New to board, intro and looking for info

Hi all, Found this place a while ago while searching the 'net. Am still in the process of considering WLS (lap-band, to be specific) but am leaning toward yes. I'm hoping to gather more info here and learn from all of you. It seems there is SO much to know and do. Where should I start? What is the procedure for finding a good, friendly LB doctor (and therapist)? If I decide to do this, what is the average length of time it takes from the beginning of the process (first consultation or whatever) to surgery? I know that's a lot of questions, but anything you could tell me would be appreciated! Thanks, T

Welcome to the Rhode Island message board T, I believe that all of us have had gastric by surgery, but people correct me if I am wrong. I think you would be better to post in the lapband message boards. I have no idea what the web address is, but if you go to the main message boards here, and pose the question I am sure someone has the web address. Maybe you could google lap band message boards and see what comes up. Carol b

Hi Carol, Thanks, I'm going to join the lapband board, too, for more info. Trace

Hi Trace, I am going to Dr. Pohl for the LapBand procedure. I haven't had it yet. I am still in the testing and diet stage of my journey. There are a few people on this board that have had the lapband done with him. Also there is a few that are going to be having it with Dr. Ryder. I hear she is nice too. So I think you should contact both offices and find out what you need to do. I know that with Dr. Pohl you need to go to a seminar that he has once a month before he sees you. I believe there is a website that you have to fill out before you can see Dr. Roye or Dr. Ryder before they will see you as well. Don't feel like you have to just go to the LapBand board to get some local support. Everyone here is nice and friendly, though it is true that the majority of the people that are active on the RI board have had the RNY, but don't let that stop you from asking all of us questions. Good luck on your search! Always, Jamice aka Killer_Dimples

Hi Jamice, Thanks for the info! If you don't mind my asking, when did you have your first appt with him and how long did it take to get in? How is the testing phase going? How long does it take to get in to see all of the specialist for the various tests? (I've read Dr. Pohl has more testing than anyone. lol I don't mind most of it, but I had an endoscopy a couple years ago and would prefer not to have to do that again--yuck!) Ijust called and will be going to the seminar next month. Trace

Trace, That's great that you are going to be going to the seminar. I do recommend you calling the next day so you can make your appointment. I didn't see him until 2 or 3 months after I went to the seminar. He was really booked. But you can always keep calling him back to see if there has been cancellations so you can get in sooner than your time. Since I have to be in a six month diet I wasn't in all that much of a rush. I haven't started my testing yet. I am going to see my doctor for a check up and then I am going to ask her for all the referrals I need so I can start booking my tests. I do also recommend you bring whomever is living with you to the seminar so they have the same understanding as to what is going to be happening to you. Plus they can ask the doc their own questions as well. Good Luck with who ever you choose to be your surgeon. Always, Jamice aka Killer_Dimples

Oh and my appointment was May 25th.

Hey T, I am just starting my process for the Lap band. I did a lot of research on the web before my decision was made. I am seeing Dr. Roye at RI Hospital for my surgery. I had my initial consult a few weeks ago and have already been approved by insurance for the surgery. The time between the consult and surgery depends on a lot of things...how long it takes for insurance approval, how long it takes to get all of your pre-op testing done. after all that you meet with him again and he goes over everything and then you get a date. In my case, I can't have mine done until after the beginning of October no matter what, so I can't really tell you time frame. I am just starting all my pre-op testing. Dr. Roye is wonderful. My cardiologist knows him very well and said that he is a fantastic surgeon. Any other questions let me know...like I said, I am just beginning my process. good luck, Kristen D

Hi Kristen, Thanks for your info. I've read some good things about Dr. Roye here (and Drs. Pohl and Ryder). It seems like Dr. Roye might be the "busiest" and take the longest to get in to see for an initial consultation. Did it take a really long time for you? Anyway, it's good to be in touch with people here who are in the beginning stages like me! Trace

To be honest with you Trace, I waited almost four months to see Dr. Phole, and then once I saw him October 24th 2005 refused me. He told me to see a nutritionist for six months and go back to him. Well, the day after he refused me October 25 2005, I called Dr. Roye, Had my first eval with him just under two months later on December 7th 2005 , Got my approval December 20th 2005 verbally and my packet the day before Christmas. I started my pre-op stuff the second week of January, And now here I am having my surgery TOMORRW!!!! So had I waited for Dr. Phole, I would just now being seen by him again to see if he would do the surgery.... There are also two others with Dr. Roye who do the surgery... Yes his office is "Busy" but don't let that put you off, he's wonderful and things really do move along quite fast... Good Luck!! NaDene