Is it me or is it close to impossible to find other Lapbanded people in our area?

I've met others with the band, but they are from California, Florida, Indiana and Michigan. My surgeon's support group for WLS are all gastric bypass folks. Our needs and experiences are so vastly different, I want to meet up with other people going through the same stuff!

I know I can NOT be the only person in the nation's 15th largest city to have had this procedure.

Reply if you're local!

Juli

Charlene at Mid Ohio Surgical Associates submitted mine to Aetna today for approval! Please say a prayer for a quick approval within a week like Niki had!

Ok... you got it friend! Maybe we'll have something to celebrate at our get together on the 9th!

I've got my fingers crossed for you!

Can't wait to meet everyone on the 9th!!!

Juli - just noticed your updated ticker! Go Girl.... you are really hopping along there! Congratulations.

Hopping along, like the little froggie on it!

Thanks for the nod.

I've recently recommitted to doing this right. It's such a struggle, but I'm back on track!

Have you been able to find anyone in the area? I found some in Cincinnati for about 150 per fill, but haven't confirmed that with them. I'm in the Mansfield, OH area .. and would love to find someone in this area -- who isn't 500.00 per fill!

Growingpanes - I am not yet banded but the Mt. Carmel doctors are Dr. Patricia Choban, Dr. Phil Price, and Dr. Marcus Miller. I think Heather has said the Riverside practice doctor for lap bands is Dr. Steven Meyers. And I think Juli has mentioned a couple different doctors names at the OSU bariatric practice. (Dr. Mikami) Finally, Thinner Me is working on banding thru Barix Center in Groveport OH on the east side of Columbus (Dr. Ramos). Maybe one of the 4 major practices for Bariatrics in Columbus would be an option to get fills in the Columbus area for you. Maybe check your health plan and see if any of the doctors these ladies talk about in their posts are on your plan. Good luck. I'd hate to have to drive to Cincy from Mansfield to get a fill.

Growingpanes - I am not yet banded but the Mt. Carmel doctors are Dr. Patricia Choban, Dr. Phil Price, and Dr. Marcus Miller. I think Heather has said the Riverside practice doctor for lap bands is Dr. Steven Meyers. And I think Juli has mentioned a couple different doctors names at the OSU bariatric practice. (Dr. Mikami) Finally, Thinner Me is working on banding thru Barix Center in Groveport OH on the east side of Columbus (Dr. Ramos). Maybe one of the 4 major practices for Bariatrics in Columbus would be an option to get fills in the Columbus area for you. Maybe check your health plan and see if any of the doctors these ladies talk about in their posts are on your plan. Good luck. I'd hate to have to drive to Cincy from Mansfield to get a fill.

Our clinic is in Cincinnati but we have satellite office hours in Columbus as we have many patients in the Columbus area.

Hi, I am new to this site. I have only posted a couple times on the main board and was happy to see a board for the Columbus area. I live in

zanesville, Ohio, but will have having lap band surgery at OSU in Columbus,

Dr. Needleman. Anyone else? I have just gotten OSU approval, (had trouble losing the 12 pounds they wanted me to lose to get past Dr. Kramer). I have Med Mutual ins. and will have my claim submitted this week by OSU. I am so hopeful that this process goes quickly as I have been going through this process since March 29, 2007. I really was hoping to have surgery by end of Feb. before my hubby goes back to work at Shelly and Sands, (road construction). I am not sure how long recovery takes for this, I just now it is a lot faster than RNY recovery. Any advice?

so nice to meet everyone here.

Stacy,

I was done at OSU. Dr. Mikami is my surgeon, Dr. Needleman is very nice.

The process is a long one, just jump through the hoops and you'll be recovering in no time.

Come meet us in February at Polaris Mall! It's the 9th at 2, (I think-Heather check me). We'd love to meet ya!

Hi, I am new to this site. I have only posted a couple times on the main board and was happy to see a board for the Columbus area. I live in

zanesville, Ohio, but will have having lap band surgery at OSU in Columbus,

Dr. Needleman. Anyone else? I have just gotten OSU approval, (had trouble losing the 12 pounds they wanted me to lose to get past Dr. Kramer). I have Med Mutual ins. and will have my claim submitted this week by OSU. I am so hopeful that this process goes quickly as I have been going through this process since March 29, 2007. I really was hoping to have surgery by end of Feb. before my hubby goes back to work at Shelly and Sands, (road construction). I am not sure how long recovery takes for this, I just now it is a lot faster than RNY recovery. Any advice?

so nice to meet everyone here.

HI,,I was banded in June by Dr Needleman and I was very pleased with him and all the staff at OSU. I took two weeks to recover before I went back to work.Come on out to our get together on the Feb 9th and get the answers to all of your questions inperson. Just remember everyone is different and so is their expericence with the band!!!!It is the 9th yet!!!! I can't wait!!!

I think that anyone that has been banded should bring a before pic. I think that would be fun and also encourging to the newly banded. I am gonna bring one of mine. Anyone else game!!!

Congratz Julie for getting back on the band wagon. Way to go girl!!!

I'll bring a picture. I'll have to go through all of mine to see what I can find...I've got them on the computer but I've not printed them off. I suppose I can do that too. Duh.

Two weeks ago I was flying out of town and the TSA dude at the airport did a double then a triple take at my driver's lisence. I had to say, "I've lost 100 pounds since then." And he grinned, told me I was looking good.

That made my day!

WHOO HOO ... problem solved. I have an appointment later in February for my first fill. Thank you Dr. Watkins!

Would love to meet up at Polaris on the 9th - haven't run into anyone yet in the Mansfield area who have had this done .. tell me where and I'll meet you guys.

Don't lose hope! I actually tried to get approved thru my insurance clear back in 2002/2003. Worked on it an entire year to finally go thru all the hoops, lose the weight, follow multiple diet programs, etc. The month I was approved was the month that my company/insurance disallowed coverage for any weight loss procedure or any associated costs. I have been told since then that my weight was solely due to my inability to follow a diet. Some people just don't get it. It may have taken me awhile, but I paid for the surgery out of my own pocket.

I was lucky enough to be released the same day of surgery and I headed home from Detroit that night. The best piece of advice I can give you is ... WALK at least once an hour - as much as you possibly can ... it doesn't have to be far, but get up and get moving. The more you move, the better your body will cope after surgery -- and it will help you get rid of the gas in your tummy.

I had my surgery done on a Wednesday .. and was back to work on Monday. My only mistake was trying to wear jeans the following Tuesday (opt for more comfortable clothing). You will notice that you feel tired as you walk, but that will gradually pass day by day - and before you know it, you'll be walking further and further.

Also - don't cheat on the post op diet ... stick to what they tell you to do. I have some friends that opted for Jeno's Pizza Rolls in a blender ... Stick to simple foods .. it'll help you heal quicker in the long run.

Best of luck to you!