Bandless in New York

[mimi1512 0]

I am 23 years old, with a BMI of over 50. I have an initial consultation with Dr. Geiss scheduled for January 12th - the earliest appointment available. I have been obsessed with this site for quite some time now, and I am so thankful for everyone who shares their experiences - I have learned so much from reading your stories. You are all so inspirational.

[XxMariposaxX 1]

Hey There Michelle!

I too am bandless! I have just finished the last of my pre-operative testing and am hoping for a December 2009 surgery date. I will be doing the surgery with Dr. Geiss as well! :thumbup:

[mimi1512 0]

Hi! I have just started out on this new part of my life. I have not even met Dr. Geiss yet - I have registered for the seminar on December 8th. I have made my first appointment to meet Dr. Geiss for Jan 12th - the earliest appointment available! May I ask if you have insurence? If so, what type? How long did it take you from the time you first met Dr. Geiss to the time your surgery could be scheduled? I have already done a 6 month medically supervised weight loss with my primary care physician, but that was nearly a year ago. Do you know if a previous weight loss attempt will count towards any requirments of medically supervised weight loss prerequisites?

[XxMariposaxX 1]

Congrats on taking the bull by the horns! :biggrin:

I do have insurance, United Health Care but this surgery (and any surgery for Weight loss) is not covered.

I meet Dr. Geiss formally on October 20th and will (hopefully) book my surgery for December 28th. Between 10/20 and now I had to do all kinds of tests in order for Dr. Geiss to even consider doing the surgery... that is honestly the longest part.

Your previous weight loss attempts WILL count towards the requirements of the medically supervised weight loss prereq as long as you were weighed by an MD every month for 6 months. Dr. Geiss's office will give you the paperwork you need to get signed by your doctors.

While Dr. Geiss is a great guy, his staff can be a challange to work with. :thumbup:

[pixieinyourpocket 0]

I am bandless as well, but that didn't stop me from signing up as well. I started my process a year ago and here I am now. I have my final doctor appointment on Dec.29th and start my pre-op diet tentative on Jan.4th to be banded on Jan.18th. If you think its impossible, it might be, but if you keep going for it then nothing is impossible.

[mimi1512 0]

pixieinyourpocket - I sure hope it doesnt take me a year to get the band, I am not certain I would be willing to wait that long. I'm very inspired by you and the beginning of your journey. Please keep us updated!

XxMariposaxX - I too noticed the staff can be quite finicky - I only called to schedule an initial consultation, but the woman I spoke to was very rushed - to put it nicely. I am not going to let it change my mind about working with Dr. Geiss, as I have read many positive reviews about him, and he seems to be the most experienced physician I've come accross. I am attending the free seminar on December 8th at the North Ritz Club in Syosset. Will you be attending?

Edited November 28, 2009 by mimi1512

[ALuv82 0]

Hi Michelle.

Congrats on your decision to go ahead with getting banded. I had my surgery done by Dr. Geiss as well and have been very happy. I had my initial consultation on Dec 30 last year and was banded April 27th--7 months ago yesterday. I have lost just over 70# in that time and am half way to my goal weight. I can't help you with the insurance questions as I have Healthnet and they did not require a 6 months supervised diet. They gave me no trouble at all with getting approval. I hope things go as smoothly for you.

You may want to start getting some of your pre-op requirements done since that takes a whil. You may need a referal for some of them and you get those through Dr Geiss's office but you may also be able to get them through your PCP if you wanted to get a head start. You need to see a cardiologist, pulmonologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, and have a thyroid test performed as well as an upper GI series.

Hope that helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Good luck.

[mimi1512 0]

Lauren,

Thanks! I've heard nothing but good things so far about Dr. Geiss, which makes me very excited! I am dissapointed that the earliest consultation I could get with him is January 12th - but I suppose it is best to wait until after the stress of the holidays.

I was veiwing your profile earlier and I can not believe how fantastic you look! 70 lbs in only 7 months that is just incredible! Congratulations!

I currently see a psychologist and am on zoloft for depression, do you know if that would count towards my psychiatrist requirement?

Thank you so much for providing me with the information to get a head start - that is really helpful! I can hardly wait until Janurary to arrive.

[ALuv82 0]

If he's a psycologist, it should count. He just needs to write a letter giving you clearance saying you are psycologically fi to under-go the procedure.

[picksap 1]

i HAVE UNITED HEALTH THEY COVERED MY BAND HERE IN ATLANTA. I USE TO LIVE IN NEW YORK AN DAT THAT TIME I DID

[pixieinyourpocket 0]

I sure hope it doesn't take a year for your process. The one thing I did notice is I finally followed through on this project of getting my life into a healthier style. I have become reborn in knowing that now I can live and not be trapped by not being comfortable in my skin. I did get my "offical" letter today telling me I am approved. Its sinking in for now. Its not like I'm counting down my days either. :Yawn:

[mimi1512 0]

AH! Pixie I am SO thrilled for you! I can not imagine how wonderful it feels to get that approval letter. I will probably end up framing it as a reminder of the beginning of my new life! I can not wait to hear of your progress! Please keep us updated.

By the way, this forum is just out of control - it is SO jampacked with information, experiences and stories, I can not get enough of it. I'm reading posts constantly. What a fantastic thing.

[XxMariposaxX 1]

XxMariposaxX - I too noticed the staff can be quite finicky - I only called to schedule an initial consultation, but the woman I spoke to was very rushed - to put it nicely. I am not going to let it change my mind about working with Dr. Geiss, as I have read many positive reviews about him, and he seems to be the most experienced physician I've come accross. I am attending the free seminar on December 8th at the North Ritz Club in Syosset. Will you be attending?

Sorry I didn't answer you earlier. I just realized that you asked a question.. LoL! Sorry but I won't be attending the seminar on 12/8. Be prepared to take in alot of information and ask questions. You'll meet lots of people, new patients and some after patients.