Hi. I'm new to this site and the idea of lap band surgery. I'm registered for a seminar May 20th. I've read a LOT on the internet about the process and was hoping to gain input from others locally. I'm 56 years old, 300#, 5'2", take meds for BP, cholesterol, have arthritis and they are currently scheduling me for testing for sleep apnea. Otherwise I'm in great shape. hahaha. My insurance pays for the procedure which I have read is out patient but I'd love to have a lot more input. I am reading a lot of great things in the threads but some horror stories too. I'm so anxious to be approved for this yet haven't seen anything stated that tells me what would keep me from being approved. Anyone in the TampaBay area able to give me some great feedback. I'd love to be a supporter with others who will be there for me too. Thanks so much!!

Dr. Ernest rehnke in st peterburg is fantastic

Hi Thank you! I've finally been able to get my process in the works and I've seen Dr. Kevin Huguet at St. Anthony's. He has a fabulous program to help someone through the process. It's awesome and so far I'm loving working through it all. I'm hoping for my surgery in October if all goes well and the insurance gives their blessing. How long since you had your surgery, if you had it already?

Hi Thank you! I've finally been able to get my process in the works and I've seen Dr. Kevin Huguet at St. Anthony's. He has a fabulous program to help someone through the process. It's awesome and so far I'm loving working through it all. I'm hoping for my surgery in October if all goes well and the insurance gives their blessing. How long since you had your surgery, if you had it already?

Hi ELL,

Do you mind updating on us on your procedure?

I am considering going with Dr. Huguet as well. From what they stated at the info seminar it seems St. Anthony pretty good at holding your hand through the whole approval process.

How was your experience?

Thank you!

Dr. Tiffany Jessee is great too! She is in St. Pete and even though I am a little further away, I still go to her. I was banded by her on 06-17 and her support and her staff support has been tremendous.

Just wanted to give a little feedback about my procedure with Dr. Huguet. Everything went great! Staff is great too! They walked me through the whole process and even worked a little harder when my insurance denied my original request.

Dr. Huguet came highly recommended and spoken of very highly by his peers.

I just started reconnecting with Bandsters. I saw your post. I am in St. Pete. How are you doing? I am having some issues but okay. Would love to chat about things post operatively!

Looking for Bandsters who are having problems and for connecting and sharing information about this whole process.

Hi NayFortune, we have a Bandster Support group that meets every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm at St. Anthony's Hospital. You're more than welcomed to join.

Edited August 9, 201016 yr by junbug178

Dr. Wilfred Aguila in Tampa is fantastic! I'm an RN working sursery unit,so I wouldn't let anyone do my surgery without first hand knowledge of surgical outcomes& bedside manner. I chose him after "taking care of his patients for approx.3 years!:thumbup:

Hi all,

I was banded on 7/7/10 by Dr Tiffany Jessee. She is great!!! I am now needing some support and advice...anyone interested in talking?

Hi, I was banded by Dr. Rehnke 9/16/2008, and have lost about 115lbs or so. Still a work in progress though.. I know he works and does the seminars with Dr. Jessee. I would be more than happy to chat with you any time!! Hope all is well!!

Hi, I am in Clearwater, going to the seminar May 19 at the Holiday Inn. My ins is FEPBLUE and they cover the surgery, but the "approval" is what I worry about and I am not sure My GP will send that letter. I think they feel they will lose you, if you get too healthy! HA! I am just in the middle, defenitely 40 BMI with borderline BP, arthiritis, and pre-diabetic, and on Nexium for Gerd. At 58, i think I will only go downhill from here if the weight doesnt come off.

Anyhow, wondering what all the insurance companies want. A contract from the gym, an attemp to get weight loss with a center that offered the vitas B-12 shots etc, and? they need receipts? I guess I'll learn more Thursday, I am so exited! I pray it all goes well. Pray with me, it be a new life !!

This input might be too late but might help others in Pinellas. I was banded on August 30 by Dr. Kevin Huguet - a great surgeon. I was impressed by the pre-operation programof consultations - I learned a lot and understood what I was getting into.

Surgery went well and I am in the initial recovery phase. Excellent nursing care at Palms of Pasadena. Still making progress.

I just found this post. I am in the St. Pete area and going thru the process with Dr. Rehnke. I was curious if there were any recent Rehnke patients out here OR any new St. Pete bandsters. I will be a Jan 2012 Bandster!!

Im having surgery May 24th 2012 by Dr. Huguet. I've definitey learned a lot and fast. 2 months ago I knew nothing about lap-band but a neighbor changed that. Once she told me she used to be 75lbs heavier and she looks awesome now. I knew I wanted in. Dr. Jesse did her lapband 4 years ago and she swears its the best thing she ever did for herself. I only hope I'm as successful at it as she is!