TraciLJ

I had a couple of tests done today. One was a manometry, which tests how the esophagus is working. Well, turns out the top and mid areas of my esophagus are not working correctly…they aren’t contracting enough. The doc thinks this may be due to my GERD and has prescribed a stronger medication for me to try for a month. Then I get to do the horrible test over again. Has anyone else had this problem before? Did it correct itself? Were you still able to get the band? Thanks, TJ

Well, I have BCBS of MN, and as most of us know they've put the band on an experimental/investigative status. They aren't denying all claims, but are reviewing on a case-by-case basis. My paperwork was submitted last Tuesday, and I called for a status update today and was told it was still in review with the medical review board. I'm more than anxious and am wondering if the fact that they're taking longer is a good thing or a bad thing. The other folks I've talked to that were approved prior to the BCBS change of mind were approved in less than a week. Thanks for listening!

Well, they denied me with the investigation/experimental excuse. Also said that the medical research doesn't prove it's better than the bypass. Screw them! On to the appeal process. My doctor's office is enlisting the assistance of a US Senator's office in MN that helps people fight their insurance company. They're quite interested in these appeals. --TJ

Thanks Anne and Alexandra! I know I need to be patient, but at times it's just so hard.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm glad to hear all is going so well for you. Hope to join you in Bandlandia soon!

I've heard that BCBS of MN may be changing their minds, again, regarding the LAP-BAND. Talked to the coordinator in Deer River today and she heard from the Crosby coordinator that BCBS may lift the investigational/experimental status from the band and start covering it again. Yahoo! I sure hope this is true as my paperwork will be submitted within the next couple of days.

Hey Misty! I've heard that Dr. Billing charges $11,000 for those who self-pay for the LAP-BAND. This was from someone who talked to him about it within the last week, so I'm assuming it's an accurate quote. If you're interested, you can contact his coordinator in Moose Lake, Delores, at 218-485-5892.

Grant: Maybe try contacting someone at INAMED. I know they're helping my doctor's office out with requests that are being denied on that basis. Good luck!

Billie: I just called my docs office to check to see if the psyc eval got there yet. (it hasn't) Anyway, the coordinator wanted me to know that they recently received a denial from BCBS of MN for the reason that they now consider the LAP-BAND experiemental. The office has enlisted the assistance of INAMED in the appeal. You may want to check with your doctor's office to see if they're doing the same. And, if they're not, ask that they do.

Gabby: Congrats on getting your band and starting your "band" new life! I'm hoping to have my surgery by mid-February if all goes well. Keep us posted on your progress!

Thanks for your responses! I was just "psyc-ing" myself out, so to speak. Bob, I hope you get good news about your approval soon!

I had my psyc eval today. It was exhausting, but I'm glad I did it. Anyway, the psychologist said my tests indicate that have a high tendency towards problematic compliance. Which basically means that consciously I have every intention of following the after-care regimen, but my sub-conscious kind of takes over and knocks me off the wagon. An additional component of this is that I let the "world" think I'm doing ok. She said that wasn't a problem as long as I would agree to see a therapist for the first six months to help me through the rough spots and as another source of support. Of course I agreed to do so...whatever it takes to be successful at this! She is going to write her evaluation "approving" me for the band provided I get the proper after care. What, if any, problems can I expect with my insurance company? Thanks!

Tackleberry: Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I was hoping that the band would cure (I wasn't sure that was the right word to use) the symptoms of GERD. So you don't have to take any Nexium/Prevacid type pills anymore? I'm really hoping that the GERD is what is causing the esophagus problems I'm having, as it will help make the case to my insurance company.

Thanks for responding, Geezer Sue! I had heard that the band can "cure" GERD. I was kind of hoping it would. However, if my esophogus doesn't start acting like a good esophagus should, I may not be able to get the band. Which leaves my only other WLS option as the RNY...and that is not an option for me. I'm just going to try to keep my thoughts positive and keep poppin' those pills the doc gave me. -TJ

Yahoo! You got the approval from your insurance company! That's awesome. I totally understand your wild turn of emotions...good news then something that scares you and you start the worry wagon in motion. I'm just trying to think positive about this esophagus thing. From the research I've done I think that if it continues, I may not be able to get a band, and the RNY is not an option I will consider. Lets just keep the positive vibes going for ourselves and each other! --TJ

I'm really happy for you! MERRY CHRISTMAS! I met Dr. Billings for the first time today...I had my EGD and manometry done. My manometry showed my esophagus isn't working as it should, so I have to take some stronger GERD medication and have the manometry done again in a month. Doesn't that sound like fun? I was too upset to think about what will happen if it doesn't work properly next time, but I am encouraged that he had me continue on with my pre-op appointments. --TJ

Misty: I've heard that Dr. Billing in Moose Lake will do fills for patients who have had their surgeries outside of the country. If you end up having to go to Mexico for your surgery, you might want to check with Dr. Billing to see if he will do fills and follow-up care.

Hey Misty! I check out this board every so often. I've just begun the journey to become a "bandster". I attended an informational meeting in Crosby (Minnesota Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Central Lakes/Cuyuna Range Medical Center), but will be working with Dr. Peter Billing in Moose Lake. I've talked to a couple of other folks using Dr. Billing and with schedules (for pre-op tests & evals) and insurance approval cooperating you may be able to get surgery in as little as 4 - 6 weeks. I've checked with my insurer and have been told that they do cover WLS, but with preauthorization to prove medical necessity. I have my first official meeting with the doc in early December, but have been very impressed with his staff thus far. Good luck to you! --Traci

Hi, my name is Traci and I live in beautiful northern Minnesota. I'm actively researching the Lap Band as a tool to assist me in ridding my body of its excess weight and becoming healthier. I am attending an informational session in Crosby, Minnesota later this month. My husband is also considering the band, but we don't know if he would be eligible because at the age of 31 he has already had a back fusion due to a work related accident. The extra weight he is carrying around isn't helping his back much either. I'm an avid stock car racing fan and like to enjoy the natural wonders of northern Minnesota. I'm also pursuing my bachelor's degree online, so my free time is limited. I look forward to learning a lot from the folks on this board and getting to know you.

Melissa: Please let me know how it goes. Moose Lake isn't far from where I live...I didn't know there was somebody in Moose Lake. However, after reading your message I see that Dr. Billings might be associated with the doctors in Crosby that I'm considering. I'm attending an informational session in Crosby the evening of Nov. 17, but I'm anxiously awaiting your reply regarding Dr. Billings. I'm thinking some of these rural doctors will have a greatly reduced waiting time when compared to the Twin Cities. Good luck to you on Monday!

Has anyone tried one of the doctors in Crosby? I believe they are also somehow associated with the doctor in Moose Lake too. I'm going to an informational session 11/17, and hopefully appointments will follow!