perlgrrl

I first started researching the lap band back in 2000, it was still pretty new, and not covered by my insurance at that time. There was a doctor in Atlanta that could have done it and it would be self pay. That wasn't an option for me at the time. In 2002 I saw another  Doctor here in Augusta, about the bypass, I was going to have it but then found out I was pregnant with my daughter. Nine months after she was born in 2004 I went back to that same doctor and I was approved for the bypass but then my husband changed jobs and insurance so I didn't get to get it. In Feb. 2006 I went to Altanta and the doctor there said he would not do the lap band only the bypass. I saw him 1 time and then they called and said they could schedule me for it in May 2006. I never could get a good feeling about having this surgery. After much praying I decided not to have it. Then one day in March 2007, I got one of those coupon things in the mail and in it was a thing about the lap band and Dr. Blaney's office. I called my insurance and she said i'm sorry the lap band isn't covered and I said why not, and she said wait a minute, just this month we've started covering the lap band if your morbidly obese. I called to make an appointment in April and they had an opening in May. I went to the information seminar and then In May I met Dr. Blaney for my first appointment and started the process of getting approved. I decided to have the lap band. When I met Dr. Blaney I had a good feeling and knew this is who I wanted to do my surgery. I had my EGD in July. My insurance denied me 2 times. Finally I took pictures of all my medical problems in Oct. 2007, especially the ulcers on my legs, I asked my primary care to fix some errors on my medical necessity letter, I got a letter from the lady at the wound care center, and I sent it all to the insurance company overnight mail. On November 12, 2007 my phone rang and it was Lou at Dr. Blaney's office telling me I had been approved. I was so happy and excited. The week before my surgery, I went and had an ekg done, blood taken, a chest x-ray, etc. On December 17, 2007 I was scheduled to have my lap band surgery at 11:30am. I got there early in the morning, everyone was so nice. I had never really got to the nervous point. When I did start to feel nervous, Dr. Ruffin the pastor from my church, stopped by right before they were going to take me to have surgery and he prayed with me. I felt fine after that, Next thing I know I was waking up in my room and I could feel this tightness around my stomach. The nurses were great at Trinity. Because of my ulcers I was in a bed that kept circulating my legs. The next morning I went and had this barium test done checking my band and had to swallow that chalky stuff. By 3pm I was going home. I had my first fill in January of 2008. I went in April 29th, 2008 and have lost 60lbs so far. I'm glad Dr. Blaney did all the tests he did. I think  back to if I had surgery with that other doctor and me seeing him one time and then wanting me to come in and have surgery without running any tests on me. I'm glad Dr. Blaney did mine. He's a great doctor and very confident in his work! P.S. I'm currently trying to get revised from the lap band to the sleeve, and can't wait to finish this journey to a healthier me! ;)