Stumbled upon you... have some questions

shimmer1 · October 12, 2005

Hi,

I was looking up Pinnar Surgical online from a t.v. ad that I saw, and found you all. I am no stranger to the weight loss ride... I started at about 340 lbs.. and lost 120 on Atkins and working out..(in about 15 months) and walking!! Lots and lots of walking!!

But Ive hit a serious plateau (over 8 months with only a 10 lb fluctuation up and down) and am considering the lap band. I want to know the pros and cons. Does insurance cover it? What doctors are the best? And what is a "fill"? Ive seen that talked about and dont understand it. I have known people that have had the gastric by pass surgery, but I didnt want to do that. I figured since I put it on myself I could take it off myself. But because I am at this stall and I dont want to be 220 for the rest of my life (37yrs old)... I am searching my options.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I was living in Los Angeles, California.... but recently moved to Maryland. I have a wonderful plastic surgeon out there, that is just waiting on me to get down where I want to be, to remove the extra skin. Then I will be done.

:banana

Alexandra · October 12, 2005

Hi Shimmer,

You're asking questions that not everyone will answer the same way, but I'll give it a show.

Does insurance cover it? Maybe, if it's medically necessary (if your BMI is over 40, or 35 with co-morbidities), and if your medical plan pays for bariatric surgery.

What doctors are the best? Visit www.inamed.com for a surgeon locator. In the U.S. doctors are trained by Inamed, the manufacturer of the band, so that's the best palce to start.

And what is a "fill"? The band is an adjustable restrictive device, adjusted by adding Fluid to the bladder (which is shaped sort of like an inner tube sorrounding the upper stomach). Additional fluid--a "fill"--inflates the band and creates tighter restriction. This is one of the best things about the band, the fact that it can be adjusted to meet one's individual needs. Adjustments can involve adding Fluid or taking it away, that is, a "fill" or an "unfill."

So only you can decide if you're a good candidate for the band. It's intended for the use of people who are morbidly obese, not who just have a few more pounds to lose.

Hope that helps!

the best me · October 12, 2005

Hey shimmer! Well done on the 120 pound loss!

I was 220 when I was banded 6 months ago, and I'm finally below 200 for the first time in ages. I'm struggling to get down below 190 now, and it ain't easy, even with the band! I think that's one thing you might like about the Lap Band, is you really have to do your own head work and use your own smarts to make it work for you. My band is my helper, it's up to me to make it a success.

Check out the Inamed website www.inamed.com I think. If that link doesn't work, try googling. Inamed is the maker of the only FDA approved gastric band. Some insurance policies will pay. Mine didn't-it paid for Gastric Bypass, no thanks- so I paid cash and went to Mx for my surgery. Not the right decision for everyone, but it is an option.

The band wraps around the upper stomach and has a balloon inside. The balloon is attached to tubing that connects to an access port placed under the skin. Mine on on the left side, right around my waist band. It doesn't hurt at all anymore (was sore for a bit post-surgery) and that is where your band doc can insert a needle through your skin and into the port. The doc injects saline that blows up the balloon to restrict your food intake. That adjustability is a huge plus for Bandsters. As you lose weight and inner fat, you can tighten your band for more restriction, thus, no "window of opportunity" for weight loss. It can also be unfilled for diet breaks, pregnancy, attempts at weight maintenence, too much restriction, various reasons.

Anyhow, sounds like it's worth looking into for you. I'm really impressed with the 120 you have lost so far!

Anyhow, welcome to LBT!!

ReneBean · October 12, 2005

I recommend reading on all the forums - and doing a "Search" for anything specific you may want to know about. It seems like about EVERYTHING has been covered here.

Welcome!

:]

leadiaz · October 12, 2005

I had my surgery done by Eric Pinnar. He did a great job. But the weight does not come off fast; and you still have to work at it. They have seminars you can go to. It cost about 17,500 if you are self-pay. My insurance did cover it. So far it's cost me about a $1,000.

Lea