IcBabies

I've been trying to compare the Lap-Band vs. the Realize band because Dr. Elliott told me it would be up to me which one....any thoughts or opinions?

Hi guys! I was on here tonight and was gonna ask if anyone from the Richmond area was a member and low and behold I found this thread! Yeah! I'm in the 3 month pre insurance approval stage right now. I'm about a month into it. I have Aetna and they require either a 3 month intensive program or 6 month more relaxed program prior to considering approval for the surgery. The surgeon I consulted with is David Elliott at HDH Parham. I really liked him and the staff there were very friendly as well. I'm going to the Center for Integrative Medicine for this 3 month program: ~once a month visit with PCP there ~once a week with a personal trainer and 3 times a week exercise on my own ~twice a month a visit with the dietician there who supervises the NutriPoints diet ~twice a month a visit with a behavioral therapist there Wow...it seems like a lot but I'm making some good changes prior to surgery and learning a lot in the process. Glad to "meet" some people in the area who have used this same surgical group.... (sorry this is so loooonnnnng....)

I'm starting my 3 month pre-approval for AETNA next week and I'm getting excited....albeit nervous and anxious for what changes this brings for mine and my families life. I'm trying to compare the REALIZE band vs. the LAP-BAND and it's hard to get a clear comparison. Any thoughts among the groups on this website? I appreciate your thoughts and help!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself....I had my consultation with Dr. Elliott here in Richmond this week. I was very pleased to find out I do indeed qualify for Lap Banding. I now have to complete the diet requirement my insurance demands then will move on to the next step....trying to get approval from the insurance company. I was offered a 6 month plan of which I will check i with my PCP once a month to log my progress or a more intensive 3 month program which I will check in every 2 weeks but may have to pay out of pocket. I would MUCH rather do the 3 month so I can get this show on the road. We'll see....once I find out the cost of the 3 mo. then I can move ahead! I'm ready for this lifestyle change....Nice to meet you guys! :confused: