New Bandster

Not sure if anyone from this area visits this site, but here goes! I was banded by Dr. Burnette on 5/26/09. Still nervous, but so far so good. Hopefully I will find out soon about the support group they are trying to get started out of this practice. Good luck to any and all who are considering or have gone through the procedure.

Hi! I'm from Valdosta, Ga working with Dr. McCowans office but having some problems with my insurance. I have Aetna and now they are telling me I have to do a 6 month doctor supervised wt loss program or a 3 month program with a dietician and of course the dietician that works with Dr. McCowan is out sick for who knows how long and can't find a dietician..starting to have my doubts the office here is no help at all. Did you have these problems?

Thread Starter

Hi! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you! It's funny that you are from Valdosta - I am from Sylvester! Also ironic that you are dealing with McGowan's office. I worked for a physician in Albany and had a patient who needed to see the same dietitian. The appt wait was going to be forever because she(?) was so backed up. I'm not sure how your insurance works, but have you thought about trying a dietitian or doctor in Tifton? I have used Phoebe Putney (Albany) for a nutritionist due to diabetes, she was wonderful. I did not have to go through this, probably because of difference in insurance companies. But just look at it as a small step on the way to a new life. Please let me know if I can help you.

Hi,

I am Monique from Phoebe Weight Loss Center. I'm sorry you've missed the Support Group we had last month. We will be having another support group on Thursday June 25, 2009. Please call me at the office to register.

[QUOTE=krbr08;1246236]Hi! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you! It's funny that you are from Valdosta - I am from Sylvester! Also ironic that you are dealing with McGowan's office. I worked for a physician in Albany and had a patient who needed to see the same dietitian. The appt wait was going to be forever because she(?) was so backed up. I'm not sure how your insurance works, but have you thought about trying a dietitian or doctor in Tifton? I have used Phoebe Putney (Albany) for a nutritionist due to diabetes, she was wonderful. I did not have to go through this, probably because of difference in insurance companies. But just look at it as a small step on the way to a new life. Please let me know if I can help you.[/QUOTE]

Hi! Sorry it took me so long to reply! Between work, school, and trying to get approved for surgery I've had little time to do anything. I have changed doctors and will be using Dr. Burnette and Phoebe too. I'm tired of getting the run around from the hospital here and there's other reasons that I don't think I need to post here. The staff at Phoebe has been really helpful and seems to know what their doing. I'm trying to be optimistic that everything is going to work out. I'm just mad that I paid the hospital here so much money for nothing. They make you pay $75 to see the dietician, $175 to see the counsler, and $545 to see the NP and see doesn't do anything really. Other people I've talked to that have had there surgury's at other facilities haven't had to do this. How do you like the band?

Thread Starter

Good for you (changing doctor and hospital). Have they scheduled your consultation date yet? There is also a support group meeting next Thursday at 7:00 at Phoebe Northwest.

So far, yes, I am great with the band. The first two weeks were the hardest to me, but only due to the gas they used to inflate during surgery. My incisions have healed great, my appetite is reduced without even having a fill yet. I'm pumped and excited about my life post-op. It's been way too long feeling trapped in my "fat" suit. Let me know how everything is going.

I'm glad your doing good with your band. I have been denied but am going to appeal waiting to talk to the Albany office and see what all I need to do since I'm changing doctors and all. Did you like the Albany office?

Thread Starter

I really like everyone at the Phoebe clinic and Dr. Burnette's office. I am going tonight for a support group meeting. Why would your insurance deny you? Keep on trying and don't give up! You should come to one of the group meetings.

HELLO !!! TO ALL
I am just now trying to get my LAP-BAND®®® .. My ins-denyed me also .. So i am trying to raise the Money on my own through cooking sale and just friends and famliy helping out anyway they can ..
( I have already set in on Dr,Bagnato's Meeting about the surgery.) I fill good about it so far .. He seem's to be very nice . First time i have ever met him ..
I will be going to Dr.Smith's meeting on 2-27-10 to check things out with him ..
I really wont this Surgery , my health is starting to give me a fit .....
I have just signed on at this site and i will be back
to keep ya'll updated .. I have enjoyed ya'lls and other post i have read so far .PRAYERS is out to all ..
PLEASE SEND PRAYERS back my way think's.