New here and questions re: St V's

New here on the board...howdy!  

I've finally come to peace with surgery as my next step, and am extremely excited.  I'm going to be going with a band, and want to do so at St V's.

I did their online profile thingie...for those who have worked with them, is this the best way to get going?  If so, about how long should I expect things to take?

Of course, now that I'm on the path, I'm anxious to get going.  LOL   

First off, congratulations on making this life altering decision. I hope and pray you will be happy with your decision as so many of us are.  I would just call the bariatric center directly and set up an appt for your initial consultation with the surgeon of your choice. I filled out their information on line and never heard anything. At least if you call them directly, you can get things rolling sooner rather than later.

Melissa

Good to know, thanks!  I can definitely do that...

How do I know which surgeon to choose??  They have so many... 

First thing I did was call my insurance company and ask them the requirements. Then I called the Baritric Center for an initial consult. Met Dr Cacucci learned all about the different types of surgery then had my consult and we decided the RNY was best for me..

From beginning to end it took ME 6 weeks... but with alot more people getting surgery the dates fill up quick.. and insurance companies sometimes drag thier heels.

Good luck and congrats on your decision... I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Linda Kay

Good Luck....I would also suggest looking at some of the other programs.  I am loving Clarian and I have been told that they have a much faster rate of scheduling due to the lower caseload.  JMO.

Stacy W.

I've heard great things about Clarian too, and would normally be ready to jump at going faster.  But I did the non-surgical program at St V's for about a year in 2007, and I know a lot of the personnel at St V's and feel comfortable with them.

Of course, I worry at times that maybe that it's best to go elsewhere since I did do the non-surgical there...but... 

My daughter and I both had our surgery at St. V. We have nothing but praise for them. They are well organized and caring. We did not meet a staff member who wasn't kind and knowledgable. Good luck to you on this very inportant journey. We are both happy we  took the Big step. Wendy

Hello & Welcome !!!!!  I did the online profile for St. V's and was called the next day !  I think Melissa gave you the best advise, calling never hurts anything !!!!

You need to make sure you pick a surgeon who performs the surgery you want to have, some don't do the things that others do.  Just tell them upfront what you want, and you'll go from there.

With me I really didn't have a preference on surgeon or procedure.  I just wanted the best procedure for me and one that the surgeon thought would work the best !!!!

Jamie

Welcome and good luck on your surgery!
I had mine through Clarian and was very happy with my surgeon and the whole experience was great. However I have several friends who had theirs through St V and they all rave about their experience as well, so either way you go, its a good choice.
I was referred to my surgeon by my family doctor, called for the consult, went to the seminar and learned all about the procedures.
I originally was considering the band until I learned that my insurance would not pay for it, considering it too experimental. Instead I had LAP RNY and would do so again in a heartbeat.
Heres hoping all goes well and swiftly for you! Enjoy the ride!

Blessings
Betsy

Welcome!!!  I had my WLS at St.V's and the experience was just wonderful. Everyone was so caring and nice and considerate. They all inspired me and convinced me that I had made the right decision.
I chose my doctor, Dr. Rosie Jones, from the advice of my family doctor's nurse, who had her do her WLS. A long time friend of mine had also had WLS with Dr. Jones and the changes I saw in these people were amazing.
Clarian sounds nice too so, as everyone else has said, just talk to your family doctor and go from there. I had RNY too. First I had thought about the band but then realized for myself that RNY was going to give me a permanent solution. I have lost and gained so many people in my life all with inside of me. This time I wanted to make a change for life.
Good Luck and welcome.