Hey ya'll. I am in the process of losing the preop weight that Dr. Maher wants me to lose. I am down 8 pounds and have 16 more to go. Is anyone else from the Richmond area? I live in New Kent, Va, but am having my surgery at VCU.

Thanks in advance!

So, for those of you who have seen Dr. Bautista, or a doctor at St. Mary's... how long after approval was your surgery scheduled?

So, for those of you who have seen Dr. Bautista, or a doctor at St. Mary's... how long after approval was your surgery scheduled?

I am trying to get them to submit everything for approval..I have called and emailed the office since Friday to see if they received all my other paperwork from the other drs. but have not heard anything yet..I must admit its getting frustrating.

Ugh, that stinks.

So, I think I'm the only one posting in here. Met with Dr. Bautista yesterday. Definitely all business, but I don't care. I want a good surgeon! I'm going to call their insurance coordinator tomorrow and see what else I may need. Hopefully nothing since I've already been through this once.

I am calling VCU Weightloss Surgery Center tomorrow. I am so frustrated about trying to lose this weight. I have probably lost the same 20 pounds over and over. I have been sick with one thing or another and so its hindering my weightloss.

I wish everyone the best of luck on thier surgeries, and on thier adventures in getting to the surgery date! <3

For anyone at St.Mary's, are you going to the support group tonight?

So, Dr. Bautista's office staff are very rude. I'm not liking this at all. I'm already so frustrated with everything that's happened (Dr. Elliott quitting, insurance debacle, etc.) and then to be talked to like a child? Ugh.

His nurse was lovely, however.

You look super Indi! Great job.

So, Dr. Bautista's office staff are very rude. I'm not liking this at all. I'm already so frustrated with everything that's happened (Dr. Elliott quitting, insurance debacle, etc.) and then to be talked to like a child? Ugh.

His nurse was lovely, however.

I totally understand why you are feeling they are rude. I cant deal with one particular person in there. Thank heavens there was another person in the office I could have handle my paperwork. Im trying to keep in mind that he is a good surgeon. If it wasnt for that I would probably go somewhere else.

I might have an idea of the one person you're referring to. I'm going to send you a message!

Have you heard anymore about your approval?

And I totally understand. That's what I was feeling yesterday. If it wasn't for his reputation and strength of the group I'd be calling VCU I guess. Well, that and the fact that I really don't want to start all over a third time.

Hello all, I am excited that I have finally got my approval for surgery. Now I am just waiting for my date. This has been a long road but it was worth every bump that I crossed.

Yay! that's great news. Who's your surgeon?

Let us know when you get a date.

Yay! that's great news. Who's your surgeon?

Let us know when you get a date.

My surgeon is Dr. Kellum at MCV. I received my letter in the mail today and the surgeon's nurse is working on getting all my hospital papers together.

YAY!!!

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!