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

K

You asked in email and maybe on the yahoo thread, but to answer you, I'm going to run/walk the Jingle Bell 5-K December 6th with you.

Juli

To quote myself.

I'm not running. I was given an over time opportunity which I'm going to take!

I think Cinder was the only other one planning on going.

Swood, I had my surgery last December 18 and it was a tough haul through the holidays with my recovery and my pity party over being on liquids/mushy/soft foods for Christmas/New Years/My birthday. I really struggled with my mind and how "the holidays" were supposed to be food wise. I could kick myself now... what a whiner! Today I am down 80+ pounds from where I was last year and I am LOVING it! I would do it exactly the same time of year again if given the choice. I easily could have gained another 20 pounds over the holidays if I had waited until January to have the surgery. Thank goodness I didn't! Whatever you decide make sure it's based on what's best for you... not your friends or your family. Good luck!

Is anyone still planning on doing this?

Swood, do it and don't look back. I am always amazed at all the "Friendly experts" out there. It will be the great decision of your life and I don't care if it is one day before Christmmas; it will be the greatest gift of your life.

Tell everyone thanks for their concern; but this is what you choose. I went back to work 3 days after surgery. No problems. Just a little tender around the port site. But ohhhh so happy!

For those local to the Columbus area, I'll be presenting at the January Mt. Carmel Support Group on Scrapbooking our Weight Loss Journey. This is held at Mt. Carmel West Hospital at 6pm. PM me for more details. My agenda for January 5th for my presentation is:

• Why I chose to do this?
  
• How to get Started
  
• Photo Albums & Photo books
  
  
• Scrapbooks – Traditional & Digital
  
  
• Using your Computer to Capture Memories
  
  
• Topics to Consider for Pages in your Book
  
  

Also: I'm hosting a Scrapbooking party/demo for our bariatric support group but I'm inviting others outside Mt. Carmel's program to join if they'd like.

• Who: SpecialK is contact point, PM me through Lapbandtalk for more details and RSVPs.
  •What: Learn how to make a photo album or scrapbook of your weight loss journey with Traditional or Digital scrapbooking on online photobook processes.
  •Where: Westerville Christian Church, Room 131, 431 E. College Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
  –Directions
  •When: January 10, 2009 10am – 2pm
  •What to Bring: Basic supplies – see handout or PM me to get one sent to you.
  
• &&&& BYO Healthy Snacks.
  

Basic Supplies (examples)

• Photos
  
• Logos, cartoons, slogans, pictures that represent our timeline or events that marked your progress
  

• Paper, Scissors, Glue sticks, markers
  
• Album – e.g. top loading (or empty album pages)
  

Advanced Supplies (examples)

• Tape runner
  
  
  
• Embellishments – stickers, chipboard design elements, ribbon, buttons, etc.
  
  
• Decorative scrapbooking paper
  
  
• Decorative cutting scissors
  
  
• Glue or adhesive dots
  
  
• Paper cutter
  
  
• Shape cutting tools
  
  
• Stamps – for decorative touches
  
  
• Exacto knife & cutting pad
  

Bring Examples of Scrapbook pages if you have them or a magazine example you are interested in help recreating.

Edited December 8, 200817 yr by SpecialK

Thank you all for the support and comments about having surgery around the holidays. And of course I am having it done and not listening to my friends!! Monday at 12:30, I have a date with Dr. Choban. Deep down I knew I was making the right choice. I am already dreaming of my baked potato smoothie for Christmas dinner. LOL

SWOOD -- Baked Potato smoothie --- too funny. Keep your sense of humor and you'll make it thru just fine!

Seebs, Susan, you out there?

I should find an email...do you still have your pre WLS clothing? My friend is interested in them, if you've not already sold or donated them, will you bring them to Polaris on Saturday???

Thanks. I'll try to find you otherwise as well. Sorry to be public on here.

At the December support group meeting, I used my digital camera to take this picture of the Nativity scene stained glass window that is in the auditorium there at Mt. Carmel West's Medical Staff Building and I thought it was just so pretty I wanted to share it with you all.

P.S. For those who haven't been to that location, they have about 6 beautiful stained glass windows of scenes of Christ, like 3 on each side.

Merry Christmas.

Hello All~

I have followed this thread for a very long time,and it is very comforting reading about everyone's experiences. I went to Dr. Choban's seminar last year, and have just turned in my packet. My Cigna insurance reqiured me to see my physician for six months of weight loss documentation,so that is done already. Anyone know what the next steps will be? In reading so many of the entries on this thread, I know there are a lot of hoops to go through. I am scared,but I know I HAVE to do SOMETHING!!! I am hoping the lap band, combined with the support groups, will help me become the person I know is trapped deep inside the walls of fat I have built. Also, my urologist says bariatric surgery can cause kidney stones-anyone ever heard this?? I will appreciate any information anyone is willing to share!!

Hi Silly Puddy -- great to have a new face and username joining in. Best wishes as you go through the approvals process with Cigna. Hang in there even if they make you jump through hoops -- it is so worth it.

P.S. I loved playing with silly puddy as a kid -- neat nickname.

am willing to jump through whatever hoops I have to to get this weight off,and start living again!! I am nervous in that I will definatley have to find a new friend-besides food,and figure out a new relationship. Darn it, sucks to have to eat to live!! LOL Thanks for the welcome,and the encouragement!!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:smile:

I've been following this post for awhile too. You have taught me so much - must be because you are all Buckeyes.

I was banded Nov. 3 and am doing well. 21 lbs so far and I am so, so grateful for this surgery. I feel free for the first time in my life.

Anybody in the Dayton area? I live in Beavercreek.

silly puddy--It is a long and trying, but the hoop jumping does come to an end...and it is soooo worth it!

Gypsy--Congrats on the surgery! And the weight loss! You are always welcome to our cbus support groups, but I do think there is another thread with Dayton area people!

Please note that the schedule is twice a month now and the Monday one is at Mt. Carmel East Seigel Center - their auditorium - on January 7th which is when I will be presenting on scrapbooking our weight loss journey.

http://www.mountcarmelhealth.com/pdf/Educational%20Forum%20Calendar%2009R_Layout%201.pdf

I'm betting they went to two locations and twice a month due to patient feedback and that is great for me!