any one in utah want to talk

[FinallyFree 1]

PT, my insurance is Great West, I'm a Wyoming state employee.

I would like to suggest calling your insurance and asking them what the requirements are for lap band surgery. I called and they were most helpful. They are required to provide you with the information, and are not judgemental.

The requirements are: A BMI above 36, there had to be a minimum of 4 co-morbidities, a 6 mo. physician supervised wgt loss plan, and proof of being over wgt for 5 years or more.

I attended a seminar in Oct. 06, chose a dr., and started the supervised dr. appts. I started out at 116 lbs, but jumped up to 225 over the holidays, got myself in check in Jan. 07 and lost 22 lbs on my own before having surgery June 07.

This board has provided me with the best support. I find something each day to help me with questions, suggestions, etc.

Which insurance company do you use?

Lynne (Finally Free)

[PTinUtah 0]

mind if I ask why you chose Dr Simper?

[FinallyFree 1]

HI PT. I attended a seminar and found out Dr. Simper, Dr. Smith and Dr. McKinley belong to the Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians.

This is an exclusive group of surgeons; one has to be "invited" to become a member and the invite only goes out when one of the members retires. The association is over 25 years old and highly reputable.

Dr. Simper was the surgeon who performed gastric by pass on a friend of mine who recommended him.

I found him to be very professional, he'll take the time to explain everything you want to know about the proceedure, referr you to additional support groups, and his staff, especially Betty and Paula (insurance) are very friendly and proficient at helping you get your claim through.

The environment when you walk into the office is low keyed and friendly.

Have you made an appt. to attend a seminar yet?

Finally Free

[PTinUtah 0]

Hi Finallyfree, I went to my seminar last nite (jan 22) Ive been doing alot of research so I already knew everything they were saying. I got my papers and am trying to fill them out right now. I think this is going to be the toughest part lol. I read on one of your posts that you had to pay $175 that you werent expecting. Did you use their psychologist? I sortof expected to be told how much out of pocket I would have to pay. But I guess it doesnt really matter....

[FinallyFree 1]

PT, I don't know how the physc. eval. works with the Rocky Mt. assoc. phys. as I told you in my pm to you. Checking with them before you go would probably be a good idea!

FinallyFree

[jencys 2]

Then can refer you to a psychologist for the eval, most insurances won't pay for it. Luckily I've been seeing one for the past couple of years and she's completely behind my decision, so she sent it right over

[FinallyFree 1]

HI Jencys! Do you have a surgery date scheduled yet?

FF

[Shrinkage 0]

Howdy all. I was banded on 10/1/07 in the Chicago area. I was recently relocated to the Salt Lake City area (Bountiful) for my job, and I was wondering how to find a good Lap-Band surgeon here. I wasn't moving very quickly to find out, but I had a pretty bad PB last night, and it occurred to me that if something bad happens, I have no one to turn to in my new city. Can anyone please share any recommendations? Thanks a lot.

[momlambert 77]

Howdy all. I was banded on 10/1/07 in the Chicago area. I was recently relocated to the Salt Lake City area (Bountiful) for my job, and I was wondering how to find a good Lap-Band surgeon here. I wasn't moving very quickly to find out, but I had a pretty bad PB last night, and it occurred to me that if something bad happens, I have no one to turn to in my new city. Can anyone please share any recommendations? Thanks a lot.

Welcome to Utah, Shrinkage! I (and others on this thread) use Drs. Hansen and Aldredge at South Valley Surgical in Sandy. There may be someone closer to you but I drive from Midway (Heber area) to see them and think they are wonderful. They have support groups twice a month and the nurses who do the fills are great--they all have bands themselves. I know they take patients who have moved here from other states so you might want to give them a try. Their number is 801-571-9511. Good luck!

[Shrinkage 0]

Thanks for the info and for the quick reply, momlambert. Much appreciated! :smile:

[jencys 2]

Hi FF I don't have a surgery date, I just started the process. I am using Dr McKinley through Rocky Mountain Physicians group at St Marks. My consult is on the 21st and I'm hoping the surgery is not too much longer after that.

[FinallyFree 1]

Jencys, :eek::party:

Let me know how it goes.

Shrinkage, Here's the phone number for Rocky Mtn. Assoc. Physicicans

801-268-3800 @ St. Mark's Hospital in SLC

[jencys 2]

Thanks FF... surgery consult is on the 21st and I'm hoping the surgery is done relatively soon after that date :thumbdown:

[slcmommy4 0]

It's final. My consult is tomorrow and the surgery is next week. I've decided to go with Dr. Hansen and Dr. Alldredge in Sandy. My husband and step-mother had the lap band done with them, and they have had a great experience with them. I could have done it down here in St. George but they are charging $4000 more and don't have the same follow up care. I just really like how informative and thorough these doctors are. I am nervous though. I have a 35 BMI(barely) and I just have this fear that I won't be able to lose. My husband hasn't lost like he thought. He does cheat though, he doesn't exercize, he drinks soda, and drinks a lot of Water with his meals. Sometimes I don't get why he did it if he's just going to sabotage it. I pray that I don't do it. All I've ever wanted is to be able to feel full on very little food, so it feels like an answer to my prayers. I hope all goes well tomorrow. Also, I would love to see some before and afters of banders. And I would also like to know of anyone who also had low BMI, how much lost, how long it took etc.

1 week before surgery 210/210/130

[Angeleyes 1]

I may be one you won't want to hear from but I had a BMI of 35, lost 40 pounds and still have 20 pounds to lose. My Doctor tells me that most people don't lose under a BMI of 29. He tells me on the books I am a success. ( I don't feel like it) I am over 60 so that may have something to do with it. I also recently found out my thyroid isn't working properly. I have stayed at the same weight for over a year. Good Luck with your surgery.