Hi Everyone

I am at the very beginning, haven't even had the initial meeting, but I'm determined to have the lap-band surgery done ! My meeting is coming up in August. I've been reading up on the procedure online and was very excited when I found this website ! I think the more information I have before the procedure the better and if I am prepared before the initial meeting that will be awesome too :biggrin2: !

Hi there, I'm new with it all, too. I'm set to go to the 1st mandatory seminar at Hershey Med Center on August 21st, so I'm excited. Just remember, I've been reading the good and the bad, because there is bad out there, too. Just remember to prepare yourself for anything that could possibly happen! Good luck!

That's great ! I go on the 12th...had to check my calendar....lol....I've done this before with a major surgery I was planning on having. Researching it first helps so much. You can be prepared for anything. I've already been reading on here how fun it is when you're on the liquid diet after surgery....lol...and the soft...lol...I felt for everyone going through it, I'm laughing because I know I'd be complaing too !!

Welcome!!

What hospital are you going with? I was banded at Mt. Carmel West about 2 months ago. Dr. Choban was great!!! I was approved for surgery and went through everything in about 4 months. It has been a whirlwind, but I am so happy that I did it. Come over to the local boards and each hospital in Columbus has its own thread.

Good Luck!!!

I'll be going to OSU. My first meeting is August 12.

My GP highly recommends them and I'll go with what he says.

I have heard good and bad things about their program, but I have also heard good and bad about Mt. Carmel. My mom started with OSU for her band and decided to switch due to the lack of follow up with insurance paperwork and the doctor tried to push having gastric bypass (she is a lightweight at 220). She was banded by Dr. Curry in Cincinnati.

Good luck with OSU!!

Thanks so much ! It's been so hard waiting for the first meeting. I have one concern that I really need to ask them. I called them last night and left a message, hopefully someone will call me back before the meeting.:biggrin:

Hello Rhonda and welcome to LBT :biggrin:

I am not from Ohio but wanted to say hello and welcome.

Thanks for the welcome Brandy ! I'm so glad I found this site. I'm learning a lot of great information :biggrin:

I am SO excited ! I thought there was going to be a real problem, but I got to talk with one of their nurses a few minutes ago about my legitimate concern. I have several meds I have to take. One is a time release capsule and I take 3 of them in the morning and 4 in the evening. They re not optional meds.

Taking my meds will NOT be a problem..........WOOHOO !!!!!! :biggrin:

I finally had the inital meeting last night and it went great. One of the surgeons was there explaining the different procedures people can choose from. They had other people there discussing insurance and other things. They were great at taking questions. I spoke with the surgeon afterward about my meds and he confirmed it's no problem. He said he's suggest Lap Band. I said great...that's what I want to have done :crying:

With the insurance company I have, they know it will require 6 months weight loss program. I called my insurance company to be sure it's covered and the guy couldn't find it, needs the code...<sigh>...I called OSU and they have someone who they said knows all about insurance. I'm just waiting to hear back from them.

Since I have to do the weight loss for 6 months, I'm just going to plan on having my surgery next summer. I work in a school and have summer off. I won't have to take any sick time.

OSU seems to have a very good weight loss program set up. It deals with how you will eat after surgery too, so as much as a part of me wishes I could get the surgery done now, I can see how that will really help. :biggrin2:

When I know for sure about my insurance, trust me......you'll know !!!!

Edited August 13, 200817 yr by Rhondadbe