Any good physch evaluators in the Springs?

I am planning on surgery with Dr. Johnell in Greeley, however, I cannot believe there are no good evaluators here in Colorado Springs. Does anybody have somebody. I would like to skip a 2 hour trip if I can. THANKS! for the help! Eileen

Eileen, I went to Dr. Patricia Winter @ 830 N. Tejon in CS. Her number is 471-7902. I also had the lap band done by Dr. Johnell on Oct 22nd; have lost about 25 lbs so far. If you find a local lap band support group here in the Springs, please let me know. Or, if you would like to car pool to the new group in Englewood, I would be willing to drive. Lisa Penny

I never got this post! HUH! I found someone recommeded on this board, and I have a appointment on 01/14/04. I think the biggest problem I am having is the anxiety of choosing between a lap-band versus RNY. Are you pleased with the lap-band? We could go to the new group in Englewood, do you have any info? Please advise and THANKS! Eileen

Eileen, I went through the lap v. RNY debate for several months. I did lots of research on both, and felt the lap was the best for me. I have some serious concerns re: the nutritional issues of the RNY. Also, I have lost weight down to my normal size a couple of times as an adult, but have not been able to keep it off for very long at all. With the adjustible nature of the band I think it will assist me by continuing to get adjustments over the years. Also, because the weight loss is slower I believe the mental adjustment to becoming thin is more natural. I learned that it takes approximately two years for your brain to be re-trained regarding how much you need to eat, and how much you want to eat. I think the adjustments of the band over that period of time will restrain me to what I need to eat, while my brain adjusts what I want to eat. Does that make sense? So far I've lost 31 pounds, since Oct 22nd, and had one adjustment. I have a male friend that had the banding in January '03 and he has lost approx. 70 lbs so far. The only info I have on the Englewood group came off this website. I just go through and read the latest entries. Also, you might want to log onto Spotlight Health, Morbid Obesity, Support Groups, Lap Band Group; you will find a wealth of information from bandsters there. I found it by just typing in Spotlight Health in the Yahoo search engine. Let me know if you find it. Lisa