Hey all!!!!

I'm new to posting... I have been reading posts and getting to know the site while I waited for my consultation appointment. I just confirmed my first 4 hour appointment yesterday set for November 20th. I'm nervous and excited and scared all at once. So far I am loving this site and have found so many of my concerns eased. Everyone here seems so supportive and helpful. I look forward to getting to know more of you on my journey. If anyone has any suggestions or advice please please please by all means have at it! Many thanks!! ~Erin:rolleyes:

Hi Erin, Welcome. I am in San Diego and with Dr. Horgan....my surgery date is right around the corner! What doctor will you be going to?

Welcome Erin! I also live in sunny So. Cal. but had my surgery in Mexicali, MX.

I am very pleased with the results I have received from working with my band and I'm sure you will be too.

Feel free to ask your questions and I'm sure you will receive awesome support just as I have.

Take care,

Donna

I have Blue shield of California HMO my pcp referred me to Dr. LePort. I have my consultation with him on the 20th but I am also wanting to meet with Dr. Oliak. I have to go to the first consultation and then request another referral ... UGH annoying referrals... :cursing:

I hate not knowing what sort of hoops I am going to have to jump through... 6 month diet, 3 months diet, 4 weeks of liquids only ... ack!!! I know in the end it will be worth it but I want to get moving already. I am committed to this decision now... If I wait too long I may talk myself out of it...

I have blue cross Az, I called them to get the particulars. I ran in to one butt head that said it was listed in my plan booklet, he was in the approval department. The customer service people were great and gave me the information. 6 month diet for me.

I too felt very impatient about the hoops process and feared losing my desire to be banded. (I have Kaiser and was told at orientation that were not doing bands and didn't know when they were going to resume doing them). For this reason, I decided to self-pay and the only thing I could afford was to go to Mexico.

My experience in Mexico was fantastic so I have continued my treatment and fills with my surgeon in Mexico. Kaiser will cover my fills but their clinic does not fill under fluoroscopy and I fear some tech damaging my port tubing without it.

Self-pay was not easy for me. I ended up charging it on a low interest credit card so I don't want you to think I was able to afford it because I wasn't.

Having this surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself to lose weight. I have worked very hard at trying to change my lifestyle and I exercise regularly. Working with the band is great because I don't feel like I'm starving myself. There are many foods that I am no longer able to eat but I really don't miss them much.

I am so happy for you that you have made the decision to become healthier and lose weight. I just know you wont regret it.

Take care,

Donna

Self Pay is unfortunately not an option for me... I've had a bad history with credit and what not... long story short.

I am hoping it will be quick... I've been dieting for ever ... up and down up and down. I know getting banded is going to help curb my binging. I'm a binger I eat alot some days like around my monthly visitor and then can cut back when shes not around LOL. I have a bit of a sweet tooth and told this to the woman setting me up for my consult ... the minute I said I had a sweet tooth she immediately said "You might want to get a bypass instead" Ummm NO I dont want my insides cut up and rerouted thank you I will deal with my sweet tooth in smarter ways. Sorry to vent LOL

hey welcome, just an FYI for you guys from SD, we have a local support group that meets once a month. click on my profile and youll find it in my groups. You're welcome to join us.

I'm actually in Irvine so SD is a little far for me but good luck to everyone else. I thought I saw someone that had a support group in my area <crosses fingers> hopefully I will find them ...