luv2bslim 0 Posted July 31, 2008 Hi! This is my first post and I'm thrilled to have found this site. I have just recently (in the past couple months) decided that maybe the Lap Band is the way for me to get control again. I have tried diet after diet over the years and nothing has worked with any long term success. I am approximately 90 pounds overweight and a BMI of 38, so I feel like I would be a candidate. I live in the Chattanooga area and wondered if there was anyone else that had the Lap Band experience in this area. Also, I have Blue Cross of TN and wanted to know if anyone knows if they are covering this procedure. Any information is greatly appreciated, as I REALLY want to make a lifestyle change. Thanks! :thumbdown: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hopefulmom25 0 Posted July 31, 2008 I think Dr.Ponce, the doctor that invented the Realize band (?), practices in Chattanooga. If I'm right, I know that he flies all over the country and supervises other doctors or something like that. So I bet he'd be pretty good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hopefulmom25 0 Posted July 31, 2008 Actually, I think I was right. He's in Chattanooga. Here's his info and website: Gastric Band Institute - Chattanooga, Tennessee - The LAPBAND Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~No~More~Waddy~ 0 Posted July 31, 2008 Welcome!! I am fairly new myself and this is a wonderful source for support and guidance. I live in Alabama but was banded in Chattanooga on June 2nd of this year. I have bc/bs of alabama and had to jump through hoops with the 6 months diet thing and exercise at the YMCA at Shallowford. For what I understand your BMI is not the only determining factor. Other factors such as sleep apnea,bp,diabetes and others can effect their decision. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
luv2bslim 0 Posted July 31, 2008 Thanks. I just looked at the website and saw that they are having a seminar next week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites