Having Banding surgery soon. Having a husband that's a general surgeon is an obstacle

[Natalie3 0]

A couple of years back I felt very strongly about having gastric bypass surgery and having a surgeon for a husband was very much an obstacle. He is totally against it. He says there are so many things that can go wrong and it isn't reversable...things just can't go back the way they were. It got pretty bad as I felt my life wasn't my own. I saw the wisdom in what he was saying but resented not being able to decide for myself. I said ok...how about lapband? He finally caved and agreed. That day I called my surgeon's office and found out that lapband wasn't covered on our insurance. I was so upset. We just don't have the thousands it takes to dedicate to my "elective" surgery. The girl in the office said that the word is that soon it will be covered and rumor has it in only a few months. I just called yesterday and it is covered on our Highmark Blue. I've made all my appointments for preop clearance (Psych, Nutrition, Cardiology, Internal medicine) had the big tests done already (upper and lower GI, mammogram). All that is left is a lot of blood work and a chest xray. My clearance appointments and labwork to be done between now and August 8...then the lapband Surgeon, George Eid, MD in Pittsburgh @ Magee Hospital gets approval from insurance company...and THEN once accepted (staying positive) we can schedule the surgery. I can see where patience is necessary throughout this whole process as many of us want instant results for everything... including the lapband itself. You've all taught me something just following one thread on results postoperatively (lack of weight loss during a certain timeframe). I've learned that you need just the right amount of band fill to reach optimal performance FOR YOU. This is something I'm doing for myself...no one else...and in the process it will hopefully bring down my blood pressure, improve my bloodwork, and hopefully lengthen my life.

My first post. First of many to be sure.

Natalie3

[faithmd 14]

My best friend is a Urologist and he has also been very vocal against surgery. I half-expected him to fly in from SF and stop me on the way to the OR, so I didn't tell him my new date when it was rescheduled.

I wish you luck and welcome to LBT!

[FatBoySlim 0]

Welcome, and good luck on your journey! Insurance companies can be a real pain in the butt when it comes to the lap band. I personally switched insurance 3!!!! times till I was finally accepted. You should thank your husband that he pushed you towards the lapband as opposed to the bypass. Long term the band is MUCH more effective. I know of two people that have lost a tremendous amount of weight with the bypass, and both have regained about 60 - 65 % of what they lost! Good luck!

[dover 0]

Good Luck, I am having my banding done on July 11th. I completed all the test and have seen more doctors in my Quest to have this done then I have seen in my lifetime. After completeting all of this I was told by my Doctor's office that I probably would not be appoved because I had been "skinny" in the previous five years.(Part of my insurance requirements is a five year weight chart). I asked my Doctor to submit the request and if I was denied, I was going to appeal the decision since I feel that being over weight will cost the insurance company more in the long run with health related problems then the cost of the operation. Well low and behold the insurance company approved the procedure.

[brez1015 0]

hang in there. things will go fine.. i also went to magee for my doctors appt. same office but different doctor i saw carol mccloskey. i have my nutritionist and psyc appointment at the end of july. for the insurance i have to do the 6 month weight management. writtind down all that i eat everyday and also document my walking everyday. so my 6 months is not up till december. so i think i am looking at jan or feb surgery. stay positive.

:clap2::clap2::clap2:

[valzie 0]

Good luck Natalie and welcome! The information that I have found on this web site is great and gives both positive and struggles that people have been through. I am going to be banded sometime in August. I go back to the doctor the middle of July and wait for insurance approval. Being active on these boards have made the time waiting bearable!

[MsPris 0]

Welcome Natalie:

I joined found this site a short while ago and it has been an invaluable wealth of information. Just reading a thread can be interesting and helpful. Then when you start interacting with others on this site, you find out how very kind and gracious every one is. Good luck on your journey.

Pris

[Big As Life 0]

Welcome to LBT, Natalie...I hope that all goes well for you..

[DawnG 0]

If it makes you feel any better, I have Highmark Blue and was approved in less than a week once my surgeon submitted all my documentation. Good luck on your journey!

[Boldcall 0]

Hi Natalie...

It's a strange thing about weight loss. Everything in "the system" sends negative messages to obese people. We are derided, discriminated against, and made the object of disdain. But the same entities that hack on us are the same ones that often do the least to help and even do the most to PREVENT our recovery. See: insurance companies, employers, family, and health professionals. A friend asked me last week about my band experience. He was sincerely interested and in serious need of weight loss help. But as he left, he said that his general physician was "dead against" banding. I replied, "He is 'dead against' YOU then. Get a new doctor, because this one's attitudes will kill you." How many times members of my own family have expressed their "concern" about my 40+ pound weight loss. Funny however, to note how they seemed willing however to tolerate it when I was gaining weight and moving into a state of morbid obesity. Where was the concern then? Bottom line: You have to think for yourself and advocate for yourself and be very tough-minded to resist the temptations and diversions you will encounter. That said, most people, in and out of my family, have come around when they learn of my results and are now supportive. My surgeon and his staff have done pretty well in follow-up. I am losing 2-5 pounds per week. This deal works!

[jenrobbar951 0]

Yay! Congrats! I have to commend you on your patience and your drive to have this done. And of course, your husband's support, even if it didnt come immediately. Sounds like you are a short time away from starting a new life..... :mad: