Hey everyone.

My name is Kasie and I live in Robbinsdale, I am just starting out in this whole lab-band process. I have absolutely no idea where to start. I can't wait to *meet* all of you Minnesotans. If any of you guys could give me a place to start that would be great.

Hi Kasie!

Congrats on deciding to be banded! Have you contacted any surgeons yet? I think the first step for any of them is to attend one of their informational seminars. Also, you should join the yahoo group MN_Bandsters. There are a few more people in that group- although its still not too active. There is also a database of surgeons.

My surgeon is Dr. Billing, located in Moose Lake, MN. I had my first appointment in early November and could have had surgery in late December.

Here's some other MN surgeons that might be closer to home (I took this info from the MN-Bandsters yahoo site):

Dr. Robert Wetherville 952-993-3180 3900 Park Nicollet Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Dr. Sayeed Ikramuddin 612-625-8445 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Dr. Howard McCollister 218-546-8375 Central Lakes Medical Clinic, Crosby, MN

Dr. Billings 218-485-5842 Moose Lake MN

Dr. Michael L. Schwartz 612-338-1100 920 E 28th St., Minneapolis, MN 55007

I would suggest trying Dr. Wetherville first. Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Ikramuddin both have really long waiting lists.

Good Luck! Let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Melissa

Pre-Band

3-8-04!!

Hello Kasie:

I used Dr.Michael Schwartz (Abbott-Northwestern Hospital). My experience was fabulous. Any questions feel free to email me......Good luck Gabby

Hi

Iam new too and from MN. I have decided to go to Mexico because I'am self pay. I have a surgery date of the 5th of June. I'am so excited. I have family that has had this done and are very happy. Good luck to you.

Hi,

I am close to Kettle River ? Moose Lake

Hello,

I'm from Mora- but I had my surgery with Dr. Billing in Moose Lake. Have you been banded yet? Where are you at in the process?

Melissa

Hi Mel,

I lost 40 #'s before surgery and 10 since surgery. I hurt my knee two days after surgery and had to have knee surgery, so that has slowed me down. I have been a little down because of that and slipping back into old habits. I have to get my butt moving - as in EXERCISE!

Do you go to the Moose Lake support group? There is one coming up on the 13th, I hope to be able to go.

Thanks for the reply and good luck to you. Tammy