I've got an appointment on 9-28-07 with Dr. Joyce. I was wondering if anyone here has him as their surgeon? What did you think of him and his staff?

Hi Carol! I have Dr Christopher Joyce, and absolutely love him!

Banded on 9-11-07. Laura and Cherrish are his nurses,and they are great. Dont be nervous, you are in great hands! Are you just starting to check out the procedure?

Kate

Hi Kate,

I've attended the seminar and have my 1st appointment 9-28-07. I want to get this whole process started and can't wait for the 6 month medical supervision to be over. Haven't actually started it yet. I'm nervous but excited at the same time. Continued success on your loss. I will keep in touch with you on your progress. Did you have to have the 6 month supervision? Does the Dr also require a pre-op diet? Any info I get in advance is appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Carol! I'm from Orland Park, not sure where you are at.

I was nervous, excited all rolled into one. Then freaked when I was told my surgery date was 9-11. But, got by that because I wasnt going to wait any longer. I truley wish I knew about this site long before I was banded. There are soooo much helpful advise! The six month supervision is bascially getting in all the other appointments, pulmonologist (sp?) cardiologist, psyc, etc. I was a bit of a pesty pants jamming it all together, constantly calling to see if there were any cancellations. (they probably have my chart highlighted ' she's a pain', lol. Was a bit frustrated (tell you privately why later) but all in all I am so glad I had Dr Joyce,and you will absolutely love, love, love Silver Cross Hospital. The 6th floor is where all his patients go, beautiful. I wasnt aware there was a pre-op diet., no one told me... and I did as best I could. I have so much info to give you, not enought space! lol. Talk to you soon!

Thanks Kate, I too am from Orland Park. Now thats what I'm looking forward to....dr visits...lots of them...lol..thanks for the info. I too am so glad to find this site...a lot of questions have already been answered here and a lot of inspiration from fellow banders. Only wish I was already banded...

I was very impatient too.Your from OP? I dont get on line often (have older kids who are computer hogs) but I will be looking for ya! Hope I can help u out in any way. Dr visits werent too bad, I actually learned alot. I think I can email you my email address, I will give it a try. Take care!

I have had my initial consult with him and really like him. He has started me on the 6 month diet, even before told to (to get a head start) and I am going to get my 3 spec. appointments out of the way. I should be getting my 1st (and doubtful but hopeful, only) authorization letter from insurance next week.

Hi Beth, it seems that everyone likes him. I just found out he did gallbladder surgery on a friend of mine and she liked him too. My consult is tomorrow. Can't wait, I want to get this process started. Good luck to you!

Hi Beth, I went for my consult with Dr. Joyce today. He's starting me on the 6 month diet also. Have an appointment on 10-2 for a class. I'm glad to be on my way. He did say it will take about a month before we hear from the insurance. I'm also going to get my three specialist appointments done as soon as I can. Hope you get good news soon.

I see Dr. Lahman (same practice) and both are just great. I am in Romeoville. There is a small group of us that get together for lunch at Panrea once a month. I hope you guys will join us this month. ~Mandy

I had Dr. Lahman as well. He completed my procedure in 32 minutes.

I have never had any type of complications. I would highly recommend him.

Hi, I'm new to this...I just went to my consult on the 19th..I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders when I left the appointment. I also felt excited about the whole process. No matter how much you read on the subject, you don't know nothing until you go to a seminar. Theres a new a new band out Dr. J told me.

Hi EllinidaGreek! When I went to the seminar he mentioned that there is a new band. I believe he said it was oval and it would be available next year. I've completed the psch, cardiologist and pulmonologist appointments. The only thing standing in my way is the 6 month supervised diet. Do you have to do that? I've learned a lot reading the boards on this site. Well good luck and keep us posted.

I am changing from PPO to HMO so I hope I don't have to do the 6month thing. I am making appointments today for the 3 doctors....still feel unsure. Can you help me out with the details of the appointments? Do they just make sure youre not nuts?

I started this journey in Dec. last year. I have bcbs and had to do 6 months of dieting I had to lose about 20lbs for my ins. It's been 9 months and I've finally lost 15lbs and there going to send it in to my ins. I hope they ok it. Ive been doing this way to long. I did all my psyc. cardio. and pulm. visits, found out I have sleep apnea, that will help my ins. ok surgery I hope.

Ive only seen Dr Joyce. twice and I think he's great. Im so glad I found this board. I still have a lot of questions.

Now that Im getting close to surgery Im getting nervous! I heard you have to go on a 2 week liquid diet before surg. that will be difficult.

Cyndy G.

Hi CyndyG! They are soo nice at Dr. Joyce's office. I had BCBS of IL for insurance and they approved it in about a week. I hope you get an approval quickly. The 2 week diet is to shrink your liver and it helps you lose the carb cravings. I'll tell you what the diet consists of. I lost 17.5 pounds during that two week period.

Meal1: Atkins Advantage premade Protein shake

Meal2: Atkins Advantage premand Protein Shake

Meal3: 4oz protein and half cup of non starchy vegetables

Also can have 2 servings of each per day:

sugar free Jello

sugar free popsicles

chicken/beef broth

Must also drink 64oz of sugar free liquids.

It wasn't hard to do knowing it is only for two weeks.

There is a support group meeting on the last Tuesday of the month @6:00PM if your interested. It meets in the room where the seminars are held.

Good luck with your journey!