Methadone And Lap Band

[Rachel412 116]

Great update Justin, I'm glad that you're moving along with your surgery footwork and with your Methadone treatment!

[mattie7632 24]

Treatment for substance abuse is specifically covered by HIPAA privacy--meaning, if you dont' want this information released to your insurance company, make sure you SPECIFICALLY STATE AND SIGN to your doctors office that this protected health information is NOT to be released to your insurance company. This way, they can only send the medical notes relative to your weight. There is no insurance contract that says the doctor must release this information so don't let any office staff try to tell you that. If your insurance company already has this info by way of a claim, etc, that is another matter, but with my experience they won't even look at those past claims when considering authorization. They just want the paperwork required by your specific plan that is relative to the procedure you are hoping to get authorized.

I am considering getting lap band surgery and I go for my consultation tomorrow. I know only what I have read and watched on the internet (which tends to be the truth severely bent in several different angles) about benefits, risks and special situations. I am nearly 100% sure that I will qualify for the surgery but one very important question remains for me. Not many people have my same situation but I am currently attending a methadone tratement facility on a daily basis and am treated with 80 mgs of liquid methadone for opiate dependency/heroin abuse.

What are the chances that I will get turned down solely because I am currently receiving treatment at a methadone facility.

Does this put me at any additionla risk that you know of?

I do not know what to expect as far as pain and my methadone works as a pain reliever but will block other opiate based meditcations but if it will be painful and I need something for the pain, do you know if they will prescribe more methadone?

Does anyone have any additional knowledge about going through the surgery while being treated for opiate dependency via liquid methadone? I'm a newbie to this but I have researched for about 8 hours now and I have watched about 3 surgery videos of the procedure including the info but there isnt much info out there in relation to this..

What special questions should I ask the doctor? Any suggestions or info is greatly appreciated.

[andrea0121 28]

Justin, I just want to say congrats on weaning off of the methadone. My boyfriend had to do the same thing 2 years ago (he was on an ungodly amount). He went on suboxone therapy after the methadone and is weaning off that now too. He'll be sober on June 30th for 2 years.

I have the utmost respect for people who know their addictions and address them. I lost my brother to addiction and have so much sympathy for people going through the struggle.

Keep up the FANTASTIC work, God bless and keep us posted on your journey please.