A Lot of existing health problems

[debz62 0]

<p>Hi all,</p> <p> </p> <p>Another newy.</p> <p> </p> <p>I am attending a seminar on the 17th of October in Penrith. Anybody else had Dr's Cox or Cregan as their Surgeons and had it done in Nepean Private Hospital? </p> <p>I am anxious to do something about my weight as I already have numerous health problems and really want to do something before it's too late- I currently weigh 102kg. <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/faint.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Faint" smilieid="236" class="inlineimg" />I, like everyone else on this site seems to have tried every type of diet imagineable and everytime there is a loss there is an even bigger gain. I think this is the answer for me as I just seem to have a hunger that I cannot satisfy. It's like I crave something but I don't know what and end up eating everything but still not being satisfied. </p> <p>I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 31 and have been clear of that (touch wood) for the last 14 years. I have Barretts Oesaphagus (abnormal cells in my oesaphagus). I have a hiatus hernia and suffer from severe gastric reflux, have high blood pressure and have sever sleep apnoea requiring the use of a c-pap machine. (My partner must really love me - I not only look like an elephant I have a trunk to go with it every night as well and with only one and half boobs I must be a real turn on). </p> <p>Couple of questions if anyone knows the answers<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /> - I have only had my private health insurance for 5 months would they cover me before 12 months waiting period is up (I am guessing they would say that obesity is an existing condition). AND Has any one else had any of the health problems that I have and what has been the outcome after banding. I would dearly love to be rid of (the snorkel as I call it) that I need to wear for my sleep apnoea.</p> <p> </p> <p>Can't wait to see if this is going to be my answer and my road to a healthier me.</p> <p> </p> <p>Debz</p>

[sewenup1 0]

Hi Debz,

I'm not banded yet but am on my way. I personally don't have your health problems (Lucky me I know) but some assurance I can give you. All the medical evidence indicates that sleep apnoea and reflux not only improve with weight loss but more often than not disappear. At the information night I went to at St Leonards, the doctor says that about 90% of patients that suffer these conditions no longer need treatment for these conditions.

I don't know if you have found the site yet but I am attaching a link to a couple of Aussie sites. Lap Band Surgery - Health Message Boards this one includes people from Perth and there is a thread there for those with chronic illnesses. I am sure that there will be someone there that would be able to help you.

The second one is http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SydBand/messages there are a lot of Penrith people in this group and they are a great bunch. One of them is sure to know of your doctor.

In relation to private health insurance, they do make you wait the 12 months - but believe me there are a lot of people in these two groups in the same situation.

I imagine that starting your journey towards lap banding now is a good idea especially if you will need special management for any of your conditions.

Good luck and keep in touch. I might hear from you on one of the other groups sometime.

Danna

[debz62 0]

Hi Danna,

Thanks heaps for the links I will check them out. I thought I would have to wait for the full 12 months (worst luck). Oh well whats another 7 months in the scheme of things.

Have learnt so much already just by reading on this site.

Debz

[leedorr 0]

Well, as far as insurance, contact them and they will tell you if they cover bariactric surgery or not. Then let your Dr offices submit the request if they do. Also, As far as sleep apnes, high blood pressure reflux and hiatal hernia that will be taken care of as youm loss weight. My Dr. told me he had to fix the hernia before he could place the band. Good luck It is difinetely worth it!