Lady Lap Band

I'm trying to get someone to cover for me so I can be there on the 27th of January!

Hey Lynn! Welcome! I just started this month. I went to my seminar last Monday and has my consult this past thursday! You are going to find this website very helpful!

hahaha i hear you! I am the same way! Mind over matter girl mind over matter!

Go figure my power went out again this morning! I live 2 minutes from Dracut in Tyngsboro. I am going to Lahey Clinic...Dr. Lelan SIllin. Hope you get your power soon!

I called Aetna, I also have POS and they said that they do indeed cover lap band up to 90%. My husband told me that in January we are switching to a better Aetna plan, I don't remember what it is but I would assume that would only work out better for me. Other than that I have only read what Aetna says online about their obesity surgery. My doctors have shown no concerns about me getting approved by them. I have a BMI of 41.6 and currently the only co-morbitity I have, if they even consider it one is heartburn. It's nice to know of another person who also did the 3 months. I didn't understand that at first until my Dr. explained it, I thought I was going to have to do the 6 months with my PCP. Do you think I should get documentation from any/all of the gyms I have ever been members of? I have done weight watchers 2 times.....I dont have the book from the first time but I can get documentation of the 2nd time, do you think i should get that as well for Aetna? I have to go to the Pulmonologist on 1/30 for a sleep consult I am trying to get an earlier appt is possbile. In about 4 weeks I am also getting a EKG and meeting with the nutrionist again. My hospital had a mandatory 4 class pre surgical life skills group I have to do...my are every monday in february. I also have to loose 10-15lbs before surgery. Onace I have lost half that weight....been to half the classes, and have of my pre op testing has been done I can schedule a surgery date. I am excited! Anything imparticular you suggest I send tot he Aetna?

Hi there, Seeing you have Aetna and were approved and I also have Aetna I was hoping I could ask you a few questions.... I have a BMI of 41.6 so I am all set when it comes to that.... I am doing the 3 month surgical preparatory regimen that Aetna required. Were there any special documents that you submitted. Also, how long before you got an answer from them? Thank you!

Oh boy what a storm! I got my power back late last night...my mother in law in Nashua is still out though. What about you, did you loose it?

:tongue2: Thank you so much for the warm welcome!!!

Hey Everyone! My name is Breanne and I am a Christian as well. I have just begun my lap band journey and am perhaps looking at a Spring Surgery! :tongue2:

You should go to one of the seminars, there is usually a Q&A section. You should ask every single question you have!

Hey Kathy! That is awesome, thank you very much!

Thanks Jodi! That was very helpful!

My policy covers up to 90% which I think is the most they will cover for anyone

I have Aetna and you first must meet the following: Body mass index exceeding 40; or BMI* greater than 35 in conjunction with any of the following severe co-morbidities: Coronary heart disease; or Type 2 diabetes mellitus; or Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea (i.e., patient meets the criteria for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea set forth in Aetna CPB 004 - Obstructive Sleep Apnea); or Medically refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic despite optimal medical management); Member has completed growth (18 years of age or documentation of completion of bone growth); and Member has attempted weight loss in the past without successful long-term weight reduction You also must meet one of the following 2 criterias: Physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program: Member has participated in physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program (including dietician consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification), documented in the medical record at each visit. Multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen: Proximate to the time of surgery, member must participate in organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen of at least three months duration meeting all of the following criteria, in order to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the potential for surgical complications, and establish the member's ability to comply with post-operative medical care and dietary restrictions. Originally I thoguht I was goign to have to do the 6 months you are talking about. When I went for my consult the program director said that I would could do number 2 because my hospital has a multidisciplinary surgical program. So after all my test and classes they require it will be about 3 months and I hope that Aetna will be happy. Here is the direct link I got from Aetna's website that goes into further detail... Obesity Surgery Also, did you call Aetna to make sure you are covered on your plan? For my plan I am covered up to 90% of all costs. I am pretty sure that is the most Aetna covers.

Read the top post in the Fills Forum....I just read it can take up to 4 days to feel the difference

You know, you are right. If you are not willing to make a life change and eat different food. The lap band will not help you much. It will just keep you from gaining as much weight has you would without it. Even if you had bypass...you can still eat the wrong things and not loose as much weight and you can gain weight with by pass to, i watched a relative do it.

This is how my Doctor explained it.... Its like a tri pod effect. All of us have been on diets forever, we do the regular diet and exercise which statistics show most people loose about 15-20 pounds which later returns. He said diet and exercise are crucial to the success of the band, but without all 3 components, the tripod will fall over. When I went to my seminar one woman said, "You said that if we get the Lap Band removed, that all of our weight will be gained back" and she asked why. He then said that is because the band is actually doing something. When I went for my consult they explained what the band actually does. It creates a very small stomach which in turn can only hold a small amount of food. The band itself is inflated with saline to create the passage way for the food to leave your small pouch pretty narrow which makes the food stay in your stomach longer creating a sense of fullness longer. Which makes you less apt to eat more. No I am just a beginer here so if someone else can add to what i said or can clafiy anything feel free!

Hey I Live in Tyngsboro and work in Lowell I have just begun and am looking at a surgery date sometimes in the Spring. I love to chit chat send me a message if you ever need to talk!

Hey JoJo! I am from MA also. I have just started my journey but it looks like my surgery will be sometime in the spring. I know it was a while ago you posted this..how is the process going for you?

I know I want to go so badly but I work nights! My schedule will be changing soon so hopeflly I can make it to the one in January! :laugh:

Oh and I just found out that I will have a new Doctor at Lahey Clinic seeing he will have the most availability..... Dr. Lelan Sillin

Hey! My name is Breanne! I will be having my surgery at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA sometime in the near future! I'm 5ft 5in and and currently 250. I have been accepted as a patient and have begun my journey to being banded!

Wanted to know if anyone else was told they would have to /should do this once they have the surgery.... No drinking 30 minutes prior to eating, during eating, or 1 hour after eating.... They said if you do, it liquifies the food more quickly and it leaves your stomach faster causes you to become hungry sooner.

I had my consult yesterday and the Nurse Practitionar sad that this surgery is very similar to surgery on you gall bladder.She said that if you dont want anyone to know, then tell them ou are having abdominal surgury and if they persist, you could tell them gall bladder if you want. It's really no ones business unles you want it to be....I am not telling anyone because i can just hear the negative remarks now..:wink2:

Just came back from my seminar in Burlington MA at Lahey Clinic with Dr. Nepomnayshy! It was fantastic and incredibly informative. Only thing that was a bit discouraging to me is that they list Aetna (my insurance) as one that may be difficult to get coverage from. However, I called Aetna and they did tell me that my plan says that they would cover up to 90% so long as I meet their requirments. Deep breath lol I'm also discouraged because my loved ones are not all that supportive. I have decided to only tell my parents and husband. None of them object, but no one is enthusiastic for me either and it's rather depressing. I'm so unhappy at the weight I am, all I want to do is to be happy, I thought that they would want that too, but no one seems to. :wink_smile: Anyone else have any similar situations? I could really use some encouragement. Thanks! Breanne Seminar 12/8/08