Last post...goodbye everyone!

CollegeJoe · July 9, 2005

Hey, everyone this will be my last post. I've been researching more and generally found out that the doctor wants me to go on gastric bypass. I was trying to fight for lapband but it seems aetna will cover gastric more, so im going to look into that more. I wanted to say all of you were hilarious and a great forum people. I'll miss ya'll. Maybe months later i'll post pics of before and after :-P. Thanks to everyone's advice and hope everything turns alright for everyone's healthier future!

bondgirl · July 9, 2005

Good Luck to you! I hope all goes well with whatever you go to do.

Angie

paula · July 9, 2005

Hey Joe,

Please come back and check on us and give us updates, ok?

Good luck and God bless you!

La_madam · July 9, 2005

Joe , just because you are a bypas patient doesnt mean you are not welcome here, we all are battling the same demon.

Please keep in touch and best wishes to you

Alexandra · July 10, 2005

Joe, I hope you will take a little more time and think about which procedure YOU think is right for you. Insurance is NO reason to make a healthcare decision, and even your doctor may have other agendas you aren't aware of. But the fact remains that YOU are the one who will have to live with the results of the procedure, good AND bad. So think very carefully before you allow anyone else to decide for you. The rest of your life is a very long time.

Also, please know that it is indeed possible to triumph over an insurance company that doesn't want to pay for banding--I got Aetna to pay after a third-pary review.

All that said, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide.

Margo · July 10, 2005

Wishing you the best of luck...BUT, as Alexandra says best, it is YOUR decision as to whether or not you have the bypass. It truly is a different "bird", so research carefully. You are very young and this is a life-long decision.

Please continue to update us and as the others said you are always welcome here.....good luck.

Margo

gordonfamily3 · July 10, 2005

I wish you luck...I agree with Alexandra that your Doctor nor your insurance company can tell you what is right for you. I have recently heard that more insurance companies are covering the band because they are tired of all the appeals...so if the band is what YOU want fight for it. My doctor told me that this was a starting point if I wasn't happy with it he could do whatever else he could do, but he told my DH and I that it was my choice and he would help fight the insurance if we had to. We didn't have to thank goodness.

Good Luck on whatever YOU decide to do for you!!!

the best me · July 10, 2005

CollegeJoe, here's a quick story that may help you...Last Wed I was getting a fill and the nurse who got me weighed in had the RNY 5 years ago. I saw her before pic, she was just over 300lbs. She looked GREAT!!!! She said she was now 150lbs. Wow!

So I asked her if she could go back and choose the Band, would she? She said "not at 300lbs." I think what she meant was 300 was too heavy for the band? I disagree. Then she commented that the only problem with the RNY was regaining the weight. She seemed a bit sad and frustrated, and I asked her if 150 was her low weight. She shook her head regretfully, "No". So she is back on the diet and exercise treadmill that we all are on, struggling to maintain her weight loss with no adjustments to be made 5 years down the road. There is nothing left to help her. I asked if she could get banded at this point, and she said "No self-respecting doctor would do it". First because of the dangers after her RNY, and also, who will band her at 150lbs? She is 31 years old now. I feel bad for her. I don't think for a second she regrets her bypass, but it seems like it should be the last stop? You are young. Research carefully.

Now this band for me is not always a bed of roses. IT IS WORK! And aggravation, and it can be frustrating. But the fact that it's adjustable and removable is a HUGE plus in the big scheme of things.

Just some thoughts for you.

AND, you are such a NERD! Who said you had to leave LBT if you decide on gastric bypass? Please let us know how your weight loss surgery journey goes, where it takes you, and how you are along the way. LAST POST?! Naaahhhh.

pattyann · July 11, 2005

Good Luck, Joe!!!

Madeline's mom · July 11, 2005

Joe please let your decision be based on what YOU want and not what your insurance wants. There are so many bariatric surgeons out there why not get a second opinion just to see if they are both on the same page. Whatever your decision I wish you luck and please don't be a stranger.