First Appointment sgheduled

I have my first appointment 3/15/07. I am looking to get the lap band. Can anyone explain to me what the steps will be? Thank you!

After the 1st appt. then you have to have many clearance appts/ doctors. If thru Christiania like me I had a series of meetings 6 0f them I think and a Pysch appt. Nutritionist appt also. From starting appt until surgery was about 4 months. Yes the lap Band is Worth it!!!!!

Hello Erika, I too agree with Sharon..the Lap Band is weel worth it..I had several appointments/clearences also...I saw a Psych, Pulmonologist (sleep doctor to see if you have sleep apnea) cardiologist (stress test), an EGD (echocardiogram), nutrionalist/dietitian and a final clearence doctor.....Like Sharon said, my entrie process went approximately 5 months...But again WELL WORTH IT....If you need any suggestions or referrals or any more questions. let one of us know...We all been through it...Good Luck Dave

Thank you both very much! I am going through Christiana. I will probably ask many more questions.

Hey Erika, You will be in AWESOME hands with Dr Irgau.. He is a GREAT doctor/surgeon.. His bedside manners and follow care is a 10....Feel free to attend our (only 6-8 of us usually) Lap Band monthly support meetings on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:30pm. They are located at Concordia Luthern Church at 3003 Silverside Rd Wilmington, De (rear parking lot) The meetings are pretty much a sharing of expierence session, but very very helpful and informative. Take care Dave

Hi Erika, I was just banded through Christiana on Feb. 5. At your first consultation with your surgeon you will be given a folder with everything you need to make all of the other appointments. You'll meet with a psychologist, a nurse practioner and an endochronologist all with Christiana PMRI. You will also have to take three evening classes the cover nutrition, the psychological changes with the band and exercise. Depending on your age and health, the surgeon may also require you to get clearances from a cardiologist and pulmonologist. You will be required to have a gastroendoscopy to check your stomach and esophagus. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? But by the time your ready for surgery, you'll be in the best shape possible and understand exactly what the band entails. It does take 4 to 6 months which can seem like forever. But it's worth it in the end. Both this board and the Lap Band forum have tons of great information. Good luck!

Erika, I assure you that you have selected an awesome Surgeon and this comes from me being Dr Irgau's patient as well as a Healthcare Professional. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities and I work with Bariatric Surgeons in the Philadelphia region. I choose not to go where I work for personal reasons. You will be explained in detail every step of the way. If for any reason you have questions please feel free to ask. I have had many trips to Christiana and still find that center to be of Excellence and well versed in Bariatric knowledge.....