Have a consultation on Thursday

[CindyLouWhoo 0]

I am so excited, I have made the desion to do this after much research. I have read so many entries, but I have not read anything about what I should do/ask/know about before going in this first visit. I am not sure I will weigh quite enough though, I'm 5'7 and about 240, I am self paying. Is there anything I should do to assure that I qualify. I will go to Mexico if need be... I will be going to the Gastric Band Institute in Chattanooga. Thanks in advance for any advice or wisdom!

[dishdiva 5]

I don't know what Dr. you're seeing, but I've seen Dr. Ponce there for a second opinion on something and really, really like him. They're a good group...really have their act together. I don't know if you qualify either...but they will tell you. They're not the type of practice that would do it if they genuinely believed you didn't. I didn't go to them pre-op, but there are many people who have who will likely chime in. Also, maybe try the northgeorgiabandits group at yahoo... lots of them went to Dr.Ponce...

Good luck to you!

[DtDtKty 0]

Cindy....Based on your height and weight, your BMI (body mass index) is 37.6. That number should be enough to qualify you based on weight. Do you have any co-morbidities....like reflux, joint pain, sleep apnea, etc.? These are also qualifying factors. I would just go to your appt. and see what they say. I was banded in Mexico and while it was fine, I would have preferred to have been banded in the US.

You could ask about co-pays, length of hospitalization, pain control after surgery...that's all I can think of right now. Good luck.