Borderline - 38%

[bbarnum1976 0]

I am 38 and started rapidly gaining weight 8 years ago (always been a little curvy though). I've been to several doctors who will only tell me to eat less and exercise more. I am very active and I eat healthy. My problem is Portion Control (and pasta). My BMI is 38% (5'6" and 240lbs). My doctors will not send me to dietician or give me appetite suppressants. I have tried on my own for the past 6 years and have continued to gain weight. All tests come back normal so it is not medical. I really want the lapband surgery. I am at the point where I just don't feel comfortable even clothes shopping with my daughters (3 teen girls) - let alone swimming or going out with friends.

My problem is insurance will not cover it. I have Ahccs (AZ version of medicaid) because my 24,000 a year is under the limit for 4 people. Does anybody have any ideas? My credit is good but I don't know if I should put the burden of another monthly payment on my family...Has anyone financed this with decent but not excellent credit? How horrible were the payments? Also, any recommendations on finding reliable yet reasonable service? For example would a weightloss clinic be more reasonable than just finding a surgeon? Thank you for your help!

[devonmichelle77 10]

True Results..... they have programs! They also will help you get approval. I used care credit.

[KateP 359]

Just one word of caution. (I am a Brit and know nothing of US financial issues!)

Banding is the cheapest surgery initially but has long term, on-going costs. You can probably find a package which includes a certain number if fills but you need to allow for further expense. I paid for my own surgery and now that it is done, our national health service picks up any costs.

I am NOT trying to frighten you out if being banded! I love my band! Just making sure you're aware of possible later costs.

But you may need:

Fills beyond the number in your package.

Defills if the band tightens over the years because of scar tissue.

XRays if you have problems.

Leaks in the tubing or port -these require operations under general anaesthetic.

Slips, can require operation to reposition.

Worst case scenario, removal.

My own package included my fill for a year. My band has not caused me any major problems but if I had had to pay since my package ended, it wouid have cost me maybe £4000 (£ not $). I have had two small unfills, three routine annual barium swallows, an XRay to identify a problem, an operation to repair a leak.

Now none of that cost me anything. But I have a long term online American friend who is appallingly in debt because her band was causing her major problems and her insurance company (even though they initally paid for the band) refused to pay fir its removal as it wasn't an emergency.

Edited May 19, 2015 by KateP

[bbarnum1976 0]

Thank you both for the information. I wasn't aware of all the additional costs. I knew about some of the fills but I'm glad you mentioned the other issues.

I'll check True Results.

[devonmichelle77 10]

Here in the US most fills are done with barium and x-ray.... I'm self pay with true results I only pay $75.00

I'm also in Houston,TX

[KateP 359]

Here in the US most fills are done with barium and x-ray.... I'm self pay with true results I only pay $75.00I'm also in Houston,TX

I can't say this for sure, not being in the U.S., but from reading on various boards, I believe XRay fills are becoming less common in the U.S. as well. Many doctorsfeel that unnecessary radiation, however small a dose, should be avoided, especially when the swallow only gives a picture of the level at that precise moment - as the band is over living tissue, this is not static and so an XRay done in the morning, or at TOM or in hot weather etc, can show a different level of tightness.

I have never had a fill under XRay and all my fills have taken me to a perfect level of restriction - right from the very first fill and then at each subsequent fill as my fat decreased.

[Sharpie 3,306]

I've never had a fill under fluoro. There are cases where it is necessary if the port has flipped or something but my fills and office visits are covered . I have medicare and BC/BS your bmi is high enough but I don't know what Medicaid will cover .

I think there is a weight loss surgery group that helps people pay for weight loss surgery. contact Sandi Henderson @ Bandedliving.com she can help you.