I've been lurking a few days - researching how people got started on their way to Lapbandom. I'm very thankful to see a resource and support network that is so open and friendly!
Like many stories I've read, I've been the "fat kid" my entire life. Umpteen diets that work (or didn't work) and the end result and adding more weight to my initial poundage. I'm done.
My husband, our 5 month old daughter, and I recently moved to the Houston, TX area from Nashville, TN. I had previously researched getting banded at the Cumberland Center for Obesity in Nashville, but after finding that my insurance would not cover it, put it aside. After relocating, we were excited that CIGNA, our new carrier would cover the cost. Alas, they will not under our particular policy. One more dip in the roller coaster... we found out this week that our insurance will change to BCBS in January. I'm not getting my hopes up that it'll be considered. We'll see what the insurance company says once we're enrolled. But just in case, I'm going to head toward self-pay. My family Dr here has recommended Dr. Spiegel or Dr. Wilkenfeld for the procedure. She told me that although Dr. Spiegel is the most experienced at the procedure, the sheer number of patients he does, makes the experience feel like cattle through the shoot. Not that we could cough up the $$$ by then, but Dr. Spiegel is offering a $11,900 special to self-pay before January 1st.
If there is anyone out there in the Houston area that can shine some light out here, I'd very much appreciate it!
