First visit with Dr. Shina

Woo-Hoo. I am so hyped. I am ready now more than ever to have this surgery. I had my first visit at Norton today with Dr. Shina. It was really great. I enjoyed it very much. I have did research for around 5 years or more and I learned more today than I did in my research. Dr. Shina really answered all my questions. He is really good at explaining all of it. I was so pleased and I am more excited than ever. All I have to do now is get my records and letter from my primary doctor. Do my psych and my nutritionist, see the Vascular doctor, get my insurance approved and then I am set. Dr. Shina did discover that I have a hernia in my belly button. But he said he could take care of it. I think he is awesome. I am getting everything going full force this week, I should be able to get my psych and nutritionist done in a few weeks. I am pushing for the end of may at the lastest for a surgery date. I have faith and am believing that it will happen. Everything has been moving along smoothly and I am not going to let anything stop it. Praise God!!!! I am so exicted. Keep me in your prayers.

Congrats on ur consult! Dr Shina is wonderful. As far as the psych and nut consult go, I know my paper said call in a couple weeks but someone from Nortons called me before 2 weeks after my consult to schedule me. The psych and nut consult is sooo easy too! You will also see a nurse that day. That is also the day u pay ur 100 program fee and all that good stuff. I know they usually require a cardio, pulm, and vascular consult within a couple weeks or so of surgery. Those are the only appts I am waiting on now once the COE papers come back to Suburban. Which surgery will u be having? Goodluck on the rest of the journey!!!

Hey Joy, have you got your surgery date yet? I wasnt sure whether or not to have the lap band or the gastric bypass. But after today I have decided to have the gastric bypass. He talked about the lap band and I do not want something in my body that might erode. He did tell me that he wants me to see the pulm. Just in case of blood clots. My dad has them, but I have never had them even though I have had several surgeries. What is the COE papers? Let me know when your surgery date is.

I dont have a date yet. It looks like it may be June if not sooner. The COE papers are where Suburban is certified as a center of excellence. They passed the inspection. Just gotta have it in writing. My insurance requires that the hosp have the COE crudentials. The lapband never really crossed my mind because I didnt want something like that in my body for one thing and I have seen many posts where ppl that had the lapband ended up failing at it so to speak and ended up going back in for the bypass. I am also not a high volume eater. Acctually suprises so many that I can be over weight because I dont stuff myself and havent since I was a kid. I guess my main thing is the quality of food. One great thing though, I am not a junk food junky so Im reallyyyy glad about that or it could make my new life after surgery so much harder. Make sure u keep me posted on ur appts and when u get a date! You will be in my prayers.

3 Dr.Shina girls right here....we should have a party. I wish you all the best , and of course Joy knows how I feel about her....email me girls and good night. Thanks for your email Joy, I will write ya back tomorrow. Hugs to you all, Missy

Good for you Cynthia! I took five years to research and contemplate this surgery as well. Do I have any regrets? Nope, not one bit! I've heard great things about Dr. Shina and I'm certain you'll be pleased with your decision! Let us know how your process goes! Good luck to you and take care-- Dee

I think everyone on here knows how I feel about Dr Shina, Holly and the rest of them! They're all so special to me. U have truly picked one of the greatest. I wish u the best with your journey and if u have questions or concerns holler at me anytime. Ange [email protected] messenger [email protected]

Hi Cynthia! I researched lap band surgery for three years was finally denied coverage by my insurance three years ago, then I finally decided to research and pursue the lap gastric bypass and what a wonderful experience!! I went for my initial consultation with Dr. Shina again (after three years passed) August 15, 2006 and my lap RNY was on Oct 20, 2006. I have had NO complications at all and am down 75 lbs. I started at 265 and now weigh 195 lbs. I feel wonderful and Dr. Shina is absolutely the BEST!! I did exactly as he advised me before the surgery and exactly as he told me afterwards and I have never regretted my decision one bit. The best of luck to you in the future with your surgery and keep us updated!! Kathy Veith 265/195/150

Congrats on your visit with Dr. Shina and his staff, they rock in my world. You will love them dearly.

Good for you Cynthia, Don't you just really love Dr. Shina. I was impressed with him. I went for my consultation Jun 6 and have a tentative surgery date of May 24. Thanks to Dr. Shinas staff taking care of business my dreams are coming true . Char