Brigham and Women/Faulker Hospital

[nomadem 1]

starting a new thread for anyone who has or is considering surgery thru the Brigham/Falkner program.

~Mel

surgery 11/13/07 Dr Vernon

-35lbs

[nomadem 1]

picked up new schedule, havent been able to get to one yet but there is still hope. I

f anyone has any other info can you please share?

SUPPORT GROUP INFO: 2008 Schedule, April-December

TIME: 6:00PM-7:30PM

Brigham: 3rd Tuesdays of the month @ Carrie Hall 2nd Floor (at end of the PIKE)

April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16

Faulkner: 2nd Monday of the month @ suite 4420

April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 20 (3rd Mon),Nov 10, Dec 8

~No need to register for the groups pre-ops and significant others welcome to attend

[gingin 0]

hi tiny! i am so excited to find someone who's had the surgery w/dr. vernon. i am due to see her for my consult in about a month...would love your input and advise on what to expect! appreciate any feedback you have :tongue_smilie:

gingin

[nomadem 1]

Hello gin! you are my first Vernon pal glad to meet you. I think you will like her, she is very casual and skilled surgeon.

[JenMa 0]

Hi

I'm going to Brigham/Faulker for my surgery but with Dr. Mun. I'm actually meeting with him on Friday to schedule my surgery!

[MissVicky 3]

Hi - I've kinda been lurking on this site for awhile now. Just beginning the process. I'm going to a Weight Loss Surgery Information Session at the Brigham on Tues 4/22.

[Ariel 1]

Hi everyone. I was banded by Dr. Vernon and I love her!! she is so easy to talk to and will answer all of your quations. I have been going to the faulkner for my after care and I absolutly love all the staff there especially the PA and secretary.

[nomadem 1]

Hi Ariel I too was banded at B/W by Dr Vernon and sometimes go to the Faulkner, like I am this Friday.

Has anyone attended the support meetings, I know they are tonight and tomorrow night. Is is true they are mostly newly post ops? I am 5 months out now.

[mls19 0]

So glad to found all of you! I was banded in Oct 07 at Faulkner by Dr. Tavakoli - love him and his PA. I have yet to schlep into Boston to an actual support group - anyone been there and can tell me what it's like and if it's worth it?

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm down about 30 lbs - and haven't lost for the past 2 mos. due to "head hunger" and having lots of issues thinking I am hungry when I'm not. Also struggling to STILL Figure out what will and wont' go down and when (i.e. time of day)...anyone else with me??

[gingin 0]

Hi everyone...I had my physical w/my PCP today & to talk about the lap band. I am actually down about 17 lbs from my physical last year so she was happy but when i told her i want to have the lap band done she said...Gina, I think thats a great idea! Phewwww...I need a referral w/my insurance so if i didnt get it past her, things were going to get complicated! Im so happy :huh2:

Tiny...was the pysch eval covered by bsbsma or is that out of pocket...or is it covered in the $500 program fee? Just curious what to expect from that appointment too...what kind of stuff did they ask?

Hi everybody else!

Gina

[nomadem 1]

Hi gin for me it was only I co-pay (I think)it was considered like a medical appt and not out of pocket. To clarify I have BCBC PPO so I dont know if that makes a difference.

Had to fill out a questionnaire then meet with the psychologist. They basically wanted to make sure you are in sound mind to make the decision for surgery and that this is only a tool. I think I waited longer in the waiting room than the time I spend in the appt...maybe tops 15-20mins. The program fee is separate and you can space out payments if you like, I paid 1/2 at a time

mls19-I heard the staff call him Dr T, he is sorta handsome no?

I guess NO ONE has made it to a support meeting. lol

[Ariel 1]

I have never gone to a support meeting. I was always curious but I don't want to go to longwood and pay big bucks for parking and have it be a wasted night. I don't know if they have it at the falukner, that would be good if they do.

[mls19 0]

Ariel,

that's exactly how I feel! I bet they would put one at the faulkner (although you still have to pay for parking) if enough of us asked...I'd love to do one informally - I'm in metro west - anyone else around me??

Tiny, yes the patients call him Dr. T because it seems no one can say his name, LOL! Of course he's already shortened it for those of us having trouble - it's really Tavakoliazadeh! I have no idea what his background is but he speaks with a charming british accent (or perhaps it's Australian come to think of it) and is very cute! He's finally engaged and due to be married this summer....M

[nomadem 1]

its not just the patients, the reason why I know this is bc I heard a staff member giggling when a newbie intern was struggling with the pronunciation and said "we just call him Dr T" :crying:

still will be a pain for me to get to the other hospital but I think I could leave work early once. Anyone want to try for the next meeting in May???

See below for the dates of meetings at the Faulkner:

******************************************

Support meetings at Faulkner:

6 pm-2nd Monday of the month @ suite 4420

April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 20 (3rd Mon),Nov 10, Dec 8

[Ariel 1]

Oh thats great that they have support meetings at the faulkner. I will try to go to the may 12th one. i would love to see some other banded people. I am at the point now that all the weight that will come off with out me trying has, so now I'm actually going to work hard for this. I am soo gonna need support for this.