Hello from Milwaukee!

Hi everyone... I'm really happy to have found this board. I am going through the program at Froedtert Hospital hoping to eventually have the surgery. I am anxious to have it done but right I'm going through all the steps like sleep study, meeting with an exercise physiologist, etc. How long does it take usually before you get to the point where you can have the surgery? I know there are different factors depending on insurance and everything but I'm just curious. I'd like to hear other people's experiences. Thanks and good luck to everyone! Laura

Laura - Welcome! Once I got insurance that covered WLS it was fairly quick. My 1st appt with the Dr. was in mid-Feb - I did all the pre-op stuff, got insurance approval and I had surgery July 2. Are you familiar with the milwaukee support group? It's open to everyone - no matter what program they go through - the website is: milwaukeewls.com (add a www. in front) Good Luck with your journey! Margaret Dr. Chiang - Elmbrook 7/2/04 - LapRNY

Hi Laura, I am glad you found this board! I had surgery on 6-2-03 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. It was the best decision I ever made! Everyone there is so wonderful and caring. I met with the surgeon in Jan of 2003 and my approval came in late March, and I was scheduled for early June. It went very smoothly for me as far as the process of approval to surgery. I hope the same goes for you! Have you been able to attend a support group meeting yet? They are held the last Monday of each month. If you need more information, feel free to email me! Hope to see you there and meet you in person! Best wishes! Traci

Hi Traci, Thanks for the response. How long did it take from start to when you had the surgery? I asked about the surgery at my visit this week (at Froedtert) and I got a lecture from a resident about how I have to lose weight now and show commitment because of the lifestyle change. Well heck I am trying. She kind of upset me. Laura

Hi Laura. I met with my Surgeon on Aug 19th surgeon sent in letter Aug 27th heard back stating they needed pysch eval. Insurance received Pysch eval Sept 27 and called Sept 29th to say I was approved. I am scheduled 10/21/04 at St lukes in Milwaukee. Best of luck to you! Laurie

Best wishes Laurie! I hope all goes well for you!! Laura

Hi Laura, I'm pretty much at the same stage you are - Pre Surgery. I have had my nutrition counseling and pysch evaluation and met with Dr. Chua last week. Now all I have to do is wait for insurance approval. The process seems to take forever, but I am trying my best to be patient. The psych evaluation was the hardest, because it seemed to take so much time. Dr. Ernst, the psychiatrist recommended by Dr. Chua's office, insists on meeting 3 times with his patients (versus one quick appt.). Although I appreciated his thoroughness, it was hard for me to swallow since I know that my insurance will not cover his bill. At close to $200 for each visit... I now have a hefty bill I have to pay for on my own. In addition, it took a long time for Dr. Ernst to actually get his report finished and over to Dr. Chua's office. Since I couldn't get an appointment until all my paperwork was in, this was very frustrating. FINALLY My appointment with Dr. Chua was last Friday, October 1st. What a nice man. He answered all my questions, even though I am sure I was babbling at 90 miles an hour. He suggested that I consider Vertical Gastric Banding if my LapBand is not approved. He said that it would be better to apply for both procedures... then to get denied and have to go through all the paperwork again. Guess I agree with him, but not sure that I want the other surgery. Still... figured I can always change my mind. So...now all I have to do is wait... which is hard. I'm anxious to get on with my life, but I'm trying to put it all into perspective. I went to my first seminar with Dr. Chua in January 2004. Sent my info packet in w/ Dr. letter July 2004. Went for psych counseling July - August 2004. Met with nutritionist August 2004. Met with Dr. Chua for first consult October 2004. If you have any questions, please e-mail me. Maybe we can help support each other during this "waiting period". I wish us BOTH good luck! Nan

Hi Nan... Looks like your closer to the surgery than I am. I have not met with a surgeon yet. From what Traci mentioned above I have a feeling it's going to be a slow process. I'm having extreme difficulties losing weight and it seems that's what my doctors are looking for. Sorry to hear about your psych consult - that you had to pay for it out of your own pocket. Ack! I've had numerous nutritionist appointments... plus a sleep study and now I have to see a pulmonary doctor because I do have mild sleep apnea. This is frustrating. I'm glad I found this great group. Laura

Hi Laura~ My name is Melissa and I live in Racine. I am going thru Froedtert too. My surgeon is Dr. Wallace. I am scheduled for surgery on Nov.4th. The process for me has been pretty quick and painless, LOL.. I went to the seminar on June28th, had all my preop stuff July 20th, I had to try and loose some weight, and I did, I lost 20lbs, they sent everything to insuracne the first part of september and I got my approval a month later. I am so amazed at how simple it all has been. I am really impressed w/ Dr. Wallace and his staff. So far it's been a great experience. Well I just thought I"d share my experiences so far w/ you, Good Luck and God Bless!! Melissa Hoaglund

Hi Melissa, I am really behind in checking messages here and responding. Wow, that is a beautiful picture in your avatar! I'm glad to know someone in the same boat I am... I think I'd probably have Dr. Wallace too. The weight loss has been a real struggle. The only excuse I could give is I'm diabetic and the meds I take make it difficult to lose weight. Yesterday I saw an exercise physiologist at Froedter so I've been taking all the steps, trying to eat right, lose weight and exercise regularly. I hope that next year I can have this surgery. BEST WISHES ON YOUR UPCOMING SURGERY! I will say a prayer for you that all goes well. Laura