barbara465

I'm sure there is a group closer to you. Most of that information can be found in Yahoo Groups, Health and Fitness, Houston Bandsters. Look at prior posts in this forum for exact address. Support groups seem to be all over the city.

I am with UHC PPO. I called and they said I was covered. However, I noticed that the consultation fee for Dr.Spiegel is being held for more information. It has now been 3 weeks and no letter or payment processing. I think they are just dragging their feet because my policy does cover it. I think for me its time to be more aggressive.

The most important person in all of this is you. You must take care of yourself first. Once you take care of you, then the rest becomes easier. We can still be fat and have self esteem. That is, we can believe we are worthy individuals no matter what we look like. Your husband's problem is his problem. Don't make it yours. Fat or thin, you will still be the same person. That is why so many of us fail at losing weight. We are still the same so we can't adjust to the "skinny" us and still feel that we are unworthy. Only you can answer whether you are in this relationship for the long haul. You are in control of your own self - not your husband. Good luck to you with whatever decision (s) you make.

Gosh I must be missing something. Where are the threads about sex? I've seen from time to time someone asking an honest question about sex and the band. I think that is legimate and I was curious about that as well. Don't want to give everything up! I think most can decide whether they want to read a thread or not. For instance, I know when I go into the American Idol thread I'm not going to read about the band. If you get started on this then we won't have someone sharing their surgery photos with us. I personally was so intrigued by that thread and the person posting warned upfront that the photos were graphic. I vote for self censorship.

I just did a search and the first site that came up was this one. The link took me to the home page, and not my individual posts. The other two hits from the initial search were not me. Umm, I think I'm in disguise without even trying!

Glad you made your own decisions and was not deterred by this man. It would have been better to say you needed surgery and leave it at that. They (men) would have assumed it was female related and not said anymore.:confused: Remember, you could not eat anything all day and the minute you put something in your mouth, someone is looking saying or thinking, "there she goes again, eating." There is so much prejudice in the world, and this is just another example. Don't stress, get the surgery, and get on with your life. The best way to get even with others that have "wronged" us is for us to be happy. Get's them everytime!

Melissa Lea, My Doctor is Felix Spiegel. He's doesn't have a good patient reputation, but is the best surgeon. I am going for the surgeon and get my support elsewhere. :confused: My GP agrees. I am getting exicited. See ya on April 6

I will be there. I am anxious to meet others that are on the same journey that I will join in June. I am so looking forward to being banded.

My husband and I would love to attend and meet everyone. I will be preband since I've decided to do the cruise first at the end of May. Then pre op early June. I can't wait to meet everyone and get banded!

Dr. Spiegel is on vacation until late April. I think he is in town just a few more days. That is why you can't get in to see him before then. Scream loud now and maybe they will "fit" you in or you will have to see his on call doctor.

YellowRose, Here's a web site that may help. http://www.lapbandhouston.com/physicians.php

You and I are think along the same lines. I also live in Humble. I went to Dr. Spiegel's seminar and consultation, but then heard of the Doctor at Methodist at Willowbrook. I haven't checked him out yet, but I want another opinion. I have also called my GP who is also at Methodist. I'm waiting for her to call with some more names.

Good luck to you. We have the same Doctor. I'm also in Houston. I am waiting until after cruise vacation so I won't get mine until June. Good luck to you and I'll be anxious to track your progress.

I am scheduled for a cruise to Alaska the last week in May. I opted to wait to get banded until that was over. Now I feel like such a wuss. I can't wait to start the program, but was so scared of having problems while away.

I've been told that UHC covers Spiegel as In Network, but not the surgical center. Dr. Spivak is out of network as of last week. So confusing.

That's exactly my situation. Same insurance (UHC). I found a Dr. at Methodist which is better paying, but not as much experience. I am leaning for the experience and will get "caring" from DH.

I never thought Dr. Spiegel was a "caring" doctor. I thought more that his track record was good. That was my driving concern. A caring doctor wasn't going to help me if my band slipped. Or sentiments something like that. My impression of Dr. Spiegel was one of generating revenue and lots of it. I stated that before. Now I am second guessing my decision. I could get it done with another Doctor that uses a facility my insurance covers. My concern is I want less complications after surgery and a surgeon who has done more successfully may be better. Guess now I have to rethink my thinking.

I live in Humble, just off 1960 E. I think there are quite a few of us. I am waiting for my insurance approval and going to Dr. Spiegel. I might find another Doctor if United Health doesn't cover his facility. I see there is a doctor using Methodist at Willowbrook. They are covered by my policy. Hope to meet all of you soon. Company coming tomorrow night or I would be at the Woodland's location for their meeting.

1. Sit down next to guy I overhead saying that all fat people should sit at the back of the bus. HMMM ... I might not wait for this one! 2. Go for a long walk and not worry how to make the return trip. 3. Get on a plane and not worry if I am spilling over to the next seat. 4. Buy clothes that require the blouse to be tucked in and belted.

I live in Humble. Waiting for insurance letter. I am going to Dr. Spiegel. Hubby and I plan on Alaska cruise end of May so might wait until after that to get the band. I have a fear of being gone and having problems. I am getting excited about the band, but know it will be a major life change.

That was the conclusion I came to also. It was a good way to control me when my own self control didn't work.

One pack is plenty, even without a band. Whatever they are made with gives me severe stomach issues if a try to eat more than 1 bag. This is especially true with Pringles, wheat thins, and the Ritz snack.

I guess I haven't gotten to this stage in my exploration. I am waiting for insurance letter. I didn't realize that there was 1-2 weeks pre op liquid diet. Now it makes sense when I see those weights and the day of surgery there is a significant weight loss from the time of appointment. This board is great. I'm scared, but excited.

I also have UHC. I called them and I'm covered. I have been dealing with Dr. Spiegel. I expect that they will want their 20% upfront that the insurance doesn't pay. To expect the patient to pay the difference between what they said they would take for In Network is not right. I hope Dr. Spivak is not aware of this and that his front office has made a mistake. I am surprised at the unusual way these Doctor's view the surgery and the cost. It does make you believe this is a money making machine and we are the machine!

I'm more concerned with how I will feel. At most it will be 8 weeks after surgery. I won't be able to get banded until end of March. It's just the fear of the unknown, but the thought of being 30-40 lbs lighter for the cruise is appealing.