Ok Banded pro's this is my first time posting , I would like to know if n e 1 has been banded in columbus, ohio at the Mt. Carmel hospital and if so how was your experience? I have just sent in my first set of paper work to be approve by their Dr. Also they are charging $300.00 for administrator fee (paper pushing to the Ins.), not to mention I will have to spend another $200.00 for their nutritionist and this $500.00 is not covered by my insurance:faint: . Are fee's normal? I was just wondering because I feel as much as the surgery cost, these things should be included! N E help would be nice

Suecasb -- Great hearing from you. 20 Lbs is wonderful. Keep up the good work.

Angie, congrats on your approval! You're on your way :-)

Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I have Dr. Price at Mt. Carmel and I just received approval this week. I don't have a date yet, but hopefully soon... I'm glad I'm not alone in this journey...one step closer.

Thanks SpecialK for leading me to this site. I am new and trying to learn my way around in here.

Welcome Patty! This is a great site for support! Let us know how we can help you along the way! Good luck on this journey!

Welcome Patty, glad you found us. Your just down the road from me and Sue. I'm in Heath.

Thanks everyone! I took a copy of the letter to Charlene yesterday because I didn't want to wait for her to receive one. She said she will give it to Dr. Miller and I should be hearing from them soon about a date. I've been looking forward to this for well over a year and now I'm nervous. :blushing:

Congrats Angie and welcome Patty!

I saw Dr. choban today and got another .5cc she seemed to think I was almost at the right spot. I had lost 16 lbs in a little over 8 wks so I am pleased. I am feeling great and can't wait to feel even better. Who would of thought I'd be thrilled with being 250lbs. Oh well it is what it is.

I completed the pre-op stuff today: Lab work,EKG, Cehst xray, H/P, nutrition class................... I recieved a clean bill of health and cleared for surgery. Now I just wait until July 16th.

I live in Neark, we are all close. Welcome all. I know you will find this site a treasure chest.

I have learned so much from these folks.

Hello all. I've been browsing this thread throughout the day and it's been a treat to read everyone's stories. I'm at the very beginning of this process, so clearly there's a ways to go. A Dr. friend of mine at OSU highly recommended Dr. Choban.

One question I had is whether anyone had gone through this experience self-pay, rather than with insurance. That's my only option presently, but this is definitely something I want to pursue. I do understand that it will be a sizeable chunk of change.

Welcome. This website has a wealth of info on it and you'll be glad you found it. I don't know anybody who went to Mt. Carmel self-pay with Dr. Choban or the other 2 surgeons there but we do know a couple ladies who went to Cincinnati to Dr. Curry and another that went to Detroit for self-pay because they could get a package deal for about $12,000.

Another lady I've met named Courtenay is seriously checking out going to Mexico for a total package cost I think in the $9000 range.

I couldn't afford either of these options so just had to tough it out through the insurance approvals process but I'm so glad I did.

Best wishes in your search for info.

Debbie, Just read your post. I had my band done this week at Mt. Carmel in spite of Charlene. It took me six months, they also lost my paperwork many times. I don't know why they (the doctors) put up with such a staff. They have been so rude to me, and I'm a very kind person. I thought Dr. Choban was fantastic, but I certainly hope the hospital sends me an evaluation. They certainly didn't meet my expectations. I'm still glad I had the surgery though. Good luck to you.

I don't know if others have found it in their mailbox yet, but Mt. Carmel just sent me a bariatric program evaluation that asks satisfaction about every aspect of the program. Specifically asks about the surgeons, the office staff, the nutritionist, the bariatric nurse coordinator, the bariatric wing staff, etc. Asks if there is some one thing you'd want improved, what is it, what were you most satisfied with and gives you lines to put in open responses. So, for all those who felt we needed to help the program improve, I hope you'll complete the evaluation Mt. Carmel sent and be honest and provide praise as well as where they need to improve.

Mine is going in the mail tomorrow!

Wondered if they waited until you were past 90 days post surgery to send it. ?? Who else has received one?

I just got mine yesterday, and plan on sending it back out tomorrow!

I received my survey, as well. I filled out the easy part first - with the ratings. Now for the fun part - writing the comments. Oh, by the way ... I hit the big " 5 - 0" this week (and I don't mean my age - I already hit that a while ago). :biggrin: I've been doing a LOT of walking lately and, unfortunately, with this crazy weather have been rained on more than once. I guess I won't melt! :thumbs_up:

Edited June 30, 200818 yr by gregw

Greg--That is GREAT!!! I am so happy for you!

I was banded April 14 after 10 months on going back and forth with the adm staff there. It was a struggle not to 'go off' on them for their nonresponsive attitude but I got through it. Just got a patient survey in the mail this week and will express my disappointment. On the other hand, the docs were GREAT!