Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Hello from VA!



Recommended Posts

HELLO Virginians- I am from Reston and getting banded in March by Pinnar Surgical, if anyone has any advice- all is appreciated- and I am looking for friends in advance that can help me out with what to expect-I as well as Ashlee are 5'11 and a mega ton- soon to be no ton at all- so HELP!!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Ashlee,

Wow, 1 week. How exciting! I have my first consult appointment tomorrow with Dr. Halmi in Woodbridge. I don't know what to expect, but am very excited. Do you like your doctor? I was looking at him as well, but got through to Dr. Halmi first. Can you tell me how long you had to wait for your surgery following your very first appointment with him? Thanks and good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations, I am very happy for you. If I ever get approved I will be crazy with excitement also. How is that Liver shrinking diet?

Who is your Dr.? How long after approval did it take to get your surgery scheduled? Sorry for all the questions but the unknown is very scary.

Thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello,

I was banded by Dr. Halmi and Tran's office on December 4, 2007. I have lost 22 pounds so far and I am going in for my first fill on Monday. Woo hoo!!! I really need it cause I feel like I could eat just about anything right now. I had to go through a very long 6 month process with Cigna to get approved. However, once I did it at first I was denied. I wrote and appeal and submitted some additional paperwork and sent it back in. I was then approved!!! It was the most exciting day of my life seriously! I felt like I had found out I won a million dollars. It took 5 weeks from the day I was approved until the actual surgery date and trust me the weeks flew by. Being banded is amazing. Dr. Halmi and Tran are great doctors to have. Good luck to everyone!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Redd, Please let me know how your initial consult with Dr. Halmi goes. I have mine in 2 weeks and have no idea what to expect. Would love some insight. Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi - I am in Harrisonburg/Staunton VA area - had my lapband surgery in Mexico - Dr. Rodriguez - had an infection but with 6 weeks of Antibiotics - two different kinds at one time, it has healed. I had my surgery on December 3, 2007 - have lost about 25 pounds and feel great. I have to watch what my body tells me and not my brain becuase I just love the taste of certain foods and would go overboard. I have my first fluro and fill in Mexico in early March. Someone wrote and said they knew of fill Dr in Winchester, VA. Do they only see patients they did the surgery on or will see anyone for fills? You all seem to be doing great.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How are you feeling after the surgery - I am just getting to your reply - can't quite figure out these threads and stuff - getting too old. I am doing well - return to mexico in early March for fluro and first fill. Let me know how you are doing. Where in VA are you going for your fills. I am looking for someone in VA. Tara

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello, Bearcatgirl. Although I'm also pre-band and I just met with Dr. Pinnar today -- he's just so great -- I would love to touch base with you as we go through this process. I still have to go through the medical/psychological tests, but hope to schedule my procedure soon.

I love this site and find it immensely useful.

I look forward to speaking with you as we take this great step toward a happy and healthy life! :wink2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Chica717,

I had my consult yesterday and it all went well. They basically took me back, took my weight (YIKES!!) and my BMI. I thought this was much lower using the online calculators, but it is 49 according to dr. office and like 43 online. Ouch! Anyway, then I met with the dr in his office and he just went over everything about the band. Asked if I was sure I was ready to make this commitment, explained the pro and cons of both lapband and bypass. Then told me that he would submit my paperwork to insurance and we would go from there. He indicated that if I were denied, we can appeal, but I should hopefully have some word in about a week. Once approved, I could have my surgery in a month to a month and a half. Hope this helps and good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ash you are having surgery on my birthday...congrats....ya know I wanted to say that you will have two birthdays now...one when you were born and now lap band birthday because this is a turning point in your life and you have every right to be excited. Congratulations sweetie....and good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you so much Dolphin!! I am so ready to do this. I know I have a tough journey ahead, but I am ready and willing to tackle this and beat this weight once and for all. I have been on the liver shrinking diet, of course and I have lost 16 pounds, so I have a start. Thanks for the support, I will keep you posted!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

Ash

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lumpy How are you doing? Have you had your first fill yet? What do you think of Dr. Batista's staff? When I went earlier this month for a check up, not a fill, I was finally scheduled to see Dr. Batista. I haven't seen him since surgery. But he was so behind, I ended up seeing Jeanine again. I like her alot but since I thought it would be good to see the doctor 1 time! I guess they don't see it as important. I don't go back now until February. Jeanine feels I am in my "green zone" tipping to the Red, but the last few days I have not felt much restriction. I will say it is unpredictable and changes day to day.

Support Group You mentioned going. Maybe I will try and go on Feb 11. Did they change the schedule on the website? Some of my friends that I met in lapband world and I have seen that change and no newsletter. what do you think?

Corey and Ash....this is your Month! Ash next week you will join the great land of bands...:cursing: I know you are excited and nervous. Everything will be fine.. keep us posted.

Suzanne I live in Stafford! It is a small world. I have met some local others who have had your doctor too. How are you doing? If you ever want to chat, go ahead and email me or we can get together.

Redd, Kris and chica... How do you like Dr. Tran and Dr. Halmi? When I selected Commonwealth Surgeons in Richmond I did so because I knew of others who went there. At the time in June Potomac Hospital was not a certified weight loss center and I did not know if I should go there, it would have been a lot closer. Have you been to any of the support group meetings yet? I can go there as well as Richmond..

I have been banded now for almost 8 months. I really need to concentrate on the program. One of the real truths of the band is that it is a "tool" not a cure. you still have to make the right choices and eat appropriate portions. After my January appointment I have been logging food on my Daily Plate and trying my hardes to stick to what I need to do. My main struggle at this time is the gym and exercise. I am having a hard time getting back to that. It sucks:confused:. I need a trainer like on the biggest loser to arrive at my door and kick my a$$ in shape!

You all are doing great!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×