HELLO! Is anyone out there?

I know there has been about 400 Lap Bands done by the surgeons group I am looking into using, does anyone in the Kentucky Area have any comments or suggestions about their physicican?

I have federal employees anthem blue cross blue shield basic and was only required to ge4t a psychologial evaluation to determine family medical history and predispositon to obesit and various cancer,heart and diabetes. It was 2 $30 copays for 2 Dr visits, $100 copay for surgeon fee and $40 copay for having it done outpatient. I was approved for the procedure

I hope all is well, how do you feel? any pain or illness? What diet did they put you on before surgery? and was the anestisia o.k.?

pre op diet was high protein shakes, broths sugar fee jello, sugar free pudding, sugar free yogurt. diet soda, koolade etc skim milk. It actually made me full but became monotonous after 10 days. I lost 10 lbs. The anesthesia went fine. the whole surgery went fine. I was sore for a couple of days .I was driving within 24 hours.I walked at the mall but became easily tired and had to go home right away. Day five I was no longer sore. I did discover Im allergic to the steri strips that they close the incision with. I broke out and had to remove them. It is day 6 and I am now eating pureed food. I "never" got nauseous before or after surgery. My surgery so far has been textbook. I alswo have lost another pound

Socialator:

It's good to hear how quickly you recovered, and how good you feel. I am going into my sixth month of supervised dieting, and so I don't even know exactly when I will have it done. It seems like th eapproval process has taken forever...I'm hoping for September, but this may be unrealistic. How long did you consider the lap banding before you did it?

DO you see Olsafka at Caritas, or at Audubon?

Hi Becca,

I was banded on June 27, 2007 by Dr. John Olsofka (ole soff ' ka) in Louisville at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital (a satellite hospital of Jewish). He's done over 850 of these procedures and did a great job for me and for a friend of mine.

Here's the scoop on their practice: 3 surgeons, all they do is lapband procedures; always one of them in town (all 3 never go out of town at the same time), if your insurance covers the procedure, it's a one time fee and the surgery is guaranteed so that if you have complications (heaven forbid) and have to go back to surgery, they don't charge you again. The anesthesiolgist does, but not the hospital and not the surgeons; you see your surgeon at every follow up visit and he is the only one who will do your fills -- fills are never done by a nurse or assistant; there is always someone available by phone at the hospital or during hours at the dr's office if you have problems or questions.

Dr. Olsfoka is very pleasant but not much for small talk. My friend had her surgery in November and I had mine June 27. She's lost 65 lbs so far and looks great!

The hospital is very old and not all modern like some but it was fine. The bariatric staff was WONDERFUL.

I had NO PAIN right after surgery. Only soreness. And I'm not at all pain tolerant so there really was NO pain. I was amazed because I was prepared for pain.

Hope this helps you!

Sharon

Sharon, who is your insurance through?? My problem is the insurance co. is giving me nightmares. PA

Becca, I self-paid, but I have Humana insurance. A coworker had to go thru a year of diet and counseling (2 6 month stints) with Humana before they finally approved her. She had her surgery in April and Dr. Vaughn?Allen did hers in Louisville. Dr. Allen was the first surgeon in Lvl to do banding, I'm told.

Who is your insurance carrier?

Sharon

My insurance is through Humana also. My weight loss doctor for my 6 month pre surgery is ill and has given up her practice. Now I hope I don't have to start all over. Is yours through the State employees insurance? I have been on one type of weight loss drug or another for some time, I wonder if they take all the doctors records in accout for letting you get the surgery. How long is it before you find something out from your doctors? I am having my surgery at St Mary's also.

Hi Beccamay Are you the one whosent me the reply asking if my insurance was throught the state? No its not. I am covered under my husband's insurance who is a teacher with the federal government on base. He chose FEP BC/BS Preferred

Basic.

I was just wondering if anyone is in this area. I'm having lapband on 7/30/07 in Nashville.

Hi Becky42,

I'm close to Bwg! I live in Glasgow. Does that count?

Sharon

Are you having your surgery at Vandy? My best friend is considering the surgery and she wants to have hers at Vandy.

Are you pleased with your surgeon and his team?

Sharon

Sharon: I think Glasgow really counts, because I actually live in Scottsville. I always say Bowling Green, because most people don't know where Scottsville is! I'm having my surgery at Baptist. I didn't want Vandy because the waiting list was so long. At Baptist I got in and scheduled within one month. At Vanderbilt you have to wait for the seminar and then the next available appointment is 1.5 mos. Baptist has the seminar, but it's on line and you do it when you want. Have you had yours yet? How are you doing? Becky

Hey Snoopy..

You and I had our surgery on the same day at Sts Mary & Eliz.! What time was yours and how'd you do?

Sharon Travis

Of course I know where Scottsville is! Do you know Brenda and Bobby Pearson? He's retired now, but used to work for the Post Office there.

My surgery was a piece of cake! I'm doing so good, I didn't realize until yesterday that it's only been 2 1/2 weeks! I started exercising last week on my NordicTrack. Began with 5 mins, waited a day, then 15 mins, waited a few more days, and did 20 mins yesterday! I'm also trying to do some yoga for the stretching (it's harder than it looks!).

I feel GREAT! Very little food fills me up. I can't believe I can exist on so few calories a day and not be hungry. The only reason I'm not kicking myself for not having done this much sooner is that I believe the longer a procedure has been around, the safer it is.

I couldn't be happier. I hope you do as well as me!

Sharon