dedee44

Hi I am Dedee and I am seriously thinking about getting lap band. i was wondering if anyone could tell me what the FIRST steps to take are? I do have a referral from my doctor for the insurance already. What is the next thing I need to do, besides finding a doctor of course :-) I am trying to find a doctor close but I do not seem to be able to find any lap band doctors in the Macon area. Anyone know of any? I am really in need of this surgery and have put it off for too long .... Thanks for ANY help you can give me.

WOW! Thanks so much I will check it out. i was so disappointed when I found out the doctor I wanted didn't take tricare..... did you have to pay any money out of pocket yourself? How do you like Dr. Burnette? How much weight do you have to lose? i think I need to lose about 100 pounds :-( dedee

Thanks for the info, I appreciate getting to know how this works. Dedee I have had no serious problems. I am lactose intolerant so milk shakes and cream soups gave me the runs. BIG TIME. I am eating just fine, almost too good. By the Smith Hospital standard you eat clear liquids/low sugar juice for the first 3 days after surgery. Then you can start with other liquids. At the one week point - cream soups etc. At the two week point - mushie veggies. At the three week point - pureed meat. Then you just work up. Fills are every month and you go back to liquids for a day and a half. I do not know about Tri-care. Maybe ask your insurance company who they use in Georgia to do lap bands (this was a helpful hint in one of my getting started booklets) --- Some insurance companies recommend doctors. And then You need to check the doctor out - My dr , for instance, has done laps for 10 years, does over 100 per year, and has stopped performing other bariatric surgeries because he sees laps as being superior and really believes in the band.

Thanks so much, I will look into it :-) Dedee

quote: I drove the 2 hours south to Valdosta's Smith Northview Hospital and Dr Burnette (Albany) did my band. 2/14/11. I had great results and am doing fine. They had a special cash price for self payers. $10,000. I recommend staying overnight === if not in the hospital, in a local hotel. The drive back was alot better the next day instead of right after surgery. ******************************************************************************************** Have you had any problems since your surgery? Are you able to eat food yet? I heard that you have to do a lot of liquids. Do you know if the doctors in Valdosta take Tricare Standard Insurance? Or anywhere in Georgia? I really want the surgery but it has to be paid by my insurance otherwise I just can't afford it :-( Thanks for any info....Dedee

I called two doctors in the Atlanta area but they do not take Tricare insurance either so I think I am out of luck :-( Dedee

[quote name='FTSTOMPER' .. i will help you .. Dr. Bagnato . albany ga.. is awsome Well I called and they don't take my Military Insurance :-( so now I have to look for someone else...I'm bummed out now.... Dedee

OK will do, thanks Tony!

Wow! You've done great! Congrats! Thanks for the info I hope the Dr. does move here that would be so cool. I'm getting excited about getting this done finally I've been thinking about it for over 2 years. Dedee

Anyone have Dr. Bagnato's Office phone number? i'm ready to call them now! LOL :-) Dedee

Thanks....seems everyone basically has the same answer, wish they had done it sooner..Dedee

OK thanks.... I am not too hopeful of that though. Last year I had heard the same thing and I waited, and waited and finally after almost a year I talked to the hospital again and the idea had fell through for some reason. I have already talked to the insurance company and know I am qualified..... ready to start this but just hate to have to drive so far afterwards for a fill a checkups. :-( Dedee