Anyone in Pittsburgh?

I am almost there...almost...almost! I just had my PCP approval...so now everything will be submitted to insurance. And would love to know if anyone is in the Pittsburgh area. Really could use a buddy to help me through my journey!

Hey!

I'm in Pittsburgh... There's quite a few of us around here. I live in the South Hills and had my surgery at Sewickley Hospital with Dr. Felix in July, 2009. Everything has been going amazingly well and I am currently down 63 lbs.

There is a Western PA WLS Support Group/ Cooking class that gets together once a month. It's a great time. There are ladies there from all stages in the process. The next meeting is November 7th. Let me know if your interested and I'll get you some more info.

Where are you having your surgery?

~Kara

Hi Jana,

I am in Pittsburgh and had my final weight loss surgery 4/21/08.  I am doing well.  I am so glad your pcp approved you.  Each day you will get a little closer.   I would like to support you in anyway I can through this process.

I actually live in the city.  Where r u having your surgery, who is your doctor.  Details I like details.  Let me know if you have any questions or I can help at all.

I have wanted to go to the support group meetings that have been mentioned, it just seems like I have been tied up each meeting.

Let me know if you would just like to talk I know how scary this can be, but you are going in the right direction.

Danna

Hi There!
Also from Pittsburgh, live in the East End and had my surgery 3 1/2 years ago... lost 120lbs... used to wear a size 22, now wear a size 4... so far, so good.  Get in touch, there are lots of great Western PA folks on this site.  I don't get on as often as I should because it is a remarkable site in terms of support, knowledge, and kinship. 
Lou

hi i am from just South of Pittsburgh, I am having Lap Banding and Dr. McCloskey is doing mine also. I would love a buddy.

Hi I am also from pittsburgh.  I live in the north hills and had my surgery in July.  I remember how it seemed like the process took forever....Now I can't believe it has been over 3 months.  Let me know if I can help in anyway.  I had my surgery at St. Margarets.  Feel free to call me if you would like 723-518-8283.  Also a girl who had surgery the same day as me called the dr.s office and asked to be paired up with someone having the surgery at the same time.  We have been great friends and I would recommend to anyone.  good luck and please don't hesitate to call. 

Michelle 

not in pittsburgh but about 2 hrs north....I use magee's and had my revision surgery done with Dr. Ramanathan a partner of Dr. Mcclosky....my mom is being banded tomorrow by Dr. Courcoulus...(sp?)  I was a banded patient 4 years out that just had to have revision done to the sleeve 3 weeks ago tomorrow.....I had some issues with my band and had to have a very large hiatal hernia fixed.......
Good luck and if you need anything let me know
jan

Thanks everyone for the welcome...and encouragement. It means so much to me. I am to the point that I just want it to be over, and me on the road to losing. Feels like it's been such a long road! I called the surgeon's office today to see if there was anything I missed, so hopefully I will hear back and know soon.

So...from those of you who have done this...what's next? Just a waiting game? Do I keep following up to see if they know anything or will I be a pain and drive them crazy. My friend in Montana hounded the insurance company...but I have had NO contact with them at all...should I have? We have UPMC and it's pretty good...and I'm having the surgery at a UPMC hospital...so I can't see it being a problem. But I'm paranoid right now...don't want to get denied. :( 

 Hey!  I live in Greenfield and I will be having my surgery at Presby (I think).  My surgeon does esophageal repairs, not just bariatric/weight loss surgery, so my road to surgery is not the same as it is for others.  I need to sort out my other health issues with specialist before surgery.. figure out how things will be different for me post-op vs. the average WLS patient.  
My mom had WLS last year, so I am lucky to have someone there who will know what I am going through.  
I also have UPMC insurance, but because my surgery is not just for weight loss but also for repairing problems, the surgeon said my insurance will not deny the surgery.  I was given the choice to simply have the repairs done, or to have repairs and weight loss surgery - I opted for the benefit of weight loss.  
I was going to find a local support group, one that meets in person, but then I realized I might not fit in too well with others.  I don't have to lose as much weight as others, and I remember my mom's support meetings - I was smaller than anyone there.  I am just glad I can get the surgery now, versus waiting until I need to lose over 100lbs and have a BMI over 40 (my BMI is 37.5 and I need to lose 70-80lbs).
At the very least, I can offer hospital entertainment/company to others :)  I don't work so I have free-time, and I spend several days a week in the hospital anyways - so I don't mind spending time in them.  I also want to find some local ladies who would join me for regular walks post-op.  I live by Frick and Schenley parks, and I've always wanted to do walks in them.  I can't right now, but hopefully I will be able to once I lose some weight.

I hope you don't have to wait long for approval - UPMC is generally good about listening to Doctors and don't give much of a fight.