Thanks for the heads-up with the staff at SWCC.  I was getting pretty annoyed with them because they say that they will call you with in a week of the seminar to verify insurance and all that stuff.  I went to the seminar on Nov 10 and still have not heard back from them.  I called them yesterday morning and as soon as I said who was calling they said oh yes, you wanted Lap-Band right?  So obviously they have reviewed my file but then made me leave a message for the nurse and I was told that she would call me back before lunch time.  She hasn't called back after two full business days.  I don't want to harass them because we have PLENTY of time to get this organized, but I would appreciate it if someone would touch base with me.

Hi, Welcome to the Board and the Journey! SWCC has an online support group that you can access through the bandandbypass website as well as the ones they hold at the office. Once the supervised diet is done, the rest of the journey will fly by.  I went to the seminar in June, and now have a Surgery date in December.  My advice would be to get copies of everything along the way (i.e diet progress reports, lab results, psyc eval etc.).  The office staff at SWCC is not the greatest, but the doctors more than make up for it. Best of Luck & Be sure to let me know if I can be of any help.

My journey was soooo quick.  I believe from first appointment to surgery was 3 months.  The time literally flew by. Use this time to start making some small changes to your daily routine.  If you arent walking get out and walk, sign up at a gym if possible before to familiarize yourself with it.  Start attending support groups.  Get some samples of protein drinks (if doc recommends them) Any little changes you make now will help you post op :)

Thanks!  You both are looking GREAT!!  Is it this s....l....o....w for everyone?  I went to the seminar 2 1/2 weeks ago and will be going to my new internist on Friday.  After that it is a six month journey until my surgery.  I am trying to not obsess about it yet because it will drive me nuts, but I am still trying to do as much research as possible before my consult with Dr. Soong, though I have no idea when that will be either.

Welcome and congrats! Unfortunately, I can't help you with band information, but I just (at 9 months) achieved my 100 lb weight loss with a relatively small (over all) amount to loose. 

 

You may want to check into support groups, the ones through Dr. Atkinson and Dr. Soong's office are, to my knowledge, just for after your surgery.

 

 

If you have any questions, feel free to either call the office or ask here, I know it's been a great source of information for me. Congratulations to you and your decision for a healthier life. I am so glad I made the choice! A year ago I was in your shoes (I’m 5' and was 232) my consultation was in December, and I can't explain how wonderful I feel now!

 

Good luck and can't wait to hear as you start your journey! Keep it up with the fire, it's the motivation that has kept me going!

 

Marie