New...and waiting...!
Hi all, I have been lurking for a few days and I had to join; you all are so supportive. I am very anxious to start this new journey, but was disappointed that I have to wait until the end of May to even attend the seminar (at St. Agnes)!! How long does it usually take (if there is a "usual"), before you actually get to have the Lap Band surgery? I already know I'm a candidate and that my insurance covers it with the most minimal requirements (YAY!), it's just so hard to wait now that I have made the decision! Any advice is appreciated, Hugs, nancy
Hi Nancy!
Welcome to the board.
I don't know much about lap band, but there are several doctors in the Baltimore area who do the band. Even though I am in the Annapolis area, I went to Salisbury to Delmarva Bariatric (Dr Michael Sofronski) for my WLS. They do banding now as well as RNY. You might check with them if you are willing to travel to Salisbury.
Best wishes as your WLS journey continues.
Hugs, Mo
Hi Nancy. Welcome to the Maryland forum. Nice to have a new neighbor. Are you going to St. Agnes, because of the doctor or because of proximity? You may want to check out a few of the other centers that aren't really that much father from you. Sinai has a bariatric clinic as does GBMC. I went to Dr. von Ruedin at GBMC. He performs both surgeries. I know many people also rave about St. Agnes. You have numerous choices. One of the others may have an information session sooner.
Aime
Hi Nanacy - glad to see someone here from my side of town. I am on the Catonsville/EC line! I had my surgery 5 months ago at Johns Hopkins Bayview. My doctor is Michael Schweitzer, he is a fine doctor with a very very good reputation. The only bad thing is that he has a waiting list for surgery, but support groups meet every month and there is no wait for them. Glad you are here with us, it's a great group and everyone is a big help!
Welcome Nancy! I went throug Sinai's program and have been very happy every step of the way! My profile has a more detailed review if you are interested... I started reading their web site and following their pre op diet on Jan 6, 2007. I had my first meeting with the surgeon on Jan 31, and my surgery was March 6th. I was fortunate enough to be able to get all of my pre-op testing scheduled for 2 days (I ran all over the place on those 2 days, but got them all done!) But I also have insurance that was relatively easy to get the OK from. My only advice is stay on top of the paperwork and dates and scheduling. Best of luck!
Hi Nancy, I'm located in Glen Burnie. I have 3 personal acquaintances that see the St Agnes Bariatric group. St Agnes is a "Center of Excellance" provider. I have seen Bea Flynn, the Mental Health Specialist as well as Dr Singh, one of the surgeons already. I am scheduled to see the nutritionist at the end of the month. I also have my sleep study scheduled next weekend. If your insurance is a no brainer green light... then I think you should stay right where you are comfortable and with this group at St Agnes. I went to the seminar, and it really didn't tell me much more than I already have read, as I have been interested in this for a long time. YEARS to be exact. I just got a little more serious about it within the past 8 months or so. So far my experience has been top notch! Cathy Carr is an RN in the group and also a previous gastric bypass patient. She is very inspirational. I wasn't even home from my appt with Dr Singh the other day and she was calling me with some questions and more information. I know you are anxious, but this all takes time. You may waste more time trying to go to other places. They have a good thing here at St Agnes, and I don't think you really need to look any further. I'm sure all of the other facilities are wonderful as well... or you wouldn't have all these wonderful people collected together in this forum supporting eachother. Welcome to the group... i'll keep in touch with you. Kelly