I stumbled on this site while in the midst of setting up my siminar appointment a few weeks ago. I have been reading and don't usually join sites :seeya: I was impressed by the support. I have had my consultation and dietician, and therapy appointment. Just waiting for them to return their reports and submit to insurance. I have made a lot of changes in the past month since I have decided to do this, and am commited. I hope to read more and get some good info on this site. I live in Richmond, VA and CAN'T WAIT to get started!!! :biggrin2:

Congratulations on your decision. I have been banded almost 4 years now and have no regrets.

This is a great site for support of a types, I wish you the best.

Hello! Who is your surgeon in Richmond? Dr. Schroder is my surgeon and I am waiting on insurance approval then my surgery will be scheduled! My surgery will be done at St. Marys Hospital.

Is in with the same group as yours.. Dr. David Elliot. I have elected to have the surgery done at HDH Parham Campus. From what I understand they are able to spend more time with you there, then St. Mary's. Since I live in far west Chesterfield Co. and work downtown travel seems inevitable . I have to wait for the paperwook (mental health, and dietician) to be returned to his office and as of last friday this wasn't done... Seems like this process takes a lot longer then I thought. I'm the kind of person that does not makes decisions quick, but once there made.. I'm READY! I know I won't go back on this decision. I just am anxious to feel better and enjoy time with my family! But looks like I may have a while. I have BC/BS of IL and I hear they are atrocious! If you don't want to answer.. I totally understand... Whats your BMI? I'm 5' 6" and im at 43. with 2 co-morbidities.

Have a Great Monday! -C

Ciconetti:

I did not know they do the surgery at HDH Parham Campus. I will have it done at St. Marys since I work on that campus in a physician's office and the doc I work for know Dr. Schroder very well, I feel more comfortable being there. My BMI is 55.2 and I have Cigna HMO, which I hear can be hard to get approved also! We just have to hope for the best. I am ver nervous and excited to have the surgery done. I want to feel better and be healthier also! I seem to get tired just walking around the grocery store and my back hurts too! I am hoping that with the weight off, my back pain will go away and I will be able to do more. If you want, you can e-mail me at racinfans@earthlink.net and we can keep in touch on our progress!!!

Angela

Hi Virginia girls, I was banded by Dr. Brengman (of Elliott and Schroder's) group on 7/17. I am a nurse at St. Mary's and also chose to have my surgery there. I cannot tell you how great everything went! I have nothing but great things to say about all the surgical and post-op staff who cared for me. Hope you guys have just as great an experience!

Nancy B.

Nancy B.

I am still waiting to hear back from the doctors office for an approval. I have BC/BS of IL. I hear they are horrible to deal with. I hope things are still going well for you. Have you adjusted ok? Any problems with certain foods? I love to hear how this is going, especially with the locals and these doctors. I have been very pleased with them so far. Seem to really be willing to help in any way.

Take Care-

Hi Ciconetti, I had my pre-op appt this past Tuesday and all is well. I saw Erin, the Nurse Practitioner. She scheduled me for my first fill in 3 weeks, which I need, as I notice I am starting to get hungry sooner than I did right after surgery. I love the group and have no complaints.

Have you been to any of the support meetings? There is one this Monday that I am going to at St. Mary's. If you haven't gone, you should try it. It is also a great way to get info from other patients that may help you.

Nancy

Hi, Ciconetti,I endured the nightmare of BCBSIL & finally was approved! They are so picky about documentation. They would not accept a letter from by PCP listing the dates I was seen by her for medical supervision of weight loss diet. They would not accept a summary either. I finally had my PCP senc copies of all 35 pages of my records for the last 12 months! Joyce @ Dr. Schroder's office was so wonderful in helping get everything together. My date is 9/05 for my banding at St. Mary's. I live in Chesterfield, near Midlothian, so it isn't far to drive. Good Luck!

Shirley

Hey Nancy & Shirley...... It is great to see posts from two people in my area and go to the same physicians office!!!!! I will be banded this thursday by Dr. Schroeder at St. Marys. I saw Erin pre-operatively and she is great! Nancy....I work on the St Marys Campus in the west building...what a small world! Where do you work in the hospital?

Angela,

Do you know when the St. Mary's support group meets?

Shirley

Hey Angela, there are several types of support groups at St. Mary's, but there is a really good general one that meets tomorrow in the big classroom (meets on 2nd Mondays of month) from 7-8:30.

Shirley, I work in labor and delivery at the hospital:)

Just Got Approved!!

Wow! I am just so exited! My date...9/24/2008!

By the way .. How do i get the weight tracker/ ticker, now that I'm official.

I was banded on 7/31 by Dr. Brengman at St. Mary's. I have never been treated as well as I was at St. Mary's. I would go back there for anything (and I came from Williamsburg) I am on mushy foods right now and just starting to get hungry, I am having a hard time getting all of my water in. Where do the tickers come from - I have already lost 15 lbs - go me! Best of luck!

Go to weight loss diet ticker to create your ticker. You'll have to paste it into your profile here. It took me a little while but I finally figured it out. There is probably a thread on this website if you search, that will give you better instructions. Nancy:)

I am a couple of months behind on this discussion, but I am also in Richmond (well, actually Midlothian!) and met with Dr. Brengman a couple of weeks ago. I really like the group and am very confident that I am in safe hands! :thumbdown: I am meeting with Dr. Fitzhugh (psychologist) tomorrow and then they will send my info for approval...I am so excited to begin this new chapter of my life...

Kristil