Support Group Meeting Last night at Potomac Hospital did any one go?

Greetings,  I am considering the lap band surgery and this is my first post so please be patient as my question may seem unusual!  I also have not figured out how to down load a photo so..I am working on that!   I had my consult with Dr. Halmi for lap band surgery and had the Psych eval which seems to have gone well.   I am thinking about having the surgery but I am scared!!!  Your stories are amazing and encouraging.... I also decided to attend the support group meeting last night at Potomac Hospital. I was a bit confused at the meeting because the guest speaker was informative, but I left at 8:30, and the guest was still talking and no one had the opportunity to share.  Maybe after I left they did and the meeting ran over?  I really want to go back again to the support group next month but I felt kinda bad as no one got a change to speak during the meeting other then introducing themselves.  From the introductions it sounded as if people had a lot to say and wanted to share..  Is this how all support group meeting are?  know I would need the meetings face to face so it is important to me..any thoughts?   scared and confused.....thanks :)

Being scared and nervous is so normal.  I think most all of us went through it.  I have not been to Potomac's meetings but I know that a lot of time when I went to the ones in Fairfax if there was a guest speaker then there wasn't as much of a chance to tell our stories.  I can't make the meetings now because of my work schedule but hope to change that soon.  I know the meetings were very informative for me and so much help.  There are a few other meetings in the area you could look into attending.  Jackie does one in Stafford, there is one out of Warrenton, the Anez/Halmi office does one out of Fairfax.  Definitely check into the different ones to see if you can find some you like and do give the Potomac one another chance. We are here on the board for you too.  Questions, vents, thoughts, etc. are welcome.

Hello, Thank you for the encouragement and suggestions and I am going to attend the Potomac support group again in September and the Fairfax group this month.  I am in the early stages of this process and waiting for the doctor to submit my Psych. Eval to Dr. Halmi's office.  What did you like about him as a surgeon?   I am  thinking of asking to have the surgery at Fair Oaks only because I think it may be closer to my home and I am hoping he would still be my surgeon....Take care..

I actually had his partner, Dr. Anez.  Loved him & the office in Fairfax.  Always very helpful.  I had my surgery at Fair Oaks and didn't have any problems. Early stages are good.  The whole process is a journey.  Take the time while you are waiting to research everything.  Read profiles, ask questions, and get as much information as you can.  Start making changes to your lifestyle that will help with surgery.  Increase your water intake now, start taking some vitamins and increasing your protein to help prepare your body for healing. 

Hi Teresa, I usually attend Dr Halmi's support groups but was on vacation this week so I missed  it. There is usually a session at the end where you can ask questions or discuss any other points that you need to bring up. The month before the whole meeting was just questions and answers. You can also ask any other attendees for information or experience as most are very willing to share. Myself and Sue Baker run a support group in Fredericksburg where we have a small topic and then a discussion session for anyone who wants to just talk. You are very wecome to attend that if you are interested. Support groups are very valuable and there are several in the area. Many are discussion groups and most are for new and recent patients as well as long term ones. Once you get to know a few familiar faces you will feel more comfortable. If you need anything do not hesitate to contact me or any other on this board. It is natural to be scared and confused - the more you learn the less stressed you will feel, I promise Jackie

    Thanks for responding and being supportive.      I have a few questions again!! I know Dr. Halmi has a a lot of experience in Bariatric surgery, and he appeared very calm & supportive.  How was your surgery experience with him, and did you use Potomac or Inova Fair Oaks?  How was the hospital you were at? Did Dr. Halmi's office schedule all the Pre-surgicial testing or did you have to schedule them on your own?  My insurance, Care first has everything they need and we are waiting for the final approval..I heard that could take a long time or maybe weeks?

Hi Teresa, My surgery experience with Dr Halmi was really really good - I have not had any set backs or issues at all and have been successful in losing 102lbs. Dr Halmi was always very helpful and attentive and I love him to death and would trust him with my life. He is a very competent surgeon.  I used Potomac and every thing there was good - the nurses were very kind - I originally wanted Fair Oaks because they have a much nicer hospital but I didn't want to wait for a later surgery date. As long as Dr Halmi was doing it I was happy wherever he wanted to do it. Dr Halmi's office will give you a book with what pre-testing needs to be scheduled and the numbers to call to do it - it looked complicated but I did all my testing at Potomac in the one day except my breathing testing - and I did that nearby.  Each individual insurance is different. I had BCBS Fed and got approval in 4 days - my advice is to call the insurance company after a week or so and keep on at them. Also be aware that some insurances automatically reject applications so you have to appeal and they pass it on the second or third time - they want to make sure you really want the surgery - so don't get discouraged - so what they want and then appeal. I do not know what track record Care First has - perhaps someone on this board will be able to help you with that. Good luck Jackie

Thanks for the response and the information I am glad to hear from you since you had surgery with Dr. Halmi......I feel even more assured about him.   Have a nice weekend. Take care.

How far are you from Roanoke? There is a meeting this Monday at 7:00 at Carilion Rehabilitation Center at 2017 S Jefferson St. I just received my packet, so I'm planning to attend. I feel like I have a million questions also, so I'm looking forward to this. My main question , and I know the dr will help with this, is deciding which surgery to have. Part of me thinks Lapband would be easier in the beginning, but i don't want to  have to maintain something for life. I really don't know which is best. Maybe some of those that have been through it can help us out.

Hi, I just wanted to say that no matter whch surgery you have, they are both lifetime commitments. Lapband means that you have a band inside you and have to maintain it by going for fills etc and RNY means that you malabsorb and will have to take vitamins and supplements for life. It really is a personal choice depending on what you want to get out of the surgery. Rapid weight loss or a more slow one and how invasive a surgery you decide to have. My advice would be to reseach them all and then you can make an informed decision. Jackie