scared and needed a different alternative. I already knew about the lap band but didn't know if it would work for me. They assigned me to a different sergeon, Dr. Kam, and kept the original sergury date for Wednesday, January 25th 2006.

Dr. Kam called me at home and we talked about the band. He told me of a few websites to check out including www.inamed.com . I told him I found LBT and he was pleased to hear that.

I feel so good about my choice to have the band versus the RNY. I am pleased as punch about Dr. Kam. I am ready to burst with excitement when I couldn't hardly get out of bed before, thinking I would have my guts re-routed. This site is also God-sent. I totally believe in fate.

This post is just an outlet for me. I had to get the excitement off of my chest. Thanks, all, for listening!

your band date is approaching soon... so good luck and let us know how you are doing after surgery..

Congrats! I couldn't do the RYN either! Good luck and keep us posted!

Dar Congratulations and I'm wishing you lorts of success with your band!!! I hink you made a good choice!!

Thank you everybody for your care and concern. Today is my last day of regular foods. (The mourning process has already begun) Tomorrow is clear liquids (and laxative) then Wednesday is SURGERY DAY. I will let you all know how it goes. Thank you again for your kind thoughts.

4 holes and a 2 inch cut, I did it! I'm banded! Everything went exceptionally well. I'm happy to be home and comfy in my own bed. The facility (Barix Clinics) was an excellent experience. I don't have one bad thing to say. I'm just glad it's behind me and I can move on.

Glad you are home and doing good. It's all downhill from here. Drink plently of fluids, walk, rest, and take care of that new band. :clap2:

Hi, I am new to this. I am thinking about Barix clinics as well. Who was physician you didn't like? I am thinking about going to Port Huron with Dr. Bhesiania, have you heard of him?

The physician I didn't like just quit. (Thank goodness, grumpy old fart!) I've never heard of Dr. Bhesiania. It would be a good idea to have a consult with him first and see how you feel about him.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

So Dar, Congrats!! How are you feeling now that you've had the surgery? I'm scheduled for my first "consultation" March 1st with Dr. Doel in Sterling Heights. I'm nervous! I'd be very interested to see how your doing post surgery. Hope to hear from you! Again, CONGRATS!!

Hi, I was banded by Dr. Boutt in Port Huron, wonderful doctor and great staff at the office. I read your other post about BCBS. The girls in the office faxed a check list to my primary doctor and I was approved in three days. Good luck, this was the best thing I've done for myself!

Dar, I am so thrilled for you. I also want to go thru Barix in Ypsilanti,, but I am starting to have some misgivings. For one thing,, its impossible to talk to anyone on the phone without leaving a message first and waiting,, waiting,, for them to call back. (sometimes they don't) I thought they would help me get my insurance to approve,, or at least give me some assistance,, and they really haven't done much at all. I feel like I am sooo alone in this journey. May I ask what insurance you had? Mine is BCBS POS. Best of luck to you.

Hi everybody....I am new to the board!:nervous

I have been researching the band for almost 2.5 years. In the past my insurance wouldn't cover it, but now my spouse has a new job and our new insurance covers bypass or band WLS. I decided to go with Barix because I like Dr. Shram. I have met him and he really explained things well. He seems genuine. Plus he has a great track record. I live in Holland and Barix has an office here. There are a few WLS Drs. in Grand Rapids, but they have had some recent deaths --scary!

The one thing about Barix that I have been disappointed with has been their insurance dept. When I went to the info seminar at Barix they made it sound as though they would help me get all of the necessary records and info that Aetna (my ins co) would require. The only thing they helped me with is giving me a check list. So I have had to do all of the foot work and it is not fun. It is a full time job. Plus everytime I call Barix and talk to the insurance dept, they act like I am wasting their time with my questions. I figure that it is just that dept. Everybody else I have dealt with or met has been awesome and really helpful.

As for my requirements, Aetna requires me to see my GP for diet/exercise counseling for 6 months. I just completed that today. Then they require me to go for a psyc eval....did that. Aetna also wants to see my weight documented for the last 5 years. This has been the tough one...because we have moved 3 times due to my husbands job. I have been able to get all of my records except for the one that goes back 5 years. This Dr. office has been putting me off and not wanting to help me. So now I am at a point where I call them twice everyday and harress them about it. I decided that if they want to be difficult, then I will be a thorn in their side. :rolleyes

I also suffer from insulin resistance and have severe back and foot pain....I really hope I get approved. Although I am concerned that once I get the info to Aetna I will have to wait weeks and weeks to find out if I am approved. I am just wanting to have this surgery done so I can start my "new improved" life. Anyone else dealing with stubborn DR. offices, or Aetna? ??:couch2:

I also, think the insurance people at the Barix Clinic have been less than helpful..I don't get my calls returned,,I never get to talk to a REAL person,, I just have to leave messages. Yes, all I got was a check list, and I guess the rest is up to me. I thought they would be more helpful,, but I was told that they have cut staff and just don't have the time. I told one of the girls that they should be increasing staff with all the money they must be making from all the surgeries! VERY frustrated here with Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti.

Congratulation Dar... I sure hope you are doing well and congratulations!