krasc001

Thanks, The only thing is I am not seeing a lot of people saying that they have used the Realize Band so I was just curious to its success rate..

I know this site is called LapBand Talk but did anybody have the procedure done with the Realize Band? Thoughts? Opinions?

Yes, I saw Dr. Anez yesterday and he told me that he has done around 60 procedures for the Realize band. But he is a gastro bypass specialist so that gives him some credibility. Also my primary care physician referred him and my insurance company mentioned him as well. Not only that, but his office seems to move pretty quickly in regards to getting the procedure done. I was even given a possible surgery date of late December.

Hey folks, so I thought it would be interesting to tell you of my appointment with Dr. Pinnar (of Reston VA) yesterday. Anyway, needless to say it didn't happen because they wanted $250 upfront just for me to meet the doctor. I haven't gotten approval yet, I'm not even sure if I apprpriately qualify but that's what they wanted from me just to say "What up" to the doctor. So, I was lucky enough to get another consultation appointment with another doctor (costs is just co-pay) but here is the issue. This doctor has not only been referred by my PCP but he's also been approved by Cigna Insurance to perform the surgery. The only thing is that he does the Realize Band, not the lap band and he's done it about 50 times. Is this a good or bad thing? Does anybody have any thoughts of Realize vs. Lap Band?

Hey Ladies and Gents, It's me again...this time with another Cigna tidbit. So, today I called Dr. Pinnar Surgery Associates in Reston (already came to the conclusion not going with them because of the astronomical program fee of $2500) and spoke with the RN in regards to seeking approval from Cigna Insurance. She said that she has been doing the job since 2002 and has never seen a Cigna approval. I was flabberghasted and couldn't believe it. Surely, I thought, someone had Cigna insurance and received approval. Well, according to her they had not. My boss mentioned that maybe its because Cigna didn't agree with their policy (which includes $1500 paid up front and then an extra $1000 paid in monthly install ments following surgery - it includes among other things, first three fills (not covered???), nutritionist evalations before and after surgery, paperwork and just general correspondence between office and insurance company). Also, I told her (the RN) how I had gathered the 6 mos thing (kinda-shrug) as well as am about to finish physical, but also have recommendation letters from PCP, Therapist, Orthopedic doctor, Gynocologist and Neurosurgeon. She said that letters only worked on the 1st appeal, after you got rejected the first time. But I'm thinking what the h - e - double hockey sticks, I'm going to submit the major requirements including recommendation letters and my heartfelt letter and see how it goes. If I get rejected, then I'll try again. ALSO, the physician I am planing to go with does the REALIZE band, other than the LAP-BAND. Any thoughts, opinions?? I love this website and truely appreciate the comments and advice that you individuals have given me. As well as the updated Photos and blogs. :thumbup:Keep me in prayer and I will do the same for you as well.

Yes, I looked up Dr. Greene and that program fee is right around what I am willing to pay. It must be nice to be self-pay, cause I can barely pay for groceries, Rockville, is a little far out for me so I don't know if that will work out, but I will look him up again to see if does any procedures at the nearby hospitals. I live in Loudoun County, BTW

So I am still in the process of researching the lap band surgery and went to a seminar for Dr. Pinnar in Reston, VA. Currently, I have a consultation set with this doctor for next week. While review his paperwork, I noticed he had a program fee of $2500 that covers, I can only assume a number of different costs. I'm not trying to pay that much, so am looking at other doctors in the area. Is this the norm in regards to bariatric surgery?! To most doctors charge program fees? and if so, are they higher or lower than $2500. Any suggestions, or advice is welcome. Thanks all!

First let me say you look spectacular in that dress!! I will definately check out your blog. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom. All the best,

Hi Leigha, Yes my therapist is also an RN so that is another reason why I sought out her advice, but still I feel like although I am not your perfect candidate for it (over my existing 250lbs, with tons of comorbidities), I would much like to see if the lap band can work for me. I just like food...a little too much and I am also a sweets eater which I am hoping the band can assist in me taming. In the long run, I would like it to trick my mind and then it just becomes a habit for me to eat a reasonable and moderate amount.

Thank you ladies for all the advice. I did in fact ask her why she thought this was so and she said because I am not morbidly obese and she does not think I am mentally ready for the surgery. A majority of my sessions with her have been centered around my "fixation" (as she calls it) with my weight. Now yes, I feel that my weight has affected my self confidence so that was a big reason why I was going to her but I don't know if I was fixated on it. I just would like to see if this thing could work for me. I have spent so much time in my life feeling worthless and not good enough, and now that my weight has topped off to 250, I feel well in pain from, my back and feet, etc. I am continuing to stay in prayer to ensure that I am making the right decision. But I will continue to seek out having the surgery because I feel it would be good for me. NO, my life is not going to be PERFECT after it, but if I assist the band and allow it to assist me, it could get some of my health and food issues under control. In closing, back to my therapist. She really does mean well and has my best interests at heart, I guess she was being honest. My main reason for going to her about this was to seek out a recommendation letter (to be sent to insurance) WHICH she says she will write explaining my history with weight and its connection to my depression BUT she will NOT write that I am an excellent candidate. Going to her has improved my outlook on life and how to control my pessimism and being so hard on myself, so seeing her has been beneficial. I guess I just see the women on this website and how you all have achieved so much. I'm damn near thirty and it's really time to see some positive changes in my life..IM READY. Thanks again for your words of wisdom. All the best.

Exactly!! Christina353. Please friend me because that is where I am coming from. Even though, I have my doubts, I still feel like this could be a really good thing for me. By hook or by crook, I am going to continue to pursue having the surgery. Thanks for your words of wisdom!!

I am just talking about a normal counselor. The reason why I requested a recommendation from her is because she knows the way I feel about my weight and had how it has affected my life.

Yes, they spoke in this in the seminar in regards to having to eliminate or use in moderation sugary drinks, ice cream, etc etc. I understand that the lap band is not going to turn me into some size two model but it very well could change (by tricking the mind) the way I view food, use food and want food. I would say given my height and my weight that my BMI around 40 also, I could stand to lose 100 lbs. I also suffer from stiffness when sitting or standing or walking to long, and feel that my small frame can't really support this much weight.

This seems reasonable. I was reading the paperwork for the place I chose to do my surgery and the program fee is $2500.00, I'm going to stark looking around at other surgeons. All the best,

I was just told by my therapist that she does not think I am a good candidate for LAP-BAND® surgery. She thinks that I should choose an alternative method and that the surgery is too risky. I'm not sure what to think, a part of me really thinks this could be something good for my life and the other part of me is like why are you wasting your time. Sure, I'm not what you'd call MORBIDLY obese. I wear a size 18/20. I still think the procedure could benefit me in so many ways. Has anybody else suffered such doubt? Is the whole thing really worth it? There seem to be so many people on this website with such promise and excitement for the procedure and then those who have had it performed so much pleasure in their newly changed lives.

Let's be honest, I'm out of energy, I'm out of options and I'm almost out of time. Not that I'm like 280 lbs or higher but I could still stand to lose 100lbs. I'm just sick of being fat and stiff and unhealthy. I do understand that the band just can't work alone, that you have to do your part. Health insurance companies put these guidelines in place to change your mind, its starting to work. This battle in unwinnable. Thanks for your advice though.

Yes, I am coming to the conclusion that I have to do this whole six month thing. But I am going to submit what can submit now and see what happens. I have absolutely nothing to lose. I just want to get it done now..waiting is a bitch and given my track record, I'm not going to magically turn into a caloring counting, Denise Austin overnight. The thing for me is, I shouldn't have to lose weight before surgery so I don't need to worry about that. But the six month thing...DAMN!!!!!

See, that's the thing. I go to a therapist, I can get medical clearance from my doctor and bariatric surgeon but the 6mos thing?!?I don't have that much time because my insurance is about to change. I am hoping that recommendation letters stressing the need for the surgery can do the trick. So let's say I do wait 6 mos and go to a nutritionist and all this other stuff..am I supposed to fail on purpose, so I can have the surgery!! With each passing moment, I am further and further away from having this procedure. Guess I'll just be fat, depress and lonely for the rest of my life.

Hi All, So I had no idea that Cigna would put up so many road blocks in order to qualify and then be accepted for the surgury. I attended my seminar this weekend and am becoming increasingly excited about this whole thing..BUT hold on. Then the nurse tells me to contact my insurance company AGAIN (I previously contacted them and obviously the guy I spoke with left something out)and this is what I find out. A number of different guidlines, most of which I don't meet will have to be met. For example...failure of medical management including evidence of activie participation within last two years in a weight management program that is supervised by physician or dietician. External programs such as WW or JC are acceptable in conjunction with being monitored by doctor. Plus I need a psycho analysis, yada yada yada. I can't think of one person that is my size or bigger than me that has done a supervised diet by weight watchers or jenny craig and it be monititored by a doctor. Most people just take the chance and do it themselves. Anyway, does anybody else have CIGNA and been approved without meeting exactly all of the following? My plan was just to get recommendation letters from my PCP because he knows my history of depression medications, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure. etc. Recommendation letters from my therapist since my biggest issue is my weight. Recommendation letters from previously seen neurosurgeon who performed my Laminectomy, letters from sports and arthritis doctor who performed cortisone injections for back, leter from previously seen nutritionist. the list goes on. I'm at a lost...

I am thinking about the things that I can gain and out of it all the most important thing is being HAPPY and pleased with myself. This rarely ever happens. Sure I dress up and appear confident, but it's all just for show. I called my insurance company and I am completely covered if I am eligible. Thanks so much for your kind words. ARe you schedule to have the surgury?

Thanks ladies for your responses. I'll call my insurance company before the seminar and see what situation I am looking at..best of luck to both of you.

Hi, can somebody please respond. I know my story is lame but I could use some advice, LOL

Hi All, So I've always been a bit curious about the LapBand surgery but didn't think to do more research on it until seeing a recent coworker who had the procedure done..and needless to say..SHE LOOKS GREAT!! Currently, I am 5'4, roughly 250lbs. I think I wear about a size 16-18. I have been heavy a majority of my life and can vividly remember wanting to go on a diet the summer before my 6th grade year so I could look fab. I've tried Weight Watchers 4 times, did a low carb diet in high school then gained the weight back..HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. My weight has been the biggest factor that has affected my 27 years of life, essentially I am waiting to live my life until I lose weight. Sounds pathetic, I know. But I've always felt unworthy of love (hence my lack of relationships with men, and virginity) and have never really dated. I've also come to terms with the fact that I'm a food addict. I'm no stranger to surgical procedures. My last surgery was for sciatica that went down my left leg and I had to have a Laminectomy, now I'm starting to feel it in my right leg. This Saturday, I am planning on going to Seminar to learn a little bit more about the Lap Band procedure. Then I have my first consultation with the doctor. I'm feeling like this procedure can help control my food issues, help me get the weight off and flip over a brand new leaf in my life. Has it done this for you guys? Are there any things I should know about the procedure. I'm also scared I won't get approved by my insurance because I'm not what you call morbidly obese but think I can qualify for the surgery given my medical and mental issues the weight has given me. Or am I insane, is LapBand not the answer, should I just get my ass to the gym and workout and eat celary sticks my whole life? I wish it were that easy. Please respond!! I need guidance, suggestions from just everyday real people like me. Thanks and I wish mush success to those who have done the procedure and to those who are on their way to completing it.