I am looking for information on the "mini-switch" done by Dr. Heap of the Bariatric Center of Eastern Washington. My girlfriend had the surgery and is a big believer in it. I am almost convinced it is for me, but would like to here some con's on the surgery. I hear all the good things, but I keep thinking that there has to be something wrong with it. I am so worried that I will miss out on the foods I love. I know I am addicted to food, but when it says you can eat anything you want...is that true. I see her eat and she only eats a couple bites...and I wonder how you can survive on that. I want to be able to sit down and eat a meal with my family. I just want it to be smaller portions. WAY smaller. Any information you can send my way would be great. I am still trying to make up my mind. Also, if you have any financial information for funding this surgery with BAD credit, that would be great too. Thank so much.

HI TO EVERYONE NEW JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I COULD POST :-p

Get back to the basics and start your diet over again as if you just had surgery again. They do this on another message board that I subscribe to and say it helps jumpstart the body to lose. I can't imagine it not working. I am only one week post-op so I only know what I have read. but it makes sense. Sandi

Before I contacted my PCP I talked to my insurance company to make sure the surgery was covered. The one thing stipulated was the facility had to be a "Center of Excellence" It just so happened the the place I'd decided to use was a Center of Excellence. I was already scheduled for a routine visit with my PCP and took the opportunity to discuss it with her as well as give her the information needed by the Bariatric Care Center. My physician complied and faxed the necessary information to the Bariatric Care Center. If the physician you chose doesn't have hospital privileges can you check the listing of physicians that do the surgery and use one of them? Have you talked to your insurance company about your PCP not being helpful? Maybe your insurance company will allow you to switch your PCP. I certainly hope you get it resolved. I had Lap Band Surgery on 2/25 and was released from the hospital the following day. I feel great. I have a little soreness but that is because I had to have a hernia repaired. Don't let your PCP get the best of you. Contact your insurance company to see if they offer you any assistance.

Congrats to June for making it over to the losers bench. We were keeping a warm spot for her. Hope she has a speedy recovery. Sandi