I went to a seminar today, and I really liked it. Thanks to this site, there was a lot of information I already knew, and it was also great to hear things I heard from other places confirmed. For example, one of the doctors talked about ghrelin, a chemical inn the stomach which controls satiety. This same doctor, whose name is Dr. Katkhouda, showed before and after pictures of some of his patients, and although I couldn’t see them, I could hear everyone around me saying, “Wow!” and “She’s really thin.” I began to get excited again, thinking that could be me.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I spoke to the other doctor who was there, Dr. Crookes, about the insurance problems I’m having, and he said what I already knew: I can’t even come to see him unless I have the authorization from GPA, which is the physicians group I’m with. I have PacifiCare and I’ve never had problems with them. Even the doctors admitted that sometimes the insurance companies don’t want to pay for weight loss surgery. I get so easily discouraged when I hear that, but my best friend said I’ve got to keep trying

<o:p></o:p>

I liked the energy and attitude of both doctors; my only complaint is the second one talked much more about the Roux-en-y than the band. He did, however, say that they are both the gold standard for weight loss surgery, and nothing’s going to make me change my mind about getting one of my very own!

I am so happy you enjoyed the seminar. They are very helpful. I wish you luck with your insurance and I hpe you have a nonbumpy journey

Thank you, Froggi1985. I hope I can win with the insurance company, too. They're so frustrating!

Hi Serenity,

Dr. Katkhouda performed my lapband surgery in April. I, too, felt he way too pro gastric bypass at the seminar. In fact, at each post-op appointment I have had since my surgery he always asks why I decided to get the lapband instead of the bypass. He even went so far as to say, "I told you so" when I didnt lose as much weight as he would have liked at one visit. Uh... yeah. If you want, I can share more about my experience but I think I would prefer to do so privately. My email address is kirelijet@yahoo.com. Feel free to email me. Best of luck to you.