Hi Everyone,

I was banded by Dr. Von Rueden on Feb 6, 2009.

can I ask how much you paid? did he charge any out of pocket fees and do you get nutritional counseling?

They have a set fee for a year of services that the office provides. The services include nutrional counseling, behavorial counseling, monthly support group meeting, exercise opportunities..... a good range of services. If you go to one of his informational sessions at St. Agnes he includes the current price in the information packet that he sends you home with. His staff coordinated with the insurance company and got me through the whole process in three months. I am currently 5 1/2 months out and feeling fantastic. I had my second fill last week and I am hoping that can jump start my weight loss, I am hoping to lose another 20 pounds before the year is up.

The group support at St Agnes is free and open to the public. The fees paid for surgery do not pay for group. I went to group support for 6 months PRIOR to surgery (learned a lot) while I completed the 6 month diet my insurance required. I am still going to group now. People thinking about surgery, getting ready for surgery, recent post-ops and those a year or more out are all welcome. Unless Dr. Von Rueden has his own group, I think we are talking about the same one. Lapband group is the 3rd Monday of the month at 6pm in the Alagia Auditorium. The RNY and sleeve group meets the first Monday (I sometimes attend that one too if the topic interests me).

Edited August 6, 200917 yr by PATCHELTON

Dr. Von Rueden's group meet's the third Wednesday of the month.

I was banded by Dr. Von Rueden April 9th 2010. My experience was phenomenal and I am so happy with it. I just love his practice. His staff is very kind and get to know you personally. They are great!