I have been contemplating Lap-Band,HELP!

[EricaCheramie 1]

A Little Bit About Me:

Hi,I'm 24 years old,5'2" and 245 lbs. My BMI is 45. I'm a student and I work 2 days a week in an E.R. as a tech with great ambitions to become a physician. However, if my weight continues to increase I don't see much of a future for myseld. I have been overweight my ENTIRE life,but I seem to "carry it well" as everyone says. I have dieted and exercised off and on to no avail. Lose ten,gain twenty. It's an ongoing cycle. I have hypoglycemia because of my weight and lower back pain constantly. Also, I'm just not comfortable,period.

I have been contemplating the Lap-Band surgery for approximately six months now. My concern is I have no insurance. With that being said, I don't even know where to begin to start my journey for my surgery.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Come All! :smile2:

Thanks in advance- Erica

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

I have been contemplating the Lap-Band® surgery for approximately six months now. My concern is I have no insurance. With that being said, I don't even know where to begin to start my journey for my surgery.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Come All! :smile2:

Thanks in advance- Erica

Hi! Our statistics are different but the story is the same. I am 5'9 and if i had a nickle for every time someone told me I carried my weight well I would be very rich! Since I carry it below the waist its easy to conceal in flowing skirts! But the fact is I am well over 100 lbs overweight!

That said.... my insurance (Aetna)wont cover the lap band. I went to the internet and looked at all my options including traveling to Mexico. In the end I settled on Dr Aquila in Tampa who is offering the procedure (all inclusive) for 5k to be paid at the time of surgery and $200 per month for 24 months interest free...no financing.

I am to be banded on December 9th and I couldnt be more ready for this to happen. I have gained and lost the same 100 libs for 20 years.... and this time its going to be for good!

Look around.... talk to several physcians.... there will be a solution out there!

[annieM 2]

Welcome!

I was self-pay also. I looked into local surgery groups and found one that met my needs, it cost less too because they used a surgery center instead of a hospital. Mexico is also an option for self-pay (where do you live?). Make sure that a local center will take you for aftercare and fills for a reasonable price though. Some docs are beginning to really charge high prices for transfer fees and fill fees for folks from Mexico.

It's terrific that you have the goal to be a doctor yourself! My DD is premed and it's a tough course, best to be in top shape to go through it. You'll be an inspiration to your overweight patients with your success story!

Good luck!

[EricaCheramie 1]

Thanks so much for replying. I live in Kenner,LA. I've wanted to become a physician. I'm not sure what type just yet. I love emergency medicine, but I also love the setting of an office. Anyway- So I should just look locally? Are there any places that offer an "all inclusive package" so to speak? (i.e. pre-op,post-op,fills)

[EricaCheramie 1]

Firstly, thanks for replying. I always get told No! you don' weigh that much..and I always respond yes I do watch and I show them.So, 5k up front? How much total? Sorry your wording was just a tad bit confusing.