hey everyone! is anybody from western mass? did you use pioneer valley surgical?

Hi! I'm going through PVSA now- Dr. Fiallo. I'm not banded yet- still have psych eval, one more support group, and lots of paperwork to gather. Are you going through them too, or are you deciding?

yep.. i got banded last thursday. and i also had dr. fiallo. he's not the most friendliest of doctors, and their not the nicest staff to deal with. honestly, i think i've gotten better answers to my questions on here than from them. just wondering if anyone else felt the same way or if it's just me...

OMG, I feel the same way! I heard Dr. Haag's patients gushing about him and how easy he was to talk to and I was jealous. How are you feeling? Did the surgery go well?

i wanted dr. haag, too! he just seems much more in touch with his patients. i'm still feeling sore.. it's day 6 for me. today is my first day back to work so i'm trying to take it easy. how far along are you in the process?

I was banded by Dr Haag on 3-21-208. It was a great experience - I do not even remember leaving the room where they prepped me for surgery.

At PVSA I think they have a very busy office and they do the best they can. I also know Dr Fiallo and think he is a very nice guy..... I feel bad that his bedside manner is not quite what you wanted. Dr Haag seems very shy actually. His jokes are quite funny. I just made my appointment for my first fill and I needed the latest in the day so I would not have to leave work and the office had no problem granting that request. I am happy overall with my care and the office and with my progress so far. I agreee that this website has a wealth of info on it - the kind of info you can only get from your peers who are or have experienced the same thing. We are lucky to have this site.

I have Dr. Fiallo. I think he's just great. No problems here. I find him friendly and easy to talk to. I have no info on Dr. Haag, just will assume he is just as good since it is the same practice. I"ve even recommended my two daughters to see them.

Good day everyone!!

I just went to the seminar down in West Springfield last Thursday for PVSA. The room was PACKED! I was really surprised!

So, right now I am waiting to hear back from them and get my first appointment. I was wondering...do you get to choose between Dr. Fiallo & Dr. Haag? Or do they just sign you up with who ever is available? Just wondering...

Also I have Tufts so am going through the I Can Change program. Six months of what....I'm not sure... I'm gonna call them and find out the particulars tomorrow. Anybody else have Tufts??

Can't want to get this ship sailin' !!!!!

Meg in Amherst

Edited April 16, 200818 yr by OceanGal
wrong smilie

Hi Meg, my daughters and I attended the Thursday night seminar as well. I know I requested Dr. Fiallo as he was recommended by my Primary, and Nicole (daughter) has gotten her first appointment and requested Dr. Fiallo. So I guess when they do call you can request which doctor you prefer. I really don't think it matters, but you do what makes you most comfortable. It's important.

I agree that Dr. Fiallo is very good... I just wish he had better bedside manner. I originally wanted Dr. Haag.. and I tried to request him, but I was already given to Dr. Fiallo.

Hey, Babs! I was sitting way up in the front on the left-can't remember what I was wearing LOL!!

I guess I will wait & see what they say. This waiting is sooo hard. I am just a "get it done" kinda gal!!

Patience...patience....

You know I was thinking after reading all your posts...my spine surgeon was absolutely amazing at what he did and had ZERO personality. If I had to do it again, I'd pick him again because he got me back to normal. Maybe Fiallo doesn't have the best bedside manner, but he's obviously VERY good at what he does. I guess I can get my support from the meetings, this forum, my family, and the awesome dietician and psychologist. :rolleyes2:

Go to the support meetings. They are awesome. And always feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to help any way I can. Not sure what I can do, but I can let you know my experience so far and provide encourgagement. The support meetings are really good.

Just wondering the when & where of the support group. I would be driving from Amherst (not too far but with gas at 3.42 (ugh!) I'm not driving much) so need to pre-plan. And are they open to pre-bandsters?

Thanks! :tt1:

Meg in Amherst

Hi Meg! The support groups are on Mondays twice a month. The next one is on April 21st. I think you can go, but you don't get credit for them. Maybe I'll see you there :tt1:

Are they at the same place as the seminar? The Clarion? I might go..I think I'm going to wait til I get to talk with the docs first & get the ball rolling. I am changing insurance on May 1st. from Tufts to Fallon Select, so I want to figure out what they require (does anyone know?). I'll probably start going in the summer.