krasc001

This site has been so beneficial in me learning about the lap band procedure as well as everyone's success with the procedure. But I am concerned that I will get this done and then go back to my old eating habits. I worry that I won't lose weight, become frustrating (after putting so much energy in having this done) and end up not losing a pound. I also worry that I'll become extremely frustrated following surgery about not really being able to eat anything. Can anybody offer suggestions. I know I have to believe that I can do this..and I'm just being a negative Nancy now

Yes, I was fitted as a size 22..Almost drove me nuts. To the point where just the number was keeping me from buying the dress. I just told her I would lose the weight. ..But my girlfriend was like "they run small just deal with it, cause I'm gonna be pissed if you buy a 20 and it doesn't fit." So I caved...but back then, I had no idea I would be approved so, size 9/10 here we come. Can't wait. Also, in addition to this I can't wait to wear RINGS, and regular sized WATCHES and wear 4-5in heels without wincing in pain five minutes after having them on. Oh how I've missed that.

THIS IS SO AWESOME FOR YOU!!! And you are getting banded before me, LOL. Hopefully we can stay in contact. I am still having issues trying to figure out how to post things on the website or responding to personal conversations, its confusing, LOL. Anyway, When I start my pre-op diet on the 22nd and go in for tests on the 14th. Let me know how things go.

I am actually more anxious to have the surgery but understand where you're coming from. This will be my eight procedure where anesthesia is involved and seventh surgical procedure. I was concerned that what if I go into cardiac arrest, or what if he leaves something in me after the surgery. But I think I am mostly scared that I will get this done and will want to eat the foods I normally eat and get depressed, or don't allow the band to work properly for me and get depressed or mess something up in my presurgical diet.

Hi, I was approved by Cigna (six business days after sending paperwork) and was quite surprised because I heard several times that they wouldn't approve me for the surgery and they had turned down several others. I think the thing that really did it was (other than the 6 mos diet) that I sent several recommendation letters. I have also heard on this website that BCBS is most likely quicker than Cigna to approve the surgery. If you do go with Cigna and decide to have the surgery, be sure to call and see if the surgeon you plan to go with (and the hospital he will perform the procedure at) is covered. I knew all of this before I sent the paperwork. Now, lol, I have a question for you. I am currently in the process of looking for new work and have applied for some fed jobs but with no success. Do you have any secrets for getting in to the federal government. I hear that it is a great place to work. Thanks and best of luck to you in regards to your approval and surgery.

I would have to \ggree with Jennifer in Dallas..hibernating and hiding because I am to uncomfortable with myself, definately no more of that. I look forward to making myself more available, talking to guys more and being confident in my skin. I also look forward to shopping in stores like banana Republic/J. Crew. I shop those stores now but really can't fit any of the cute stuff like button down shirts that make your shoulders look fab and cut trousers and jeans. And a biggy is fitting the riding boots that are so popular now. I can't get them over my calves. Let's see..I also look forward to putting up a debut picture on my facebook page, so I can be like, "look at me now" In May, my girlfiend is getting married and I am a bridesmaid, I look forward the most to showing up and being a completely different size. I'm so excited.... I am set to be banded on the 28th of December so lots to look forward to but I also know that their are lots of changes to be made. More than anything, I want to desperately to lose my taste for sweets.

I am like Honk. I hate to wait because I suffer from Anxiety. My worries completely take me out of everything. But if you have submitted your paperwork November 17 and you're still waiting it could mean something good. I was once told that they like it when you call and say "I have paperwork pending and was just curious of the status" that is what I did. It can't hurt. I will continue to keep you in prayer. If they were going to reject you, they probably would have done it 11/18. It's all going to turn out fine..keep in touch!!

I will keep you in prayer..The worrying and waiting was just one hurdle to get through. I know everyone was saying keep praying and prayer will change things. Well I did and it worked out in my favor. I would literally walk around the house and bow my head and say "Lord, please let it be thy will that I will have this surgery" I am just so excited and thankful now, I will keep you ALL IN PRAYER. It's so interesting, cause I wouldn't say I am a "holy-roller," but I now understand that he understands and sees my problems and so I have to take strides to learn more about him and his word, because I owe it to him and myself. Sorry if I have offended anyone, I am just so thankful, I'm actually tearing up!!

I heard word this morning that I was approved. The tentative date for the surgery is the 28th. I couldn't be happier. This is a chance to get my eating problems under control and build the person that I have always wanted to be. But its really up to me. Now that I have got that portion over with, does anybody have any advice for me? I'll be reading up more on the pre and post surgery forums trying to prepare myself. I will continue to keep you all in prayer, I hope you will do the same for me!!! Thanks,

Thanks so much for your positive words. I have received word that I have been approved!!!I am so excited and thankful. My tentative surgery date is the 28th of December. I will continue to pray for those on this board who await word of approval. God Bless Yall.

I'm guesing from the non-response that either not a lot of peopl have Cigna or this just isn't a good thing. LOL

I received word that was paperwork was submitted by approval yesterday from the doctor's office. Just for fun, I decided to call Cigna to see if my paperwork had been received. The CSR responded that yes it has been received and I would hear word most likely tomorrow. I am so scared. I wish I knew the process they went through to view it. Do they compare it another person who's seeking approval's paperwork. My insurance is getting ready to change so it would be quite beneficial to be approved. My sister and mother are worried that if I don't get a approved that I will completely break down and self-destruct. I am trying to prepare myself to hear the word no and be positive that this doesn't mean I won't be able to have the surgery, it just means later, rather than sooner. But I can't help it, I'm such a worry wart and I am afraid I'll be thinking all day what they will see that's going to make them choose between yes or no. I have said several prayers, I will say a couple more. Hopefully prayer changes things. Best of luck to others who have submitted paperwork and await approval. I will pray for you as well.

....and next Tuesday is when I send paperwork to the insurance company for approval. I'm trying not to fret and worry but I can't help it. I feel like I may get rejected but I have five recommendation letters from gyno, ortho doc, neurosurgeon, therapist and PCP, plus I am including my own personal heart felt letter. Does anybody have stories of the waiting process, how they felt when they heard word of their approval or denial??? Thanks,

See that's where I start to see red and get confused because if I individuals be committed to weight loss, then they could lose the weight wouldn't think to seek out such measures. That pisses me off.

I know this site is called LapBand Talk but did anybody have the procedure done with the Realize Band? Thoughts? Opinions?

Hey folks, so I thought it would be interesting to tell you of my appointment with Dr. Pinnar (of Reston VA) yesterday. Anyway, needless to say it didn't happen because they wanted $250 upfront just for me to meet the doctor. I haven't gotten approval yet, I'm not even sure if I apprpriately qualify but that's what they wanted from me just to say "What up" to the doctor. So, I was lucky enough to get another consultation appointment with another doctor (costs is just co-pay) but here is the issue. This doctor has not only been referred by my PCP but he's also been approved by Cigna Insurance to perform the surgery. The only thing is that he does the Realize Band, not the lap band and he's done it about 50 times. Is this a good or bad thing? Does anybody have any thoughts of Realize vs. Lap Band?

Thanks, The only thing is I am not seeing a lot of people saying that they have used the Realize Band so I was just curious to its success rate..

Yes, I saw Dr. Anez yesterday and he told me that he has done around 60 procedures for the Realize band. But he is a gastro bypass specialist so that gives him some credibility. Also my primary care physician referred him and my insurance company mentioned him as well. Not only that, but his office seems to move pretty quickly in regards to getting the procedure done. I was even given a possible surgery date of late December.

I was just told by my therapist that she does not think I am a good candidate for LAP-BAND® surgery. She thinks that I should choose an alternative method and that the surgery is too risky. I'm not sure what to think, a part of me really thinks this could be something good for my life and the other part of me is like why are you wasting your time. Sure, I'm not what you'd call MORBIDLY obese. I wear a size 18/20. I still think the procedure could benefit me in so many ways. Has anybody else suffered such doubt? Is the whole thing really worth it? There seem to be so many people on this website with such promise and excitement for the procedure and then those who have had it performed so much pleasure in their newly changed lives.

Hey Ladies and Gents, It's me again...this time with another Cigna tidbit. So, today I called Dr. Pinnar Surgery Associates in Reston (already came to the conclusion not going with them because of the astronomical program fee of $2500) and spoke with the RN in regards to seeking approval from Cigna Insurance. She said that she has been doing the job since 2002 and has never seen a Cigna approval. I was flabberghasted and couldn't believe it. Surely, I thought, someone had Cigna insurance and received approval. Well, according to her they had not. My boss mentioned that maybe its because Cigna didn't agree with their policy (which includes $1500 paid up front and then an extra $1000 paid in monthly install ments following surgery - it includes among other things, first three fills (not covered???), nutritionist evalations before and after surgery, paperwork and just general correspondence between office and insurance company). Also, I told her (the RN) how I had gathered the 6 mos thing (kinda-shrug) as well as am about to finish physical, but also have recommendation letters from PCP, Therapist, Orthopedic doctor, Gynocologist and Neurosurgeon. She said that letters only worked on the 1st appeal, after you got rejected the first time. But I'm thinking what the h - e - double hockey sticks, I'm going to submit the major requirements including recommendation letters and my heartfelt letter and see how it goes. If I get rejected, then I'll try again. ALSO, the physician I am planing to go with does the REALIZE band, other than the LAP-BAND. Any thoughts, opinions?? I love this website and truely appreciate the comments and advice that you individuals have given me. As well as the updated Photos and blogs. :thumbup:Keep me in prayer and I will do the same for you as well.

So I am still in the process of researching the lap band surgery and went to a seminar for Dr. Pinnar in Reston, VA. Currently, I have a consultation set with this doctor for next week. While review his paperwork, I noticed he had a program fee of $2500 that covers, I can only assume a number of different costs. I'm not trying to pay that much, so am looking at other doctors in the area. Is this the norm in regards to bariatric surgery?! To most doctors charge program fees? and if so, are they higher or lower than $2500. Any suggestions, or advice is welcome. Thanks all!