Hi everyone, I was so excited when I heard about this site. But right now I'm kinda of disappointed. It doesnt seem there is anyone on here from Michigan anymore... Hmmm....

Well, If anyone reads this I hope to hear from you soon! I'm pre-op and excited to hear about anyone's experiences! I hope you write!

Thanks!!!!!

Hey!

Congrats ellette! Good luck in your adventure. Hope to be on it soon also!

Dylansmom, yes, Dr Deol and Rebecca are great. Like you said, it's all one big family. I have a tenitive date of May 1st for surgery, I can't wait. Doing that Optifast thing right now, not much fun! Thanks for offer of support!

So tomorrow I have my first consult with Dr. Deol and I was told to bring $250 with me to pay for it because insurance doesn't cover it. I was also told yesterday by a few women that went to port huron to watch out for hidden fees from the Detroit Doctors. They said $250 is too much and that it's wrong that I have to have my evals through her doctors. Am I making a bad choice by going through Dr. Deol? I'm not sure what to think.

:faint:

Hi Josette,

As far as making a bad choice in going with Dr Deol, I think you'll find she is the as good as everyone says, so I don't think it's a mistake. But yes, there are those "hidden" costs. Actual, they aren't hidden, the first thing Rebecca will have you do is look at the price booklet, so you do know. I know the $250 up front is a lot, it doesn't garuntee you anything. The way I looked at it, I want this surgery and I want the best doctor, so I did it. In using her doctors for evals, I know I used my personal doctor for one part of it. I asked about why on a couple others, like the cardiologist, and she said it's because they want you to have a Beaumont doctor, in case something happens at the hospital. All in all, it's a personal decsion you have to make. Good luck to you, let us know what happened.

Joe

so how much did you end up spending out of pocket that insurance didn't cover? I also heard you have to pay $750 for mandatory support group.

Yeah, there is the $750 for support fees, but you don't pay that until your last appoinment, about one week from surgery. All my tests and doctor appointments were covered by insurance. The nutionalist is $88 a visit and there are 2 visits, but she gives you a paper to try to collect from your insurance company, so it might be nothing, I haven't heard yet. The physcologist takes most insurances, unfortunately, not mine. That was $125 a visit, 2 visits. Actually, I'll be there tomorrow also to see the phycologist. The other cost I've had is the pre surgery diet, they use Optifast and that cost depends on how long she wants you on it.

My hubby flipped out when he heard the next few months we'll need over a thousand dollars towards this. I just called and canceled my appointment. We're still trying to dig ourselves out of when I was on family medical leave taking care of my mom for 2 months until she died this past fall. Blah. I'm very bummed. Guess I didn't research this as much as I had thought.

Hey Josette,

Sorry it's not going to work out for you. It is a lot of money, you would think insurance would cover it all. Well, good luck to you.

Joe

Well thanks so much for all the information Joe. I appreciate it greatly. I'll get there eventually. I really will!!!! :confused:

Hi Josette,

You might want to give Henry Ford Hospital a call... I'll tell you up front that they've only done about 25 lapbands, but they've done many RNY's and Dr. Carlin & Dr. Ganaw are very experienced laparoscopic surgeons...

My out of pocket was only about $350 total. I can't remember exact amounts, but here's an estimate:

Psychiatrist - 1 visit, $150

Nutritionist - 1 visit, $80

Exercise Specialist - 1 visit, $80

There is a support group, but there's no fee and attendance isn't required. Make sure that you are clear about wanting the Lapband surgery so that they send you to the right contact person. You can find info here:

http://www.henryfordhospital.com/body.cfm?id=39922

I hope this helps! If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

I just went to the seminar and had my first screening appt yesterday. I am from near Manistee. It was a really long day I left home at 8am and got home at 11pm. I like him just fine except that he didnt spend a lot of time but he was ready to answer any questions I had. I am concerned about having to visit once a month with gas prices. But I liked the fact that between him and Dr Boutt they have done nearly 1300 of these surgeries. It would be nice to find a fill dr a little closer but I think for the first few months I will stick with them. I need to have a psyc eval done close to home though. I would be willing to go to Traverse City. Anybody got any ideas?

I chose Dr. Boutt. He did my seminar, and frankly, who wouldn't want to wake up with someone that handsome looking at you? He has a brilliant mind and is very thorough. I highly recommend Port Huron and Dr. Boutt.

4 days post-op the only significant pain I am experiencing is a possible pinched nerve in my left shoulder. It is keeping me out of work for another day. But it is excrutiating, especially when compared to the lack of pain I have from my incision sites. Has anyone else had this?

Josette, I feel your heart in your signatuer line. I lost my Mom Feb 2005 (59 yrs) to ovarian cancer. What an evil disease. It also took my Grandmother 15 years earlier. They tell me it's not hereditary...but I don't believe them. God bless you.

Thanks all, I'm just learning the Board thing!

~Tricia

Good morning lap band America.

My sister-in-law Chris had the lap band a year ago and is doing great, when my doctor told me I needed gastric by-pass surgery my brother told me to talk to chris and that was beginning of a brand new journey for me, 3 months later I had the lap band put in and what ride.

sence the first seminar meeting in oct. of 2005 and surgery Jan 17, 2006

I have lots 52lbs. I am on my second fill and go for #3 on the 18th of may

I, like alot of you folks, have tried them all from protine shakes, weight watcher, atkins and the list goes on.

I feel like I made the right descion and I am looking forward to a new me

with the weight loss I have to this point I am the lowest I have been in 20 years.

I was just told about this sight and I am thankfuf for the support and

encouragment that I have seen here already.

I have had a number of people asking questions, and wanting info.

thanks again T.L.

Welcome to board T. L. Sounds like you made the right decision. Congrats. on your weight loss. Does'nt it feel great. I am two weeks out today and have done great. No problems and down twelve pounds. This board has been a wonderful help to me besides making new friends. Keep up the good work.

Is anyone from the middle of the state? I see way up northerner's and metro folk, and MSU folk...anyone a Chippewa??? Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Flint? Anyone??

What else is happening in this beautiful state besides the weather?? I know there are people gettnig banded everyday in this state...that's why it took most of us so long..we had to wait our turn!

hey folks this T.L. from the middle of the mitten. Good to hear from ya.

I will be getting my third fill thursday, can't wait to see how differen't i fell with three.

My Sister-in-law told me wait till you hit the sweet spot your weight will drop so fast you can't believe it, well I'm ready.

by the! "happy Mothers Day"

Have a great weight loss dad

T.L.