MsHart39 0 Posted August 25, 2009 (edited) hello to all, I have an interesting story, I hope I will not bore you. I went to the lapband seminar in early July. I was told at that time there were 3 types of surgeries offered by the practice. The lapband, sleeve and bypass, also that only very few insurances covered the sleeve, but mine was one of them. So, with saying that, I knew I did not want the bypass, but was interested in the band and the sleeve. So, when I had my phsych eval 7/22 , I asked about more info one the sleeve, and one of the office workers informed me that the physicians perform the surgery but the hospital has not okayed the sleeve as of yet. They are in negoitiations, and would take a few months to finalize. So, with that information I have decided to go forward with the lapband. well, yesterday, I went for my pre-op physical with my surgeon and nurse and basicly found out that I was mis- informed by the staff, the surgeons were waiting on the hospitalto set a price on the self pay patients for the sleeve. He told me I am still able to have the sleeve procedure done on the same day as scheduled, but will have to spend the night. I am somewhat disturbed but at the same time happy to know I have the option with out rescheduling .. OH, by the way, my surgery is on Tuesday 9/1/09.... and I have to inform the WLS by tomorrow of my decision. I am so happy I mentioned what I was told. I liked the fact there was an in between option, I am not crazy about the fills and having a foregin object left inside me... so, I am pretty sure of my decision, I am 90% there....:wink0: So, now I have moved on from the lapbandtalk.com to here... but there is sooo much information on that site as well as this one. Edited August 26, 2009 by ms_Hart38 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DownInSocal 12 Posted August 25, 2009 Welcome!! I was going to get the band but I also was not crazy about he foregin object. Once I started reading all the complications I knew it was not for me. I searched long and hard on the net for complications storries of the sleeve. They are there but near as many. It might just be less have been done than the band but I believe it also just does not have as many daily life problems as the band. I also wanted a permanent solution. They say the band is permanent but it only has a life of 10 years so that is not very permanent is it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oregondaisy 2,021 Posted August 25, 2009 the band worked great for me for about a year. Weight loss was very slow and I kept having to go back to get more fills. When I finally felt like I had the fill right, I started throwing up in my sleep. If I were you, I would read all the complications on the lap band board. There is a section and a section on life without the band. People like me have paid a lot of money out of pocket for the band, only to have to pay again to get the sleeve. Life with the sleeve is so much easier. There is nothing to worry about like the band ruining your stomach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feffers 0 Posted August 25, 2009 Hi and Welcome That's awesome that you don't have to reschedule! I also started with researching the lapband... On lapbandtalk I think I got to page 50 of 75+ pages in the Complications subforum before I just stopped reading... I wanted to read the bad stuff, not just the omgsquee-i-lost-all-the-weight posts. I also didn't like the way people on LBT were quick to jump on others that said their bands gave them problems... they made it seem like it was always "your fault" and couldn't possibly be their beloved bands. :001_wub: I've read way too much to believe that's the case for all the problems. Well grats and goodluck! I look forward to reading more about your journey! Hopefully my own surgery won't be far behind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travelchick 5 Posted August 25, 2009 Hey, Ms. Hart38, This could be crucial information -- 9/1/09 is next TUESDAY, not Monday! I know because my sleeve surgery is scheduled for Monday, August 31. Whatever you decide on, I hope it goes well. travelchick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsHart39 0 Posted August 25, 2009 Hey, Ms. Hart38, This could be crucial information -- 9/1/09 is next TUESDAY, not Monday! I know because my sleeve surgery is scheduled for Monday, August 31. Whatever you decide on, I hope it goes well. travelchick you are sooo right I keep saying that... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsHart39 0 Posted August 25, 2009 ok, now I am back... I just read a thread from a member here that did not get approved for her sleeve, today. and she has BCBS fed of OH, I have BCBS fed of VA, Now, I am nervous... due to the fact the office has to call back for approval ... I was approved for the lapband, but this may be a no! , ( and yes my surgeon is very sure of the apporval)... but you never know... am going to sleep now to go to work later. I did look up the CPT code for my insurance carrier and found it, with approval... i am a worrier.. so untill the office calls with the info, this will be on my mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly65 0 Posted August 26, 2009 Go with the sleeve if you can. I have heard to many horror stories regarding the Lap Band. I am self pay and I went to Mexico to have it done. I am feeling great 1 week post-op and looking forward to my weight loss success. Kelly65 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MacMadame 81 Posted August 26, 2009 I'm confused. I thought there was BCBS of XX (state) and BCBS Fed. I don't think Fed can be Fed of XX state. Fed approves it, states vary. BCBS of CA (which was recently renamed to Anthem BC just to make it more confusing) absolute does not approve them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyates 1 Posted August 26, 2009 I researched for a very long time (years) and had pretty much decided on the band when I found information on the sleeve popping up. I know I am not very good with maintenance (like oil changes, haircuts, etc..) so I figured fills would be a pain. Once I started reading about all of the people switching from the band to the sleeve and how much happier they were, I knew the sleeve would be best for me. I was sleeved 6/13/09 and have lost 45 lbs. so far. The only issue I had was some heartburn the first few weeks and some nausea now and then (usually if I eat that extra bite). I will go back for my 3 month check up next month - but so far so good! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsHart39 0 Posted August 26, 2009 I'm confused. I thought there was BCBS of XX (state) and BCBS Fed. I don't think Fed can be Fed of XX state. Fed approves it, states vary. BCBS of CA (which was recently renamed to Anthem BC just to make it more confusing) absolute does not approve them. hello, now that you say that, Fed vs's State.. I hope you are right Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
