Starting the Process

Debbydo · March 8, 2005

I think I'm gonna use the old gallbladder surgery line. My mom had hers removedin her 20's and I'm 38 so I don't think she will think it's out of the ordinary.

Congratulations on you 31 lbs. You must feel wonderful. AAAHHHHHH to cross ones legs again. I can't wait.

Debby

Bandster in Training

CJ90 · March 12, 2005

Hi everyone,

New to the group; I am researching this procedure and wether it will be good for me. I have been approved for GB, but I have decided to take a second look. Can anyone let me know what's the likelihood I will be approved for Lap. I'm hoping my insurance won't renege on this. I also wouls like to do the procedure in MD. Can anyone help me get a peace of mind?

Thanks....

the best me · March 12, 2005

Hey CJ...do some searching in the old threads here, look under the insurace forum, and if you go to Lap Band Talk Forum and scroll all the way down to Maryland, you may find some info there.

My insurance is BC/BS and they pay for Gastic Bypass under certain circumstances (BMI over 40 or over 35 with at least 2 co-morbidities, etc) but the Lap Band procedure itself is excluded. I'm going to Mexico and paying cash (it's less expensive there than in the US for self-pay and my doctor-and many others there-is more experienced than many US docs. There is much to consider...it was a difficult decision in many ways for me. Pros and cons all around.

For me, gastric bypass was not an option. The risks are much higher for complications and difficult side-effects. The Lap Band is less invasive, quicker recovery, etc.

Have fun researching. You may also start your own thread under introductions and let folks know a little about you, your weight loss goals, and such. You should get more resonse that way. Also, pop in on threads and ask questions just as you did here. Folks are really nice and helpful.

Good Luck!

shamrock · March 12, 2005

Sounds like a bunch of us are in the middle of preauthorization land

Debbydo · March 13, 2005

Hi CJ and Shamrock,

CJ, Have you asked your MD about the band. Is there a particular medical reason the GB was his solution for you or (a big or) does the MD have limited experience with the lap band. As far as your insurance goes, I suggest you get the approval letter from the MD office and see how its worded. It may be in broad enough terms that you can sway them over the the lap band, get a new authorization code without the long pre approval period.

Also CJ and Shamrock, I agree with the best me, Start your own thread with infor on yourself. You are going to be surprised how wonderful everyone is here on this board. There are difinitely some experienced bandsters here.

Debby

Bandster in training

March 14, 2005

HI!!!! TO EVERYONE : I'M JUST WONDERING HAS ANYONE GOTTEN BAND BY

"DR.RODRIGUEZ" IN MEXICO..... IF ANYONE AS WHAT'S THE COST AND HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM FLA TO MEXICO ..... THANKS BETTY

the best me · March 14, 2005

Hey Betty, do a search on Dr Rod (hit search button at the top and type him in, then GO) and you should find lots of info. When you add a question or comment to a thread, it pops back up again and you will get replies...

Good luck! Also, go to Lap Band Talk Forum, then scroll all the way down to Florida, and I'll bet you will find folks there who live there AND have seen Dr Rod. Just trying to put you in the best spot for a good response. Have fun!

Debbydo · March 23, 2005

OK well I'm in the home stretch of the consults. I haven't been to this many Doc' since I gave birth. I saw the surgeon, my primary, Dietician, Psch consult, endoscopy, sleep study, Pulmonogist, Endocrinologist, cardiologist, stress tests, echo cardiagram and the primary for strep that I contracted along the way. So the only thing left it the sono of the gallbladder on monday and back to the Surgeon for the final consult.

this has been a long process!!!!! After the next Consult with the surgeon on April 1. The insurance company will be contacted by the md office to obtain authorization. I have a PPO and the MD office is confident they approve the surgery. We'll see.

thank you all, I needed to vent.

the best me · March 24, 2005

Whew! I'm tired just reading about it! Well done...you are on your way!

Debbydo · March 24, 2005

Thanks Kathy - if the insurance crapps out I'm gonna scream LOL

LSasha · March 24, 2005

Welcome and good luck to you.

Debbydo · June 16, 2005

Wow,

I just read through this thread and it's so amazing - how far have I come.

I just had my first fill today and I'm down 27 since surgery 30 all tolled. I feel like a completely different person , mentally and physically. I have energy and am in a really great space right now. I don't think I'm a model bandster, I'm not making all good food choices but I am losing and I'm sure I'll need to focus on that in the coming months.

I never would have envisioned this a few months ago. I am soooooo not a closet bandster - (except for work). I can't believe I went 180 degrees different than I orginally thought

Thank you all for being a terrific support!

Looking forward to Jonathan starting a new weight loss challenge and a summer of losing!!!!!

Thanks again everyone