Newbie in PA!

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Melissa (Lissy), and I am at the beginning of my lap band journey. I am scheduled to take the informational seminar on April 8 in Pittsburgh, PA with Dr. Quinlin (UPMC - St. Margaret's Hospital). My insurance will only cover the procedure if I am having it done at a "Center of Excellence". I found out that Altoona Area Hospital is also one of these, so I am considering have the procedure done there instead, as it is much closer to me.

Couple of questions if anyone has any insight, please chime in:

1. Have you had any experiences with Dr. Quinlin (Pittsburgh) or Dr. Newlin or Dr. Schmidt (Altoona)? Please advise.

2. Since I have been working with my doctor on my Type II diabetes and trying to lose weight for over a year now with diet, etc. - do you all think that would count as my 6-month doctor supervised weight loss program prior to the surgery (I've heard that UPMC requires a 6-month program prior to surgery)?

3. Why the heck do they make us try to diet for 6 months prior to surgery - if that worked for any of us we wouldn't be having the procedure done! (I understand the preop diet - that makes sense to me.)

If anyone has any insights/advise, please let me know. I should mention that I am curious as to how long this whole process will take. I would love to be banded over my vacation from work in early June. What do you guys think?

Lissy :confused2: