Hey everyone! I will admit while this is my first post, I have been a "lurker" for months since beginning my research stage of this life changing decision. I went to my first seminar back in Aug 2008 and am THRILLED to report that I found out yesterday that I have been approved by insurance!

Reading everyone's stories (good and bad) and seeing all the love and support offered up here definitely helped me make some choices and gave me comfort that I will have a "family" who completely understands my experience!

I grew up in Florida but have been in Charlotte, NC for 10 years now. HUGE NASCAR fan, love being with and making new friends, enjoy all types of music, traveling, among other things. I really look forward to getting to know you all and thank you for making this board so fantastic!

Well congrats Racegirl glad to hear you got approved. I just started my journey, not approved yet but have done some of the medical requirements. Who is doing your surgery? I plan on using Dr Bauman in Concord. Attended his seminar early April and he had me at "hello" lololol Take care.

Always good to see fellow North Carolina residents. Good luck on your journey. I was banded by Bauman in Aug.

I was banded by Dr. Bauman yesterday morning!! Yipeeeeee for our fellow North Carolinians!

Congrats Stephanie! How are you holding up?

Petunia, I am being banded by Dr. Voellinger here in Charlotte. Seems that all within a healthy radius use either Bauman or Dr V....

If there isnt something like this already, we should get a little group to meet up once in a while for fun!

That sounds wonderful....great idea. I can see were lots of support is needed.

Congrats Stephanie! :crying: How are you holding up?

Petunia, I am being banded by Dr. Voellinger here in Charlotte. Seems that all within a healthy radius use either Bauman or Dr V....

If there isnt something like this already, we should get a little group to meet up once in a while for fun!

I am holding up well! The toughest part is keeping track of drinking all 60 oz of Water daily, drinking 60-100 g of Protein daily and walking 60 minutes a day. Aside from that, I am having pain where the port was attached to the muscle, but nothing that's keeping me from getting around. When is your date?

Hey RaceGirl, Welcome to the forum.:crying: I'm in North Carolina too, Gastonia. Who did your surgery? Dr. Keith Gersin did my Realize Band.

Gail

Realize Band - 9/15/08

I am holding up well! The toughest part is keeping track of drinking all 60 oz of Water daily, drinking 60-100 g of Protein daily and walking 60 minutes a day. Aside from that, I am having pain where the port was attached to the muscle, but nothing that's keeping me from getting around. When is your date?

That does sound like much to keep up with right after surgery! Hell, I don't walk 60 minutes NOW! :w00t: I have been "getting in shape for surgery" and begun working out with a personal trainer once a week, trying to get my endurance up but wow...it's hard. I know that as the weight comes off, moving will become easier and CANNOT wait. My surgery date is tenatively June 22 as submitted by Dr V for now...turns out I'm not approved yet, UHC rep was not correct, so my file remains under review. Baaaaa. :smile:

Hey RaceGirl, Welcome to the forum.:w00t: I'm in North Carolina too, Gastonia. Who did your surgery? Dr. Keith Gersin did my Realize Band.

Gail

Realize Band - 9/15/08

Hi Gail! You and I are practically neighbors then!! :smile: I haven't had surgery yet, but Dr David Voellinger here in Charlotte will be doing it....still haven't decided on whether or not it will be LapBand or Realize...that's a tough call to make.

I started my journey in September, 2008, and was preapproved in January. I then was denied and appealed. I finally had my surgery last Thursday 16th. I am new to this too. My surgeon was Dr. Moran in Raleigh.

Hi NewB! Hope you are holding up well after your surgery! How are you feeling?

OK, called UHC again today to check on the status of my file and guess what??

Officially APPROVED! Letter sent out yesterday!!! And with that, a better me is on the way too!! It only took UHC a week to review and approve. I'm impressed.

Wonderful!!!! I cannot believe it's been six days since my surgery! I'm doing well, just sore but that is to be expected. I go for my follow up visit on Friday. I've lost ten pounds. I hope that is a good start. I've got to figure out how to use the ticker. I would like to see it on paper! Congratulations again!!!!

That sounds like a great start to me!

Hello all!!

I am also in Charlotte, NC and joined this group yesterday. My surgery date is May 7, so I started my liquid diet today :rolleyes2: My doc is Dr. V in Charlotte. Just wanted to say hi to my neighbors and get in contact with others that are going through the same thing as me!!

Hey Newstart! Glad to see another Dr V patient on the board! Soooooo, liquids start today huh? Would you mind telling me what that entails? I have been sampling different Protein drinks but it occured to me that what he may use is something specific and not what i expect.

Hang in there!! So glad your here and on your way!!