is there anybody whos has had the surgery and are from va.looking for drs in va also

Was wondering if you knew what the cash cost was for Dr. Pinnar? Thanks!

Sorry i have no idea and would not want to quote you a figure. It has now been three months and I have never been so happy in all my 54 years, I have lost 50 lbs so far and look good.

Della

I am not sure, but I think Dr Kramer, who practices with Dr Sass, does lap band.

I am scheduled for July 6th to have this done by Dr. Sass. He will have a proctor there with him on that date because we will be his first. As far as I know my insurance will pay for this. We should find out this week. I have been very pleased with his staff. I understand they are working up many gastric bypass' and that I am not his only patience. They have been most helpful with any questions or concerns I have had. Dr Sass is a wonderful person. I may be wrong buy I don't beleive Dr. Kramer has finished training to do this yet. He too is a very nice person. Either surgeon would be great.

The cash cost for Dr. Pinnar is about 17,500.

Does Dr. Pinnar's costs include free fills post-surgery? Or are there additional fees? I am trying to determine cost over 2-year period for fills between having surgery here in States vs. in Mexico. Thanks!

Colleen

I'm not sure but you can call his office and ask questions. I think it covers may be 3 fills?? I had my surgery on August 12th; little uncomfortable today. Got on the scale and 10 pounds is gone from when I weighed in on Friday. What insurance do you have? Dr. Pinnar's No. is 703-709-9701. I think he charges $300.00 per fill too. I know he is not cheap. They are a good group of nurses and doctors though.

I am going to Dr. Pinnar's info seminar this Wed. night and had the cost of fills as a question to ask. I have UHC, but have less than 5 months left on policy - have to get my own insurance since I'm self-employed and have been cobra'g for a while now. Does he do fills for patients he didn't do surgery for?

That I'm not sure about. You can ask any question you would like at the meeting.

Hello Everyone,

I just had my Lap-Band surgery 8/02/2005 with Dr. Terracina and so far I have lost thirteen pounds. He had "installed" the banding with 2ccs of solution which may have given me a jump start. However, I know my stomach capacity holds more than the half cup I was expecting. I go in for my first fill on the 31st of August and was informed by his nurse that I will definitely feel the difference. I am ready! I see that HarleyNana has also had her surgery at the Weight Loss Surgery Center, for me, I cannot express how at ease these professionals made me feel about the entire process. I do not have insurance and paid all expenses up front. The surgery was out-patient which was GREAT! Those who had the bi-pass had to stay almost a week--that alone should tell ya something about how agressive the procedure was.

For me, exercise is still difficult to begin. I really need help in this area. My feelings are that I need to lose some/more weight before I begin. I know excuses, right? lol. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself to you all and let you know if anyone has questions I will happily share my experiences about this procedure. I know I have made the right choice.

Whoya

Way to Go Whoyah!!! I am going to get banded on September 9th. I was wondering if your doctor put you on a special pre-op diet??? Take Care and the best to you.

Macabella

Hi,

I just found this site... I have been banded for a little over 5 weeks, going to surgeon this afternoon for follow-up.. feeling great, and on 'My' scale, down 35 lbs..(will get real weigh in at office..)

Hi Ditzy*Bell,

Congrats on your banding and weight loss!!! How did it go at the surgeon? I am doing the ten day pre op diet now and go for blood work this Friday. I am so excited to get banded!!!! Take Care Ditzy and keep up the good work!!!!

Way to Go Whoyah!!! I am going to get banded on September 9th. I was wondering if your doctor put you on a special pre-op diet??? Take Care and the best to you.

Macabella

No special diet at all before surgery. Actually, I had many last suppers -- all of my favorite foods. lol. My surgery was at 10 am and, of course, I couldn't eat anything before the operation. Well, when I finally got home and settled in, I had a cup of chicken broth and who would've thought it would taste so good. I remember thinking mmmmmm this is heavenly then passed out for the night. Later that week I begin to eat tomato Soup with 1/2 can of skim milk. That really seemed to fill me up more than the broth based Soups. And thank heaven for wal-marts' sugar free popsicle's for 1.50. I think I bought 4 bags and still have some in my freezer.

I just went in for my first fill and Dr. Terracina hit the port the first try--Thank heavens! I'm up to 5ccs now and I noticed I could only eat a half of a tomato sandwich instead of the whole thing--yeaaaa! It's working and I'm not hungry anymore.....

Good luck with your operation and healing. For me the worst part was the next day I had to return to the hospital for the Barruim (I think that's how ya spell it) ex-ray and couldn't drink anything before, which meant no pain pill. But I survived.

I had my surgery on July 6th and I am totally thrilled with it. I have had two fills and my doctor hit it both times with no problem. He is new at this but is doing great. Very careing and concerned. His staff is always helpful. I did not have a pre op diet. As of this date I have lost 22 lbs.