aronson333

good move - thanks.

And you didn't have to wait 6 months for approval? I was told that Horizon made you go through 6 months of weight loss preparation before they would approve you. I would love to get approved sooner - I have a bad back and am in constant pain and am hoping that the surgery will allow me to lose the weight and relieve the pressure on my back before I need back surgery.

What insurance do you have?

How long did you have to wait before becoming approved? Was it the full 6 months that I've heard about from Horizon?

What Dr. did you use?

I just started. I called Dr. Goldstein's office and went to their seminar. I was pretty set on him too but then I read some blogs and people were complaining about his office getting back to you and his availablity since he's so busy so my mom called his office for an appointment and they said they would get back to me that afternoon - that was 3 weeks ago. So I called Dr. Kipnis and after interviewing other Drs. I went to see Dr. Kipnis and was totally blown away at the difference in interviews. I walked out of there with my mom and we both had huge smiles and I felt really comfortable. I have a bad back and am possibly looking at surgery but he said I should try and hold off since we both think the weight issue will help my back. I need to lose about 150-170 lbs. He never gave me a number but that's my goal - right now I'm at 410 and I'm 6'4" and I'd like to be around 240. Someone also said that they have Horizon and they don't budge from that 6 month rule -so I guess I'm stuck.

I have Horizon also - I don't know where you are or who you saw but I saw Dr. Kipnis and he's part of a group of Drs. who require to join Ait Smart or New Beginnings at Virtua. I tdoes cost $1700 but it goes to the program and can be paid out over a year. I never heard of anyone discussing a surgical assistant. The New Beginnings program has a nutritionist and support groups etc. and Horizon requires you to be part of a medically provided weight loss group for 6 months before they will approve the surgery. Dr. Kipnis is in the cherry Hill area. If you are around there call the office and they will inform you of a seminar discussing all of this and the Drs. involved. I checked out Dr. Kipnis and Dr. Ing. Did not like Dr. Ing at all and really liked Dr. Kipnis. Good luck!

I went to see Dr. Kipnis (Cherry Hill) yesterday and was soooo happy I made that choice. When I had gone to see Dr. Ing I was very disillusioned - his whole manner put me off - giving me numbers to mett, trying to talk me into gastric because of the amount I need to lose and not giving my mom a chance to ask question until he was ready. Dr. Kipnis was the total opposite. After every piece of information he asked if we had questions. He said he never give anyone a number they need to lose before or after surgery. He just tells you that losing weight before surgery makes it easier. And finally - when I told him I wanted the lap band and he asked why I explained my reasons and he said that being 22 I have time to lose the weight slowly if that's how it goes and he thought I had made a good decision. SOOO happy - now I have to join new beginnings and go for 6 months (my insurance requires it). I'm looking at surgery in January or beginning of Februaru 2009. Feels like a long time but I am told I have alot to do and alot to learn so hopefully those things will help make it feel a little less - and besides I now know there's an end in sight after all my talk over the pst 2 years.

Why did Aetna refuse your surgery?

Do you by any chance have Horizon BC/BS? That's what I have and I too have been told they require 6 months of a program before surgery - and, depending on your BMI - 2 years proof of a weight loss program. The weight watchers may count - I'm just getting into it myself and I'm worried about the 6 months since I have back problems and am possibly facing back surgery unless I can get the weight loss surgery faster and hope that the loss takes care of the back problems. Anyone out there have any dealings with Horizon and any suggestions on moving them faster than the 6 month "rule"?

Thannk you for your reply - very interesting and informational. I now understand the malabsorption thing and completely believe the LB is right for me. I see my Dr. today to discuss - so it was perfect timing. Thanks, again. AJ

What does the malabsorption have to do with your emotional situation? I have Tourettes and OCD, ADD etc. Any info would help. Thanks

New to this too - I was told I should be 170 - I'm 410. I think that's way too low for me - I'm a big guy 6'4". The Dr. I went to see about lap band told me that he didn't see much success with people who needed to lose 100 lbs or better so I should have gastric bypass. Anyone else find that kind of advice even though you chose lapband?