thatgirl

what clinic in germany? Do you have a link to the website?

PS I would have had to pay $200 out of pocket for the psych eval if I had used the one at my surgeon's place, so I went out and found one covered by my insurance and called and asked if they woudl be willing to do a psych eval for weight loss surgery and they agreed. I wanted to be up front so they would know what I wanted to come in for. they were very accomodating and 100% covered. :0

My insurance is paying- I called the first week in January, did my consultation and all pre-op appts 10 days later and my surgery is scheduled for 1/31... I am really really lucky though. I did not have to do any diet monitoring, sleep apnea, or anything. My BMI is 35. I didn't realize how lucky I am until I started reading this website:eek: - I thought I'd have to go through much much more to get approved.

dang it, i wrote this big long reply and my computer hung up and I lost it. grrrrrr:mad: okay, I am going to Dr. Montgomery at http://www.thelapband.com/ and I asked the total cost (I am covered by insurance but have a friend who is considering paying out of pocket) and it is $16,900 for everything, including all adjustments for the first year. They have a great financing program that can put your payments at about $300 something a month. It is about $8,000 to get done in Mexico http://www.mexicolapband.com/index1.php and I have heard pretty good things about them. Of course, you have to include the costs to get down to Mexico, Passport, etc but still it is cheaper than the US. Definitely also requires planning ahead on where you will get adjustments once you get back here. good luck!

I am SOOOOO sorry, that is so hard. :phanvan It will get better, though. I know, I haven't even had mine yet (and I sure hope I remember this when I am miserable after surgery :straight ) but I have had 9 laproscopies and 2 abdominal surgeries (I had terrible endometriosis for years) and it will get better. Go get yourself a great book.. and I hope you feel better soon. Also, I read that if you use Nextcare tape and band aids they don't irritate. and also use an antihistimine on the taped parts to relieve the itch (don't get it in the incision). hang in there!:mad: [/font][/size]

I cannot help but laugh about paper panties!!! I was freaked out about where the surgeon stands until I started to think- what if that is where he needs to stand to do the best job. Then I decided, I am going to block that from my mind and pretend he won't be standing there so I don't have to think about it. :nervous

I am so sorry- that is terrible.

what is the trick to sipping without getting air in there? can you describe it?

wooo hooo- I am so happy for us both! We do have a lot in common... it will be nice to get thin together I got my final insurance approval today (they figured I would, but I couldn't get too excited until I heard for sure) but I am excited now. The only real thing I am freaking out about is the gurgling noises... I hate embarassing stomach noises. I guess I have to get used to them. :paranoid SOme people supposedly have more than others but my nurse said to expect them and just be ready to roll with them. :guess Oh well, not fitting into any clothing and huffing and puffing every time I walk up 4 stairs is embarassing, too!

Congratulations on getting started- I cannot wait. let me knwo as soon as you get a date set. I made a Word Doc shopping list from this site, other sites, friend's reccomends and my nurse consultations. I can send it to you if you like!

awesome- thanks

I asked the nurse, who has a lap band and rode a week after surgery and she said to wait until the 2 week mark. She said riding before then won't hurt my band probably (or incisions) but I would be very sore around the port. I'd rather not risk any trouble, it's worth waiting to have a happy healthy band, tummy, and port! :nervous

Hi there; I wonder if any of you out there are horsewomen. I ask because my surgery is next Wednesday (1/31) and I ride on a mounted drill team, we practice on Thursday nights. I know of course I won't be up and about the day after surgery... but how long do you think I should plan to not practice for? I don't want to push myself and cause problems. For any of you who are not familiar with mounted drill, we ride at a gallop usually (we do a lot of trotting at practices) and perform sychronized riding routines. Anyhow, it is not easy riding (and boy am I looking forward to doing it thinner, I am almost to big to do it now- definitely too big to ride as well as I can). Anyhow, that's a bit about my situation... I was going to take 2 weeks off and return to practices on what will be 3 weeks and 1 day after surgery. any ideas or input would be appreciated

Completely excited, I am sooo ready. Tomorrow is my pre-op which is by phone (I was just there last week) and I wish tomorrow was my surgery day. I am full of questions, but mostly they are about how it will be for *me* which no one can answer (recovery time, how will it feel, will I throw up and hurt, etc).

Completely excited, I am sooo ready. Tomorrow is my pre-op which is by phone (I was just there last week) and I wish tomorrow was my surgery day. I am full of questions, but mostly they are about how it will be for *me* which no one can answer (recovery time, how will it feel, will I throw up and hurt, etc).

Can I ask the price difference between US and going to Mexico for this? I know my clinic charges about $16,900 for the surgery for those who pay out of pocket. How much does it cost to go down there? I am trying to help a friend (whose insurance does not cover it) find a way.

Hey, Michelle- How did you go about working with the Lap Band manufacturer lawyers to get it covered? Mine will be covered by insurance but one of my best friend's insurance says they do not cover it at all... I'd love to be able to point her in the right direction to fight it. :huggie: thanks Susan

Not sure if you found someone but in Issaquah, Dr. Lehman-Taylor has referred quite a few patients. She believes in the procedure and is very supportive, and covered by most insurances. Her number is 425 391 0705. She is a primary care physician.

WOOO HOOOOO!:biggrin1:

I don't get banded until next week but have had several laproscopies for endometriosis. Anyhow, I reccomend sitting up as much as you can. The walking helps but I felt the shoulder pain more when I was laying down. Not sure if it will help, but it helped me.

Good Luck- I am next week. I hope it goes well- just relax and get excited about the new you. :huggie:

Hi, I am new to the boards (so glad I found this place!!) and I am getting banded 1/31/07.... just about a week.

wow- this helps SO much, thanks to those who shared. i get banded on 1/31 and will be sure to take and post pictures. you look AWESOME!

I will, and good luck getting yours approved- looks like you are close. :huggie:

ooo- thanks. :huggie: I will go check that out