Are there any banders in the Charlottesville area?

Thanks for the info. I go for my 2nd documented appointment next week. Did Dr. Trehan do your surgery?

Yes, Dr. Trahan did my surgery. You are in good hands. He knows all the requirements for Southern Health.

Great!! I really like him. So update me on your progress. Its a motivator while I go thru my 3 month period. I'm presently 40.2BMI but also have health factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)

My bmi was almost 38. I have high cholesterol and blood pressure. I was on medication for both, but since the surgery, I have been able to stop the cholesterol meds. I also had really bad esophageal reflux and hiatal hernia. Dr. Trahan fixed the hernia and now my reflux is gone. No more medicine for that either.

I've had my first fill the week before Thanksgiving. It helped a little, but I am going for a second fill on 12/17. I hear it takes 2 or 3 fills to get the correct restriction.

I've had 3 surgerys and this was the easiest as far as recuperation. The only thing hard was the liquid diet. I was so hungry for a while. My stomach never made so many noises.

It has all been worth it though. I lost 11 lbs within the first 2 weeks following the surgery.

Good luck to you on your journey and contact me anytime if you have questios.

Hi - hope you don't mind me jumping in here to ask a question - I did a search for Cville and came across this thread.

I am looking for a good primary care physician in Charlottesville who is sensitive and responsive to obesity related concerns. I am not ready for lapband or gastric bypass, but, I wanted to begin a relationship with a doctor who may be supportive of these options if it comes to it in the future and who won't make me feel uncomfortable in the meantime. Do you have any recommendations?

I would be happy to help you out. I am 52 years old and had several family doctors over the years. I have to say that the one I have now is by far the best. His name is Warren Quillian and he is located on Pantops Mountain. His office number is 979-4440. He was on the hiring committee that brought in Dr. Trahan to head the new Bariatric Center at the Martha Jefferson Hospital. Dr. Quillian is so kind and knowledgeable regarding weight loss and weight loss surgery. He also has a wonderful staff. He also is aware of the insurance requirements if you should decide to have surgery. I had it done and I am so glad. I finally feel like I have a great tool to help me lose weight. Good luck to you and feel free to email me anytime.

Hi everyone!! Barb, any updates to report? I went for my last 3 month documentation visit with my PCP. Talked with Dr. Trehan's office. They will make sure they have everything they need and fax to Southern Health. They say it takes about a week for them to either approve or deny. Keep you fingers crossed. During my 3 month waiting period, I lost no weight. I actually gained a few pounds. Go figure!!

I'm so happy that you have finished the 3 month requirements. I wouldn't worry about the weight, you just came off the holidays. You will probably take off several pounds within the first 2 weeks following your surgery. I lost 11 pounds. It really helps with the motivation.

I bet you hear earlier from Southern Health than they told you. The insurance company is pretty fast with an answer. You should do okay with the approval. I think Dr. Trahan's staff has the hang of the requirements now. They are all very nice people to work with.

I want to tell you that I am so glad I had the surgery. You will too! I still struggle from time to time with mental hunger, but the band lets you know that you can't over indulge too much. I've had 3 fills. The last fill really did a good job. The first two didn't help for very long, so don't let that worry you. It appears to be a normal complaint. I think the 3rd one for me is almost on the money.

Feel free to contact me anytime. I'm very excited for you and know you will be successful in your new journey.

Thanks. Hopefully everything will work out!! How are you doing since being banded? How is your hunger?

All, I was approved by Southern Health and will be banded on February 24, 2009. Whew!! It was a long 3 months!!!

Great! I am glad everthing is coming together. Hope to see you on the losers bench real soon.:tongue:

Mecia

That is so great. I'm glad Southern Health is finally getting their act together. It will be the best thing you ever did for yourself.

Hi,

I am new here and my LapBand surgery is scheduled with Dr. Trahan on 04/14. I am a little more than just anxious.

Are you pleased with him and his staff and how is the support group? I haven't been to one yet and the next one is scheduled either the day of my surgery or the day after.

Are you happy with Martha Jefferson? I was so confused between Realize vs Lapband and UVA vs MJ vs Richmond, etc.

I have chosen Dr. Trahan and MJ and the Lapband.

Any advice? How long have you stayed out of work?

Thank you in Advance.

:tongue_smilie:

Welcome Victoria

I love Dr. Trahan and I feel he is a really good doctor. You are in good hands. I was suppose to be out of work for 2-3 weeks. I was doing office work. I never went back because the company was sold. I knew it was going to happen so it was not a suprise. Plus it gave me time to adjust to my new life style. The staff is great! I had problems with insurance I had Tricare and the coodinator did not know one thing about the insurance but she hung in there and made it happen.

I have lost around 45 lbs had a set back in Oct. with my knee and that lead right into the holidays so I am just now getting back on track. It will be 1 year May 20. I have the Lapband he gave me the choice. The only advice I want to give you is to go and see him if you do not have restriction. I did not and it stopped me from loosing for a while and I got really bummed out about it. Dr. Trahan has never been upset he just told me if I thought I needed an adjustment all I have to do is call for an appt. I currently have 8cc in a 10cc band and it has made all the difference in the world.

Good luck and I hope I answered all your questions. If not just PM me and I will see if I can help.

Mecia

I second what Mecia said. Dr. Trahan and staff are wonderful. I am so glad I had the surgery. My bmi has gone from 38 to 31. Yeaaaah!

I know you are anxious. We all were, but soon you will be on the other side with us. I feel better than I have for years and you will too. I was amazed at how well I felt following the surgery. I've had 2 prior surgeries and this recuperation was by far much easier. I had no problem going back to work in 2 weeks. I've only been to 1 support group meeting. I ride to work with my husband, so it is hard to stay in town for the meetings. I need to work it out so that I can go more.

The best part of all, I finally enjoy shopping for clothes again.