Hi...My name is Shawnna...I'm 27 and got my lap band done April 17, 07 through St. Alexius New Start. I live on the IL/MO border...close to St. Louis. Anyone else near by??

I'm nearby. I haven't been banded yet, have my consults at the end of the month with Wash U's program.

How are you doing so far?

Hey Annie! I'm doing pretty well. Having some gas pains...and sore at some of the incision sites. At first it was very difficult to change positions...like sitting to standing. But now I'm getting up and down with very little discomfort. So far things are going well!! Where are you at in the process? Do you have your insurance approval and referrals? Nice to find someone close to home!

Shawnna

Hi Shawnna,

I live in Sparta,il glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks for sharing with us. How was the Surgeon any recommendation?

Audrey

I really liked my surgeon....no complaints!!

Hi

I'm not all that far away, Paduacah, Ky. I had surgery in Monterrey, Mexico and love my band.

Hi Shawna. I'm just starting. I have all the pretesting like labs, and barium swallow done. I am meeting with the Surgeon, the nutritionist, and the physical therapy on Monday and Tuesday. I guess it's after that appointment that they will submit to insurance. I'm still a little worried that someone will deny me. My BMI is 37 and I have HBP and a fam hx of diabetes, and heart disease...so I'm hoping the insurance or the surgeon will object to my lower BMI.

Annie - what program are you going through?

Ohh...duh. I just read up and saw you are going through Wash U Let us know how it goes!!

oops...I meant "WON'T object to my lower BMI."

I will let you know. I haven't read many posts about them, mostly been New Start Patients. I actually almost went with them, but had already started the process with Wash U. I hope I'm making the right choice.

Hello Shawnna, I was banded 22 Mar 07 by Dr. Minkin at Des Peres hospital. I live in Granite City and am looking for a group also,I've heard there is a group that meets at DePaul hospital, but they are more of a by-pass group. I am going to do some checking around and will get back to you if I find anything.

Alan

307/272/190ish

I'M WITH THE BAND

Hi, Alan I'm from Sparta and I have yet to be banded. Have you tried www.obesityhelp.com

there is a variety there. I have a consult with the surgeon on 23th of May

Audrey

Wash U's program is just starting a group for bandsters, most of them are bypass patients. I spoke with the surgeon (Dr Eagon) that is doing my surgery (insurance approving), and he said there are about 12-15 people that are starting to get the group together. I don't have the specifics on date and times yet, but I will let you know.

Perhaps, if we can get enough interest, we all could meet out somewhere, and talk about our experiences.

dr. argotte at lourdes in ky

Don't know of any in the southern area but Dr. Gilman in Decatur, Dr. Hammer in Springfield both do.

I go to Dr.Follwell in St.Louis MO.