:rolleyes2:Hi guys, I'm so glad I found this site it's awesome. I just started the process and hope to have the procedure within the next 9-12 mos. Any suggestions, comments, encouragement welcome.

Jackie L Just Wondering How You Got The Insc To Pay At Weight 191. I Had To Fight With My Ins Starting Weight For Me Was 215

I live near Lewisburg. (Home of Bucknell University) You should check out Dr. DiMarco in Harrisburg. The Weight Loss Clinic, Division of Central Pennsylvania Surgical Associates, Ltd

Hi everyone!! I'm Tiffanie, from Etters, PA (15 min south of Hbg) and I'm in the pre-surgery stages of banding. I meet my surgeon, Dr. Currie, on Friday, May 23rd. I don't know anyone personally who has been banded, so I was trying to find a few local people to bond with over our journey. Thanks! :thumbdown:

I'm going to Dr. Dimarco too! I hope to get banded in September.

My daughter is going this Dr. for the seminar next week. Did you like him? Did you have to do the 6 mo. diet before?

Hi- I'm new to the site and have been considering banding. I have the seminar appt. 6/5. What should I expect. I see alot of consultations and a 6 month pre-diet. Is this true. Please shed some light on this for me. Thanks

I was banded at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh on May 16th. So far I'm down 13lbs. I know that it's water weight...But I don't care!!! LOL

I have to do the 6 mos diet for my insurance to cover it. I have Highmark Blue Shield

Through UPMC Insurance I had to go through a 6-month lifestyle information session with six months of food logs. In addition, I had to have an Upper GI, Endoscopy, EKG, Chest X-Ray, bloodwork, nutritionist meeting, psych evaluation, yearly pap, and a current visit with my pcp. It took six months and 14 days from start to finish. I finished my last lifestyle meeting on April 24, 2008, was insurance approved in 24 hours, and had my surgery on May 16, 2008.

I didn't have to do the 6 month diet because my BMI is under 50.. barely! Plus, I have Capital Blue Cross insurance, which as been great.. and pre-existing medical conditions. I just met Dr. Currie yesterday. I'm quite pleased with him. He's very informative, answered all my questions, and assured me that he will be with me along the whole journey. I hope your daughter likes him, and has great success with her diet!! Keep me posted!

Dr. DiMarco is great. He answered every question I have. I had to do the 6 month diet because of my insurance but even that hasnt been too bad so far.

My daugh. is also going to Dr. Bono. Sis you feel he was a good surgeon?

My daugh. is going to Dr. Bono. Did you feel he was a good surgeon?

I go to Pgh Bariatrics, my surgeon is Dr John Means, I really enjoyed hearing him speak at the seminar and he is very personable, and experienced in laproscopic surgery. I was originally going to go to Dr Quinlin but figured if Dr Quinlan hired Dr Means then he has to be good too. Anyway I am scheduled for August, cant wait, a little nervous, very anxious.

I am struggling with losing weight pre op though....if anyone out there used this group of doctors do they postpone surgery if you dont lose weight months prior?

Thanks

Hi all, I live in Enola (just West of Harrisburg, PA). I have started the process with Dr. DiMarco but haven't yet met him. I got my blood work done this morning and will be seeing my 'regular' Dr. next Tuesday. I am a self-pay so I am hopeful that my wait will be much shorter. :thumbup: Hopefully I can get banded in August, but we'll see.