Blund

Good thought, Rosstheboss. Perhaps the lap band manufacturer(s) should be asked about this. Pharm. companies have a lot of influence. I'll post again when I find out more.

Yes, but what they do is charge a high premium, therefore not "excluding" you. Of course the extra cost usually excludes you!

Thanks for the info. I never "pushed it" with the insurance companies I spoke with. Now I will! Thanks! I'll be sure to post any new info I get.

I just found this on a search and have the same problem. I got my band in 2008 (paid by BC) but since lost that insurance due to husband's job change. I've never heard the "no issues for over 12 months" and to try an appeal. Anyone tried this? My health insurance ended 8/1/2011 and I'm 47 with a family. Thankfully everyone else in the family has health insurance. Just wondering if anyone knows anything new on this topic.

Honk, I am BCBS COBRA also (till 8/31 with grace period) through my husband's old employer. Ironically, my husband had stage IV sarcoma in 2009 costing thousands of dollars in surgeries & chemos, and is now on Medicare because of SS disability. It is very inexpensive! (He is doing great, BTW.) I can stay on the COBRA until it expires in March 2012 for $550 per month. Yikes! Our Michigan Pool wants me to be uninsured for 6 months before applying. This is so rediculous. I've lost 75 pounds and am MUCH more healthy now. I don't even care if they excluded my band from any coverage! I agree that we should get some credit for becoming and staying healthier. Not punished for fixing a problem. I think I'm going to get on the phone to the State of Michigan Insurance dept next week and give em hell! Thanks for listening!

I'm in a situation where I need to buy an individual health insurance policy. I was banded in April 2008, and an agent told me no company will insure me because of my lap band. I can maybe get a 6 month temporary catastrophic policy, but thats it. Has anyone had experience with this? And what, if any, companies will insure you?

I get the hick ups too, and realized that means I should have stopped eating a bite or two before! I used to get the one big what I call a 'hick burp' when I was pregnant! I get it now with my band too. My DH laughs and threatenes to throw a lilly pad my way! I also will get a pain in my left shoulder/neck, which seems weird, but I've read about it here before.

Thanks Rose. I've learned so much and gotten so much great info from these forums. There seems to always be someone here with simular issues. As great as most of our doctors are, most of them haven't 'been there'. -Barb

Rose, I'm so glad I read your thread. I've been going through a simular situation. My DH was diagnosed with a rare agressive cancer back in Feb '09, and my life has also been all screwed up. Amazing how priorities change. He is still in chemo and fighting, but responding well. We've had lots of support from friends and family and help with our house and kids. I'm FINALLY getting back on track. I hadn't had a check up since Feb (or lost more weight)and hadn't had a fill since late 2008. I just didn't have time. We've been traveling a lot for Dr appts and chemo, etc. I fianally got in and had another fill recently, and my Dr, while sympathetic, said I have to remember to take care of me. Which I know. But you know how it is. Just know you're not alone, and the one day at a time chiche' is true. -Barb:thumbup:

I didn't really get any restriction until around my 4th fill, so don't feel bad. I'm 1 1/2 yr out from surgery, and have 'stalled' like some of the others mentioned. I have vomited, pb'd, slimed, etc. I hadn't gotten a fill since late in 2008, and just recently got a 1/4 cc (yes, only 1/4!) fill and what a difference! I would never have thought that small amount would make a difference. I feel full faster, but I still just like to eat and overeat! I thought I'd be doing better at the 'head hunger' by now, but I guess I had 45 years to make my overeating habit, I can't expect it to go away that quickly. I've been reading the OA threads for inspiration.

Sorry I got on here so late. I remember you TeachLady from my posts several months ago. I'm a little west of Traverse City. My surgery was at Munson through Grand Traverse Surgery. And Brad Pitt....say no more! I was drooling over him in Thelma & Louise!!!! He doesn't have that long hair anymore, though. :thumbup: Yes, Monty Python & Princess Bride! I think my "list" could go on and on! I had been a few months since a fill, and got a whopping 1/4 cc fill, and you would not believe the difference! A tiny 1/4 cc, and I can tell a big difference. I'm at 6 1/2 cc of a 10cc band, so my Dr didn't want to push it too far. I'm glad he didn't put any more in! I've had a lot of crap going on lately, and have been rushing & eating around my band. My husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer back in Feb, so we've been going through surgeries and chemo. Not to drag on about that, but its really changed everything in our family. My Dr is understanding and didn't scold me for misbehaving! I just hope I didn't damage my band....I dont think I did...I dont have pain or anything.

so I haven't been on here in forever, but started lurking a couple of days ago. Thought I'd throw in Jaws, Alien, and Kill Bill 1 & 2. I like most of the others mentioned too.

Yeah, I haven't even been lurking around here in a while. I guess things have finally calmed down after school starting, soccer ending, etc. I don't know if gum does that. It never occurred to me. Maybe Dr would know. I just figure its faking me out chewing something! I'm rarely hungery...just love food!