Support In Oregon?

Heavenlyhands · 09-21-2006, 12:42 AM

Hello Fello Oregonians:

Are there any local support groups for people in the Willamette Valley Area?
I Live between Salem and Eugene, but am willing to travel a little. I was wondering if there are any support groups open to people who are considering Lap Band surgery, or have already had surgery in my area...
Please let me know if you have any info to share and thanks in advance.

Christina

**Jack** · 09-21-2006, 09:53 PM

Hi Christina....the Merry Bandsters used to meet once in a while....from around the Eugene-Coburg area....just a few postBandsters...hasn't been active lately....

I'm east of Albany a ways....

There is an active group that meets in the basement of Salem Hospital once a month....they are mostly (ie, everybody but ME) were RnY or DS patients...

and there was a group at the Corvallis Hosp a few years ago...they were ALL RnYers....

While PRE-Band the weight issues and changes in life style were a common bond, postBand I found I didn't have much in common with the types of troubles those folks deal with.....

It is very helpful to get together face to face during the decsion making process, it helped me a LOT....

cheers....

Heavenlyhands · 10-11-2006, 08:37 PM

Ok Oregonians,
Where are you? 77 people have looked at this thread, but only one person has posted. Are you going to let me believe I am out here alone..... What area are you from and when did you have your surgery and where? How are you doing??? Or are you like me and still working on insurance coverage??? I am looking at having my surgery at OHSU anyone have their surgery done in Portland what was your experience like???
I look forward to hearing from you guys, come on don't be shy!!!!

**Jack** · 10-11-2006, 08:47 PM

I don't know anything about OHSU for Lab Band...In my pre-op research, I talked with a number of medical researchers there about a variety of their investigations.

My surgeon is in Portland, and has treated me very well. There are many questions you will want to answer wherever you go.

good luck in your search....

**Jack** · 10-12-2006, 11:03 AM

****not much action in the Merry Bandster of Oregon these days....

tracey anderson · 10-12-2006, 11:37 AM

Hi,
I live in Eugene and I had the band but had to have it removed due to erison but there is another person that live in Coburg she does not post much on here she is very busy with school and work but we do meet every couple weeks or so for coffee usually in the evening. You are more than welcome to meet with us maybe we can help you if you would like she has the band still. Email me if you would like clorissa00@msn.com and i will let you know the next time we plan to get together. Tracey

sweetrepose · 10-14-2006, 06:40 PM

Have you gone to a Lap Band Seminar yet?

sweetrepose · 10-14-2006, 06:42 PM

Legacy Good Samaritan Obesity Institute may have some answers for you! You can call them at 503/413-7557. They are in Portland.

SharonByTheSea · 10-18-2006, 05:30 PM

Hi There Heavenly:
I am from Bandon, on the Coast of Oregon, and had my surgery 2 years ago, by Dr. Ortiz.....had a wonderful experience, and love my band! I don't go to any support groups, nothing around here, but do rely on this site to help with any questions I might have.
I go to Dr. Tersigni, in Coos Bay, for my after-care, and he is great. Would have gone to him for my original surgery, but was quoted a price of $24,000, so that is why I went to Mexico. Since then, he does a self-pay day surgery now for about $13,000. So you might want to look into that.
Good luck on your journey...

tracey anderson · 10-18-2006, 05:34 PM

Hi,
Dr. Tersigni is who removed my band due to erosion and he has been able to drop his fees so I think it is right around 9800.00 now. Just thought I would add that. Tracey

SharonByTheSea · 10-18-2006, 05:43 PM

Tracey,
Thanks for the info, I will pass the the word along, regarding his drop in fees. That is a great price, and very competitive with Mexico.
How are you doing since your band removal? That is such a fear of mine.

sweetrepose · 10-18-2006, 05:51 PM

Tracy,

Thanks for the good info, do you have more info, like a phone number or website?

sweetrepose · 10-18-2006, 06:06 PM

After minutes of my last reply, I decided to research. Here is Dr. Tersigni
website: http://www.northwestbariatricsurgery...l/gastric.html

I just emailed them! Thanks. I would much rather have the procedure done in the states than Mexico and it would even be better in Oregon. The clinic in Portland wants to charge $19,500 INSANE!

tracey anderson · 10-19-2006, 09:18 AM

:) Hi,
I will say that the first time I went to see Dr. Tersigni I did not care for him but when he removed my band he was very caring and nice. His office staff is great they are all so caring and kind.He is a great DR.
As far as Iam doing well lets see after the 2 weeks of liquids only it probably took me about 3 weeks to put on 20lbs.. I have now joined LA weight loss and have RELEASED (thats my new word instead of lost because if you loss something you want to usually find it and I never want to find the weight again.) about 13lbs of the 20lbs I had gained I have alot more to still release. Good luck I would have another band in a heart beat but Dr. Tersigni thinks that there is to much scar tissue to place a band. Tracey

Infaith · 11-03-2006, 02:38 PM

Some of you know me. Some of you don't, but would like to say hi to all.