Beth

I have not had surgery yet, but during pre-tests (I had an upper endoscopy) they discovered I had a severe Hiatal Hernia which explains my severe GERD and resulting esophagitis. I was told they would repair the hernia at the same time that the band is placed and that should cure it. I forget what its like not to have reflux or take medication. I am looking forward to it. Beth

Thank You so much for the pics! I found them very informative. And now I know what it will be like when my time comes. I am pre-band, have just finished my evaluations (psych and nutritionist) and my doc will be sending all to insurance (HealthNet) soon. Hopefully I will get a quick and easy approval. Beth

I am pre--band. My doctor (Borao) has told me that they do not complicate the operation and my GERD & IBS (among other things) should greatly improve after surgery.

My sister who lives in Pennsylvania went to an information session for the LapBand, she is changing jobs and her new employer has Keystone Central. Has anyone out there had this insurance and been approved?

Hi, I also see Dr Boreo. I am in the process of getting my pre-tests done. Can you tell me about how long after the tests were finished were you scheduled for surgery, was it a long wait?

Dr Borao wants a psychiatric evaluation done (among other thing) before submitting to my insurance. My plan does not cover this and the Psychologist that he gave me is quite expensive, he did say I can use any licensed or registered Psychologist or Psychiatrist. My husband has a friend who is a licensed Psychologist in NY who after speaking with me has determined I am sane :banana and that I researched the band in depth and I understand the work involved to be successful as well as the risks involved. I believe this is what the insurance company is looking for. The thing is he has never done a pre surgical evaluation before and is not sure what to write or include in the letter. Does any one perhaps have a sample letter or can advise as to how it should be written

Yes I am in NJ and my carrier is HealthNet. Dr Borao has said that he has no problems with HealthNet. He does not send anything into the insurance until I get a psych evaluation, have seen a nutritionist, and had an EGD (esaphogastroduodenoscopy) as they are required by the ins. co. He says he is a "preffered provider" for them concerning the Lap Band and has even performed the procedure on two sisters who work for HealthNet, I believe he said they handle the coding? He says HealthNet is one of the only providers he has no problems with. Lucky me, I was sure I would be in for a fight. But then again, it aint over till.......well... you know what they say.

I had my first consultation with Dr. Borao and I have to go to a gastroentorologist for a Esophogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) it was explained to me that they put a tube w/ camera down you're throat to check the esophogus, stomache, and part of intestine for abnormalities specifically ulcers. This is done while sedated He says it is routine for all WLS patients of his. I had heard about the upper GI series where you drink the chalky liquid but not this procedure. Has anyone had this done, is it very bad I am nervous about this...

I had my first (I am pre-band) consultation today with Dr. Borao and he said that insurance companies do not cover fills. He does them under Flouroscope and that they pay for the radiologist but not the fill Doctor. He charges $250.00 I am curious to know what others pay to see if this is the norm.

I would like to introduce myself as I have been "lurking". My name is Beth from Aberdeen NJ and I am convinced after much research and reading that the Lap Band is right for me. I have a BMI of 41, asthma, HBP, Osteoarthritis in my knees, severe heel spurs, and GERD. I have a consult with Dr. Borao in NJ on Aug 1st (waited months for it) and I have HealthNet insurance. I am hopeful that because I have several co morbidities that approval wont be to difficult. I would welcome any information or advice. And if any one has had dealings with Dr. Borao or HealthNet I would like to hear about it