Is anyone from the Asheville area and had their surgery locally. I have been talking with Mission Weight Management but my first consulation isn't until next month and I'm really anxious to get this started!!

I was wondering if anyone had any advice to help get my ducks in a row for the insurance. I email the Hickory Clinic but I haven't hear anything from them. Did anyone have their surgery there and how long did it take to get the first appointment? Thanks

My name is Rose and I am 46 I am going for Lap Band..
I see no one ever got back to you with an answer. I am close to Asheville.. I live in Rutherfordton.. Did you get your surgery??? I am waiting for approval from BCBS AL.. The waiting sucks...

I live in asheville babe.

I'm going through Mission St. Jo in Asheville. After the seminar (Mar 11, 2008) It took over 2 months to get an appointment for the 1st screening (May 27th). Then it has taken over a month to get my second appointment (psych eval and RD visit, scheduled July 8th. Then it's supposed to take an additional 3 months to get to the surgery. It seems like a long time to me. It may be because the program is new at mission St. Jo. It will be interesting to see how much longer it takes. I've chatted with someone who has the same insurance that I do and she said the hospital took care of all the paperwork and qualification stuff. Good luck to you.....The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll be a new you.

I was just in Asheville this weekend......I know and have met several people from the area. I have met them from other boards but they are a lot of fun and I think they had it done @ Mission. I think they attend the support groups. (maybe not monthly but a good many of them.)

Welcome....hope you bandings are going great!

Hello,
Did you get any replies as to the doctor's in Asheville? I'm thinking of having surgery and wanting to know about the docs there.

Hi!
I am from Franklin, but I will have my banding at Mission Hospital n Asheville where my doctors are. I attended my first seminar on March 4th. Dr. Edwards will do the surgery. He is from the Bariatric Surgical Program there. I am scheduled for my fifth step appointment this week and will meet Dr. Edwards for the first time. I should be banded in August. I hope it is as soon as possible, as I teach and start back to school on August 19th.

Mary, I've had 3 appointments so far and have two scheduled for next month. I don't know who my doctor is yet, but it will be one of the three in the program. I went to the seminar in March also, but couldn't get an appointment until late May. The process seems slow, but the insurance companies apparently require at least a 4 month cycle of appointments before they will approve the procedure. I wish I could get banded in August but expect September. I go to all the Virginia Tech Football games and may have to miss one because of the surgery. Let me know how it goes with the banding....I guess I have some nervousness about it.
Regards, Duane

Hi Duane,
I am having a little better luck than you, but maybe its because of the insurance. I have BC/CS of NC. I went to the first seminar March 4, had my initial consultation with Shirley on April 3, my psych exam on April 23, met with the nutrtionalist/Shirley on May 5 and again on June 13. I was approved for surgery by the ins. co the second week of July and had my labs and tests at Mission on July 15. Tomorrow (July 22), I will meet Dr. Edwards for the first time. My final appointment with Shirley is Friday, July 25. I am hoping that I will get a banding date this week so I can start on my two week liquid diet as soon as possible. I teach school and go back on August 19, so I'm under pressure to "get 'er done!"
Sorry about missing a game. I'm a huge NFL fan - my husband follows college sports, so I understand your feelings completely. My birthday is August 13 and it looks like I will not be having cake and ice cream for the first time in
my life!
Keep in touch,
Mary

I went to the doctor today and I FINALLY have a banding date: August 6th! I start all fluids tomorrow until surgery. I just can't wrap my mind around that yet, but I am excited that the big day is just around the corner.

Has anybody had a Dr other than Edwards from the Mission program? I have my 1st appt in Sept which seems like forever from now. My ins requires 6 mos, so I'm looking at atleast 8 mos til banding. Almost depressing.

MaryD, It must be very exciting to finally get your date. Keep us posted on the proceedure. Let me know how the Liquid diet thing goes...I've been more worried about that than anything. Good Luck!!!!

I am on day two of the liquid diet, twelve more days to go. Actually, I surprised myself by loving the shakes and feeling full all the time. There is a link on this site to over 200 shake recipes. I printed it out and checked my favorites. I get two treats from List B each day, so I opt for jello and tapioca pudding - sugar free, of course. My husband has been great. He is cooking for himself for the first time, but he is trying to eat healthy as an example for me. He is lucky, he eats all he wants and stays the same weight he was 30 years ago. I know I can do this and I can't wait until AUGUST 6TH!!

Hi Mary,
Congratulations, I wish I were that close to banding. Could you please tell me where to look for the link for shake recipes.
Thanks and good luck!

Artsy,

There are loads of wonderful recipes and suggestions on the Food and Nutrition boards. Choose "Home" from the menu just under the lady at the top of the page. One the left menu, scroll down and choose "Food and Nutrition". Enjoy!