Hi

Just wondering if there are in West Virginians out there. I'm currectly in the 6th month of my weight loss program with CAMC weight loss center. Dr. Shinn will be my surgeon as long as all gets approved by the insurance. I know several people that have had the gastric byass surgery but not a soul that has had the lapband.

Let me know if anyone out there is from WV.

Thanks

With regard to loose skin, you can get plastic surgery for free if you are willing to donate the skin to the hospital in Pittsburgh for burn patients. Not sure of the details but will research it.

I have a very large goal also. It is 140 pounds long term. Short term (6-8 months after surgery) is 50 pounds.

My goal is 150. I'm 5'6. The goal is set by Jeannie, the nurse practitioner in the banding program. You won't actually meet with Dr. Kaplan until about 3 weeks before your surgery. I have been in the program since March, and I just met with him last week. Everything is handled through the nurse practitioner. I had my EGD yesterday. It's a pre-op requirement of his. I started my pre-op diet yesterday and it's not enjoyable at all! My hunger was pretty bad today. But, on the bright side, I'm down another 4 lbs in 2 days! Where are you at in the process? Have you went to the seminar yet? There are 2 other people on here that I know of that have went to or are going to Dr. Kaplan. One is having surgery in November, because of a 6 month diet restriction from her insurance and the other one was one of Dr. Kaplan's first bandings back in March.

I have a psych date. It is Monday, June 23rd. I am really excited. The ball is actually rolling. We are hoping that BCBS will not be a anal about the six month diet program for me. Time will tell. How do I get the little meter across the bottom of my posts like everyone else has?

I have a psych date. It is Monday, June 23rd. I am really excited. The ball is actually rolling. We are hoping that BCBS will not be a anal about the six month diet program for me. Time will tell. How do I get the little meter across the bottom of my posts like everyone else has?

I have BCBS PPO and they didn't require the diet, but mine is based in Ohio.

Go to tickerfactory.com to make one and then it gives you the code to post in your signature line.

My surgery with Kaplan should be in November. I have mt 4th nutritional appt/weigh in tomorrow. Bit worried, haven't been exercising as much.

I'm in williamstown btw lol

kdlee, I think you and I talked before at lowcarbfriends website. Nice to see you here!

Is the psych eval part of Dr. Kaplan's requirements or the insurances? Hubby and I have our meeting on July 5th, but I'm the type of person that once I make up my mind...it's made up and I'm ready!

kdlee, I think you and I talked before at lowcarbfriends website. Nice to see you here!

Is the psych eval part of Dr. Kaplan's requirements or the insurances? Hubby and I have our meeting on July 5th, but I'm the type of person that once I make up my mind...it's made up and I'm ready!

I do remember talking with you there! You should come over there and join our WLS forum under the Century Club. We post on there daily and I have gotten alot of good advice from the girls there.

The psych eval was a requirement of my insurance, but I believe it is a requirement of the banding program also. I didn't see Dr. Kaplan until 3 months into the program. Jeanie is the Nurse Practitioner that does the info meeting you'll be going to. She is the one that you will deal with most. She is good. I have emailed her multiple times with questions and she's quick to get back with you.

I'm like you. I did alot of research on-line about the band and once I made my mind up I was ready! But, be patient and don't get discouraged. I thought the process would go pretty quick since my insurance didn't require the 6 month diet. However, the program you go through at Camden-Clark requires 6 nutritionist visits at a minimum, and they are 1-2 weeks apart. My info session was on March 15th and my surgery is going to be June 30th. So, a little slower than I had hoped, but the time flies by so quickly! Good luck and let me know how things go or if you have other questions. :biggrin:

:confused2:I am a newbee. I live between Clarksburg and Parkersburg, but my Dr. is referring me to the Medabolix Center in Charleston. Anyone out there familiar with this center? Suppose to go on the 7th of July for orientation. Would like any information. Was checking out the facility at CAMC also. Any preference on these places? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Edited June 21, 200818 yr by nanabo

Did you make it to the multicultural fest? I did and I have to admit that this one put Charleston to shame!!!!!! I was there Saturday and Sunday (danced in drum circle on Sunday) what fun!!!!!!!

I am from Charleston and I know where it is and have heard good things about it. I see Dr. Bali in South Charleston. Just had the psych part of my process today and have to do a sleep study Tuesday night. I am so happy things are moving along.

It's finally good to here from someone in the Charleston area. I was beginning to think there was no one there. I didn't make it to the festival, I live approximately 3 hours from Charleston. It's good to here your moving along in your lapband. I spoke to Medobolix today and my first appointment is July 7. Really looking forward to it. Wanting to ask alot of questions and get things moving. Hope to keep in touch with you through your journey. Good Luck, Bonita:thumbup:

I may be joining you at Metabolix (CAMC). I just got some distrubing news about the doctor that I have so I may need to change surgeons. I have a few more phone calls to make and one is to Metabolix in the a.m. So I will keep you posted.

Sorry to here about your Dr. Sure keep me posted on Medabolix. I am usually on here everyday checking the message boards.

I was at the Multicultural Festival briefly on Saturday to see the celtic band. I thought they were awsome! Hubby was out of town on an ATV poker run so I had two of my three kidlets. My 11 year old son and 19 month old daughter quickly got tired of the festival. LOL

Hope everything about your surgeon works itself out!!

And welcome Bonita!

Jennifer

Thank you for welcoming me to this board. I received a phone call from Medobolix today and they had to change my appointment until the 14th of July instead of the 7th. Another week to wait. OH WELL. Glad you enjoyed the festival. We didn't make it there. Have you been banded and are you from the Parkersburg area? Again thanks for the welcome.

Bonita