AliciaA122

I’ve been wondering about this myself. There is some good info (and opinions) in the Realize band forum. You may want to check that out. I plan on deferring to my surgeon, when I eventually and hopefully get to that point. But, from what I heard them say at the seminar it’s based on patient opinion… they’ll give you what you ask for. So, I don’t know!

I am just at the beginning of the lap band journey. I have been to a seminar, done some research, and am meeting with a surgeon next week. However, I had my a-ha moment last month. I am only 30 but have a strong family history of pre-menopausal breast cancer so my ob/gyn ordered a mammogram. I had the mammogram and a ‘suspicious mass’ was found in my left breast. I had a spot compression mammogram and an ultrasound and the doctors felt the mass was not cancerous but said I could get a breast MRI just to be certain, for my own peace of mind. When I was scheduling my MRI they asked how tall I was (5’6”) and how much I weighed (about 310.) The scheduler got very quiet. She then said she’d have to check with the MRI techs and get back in touch with me. They determined I should come in and do a dry-run with the machine. I go in to do that, lay on the very uncomfortable table and she starts the machine. I didn’t fit. I got stuck at the butt. I was mortified and so sad. The breast MRI IS a little different from the regular, they put you up on a board that raises you up a few inches, but still… I wouldn’t fit. So, that was my moment when I KNEW I had to do something.

I have an appointment with a surgeon in a week and a half. I have Aetna and have verified that I have the WLS rider. However, I have a question about the co-morbidity requirement. For the past 5+ years my bloodwork has indicated high cholesterol and elevated sugar levels, but I am not on any medication for those conditions. In fact on my last fasting bloodwork my glucose level was 129, which in doing some research appears to be in the diabetic range. My PCP has never recommended anything but diet changes, perhaps because of my age (30.) I also routinely have high blood pressure when I go to the doctor's office. Do you have to have a history of having your co-morbidities treated? Know what I mean? I worry that even though my medical history shows years of weight-related problems none of them have been treated with medication and that could be a problem. A little about me: 30 yo female, 5'6", 310 lbs.

Thank you both so much! I couldn't find the bariatric info on Aetna's site anywhere. :tongue_smilie: I didn't look hard enough I guess. Thanks again!

Hi! I am also thinking of getting banded. I am so new I have yet to even go to a seminar. I am scheduled to attend one in a couple of weeks. I know a couple of people have been banded and had good results... I'm hopeful it's the right option for me.