I'm curious if there are any other members going through the UMass in Worcester program.

A lot of the problems and complications I have read on the other threads have all been explained before I decided whether to band or bypass.

I wasn't aware of the Manometry test, which was just scheduled for me for the 14th of Feb. Is it annoying but no after affects, like they said?

hey girl your here thats whats important, keep your head up high, and we are here to help if we can, i really like u mass i love the dr.s ,the support groups, dieticians, i am getting banded 12/7/2009 i was told to be ther 5 45 a.m i am so ready good luck ,see you online or at a support class larry

How did it go yesterday, Larry?

Did you stay overnight? You probably aren't home yet. :-)

hey sorry i am doing ok thanks,surgery went well, i went in for 5.45 a.m got home at 3 p.m took 2 percosetes went sleep, i am a little sore,but doing good thanks ..

I have my very first meeting with a UMass Dr. 12/17. They told me at the orientation meetings that it is a 6-9 month process.

Hi lgplarry!

How are you doing? Did you still get banded on 12/7??

yes i was banded everything went well, i am still uncomfortable but it/s only 2 days, have u been to the meetings yet????

Yes. I have been to the introductory meeting and one of the group meetings with people who have had the surgery. I had my first appointment with a doctor in the Weight center at UMass this past Friday. She says I'm candidate for the surgery and has set up an appointment with a nutritionist and psychologist for Febraury '10.

hey i got banded on 12/7, thanks i am doing really good,,, i had not to much pain, I lost 18 lbs since ii got banded.. met with dr kelly/s assistance she look at my wound said it was ok ,then i met with nutrionist and i am on a mshie diet now, i can have soft fish,soft foods, it is so easy to get my protein now i can eat.. I was at u mass monday,,for check up... hey if u want anything please feel free to ask me . i will help if i can,,, so where you from???I live leominster.thanks and happy holiday Larry

Hi there...I saw this UMass Medical Center Bandsters thread and wanted to ask a few questions. I have my introductory meeting next week and am really looking forward to it. I have been in Overeaters Anonymous for 1 year now, been seeing a therapist for 2 1/2 yrs, and have been working with a nutritionist for 6 months. I just saw my PCP and she has approved me to go ahead with the process. I have a BMI of 41 and have been struggling w/ high BP. I feel like I have made a great start and am ready to take this journey.

My question is how long does this process usually take to get to get a surgery date? I have already called my insurance (BC/BS of MA) and they said that all I have to do is submit a medical authorization form. What steps do I have to do with the Weight loss center in order to get my consult w/ a surgeon? any suggestions for a surgeon?

I know there are a lot of questions but I don't want to go into this blindly.

Thanks,

:smile2:Katie

I have my very first meeting with a UMass Dr. 12/17. They told me at the orientation meetings that it is a 6-9 month process.

So do you know if I have already done a lot of the prep work outside of the Weight Loss Center, is the wait still that long??? I have been seeing a nutritionist for 6 months, a therapist for 2 1/2 yrs, have had a gym membership (and attending regularly) for almost a year, etc....

Thanks, Katie

I waited almost a year from my intro meeting to surgery,, but they have other meeting you need to schedule like meeting with psych ologist, nutrionist,physicals, and meeting with sureons,, I was so impressed wit u mass,, they make sure you understand what your in for, and they give you all the support you need.. i will be next door at the support meeting next to your meeting,, they run support group meeting once month last thursday at 6 p.m,, girl good luk i am here if u need to ask anything ..dr.kelly is awsum

Thanks, Larry! Do you know if you had to wait longer for Dr. Kelly or is it that the program makes you wait that long? I was hoping to take "1st available" pre-surgical appointments with the specialists you listed to expedite the process. I am really looking forward to this meeting and getting the process underway!

:wub: Katie

HI Kath:

I started the program in Dec 2009, had my first intake appointment with a weight center doc., then met with the psychologist, both cleared me for the surgery. Now I have to meet with the nutritionist and sign up for two separate classes; one a behavioral class and the other a nutrition class. After these are done, I have to go backto the psychologist and doc.,' then hopfully I will be able to see a surgeon. The whole program takes about 6-9 months to complete.

i may have waited few weeks longer for dr. kelly but they are all good, O can tell you they try to talk you into the bypass surgery instead of the band,, so ask around i am glad i chose the band,, it is a slower loss of weight but much safer

your not close to surgery date yet, you have to go to 4 weeks of classes, they discuss the surgery in small class, then you schedule with surgeon,then you need to be ok with insurance, and then physicals, and misc,, then the surgeon will schedule you,, but it is very informative classes