buck100

diligent research, I have elected to procede with the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. I know the risks that are associated with this surgery and am willing to take those risks. I have seen way too many lap band conversions to the DS(duodenal switch) and feel that this is the best way for me to go. I am not advocating DS over lapband but I think that it is the best way for me to go.... I wish you all the best.

Its vent time, Well I finally found the group of dr's. that I want to get to do my lapband surgery, they are in Covington, LA, the name of the center is Surgical Specialists of Lousiana, Southern Bariatric Associates. I will be paying cash for the surgery 12,900.00 and my insurance will significantly benefit from this transaction that I will be paying for. Just think about the money they will save in the long run, I won't be a diabetic anymore, my chances to get cancer are WAY lower, heart attack and stroke will be superduper lower. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind paying for the surgery as this will help me live a longer, better life and will make life better in general but it just makes me really angry that more insurance companies are not paying for WLS and they are the one's who will benefit financially the most...........it just pisses me off to no end......sorry for the rant but dad gum it, I'm sick and tired of paying over 600.00 buckaroos a month for something that I rarely ever use.........I know, I know if I was ever in a bad wreck or got hurt etc etc but still, if I owned an insurance company, I would make and investment for savings in the future. Just look at the money they will most likely save by paying for WLS...........Ill hush now, sorry about that...................

I am starting the saving and loan process to accumulate the funds to have the lap band, went to a seminar last night and finally made the decision to have the surgery but the only question left is..........Does it hurt when you get a fill?????????? Thanks Buck100

I am going tonight to my first seminar on the lap band so I hope to learn more about it and start the process toward surgery.

Was wondering about the history of the person who has been banded the longest. Is there anyone here who has been banded more than 5 years? If so, are you maintaining weight loss and what is life like now?? Thanks for your time..

I am going next wednesday evening to a seminar about the lapband, the surgeon that I am looking into is Dr. William T. Avara, III and I was wondering if anyone has information on him? His center is located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi its called the Southern Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center. The cost of the lap band is 15,000.00, I have United Health Care but I can't get a clear word as to whether or not they will cover the cost of the surgery. Is 15,000.00 too much or comparable to other surgeons??? Any help would truly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

With all the complications that are being posted regarding Lapband, I am having second thoughts about going through with the surgery. I have actually contemplated Gastric Bypass but I am more afraid of it with all the horror stories that I here about it........does anyone have a piece of advice for a confused and scared fat person who truly wants and has got to loose at least 150 pounds or will die within the next ten years if not sooner............:help:

After reading all of the negative posts about the terrible things that can happen once banded, I am contemplating gastric bypass or something a little more invasive than the lapband. Are my fears unfounded or do the statistics hold true? I know there are a ton of folks who post on this site so I hope that statistics hold through. I do not want to be disembowled by a gastric bypass, just too risky. HELP:omg:

I am from Monticello, its a small little bump in the road that is about 65 miles south of Jackson. I hope to be able to go thru with the surgery within the next six months if at all possible. I currently have Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Mississippi but at the beginning of the year, my company is changing insurance providers to United Healthcare PPO. I hope they will pay for the surgery if not, I'll have to look at financing it with my bank or something.

Hi, I am new to this forum and also very interested in obtaining information on the lap band and local dr's. Does anyone have information on dr's located in Mississippi. Again, I'm just starting the process, I weigh 392lbs 6'4"tall and am a diabetic with a new little girl that I really need to live for. I know the way I am going now, I will die a very early death. I do have my diabetes under fair control but I know that it takes more than fair control to live longer. Please help if you can.