Richmond Virginia Sleevers Around?

[bandita 16]

Hey richmond sleevers! I wish that i had foubd you all sooner. I too am in richmnd and scheduled for my sleeve on monday the 27th of august. I amm at the vcu health sys and dr kellum is going to be doing my surgery. Let me just say that i am a lap band pt and had that surgery done at st marys hosp. And now speaking from experience there is no comparison and vcu is at the top! Not to say that the surgeons are not just as good at st marys but the whole process is much more organized, the staff are excellent and the nurritionists are superb. I agree with alicia....dr bautistas staff is incrediblly cold.

Vcu has a nuritionist that does all of your counselling...not a nurse. They function on evidence based practice which means they are using the latest information and not necessairly something tried and true that may not be as healthy or effective. The unit that i will be staying on is absolutely gorfeous...all private rooms etc and it makes me feel safer that should i have any complications the doctor os always in house....or the fellow surgeon (no back and forth phone calling). It doesnt hurt to have every sub specialty at arms legnth in case they are needed.

I wish all of you the best of luck!

[AliciaA122 24]

Oh man, now I'm a little jealous!

If I wasn't so far along at St Mary's I may consider switching. My information has been submitted to insurance AGAIN and will be denied AGAIN because they didn't have or send the medical clearance letter.

[GeekyGamerGrrl 7]

I too am at VCU, and excited, because everyone has been so nice, and informative. No matter how many times you call and ask questions, they never make you feel like a bother. Good luck to all that are undergoing the surgery soon. If only I could lose the weight I need to. Its so frustrating!

Have a great day everyone!

[AliciaA122 24]

Bandita, did you have to lose a certain percentage of your body weight during pre-op as well?

[GeekyGamerGrrl 7]

Dr. Maher wants me to get to 285 I started at 311. Thats ALLLLLLLLLOOOTTTT of weight to lose. He suggested weight watchers. So I guess I am going to have to suck it up and do it that way. Ugh! I dunno. I really really want this surgery. And I know I need to do this. But sometimes its hard to get over the hump of food. Know what I mean?

[AliciaA122 24]

oh yes, I definitely know! We're about the same starting weight. I would have a very hard time getting down to 285.

[GeekyGamerGrrl 7]

So far, I am down to 300. I have even been down to 298. But because I have been going through some things health wise. Alot of the medications they have put me on, have hindered my weightloss goal. Blegh! It sucks honestly!

[bandita 16]

I did not have to lose any weight before surgery. My starting weight was 258.5. I have been doing the pre op diet for 9 days and am down to 247.5. If you have to lose weight before surgery this shake diet will def get it off of you! I am in ketosis and actually feel pretty good, i would never do this type of diet if i was not close to surgery because i imagine as soon as i would stop it the weight would just jump back on. But if you are moving forward with surgery it would get that last 15 lbs off quickly...if you can tolerate the bad breath and constant peeing! Hope that helps good luck!

[quitaboo1 12]

I got approved today and my surgery date is October 8....Im excited and nervous!!!!!!!

[msnae 21]

I got approved today and my surgery date is October 8....Im excited and nervous!!!!!!!

Congrats. I know that you are happy. Where are you having surgery at?

[quitaboo1 12]

Congrats. I know that you are happy. Where are you having surgery at?

Thanks and I am having surgery at St Marys.

[AliciaA122 24]

Just called my insurance company and they said they have NO file open for me with the new surgeon. lol. This, despite the fact that Dr. Bautista's insurance coordinator told me she's been in touch with them and sent them requested information.

So, who's telling the truth? Who's confused?

Well, I am for one. Confused and frustrated and tired of this whole process.

[GeekyGamerGrrl 7]

I am so sorry Alicia. *hugs* I hope you get it figured out soon. Maybe its time to get mean

[aug62012 27]

I have not been on line here after surgery so here is my update. I had the sleeve on 8/6 with Dr Brengman at St Marys. He also fixed my hiatal hernia. I stayed 1 night in hospital and did not have any problems. Loved the nurses and had a fabulous experience. I did go to the support group on 8/16 and enjoyed it. The nutritionist is at Dr Brengmans office 1 day a week and you can see her there and not pay extra. Of you see her in the hospital nutrition center then you pay your copay. Tomorrow is 3 weeks since surgery and I have lost 20 pounds, I lost 11 during my 2 week pre op diet which was 2 shakes and a low cal low carb meal each day. I am sooo exited with life!!

[aug62012 27]

Total of 31 pounds down! Best decision I made was to get this tool.