New, contemplating Lap Band, and have some questions!

[lyndeeboo 68]

Hey Ya'll! I'm brand new here and looking for answers before I dive in too deep, only to not really be a 'match' for lap band. My main two concerns are

A) if my weight issues can be helped by lap band and

:thumbup: If my insurance will cover the procedure.

A little bit about me:

I'm 28 and I've been over weight my entire life. I currently weigh 240 lbs, even though when I look in the mirror I don't see that much weight packed on my body! I *know* how to eat healthy and that I should exercise, but somehow whenever I go to sit down I can't STOP myself from gorging. I always tell myself: Next meal I won't eat as much. Tomorrow I will exercise. problem is, the 'next meal' and 'tomorrow' I long for never seem to come. When I do diet, I can lose about 10 pounds, but can only stick with ANY diet for about 2-3 weeks. After that i fall off the wagon, so to speak. I eat when I'm happy, sad, bored, mad...you name it, food is my comfort.

I don't want to do a procedure if I will have the same results as with any other diet program. i want to do this to change my life and so I can be around to raise my kiddos. I just want to be able to have the energy to be a good Wife and Mom and right now the only time I have energy is when it's shoving food into my mouth

My other concern is insurance. Do insurances typically cover any part of the procedure, or is it all out of pocket? What does a procedure cost?

Thank you in advance for any and all advice!

[lyndeeboo 68]

Nevermind After a quick call to my insurance, the lovely Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, I've been informed they cover nothing relating to obesity or morbid obesity, which includes any and all surgeries.

Bummer. Guess that makes my decision pretty easy. :thumbup:

[Cangel76 1]

My friend has a similar problem. She is going to see a therapist for eating issues. Maybe start there and see if you can get help in rethinking what food means to you in your life and how you can make changes for yourself to be healthier.

[Angera 2]

I have blue cross blue shield also in texas. Mine was covered. It was covered as long as I followed proper guidelines they set forth. 6 month nutritional counseling, and a handful of other things.

You may want to find a doctor and have them contact the insurance for you and inquire using the proper billing code.

I wouldn't throw in the towel so easily.

The band will help you with consuming mass quantities of food when you have proper restriction.You will have to do your part to control what you put into your mouth and your emotional binges.

It's no easy solution, but it's not impossible and it can be done!

Good luck!

[Humming Bird 275]

Something you might consider is self-pay. I have not had insurance for quite a few years now. I financed my lapband surgery. At first the monthly payments were around $100. Now my min. monthly payments are $54. I have been making larger payments and now almost have it paid off. The surgery and the weightloss have been worth it to me. I paid more for my car than I paid for this surgery.

[annieM 2]

I was self pay also and it wasn't so bad. Do also investigate your insurance more though, you might just have talked to someone who didn't know the whole story.

From my perspective, lap-band took off the first 70% and then I took off the rest because that success enabled me to work for it. It's not easy to change your lifestyle but it is so much healthier to live -thin than struggle - fat. The clothes are MUCH cuter too. (and cheaper I've found)

Good luck on your journey,

[melzie_99 22]

Minus the kids part, your story could be my own (lol). I keep telling myself I can't have kids until I lose weight (at this rate, it might be never). From reading all the good (and bad) stories, I really think the surgery might be a helpful tool but will also force people like us to deal with our emotions head on instead of automatically running for food. Please stick with it and stay determined, and know you're not alone!