RobinLB

I'm 57, single, self-employed (inventor of Cold Sores Begone and Canker Sores Begone), starting gaining weight at the age of 7. Have been fat all my life, although have dieted off and on during that time.  Generally, the most successful diets never went beyond 30 lbs lost, even on phen-fen after I lost 20 lbs.  A few  years ago, went to an obesity specialist  who used a variety of medication coupled with anti-depressants.   One combination worked well, but plateaued, unable to move beyond that point.  The other meds he offered either weren't successful or the side effects were intolerable. In the end, he suggested obesity surgery, and I knew my time with this doctor was over.  That was what I was unwilling to do.
Thank goodness, I've been healthy all my life, had my blood pressure taken today, 120/60.  My blood sugar is slightly high.  Main health problem involves tendonitis in various parts of the body, most of it resolved in one way or another, but it recurs. Along with the aging process, the weight must be playing havoc on my skeletal system, tendons, ligaments.
I am at the very beginning of the process, meaning received an authorization from my endocrinologist to consult with Dr. LePort's office in Fountain Valley.  It's taken me years to accept that I require obesity surgery to lose weight, but only lapband.  That's what the obstacle may be, that my Anthem Blue Cross HMO coverage will consider it experimental.  I'm taking one day at a time, but it's in the back of my mind if my concern is realized, it will have to wait until I can afford to pay for full cost out of pocket, going to Mexico. Would have fills locally, and glad to know that Dr. LaPort's office would do the fills.  Anything you can tell me about your experience with Anthem Blue Cross HMO and/or  Dr. LePort any other doctors in his practice, cautionary tales, suggestions, recommendations, suggestions for one doctor over another (and why), tips how to get thru the process easier or overcome obstacles which may occur, whatever - I'm all ears.