Pete53

Is there a meeting room or a secret password :-)

I am a 100% Service Connected Veteran and would like to know if anyone has experience or knowledge if Dallas VAMC will do my Lap Band. I know that the Doctors at Southwestern Medical School have to practice on somebody?

Gayle: How do you like Dr Maese he is my Doc for fills and Stress Test? Pete

Randi: Not much surprises me any more. I have become a cynic in my old age. I find also that the research I am doing now is exciting and I think that when I get banded I will be better able to do my part. Anyway my job is to make the appointments and get ready. I would like to drop to 190 but in all reality I would be a success if I got to 220. Which reminds me to ask. How do you select your goal?

Thanks and I am sorry if I did not explain better. It is more of a note to self to not risk not following the Docs orders as opposed to saying that you did something wrong. I have been a rule breaker my entire life so I really need to make a mental note not to behave in my usual manner. I gave up judging other people years ago. I support all who are on this Board as I think it helps to know that we are not alone.

My wife is telling everyone in family and friends and I still have to get surgery scheduled. So far I have had the consult on August 22nd, an appointment on Sep 7th for stress test for clearance and a scope for Sep 13th. I feel like a lot of stuff has to happen before the surgery and I am worried about pre-opt diet.

After two years you should know if it works for you or not. I am preparing to be banded and I think I understand that it does not work for everyone. My hope is that if I follow the instructions to the letter and work hard I have a chance. I have no chance at all if I don't lose some weight. I would like to know what PB means as I see references to it all the time. Good luck for those who are throwing in the towel. Knowing that I may not be able to do it makes me more dedicated to obeying orders.

Randi: Figures my Doc told me that it had to be Methodist and the Insurance is a Medicare HMO so I guess they have to play by Medicare rules. He told me that Doctors a Tenet Hospital is close to certification. From info posted earlier in this thread you would think that Insurance would love Lap Band as VA says that it saves a lot of money.

We got about 1/2 an inch and temp is only 79. I consider it a blessing and our electric bill has been close to the mortgage payment.

Buy the scale or wait till you see your Doc. I plan to use a scale to check progress buy will use Doc's scale for offical.

Randi: Thanks but according to my Doc Methodist in Dallas is certified and it is not on the list. I am not going to worry about it got to many other things. I appreciate all the research that you do.

Thanks for the pics. It was my impression that in Mexico many of the Docs were using newer stuff not approved yet by FDA that was better. Its the same for laser surgery as Mexican Docs are not limited to US and often use European Equipment and techniques. Although Lap Band is new to me my experience in Mexico is that the Doctors are more sensitive to patients and most of the facilities are clean and first rate. However, its still sort of a crap shoot to determine what is best. I had my Consult August 22nd and am shooting for my procedure in 30 to 60 days. Still a lot of work to do and I find this Board a big help. :typing:

Randi: Thank you so much. Its wise to make sure all the bases are covered. My Doc says that I will get the Surgery at a Center for Excellance; whatever that means? I am going to request copies of his progress notes and his letter to Insurance. Pete

Randi: Not yet but working on it. Next week I plan to visit Fee Service to see what they say about paying my co-pay as it looks like my Secure Horizons Medicare HMO is going to OK the surgery. The Doc was supposed to write the letter today and I have a scope scheduled for Sept 13th and waiting for an appointment to get cardiologist to approve me for surgery. My experience at VA is it takes for ever to get approval so if my Insurance OKs I am going for it even if I have to pay the copays myself. Anyway, thanks for asking. I wish good fortune for all who are dealing with Tri-Care or the VA.

I figure its more for their Insurance than anything else. Just another small detour but will make you even more committed in my opinion. The harder it is to get something the more we treasure it.

I have to be cleared by a cardiologist also. Good luck to you. I am also diabetic and although my Doc says I should pass they are going to play safe. Hopefully you will get the Green Light. Its always something but things work out.

I love diet cokes but I am not going to drink one till my Doc says I can.

I just joined also. I met with my surgeon today and I am very happy. I found him on Internet so I was nervous. I did not attend a group meeting. I am calling a cardiologist tomorrow to schedule a visit and stress test to be cleared for surgery. Also have a scope set for Sep 15th. Doc said it would take 30 to 60 days for surgery to be approved and scheduled. I hope it continues to work like this. I want to be a turtle and lose on low end. However, I have decided to follow instructions and do exactly what I am told. The Doc said he would probably use a small lap band or medium at most. I have no clue what that means. Anyway good luck and this forum looks like an answer to my prayers.

I saw Dr Wade Barker today and to be frank I was very impressed. I had to wait over an hour but he answered all my questions and did not rush me. He told me that I was the patient that lap band was designed for and that he would write my insurance letter today and will probably have surgery in 30 to 60 days. In the meantime I have to have a test done that scopes my stomach and see a cardiologist to be cleared. I was anxious but feel much better. I asked him how many he has done and he told me 300 this year. Anyway, I will continue to research and prepare. I have decided that I will walk 30 minutes every day till the surgery. Hopefully I will be in better shape. I was surprised that he will do the surgery at Methodist with an outside chance he will have Doctors Hospital approved by Insurance by time of surgery.

The VA has a program that allows people with TriCare who are under 65 to use the VA with no copays. I forget what they call it. You can call your local VA and see if they participate. Be advised that VA is not always a good optioon as there can be long delays but many Veterans feel that they get good care and the meds are pretty good.

Sass: Congrats, I am very happy for you. Best of luck. Pete

Randi: Thank you very much, that was quite a find :-) I intend to make an appointment with my gatekeeper Doc and provide copies for her to help me. I hope that you get someone at your VA who will help. I will keep you advised on my progress. What a great Board. Pete

Sass: Thanks for your reply. I lived in Monterrey in 1962. Lovely town and the Docs are pretty good also. Wish you the best on your surgery.

How much does it cost in Mexico?

I have Secure Horizons Medicare HMO in Dallas TX and my first appointment is next tuesday. I guess I will find out. It was hell finding someone who would accept Secure Horizons in first place. I am 6 ft and weigh 302 BMI is 41 using a calculator and I have many of the Medical issues that are supposed to be helped. My wife is a dietician and she gave up trying to help me with diet. I actually need to lose some weight so that I can exercise.