Newbie Intro - and questions re: doctors and insurance!

Hello Everyone!  I'm new to the site and wanted to introduce myself and see if I can get any pointers from you vets who may actually know what you're doing!! I'm Alicia...I am planning to do LapBand, but haven't found a doctor yet.  I live in Oak Creek and would appreciate any recommendations you may have.  I'm going to the info session at Aurora Sinai in Milwaukee to meet Dr. Chua on the 7th.  I've also heard good things about Columbia St. Mary's.  Also, I have UnitedHealthcare insurance.  Has anyone experienced problems with approval?  I've been overweight forever, and every commercial diet takes off some weight and then brings it back two fold.  I'm young (23), but I want to start a family and everything soon, so I want to do this now so I can start living the rest of my life.  Any tips you all have would be greatly appreciated!  I'm so excited to begin this new chapter of my life!

Hi:   I have experienced horrible problems with the lap band and if you read entries on this sight long enough you will know that.  Please do not let that steer you away from having it done though.  My problems are problems you will probably not ever encounter especially if you are going to work with Aurora Sinai or Columbia St. Mary's.  As my nightmare unfolded I did not know nearly as much as I do now about the lap band.  I had to have mine surgically removed about 2 years after placement.  I really felt like it was "my Fault", and that is exactly how my physician wanted me to feel.  While he was blaming me, I have been enlightened by other bariatric surgeons over the past several months that some huge red flags should have gone up to him over the course of time.  Specifically, but not limited to, the fact that he knew I was undergoing additional surgery in May 2006 which was gynecology related.  I called him, I gave the exact date and the name of the surgeon.  He never suggested that I come to his office BEFORE that surgery to have my band deflated.  I have since learned that is standard procedure.  I think you are in great hands with either of those facilities (just stay away from Kevin Wasco in Neenah, Wisconsin) and you will be fine. I choose the lap band because it was less invasive.  If done properly, I would do it again.  Thanks to Kevin Wasco, though, I won't ever have to worry about that again.  I just returned from a facility clear across the country in which they have concurred with other physicians I have seen since my Kevin Wasco days -  I have had seven surgeries since the removal of my band.  The damage is permanent and irreversible.  I'm sure he knew that some time ago.  Too bad he couldn't grow a spine and tell me that.  Certainly, he knew I had irreversible vagus nerve damage.  Explore both options; never settle for anyone less than the best (you are worth it), and it will be a life changing experience for you. If you wish to speak to me about it, reply privately to me.  I will give you my phone number and we can talk.  I have all my records from all doctors and you are welcome to review any of them.   Best of luck to you.   

Hi, I'll be seeing you (or you'll be seeing me) at the seminar for Dr. Chua. I am a volunteer that speaks for him at these seminars, telling about my experience and answering any questions from the audience.  If you care to read my profile, I speak quite frankly about my experience there. Sorry, it's pretty long since it's been nearly 4 years.  I can honestly and most sincerely tell you a number of things:  I've been to a number of seminars before my surgery, and Dr. Chua's seminar was my deciding factor due to the honesty and laying it all out there. There was no sugar-coating. Also, I've known and met many people who've had surgery elsewhere. I usually meet them at the Dr. Chua seminars because they want a revision. Many others have regained weight, simply because they weren't prepared for the life changing results, or weren't informed well enough beforehand.  I don't want to sound preachy, but he truly is a wonderful person and his team of people are fantastic! When I woke up from surgery, I had no surprises and knew exactly what to expect. I hope you feel comfortable to come up to talk to me after! I'd love to meet you! But, wherever or whoever you choose, if I can be of any help, don't hesitate to contact me! Lois

I couldn't agree with Lois more - she took the time to research and go to a number of seminars before making a decision.  This is a huge decision and easiest or closest to home isn't always the right answer.  I wish I had done the research that Lois did.  I'm sure I'd be a lot better off today.  I have also spoken to a number of people who have gone to Dr Chua and they reveal pretty much the same as Lois is saying.  One patient of Dr Chua's told me that her deciding factor was that Dr Chua told her no matter what, he will be her physician for life - he will be there for life.  What a reassuring thought.  This patient had hit some "road blocks" along the way, but said Dr Chua was always there to help her out no matter what.  I wish she would post her own story out here because it is quite a touching story about a patient and a Dr who evidently entered the field of medicine and bariatrics to help people.  I know a certain physician in Neenah, Wisconsin that could take a lesson or two from Dr Chua and his staff.  Don't get caught up in empty promises - talk to a lot of peple.  You'd be surprised what you can learn.  People will reveal a lot if you ask the questions.  

I went to a seminar at Columbia St Mary's. I'm scheduled for my surgery on June 24th. I also have UHC and don't have the 6 month wait, however, it depends on your policy. I was also told that if it's medically necessary, then it's covered. My surgeon is Craig Siverhus. You can read comments about the different physicians on this site. I was originally going to do the LapBand (less invasive), but have since changed my mind after attending the seminar. I'm a newbie myself, but if there is any questions you may have, let me know.

Hello! I'm not coming here to bash any Dr's. However, I went with Dr. Chua for a VBG..its a perment band and that was 7 yrs ago and I had major problems! I ended up having to search for another surgeon because when I went to him to inform him everything I ate I was throwing up and gaining weight back because only things that wouldn't get stuck were things I shouldn't be eatting he told me to basically work it out!  I found another surgeon Dr. Brenda Satchie at St. Lukes who had to do a revision and now my pouch is 3 cm small lwhen the average size is 5cm.  Just when you see him keep an open mind and you stay strong with what you want! I originally wanted the gastric bypass and he talked me out of it. And now I'm 1 yr post op and down 107 pounds!  And I'm not throwing up at all! I feel much better! Just wanted to give you heads up about Chua!