Sooverit!

Hello Lower BMIers: I've been extensively researching the Lap Band now for almost 2 years. I am a 37 BMI and 20 or so lbs. away from being a 40 BMI. I've gone through all the supervised diets and psych test, etc. you know the drill however: I've been turned down by CIGNA 3 times and now ignored by Obestitylaw.com...they just can't do anything more with my insurance because they are saying that the Lap Band is an "experimental" treatment and they don't cover it! Being 245 pounds when most of my life I was 145 is destroying my self esteem and health. Here's my dilemma and I am looking for opinions because I just don't have anyone to ask about this: Should I: (My primary care doctor is training to be a Fill Doctor with Fill USA) 1. Go to Mexico ..I like Dr. Rumbaut and did extensive research. Cost is only $9,000 total with everything flight, etc. (I have that $ and won't need a loan) Problem: Deep down I'm really afraid as I will be going alone. What if something happens and I'm there by myself? 2. Take out a loan for $17,000 that is the cost for an out-patient Lap Band surgery at NYU Med center. Problem: With the economy the way it is...I'm 49 do I want to have a loan like this? Not working at the present time. Do I want to go into debt again...will I even get the loan? 3. Go to Colorado...there is a doctor there who does it for $10,000 on an out patient basis and is experienced. I need to drag someone with me though as they don't allow you to leave on your own. 4. Continue to pursue and harass my insurance company when really I think they just won't cover me because I don't have the co mobidities they like. 5. Change insurance companies, wear 10 lb weights and do the 6 month supervised diet again. :tongue_smilie: I know I'm driving myself crazy...can anyone give me any advice? thanks m

I have one fear that's always on my mind about getting banded and I was wondering if you had this experience or know of others who have? It is this: I see clearly that I use food to alleviate boredom (especially lately since I am not working), anxiety, sadness, tiredness, illness, frustration, etc. you get the picture. It is rare that I eat just for hunger but when I am full and not hungry I do it far less often. My biggest fear is the withdrawal symptoms of no longer being able to use food as a drug. I've been using this "drug" for almost 40 years....My question is does the band help with the 'head hunger"? Will suddenly not being able to eat like I'm used to bring on psychological issues or intense frustration? If it does how long does it last? Or (and I am hoping this is the case) does that constant craving decrease when you physically feel full and you have the band which is heading you in the direction of eating less and getting healthy? I know the Band is not a magic bullet and I am willing to do what ever it takes but I'm just afraid of the food withdrawal? Any comments?

I am pre banded and try to eat like a "bandster" but I give up after a few minutes. I feel that the pleasure of eating is gone when I am so pre occupied with chewing and making sure I'm not swallowing too much. After being banded do you still get pleasure from eating?

Thanks for the headsup Chrisann as I am not banded yet but I know that feeling of being in a meeting for help as a new person and people are already very settled in. Hope you have the support you needed in those few months after surgery!

For those self-payers how many of you had to go out of state for cost reasons?

Hi Tally, one more question herer regarding Dr. K in colorado. In an e-mail they stated that I can not leave after surgery on my own and I would need to be supervised for the 24 hours after anethesia. Have I got this wrong I am assuming that the surgery is done and price included an overnight hospital stay? thanks

i'm responding to make you all feel better here ...in NY where I live surgury costs 17,500 WITHOUT hospital (outpatient) and starting at 21,600 for 1 nights stay at NYU Medical Center.

Hi Denise: Sorry to be snooping but I am not yet banded and still have many questions. My question to you is; Was your pill on the large side? Sometimes I have to take a sleeping pill which isn't as large as a vitamin but about half a thumbnail wide. Would this cause a problem like this as well. It does sound frightening to have water come up in your throat when your sleeping!! Any input would be appreciated thank you!

Good point Bamaga I wasn't thinking it getting surgery In Mexico would be considering a tax write off> thanks!

I am still pre banded but from what I've read here in the past year, having trouble swollowing is a sympton of maybe being a bit too tight. have you called your follow up doc yet...?, Can you drink okay? You have to stay hydrated as you prob know..:bolt:

Hi Talley: Thanks so much for sharing your encouraging words. i'm thinking of bribing my neice to take a trip with me to Colorado. So glad to hear you are doing so well. I just ate a huge I mean huge bag of kettle pop corn...geez i was doing so well. Eating healthy for the past month. Now I am pmsing and that is danger for me. I am so afraid of being Type II diabetic....I was so hungry at dinnner and wasn't hungry during the day...seems like I always make up for it. I'm tninking of starting a poll to see if the band helps with binge or addictive eating patterns....anywho feeeling defeating right now:sad: take care,

Wow...i seem to hit one road block after another on this year long journey to get banded. Just received an e-mail from Dr. K's office saying I can not be along for the 24 hours after surgery. I guess he does out patient proceedres only? My husband is a busy man and can not fly to Colorado with me. MX is at least a hospital stay and hotel with others getting lap band.

I know it's already been 2 years for you guys and I'm assuming everyone is doing well ergo no complaints! Good to see.. I'm thinking of heading to Dr. K as well. Having surgury in NY is 2x the price. Except for out patient which they're doing now at NYU med center which is $14,500 !

Dear Tally: I just e-mailed Dr. Kirchenbaum's office and asked how many LB proceedures he has performed. Did you like the hospital as well? I am just too chicken to go to Mexico especially since i'm sure I'll be doing this solo. My BMI is "only" a 36/37 but have cholesterol and back issues ..hope I'm a candidate for surgery there!? thanks again !!

Hi Tally: So your sugeon was Dr. Kirshenbaum (I have heard positive feedback about him here) in Colorado? and their fee is $9,990? This is very resonable and less of hassel than going to Mexico! I've always wanted to visit Colorado. I will look for their web site. thanks

Hi Hallen: I've decided not to go for a loan after all and cash out a CD I had to take out anyway because the bank was going under! I'm looking out of state. For me I can have the surgery for half the price as here in NY if I find a experienced surgeon. The big deciding factor tho Hallen is in is finding a follow up/fill doctor that is convenient to your home. My regular PCP is training to be a fill doc with FillUSA so there is a light at the end of this tunnel!

Thanks susan....I am lucky too in that my regular Primary Care Physician who I like has been training to be a Fill Doctor for FillsUSA I think it's call and they have a good reputation so I hear. After what's been happening to the banks/economy recently I need to find a good experienced out of state doctor. I live in New York and the prices are outrages here!:confused: thanks

Hi Maggie: Do you have CIGNA by any chance ...they stated to me also 3x in a letter that Lap Band was experimental...grr I'm gonna experiment on them when I cancel my policy!! I'm looking to go out of state now...but not brave enough for MX...thinking Ohio...13,000 there...

Are you drinking plenty of water with your fiber...you probably are but just checking. I read that eating fiber without water really causes problems with drying up the old pipes and lots of water and fruit help with this.

Congratulations on your decision Barb~ Wonderful Peggy directed me to Dr. Curry and I was very impressed with their responsiveness and professional web site. 12,000 this is a great price esp. with 2 years of fills! It's almost the same prices as going to Mexico! this is great news! thanks and best to you!

Sorry I forgot to mention that my Regular Primary Care physician is training to be a Fill Do with Fill Centers USA. So fills won't be a problem if I go out of state. thanks Michigan I may just take your name and add a 2. I like your idea!

Hi NYUers: First background, I met with Dr. Fielding in April and he made me feel like I'd be nuts NOT to get a lap band. I felt so confident and relaxed with him and wanted to chat with him all day. He is a star! Since then I've obedientlly jumped through every hoop Cigna asked for and eventually was told in three separate letters (3 appeals) that the LB is not covered because it is considered in the "experimental" stage. Wow one long experiement huh. I used Obesitylaw.com they were great and did all they could for me. Question: My next step is paying out of pocket and or getting financing. Has anyone paid out of pocket here? Are the prices the same for a self payer? Has anyone gotten a bill and know how much exactely the total cost is an how long it takes to get financing. I'm worried with the frightening state of financial institutions right now that I'll be denied a loan but I'm counting on Allergan to have enough of their own funds to lend? I'm having trouble getting through to NYU at this time. THanks!

Hi Michigan, Did someone recommend to you a Detroit Doctor? I had been thinking of this route also but don't know where to start ..there are 50 states and I'm getting tired of all this actually. Thanks for the tip ...I will look into this area.

Oh, sorry it was postponed Indigo but I guess that's the way that goes. My friend's daughter is a child actress and has appeared on major criminal investigative type shows. What they go through with cancellations and delays in shooting, it a wonder anyone get on the other side of the camera~ Oh and what a racket between the insurance companies and hospitals! We pay for all this! That's another tread though. Have a good day,

Hey Marie: Just got off the phone with Melissa at NYU Med. Center and she quoted me $7,600 for hospital stay but that is for a Out Patient lap band proceedure. the cost for one night hospital stay is $12,000. Now I have more to think about! I would have to have someone with me for outpatient and I'm almost thinking a stay at a NYC 4 star hotel near the hospital would cost $400 and up but much less than a hospital stay. So she quoted: Surgery: $8,000 Anesthisia: 1,721 Hospital stay pre negotiated: 12,000 Total with stay: TOTAL 1 night hospital stay: $21,721 OUT PATIENT: $17,321 Clearly this was a billing mistake Marie or you had major complications during surgery!:rolleyes2: