Hi MD2b

I am a self-pay patient of Dr Minkin. Isn't it amazing that companies and insurance companies don't cover this surgery? They just don't understand that this will reduce the medical expenses in the future.
Anyway, I had my surgery in January, 2008. Hospital charges --> 11,000, Dr. fee -> 5,000, Anesthesia --> 1,000 (they don't tell you about that charge). As previously stated, the Dr fee for fills are covered for the first year, however, because he does it in the radiology dept, there is a radiology fee each time you have a fill (not sure how much that is yet).

There is a support group the 4th Thursday of every month. I went to my first last Thursday.

Good luck, if you have any other questions, please ask.

SnowHollow--what did you think of the support group? I wasn't impressed by the nutritionist at DPH that I met on my testing day. I think she's the one who runs the group.

Snowhollow, Where was the support group at? I attended one on 2-20 at DuPaul.

I get my first fill Thursday March 6th. I am really getting nervous. I need it because I have hardly any restriction. I have not lost much weight the past two weeks. Always hungry! Can anyone tell me what to expect. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks Annie

They give you a numbing shot. Then the stick a needle into your port and release saline into your band. It does not hurt you just fell pressure.

It will go real quick for you. Are you having it done by x-ray or in the office?

Weather they do it by x-ray or in the office they will clean the port area and then give you a little novicane or something like that and then use a very small needle and instert it into the port then they will check to see if you have any fluid check that. Then they will put some fluid in about 1-2cc and have your drink. swallow either water or barrium if you have the upper gi and see how it goes. Then they remove the needle and put a bandaid on. It will take less than 15 minutes.
I hope that this helps you out.

Chris

Hi Jamie
I agree, the nutrionist I met with a DPH during the pre-testing was not very helpful. She was late, gave a hand out that was different than what Dr. M gives out, and she read the handout to us (she did 2 at one time - which is against HIPPA rules). The handout was very confusing, because the pages were printed out of order.

Anyway, the support group started out rather slow. They had a DIFFERENT nutritionist leading the group this time. Not sure who normally leads the group and this lady was not sure whether she would lead the group in the future. This lady was ok, not real enthusiastic.

The discussion started out slow, but, when a lady who had not had surgery started asking questions, there was a lot of good discussion. We will probably go again, but, may not attend each month.

John C
The support group at Des Peres Hospital is the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.

HTH

Annie

For Dr. Minkin's people-- when did he let you start full liquids? I'm 6 days post-op, having clears only. I feel like I'm starving today. It is the first time I've felt hungry. I don't see him until Monday and I'm kind of freaking thinking I have to wait that long. I know I'm not ready for purees, but some thicker liquids would help so much. I called the office, they're going to try to catch him between surgeries and patients and ask. I would've seen him in the office tomorrow or Friday but they were booked so I had to wait until Monday.

MY wife and I were on clear liquids until surgery. After surgery we were allowed to be on any liquids. I was able to drink milk, ensure, carnation instant breakfast. I would call his office and ask him about it. He might even start you on soft foods on Monday Jaime, like he did us. I even made chicken noddle soup and just took out the noddles. Even had tomato soap. I hope that this helps you out.

Chris

Thanks I will let you know how it goes. I go to radiology so I guess they will do it there. Either way I will be glad to get it numbed up instead of just going it alone with the needle. Thanks again Annie

Chris, I called Dr. Minkin's office and they got back to me at the end of the day. He said I could start on puree/babyfood consistency if I felt up to it, but I said I was just going to start on full liquids like cream soups for now. I guess maybe I could've had those all along. I'm not sure. I've been sticking to clear liquids, like pre-op. I'm going to have cream soup for dinner tonight.

Dr Scott does all the lap band adjustments in Radiology under Fluoro.GL tomorrow on your 1st fill.I am getting my 3rd fill tomorrow too

Brandy, I asked someone in the waiting room if they were MissouriMom. They were not of course. What time were you there? They were running behind this am. I did fine thanks for your replys. Don't understand why we have to be on clear liquids? Annie

My appt was at 11:15am

Not sure about the liquids tho