[~Bridgette~]

Hi everybody. Sorry it's taken me so long to get on here to post! I'm in bandland too! :D

I'm doing pretty well. Just sore around the port area. I've been taking my percocet regularly to not be in pain. It hurts to lie down in the bed, so I'm doing most of my "napping" in my chair in the den. So, having said that, I'm sleeping for about 4 hours at a time then waking up to walk around. Who would have thought I'd be so awake after surgery! LOL

I got 85g of protein in yesterday. That was good. I was sipping all day it felt like.

The worst part so far is the coughing like they showed me at the hospital. That hurts so I don't really *want* to do it that often. But I try.

Thanks for the well-wishes everyone. I really appreciate them. I'm not really hungry, that's pretty cool. :D

[HarleyNana]

Bridgette, how's it going?

Hope all our new VA bandsters are doing well.

[~Bridgette~]

Ok, still a little sore and pretty sick of shakes, LOL. But it's worth it!! I've been walking everyday and am trying to regain my energy. I'm looking forward to my post-op with Dr. Clark next week. I can't believe I finally have my band. I really can't tell its in there yet. I'm not hungry hardly at all, but when I forget my protein for more than 3-4 hours I get all dizzy and woozy feeling. So, I need to be better about making sure I'm getting in my protein in regular intervals. 13 or 14 lbs gone since Weds, so I'm thrilled with that! :)

[vayiayia]

Hello,

Can someone who has been banded by WLSC in Newport News tell me if there are any out of pocket expenses not covered by insurance?

I went to a LAP-BAND^® seminar with the Norfolk Surgical group. I have full insurance coverage. The entire group of seminar attendees were told there is a ne time out of pocket fee for services ($500)that is not covered by insurances. The fee has to be paid at the initial office visit to proceed with pre-op care and surgical schedualing.

Is this common with other Tidewater weight loss surgeons?

Thanks!!!

[~Bridgette~]

There is a program fee at WLSC for around $700 (I'm not sure the exact amount). It's due after you meet one on one with the doc and go through your pre-op counseling. Basically, right before you take your classes for surgery.

Best of luck as you begin your journey! :)

[AmandaHW]

The total "program fee" is $750. You will pay $30 for the computer test and they deduct that from your program fee so you will owe $720 which can be paid all at once or half two weeks before and half two weeks after. HTH.

[SueDoNymm]

I go to Dr. Clark at WLSC. I paid for my band and surgery out of pocket, though.