Hello from VA!

bearcatgirl · 01-23-2008, 08:41 AM

HELLO Virginians- I am from Reston and getting banded in March by Pinnar Surgical, if anyone has any advice- all is appreciated- and I am looking for friends in advance that can help me out with what to expect-I as well as Ashlee are 5'11 and a mega ton- soon to be no ton at all- so HELP!!!!!

AshleeSuzanne · 01-23-2008, 11:31 AM

YAHOO!! MY surgery is in 1 week, on 1/30!! I have already lost 15 pounds on the liver shrinking diet!! I am psyched! How is everyone!!???!!??

Ash

Redd · 01-23-2008, 11:38 AM

Hi Ashlee,

Wow, 1 week. How exciting! I have my first consult appointment tomorrow with Dr. Halmi in Woodbridge. I don't know what to expect, but am very excited. Do you like your doctor? I was looking at him as well, but got through to Dr. Halmi first. Can you tell me how long you had to wait for your surgery following your very first appointment with him? Thanks and good luck.

NEWME10 · 01-23-2008, 11:45 AM

Congratulations, I am very happy for you. If I ever get approved I will be crazy with excitement also. How is that Liver shrinking diet?
Who is your Dr.? How long after approval did it take to get your surgery scheduled? Sorry for all the questions but the unknown is very scary.

Thanks

kris102003 · 01-23-2008, 12:05 PM

Hello,

I was banded by Dr. Halmi and Tran's office on December 4, 2007. I have lost 22 pounds so far and I am going in for my first fill on Monday. Woo hoo!!! I really need it cause I feel like I could eat just about anything right now. I had to go through a very long 6 month process with Cigna to get approved. However, once I did it at first I was denied. I wrote and appeal and submitted some additional paperwork and sent it back in. I was then approved!!! It was the most exciting day of my life seriously! I felt like I had found out I won a million dollars. It took 5 weeks from the day I was approved until the actual surgery date and trust me the weeks flew by. Being banded is amazing. Dr. Halmi and Tran are great doctors to have. Good luck to everyone!!!

chica · 01-23-2008, 12:19 PM

Hi Redd, Please let me know how your initial consult with Dr. Halmi goes. I have mine in 2 weeks and have no idea what to expect. Would love some insight. Thanks!

mskisa · 01-23-2008, 03:05 PM

They do it in Winchster and Charlottesville!!

tdl · 01-23-2008, 03:23 PM

Hi - I am in Harrisonburg/Staunton VA area - had my LAP-BAND^® surgery in Mexico - Dr. Rodriguez - had an infection but with 6 weeks of Antibiotics - two different kinds at one time, it has healed. I had my surgery on December 3, 2007 - have lost about 25 pounds and feel great. I have to watch what my body tells me and not my brain becuase I just love the taste of certain foods and would go overboard. I have my first fluro and fill in Mexico in early March. Someone wrote and said they knew of fill Dr in Winchester, VA. Do they only see patients they did the surgery on or will see anyone for fills? You all seem to be doing great.

tdl · 01-23-2008, 03:27 PM

How are you feeling after the surgery - I am just getting to your reply - can't quite figure out these threads and stuff - getting too old. I am doing well - return to mexico in early March for fluro and first fill. Let me know how you are doing. Where in VA are you going for your fills. I am looking for someone in VA. Tara

Lattedah · 01-23-2008, 03:53 PM

Hello, Bearcatgirl. Although I'm also pre-band and I just met with Dr. Pinnar today -- he's just so great -- I would love to touch base with you as we go through this process. I still have to go through the medical/psychological tests, but hope to schedule my procedure soon.

I love this site and find it immensely useful.

I look forward to speaking with you as we take this great step toward a happy and healthy life! :)

Redd · 01-25-2008, 08:22 AM

Hi Chica717,

I had my consult yesterday and it all went well. They basically took me back, took my weight (YIKES!!) and my BMI. I thought this was much lower using the online calculators, but it is 49 according to dr. office and like 43 online. Ouch! Anyway, then I met with the dr in his office and he just went over everything about the band. Asked if I was sure I was ready to make this commitment, explained the pro and cons of both LAP-BAND^® and bypass. Then told me that he would submit my paperwork to insurance and we would go from there. He indicated that if I were denied, we can appeal, but I should hopefully have some word in about a week. Once approved, I could have my surgery in a month to a month and a half. Hope this helps and good luck.

ThinDolphin3 · 01-25-2008, 02:19 PM

Ash you are having surgery on my birthday...congrats....ya know I wanted to say that you will have two birthdays now...one when you were born and now LAP-BAND^® birthday because this is a turning point in your life and you have every right to be excited. Congratulations sweetie....and good luck

AshleeSuzanne · 01-26-2008, 02:37 PM

Thank you so much Dolphin!! I am so ready to do this. I know I have a tough journey ahead, but I am ready and willing to tackle this and beat this weight once and for all. I have been on the liver shrinking diet, of course and I have lost 16 pounds, so I have a start. Thanks for the support, I will keep you posted!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

Ash

Big As Life · 01-26-2008, 02:49 PM

congrats to you on your approval...get ready for an awesome journey...

ja9va · 01-27-2008, 10:12 AM

Lumpy How are you doing? Have you had your first fill yet? What do you think of Dr. Batista's staff? When I went earlier this month for a check up, not a fill, I was finally scheduled to see Dr. Batista. I haven't seen him since surgery. But he was so behind, I ended up seeing Jeanine again. I like her alot but since I thought it would be good to see the doctor 1 time! I guess they don't see it as important. I don't go back now until February. Jeanine feels I am in my "green zone" tipping to the Red, but the last few days I have not felt much restriction. I will say it is unpredictable and changes day to day.
Support Group You mentioned going. Maybe I will try and go on Feb 11. Did they change the schedule on the website? Some of my friends that I met in LAP-BAND^® world and I have seen that change and no newsletter. what do you think?
Corey and Ash....this is your Month! Ash next week you will join the great land of bands...

I know you are excited and nervous. Everything will be fine.. keep us posted.

Suzanne I live in Stafford! It is a small world. I have met some local others who have had your doctor too. How are you doing? If you ever want to chat, go ahead and email me or we can get together.

Redd, Kris and chica... How do you like Dr. Tran and Dr. Halmi? When I selected Commonwealth Surgeons in Richmond I did so because I knew of others who went there. At the time in June Potomac Hospital was not a certified weight loss center and I did not know if I should go there, it would have been a lot closer. Have you been to any of the support group meetings yet? I can go there as well as Richmond..

I have been banded now for almost 8 months. I really need to concentrate on the program. One of the real truths of the band is that it is a "tool" not a cure. you still have to make the right choices and eat appropriate portions. After my January appointment I have been logging food on my Daily Plate and trying my hardes to stick to what I need to do. My main struggle at this time is the gym and exercise. I am having a hard time getting back to that. It sucks

. I need a trainer like on the biggest loser to arrive at my door and kick my a$$ in shape!

You all are doing great!!!