Hi, I'm new + questions

Hi, my name is Robin and I am new to OH.  I live in Parker, CO and was approved for surgery on July 23, 2007.   I am a Kaiser patient and from what I understand it will probably be next spring (I'm guessing) before I have the surgery.  I am choosing the Lap Band.   I posted this in another topic, but thought I'd post here too as I don't know how many people will see that.  Kaiser uses Dr. Thomas Brown and Dr. Frank Chae for their surgeries.  From what I read, it sounds like they both are good and recommended; however, I was wondering if anyone who has Kaiser insurance could answer a couple questions: 1)  Has anyone used either of them for a Lap Band?  If so, do you go to them for your fills, or how does that work? 2)  I saw that Dr. Chae practices at St. Joe's and at Skyridge.  As a Kaiser patient, do you know if we get the choice of whether we want it done at one over the other?  I live in Parker, so personally it would be a lot more convenient for me to have it at Skyridge.   I am looking forward to meeting more people going through what I am and reading more stories.  I would especially love to hear from people who have had the Lap Band and/or have Kaiser insurance and your experience with that.   Thanks! Robin

HI!!!! I am new myself to OH, I just wanted to say hi, and welcome, sorry I dont have Kaiser, so cant answer your questions. Viv

Hi Robin,  Congrats on the approval, don't know about either Dr. for lap band.  Check your inbox I sent you a pretty lengthy message.  BTW, Kaiser won't let you have it at Skyridge as they are not an approved facility.  Talk to you soon. Jennifer

Sorry I am not a Kaiser patient and I had RNY. So I am completely unhelpful...if that was a word at least. Anyways, what I can say is that it's great that you are researching everything and asking others for advise and their stories. Hopefully you'll be able to get what your wanting in due time. Good luck with everything.

Hi Robin I sent you a pm. Amy

 I'm with Kaiser, in Colorado Springs.   It really shouldn't take that long for them to schedule you, but you may need to push a little or even ask if you can have it done here.  Colorado Springs Surgical Associates now does lapband.  If you have your surgery done in the Springs you don't have to go through the Kaiser "surgical connections" program.  Now, it could also be that because you're in Parker Kaiser won't let you get it done here.  But you can ask.  If they will, then call CSSA and ask when the next orientation wtih Fran is going to be. Feel free to email me if you want.

I have KP.. but getting full gastric bypass done.. I was approved May of 2007, and they said 12-18 month wait. Well I just got called up for my classes, so I start them soon and my surgery will be in December. =] Good Luck hun!