jefro13

Hi, I have been an LVN for 41 years, and had my lap band surgery on 3/14/12. At 5'6", my highest weight was 320 lbs. On 3/26, at my PCP's office, I weighed an amazing 298. Unfortunately, later that same day, I was in a motorcycle wreck and fractured my pelvis and right hip, so my exercise program has to be on hold for 3 months. My first fill also had to be postponed, but I am definitely eating much less than pre-surgery. I haven't been able to weigh myself because my scale at home keeps giving an error message when I try to balance on one foot. I have certainly gained new knowledge transitioning from nurse to patient. The lap band surgery was a breeze and I wish all of you continued success in your life transformation journey.photo is of me & my wife.

My situation is a little different. I am 65 yrs old and am looking forward to getting banded in the very near future. I have been a nurse for 40 yrs. I am by no means an expert, but I am aware that many physicians schedule unnecessary tests for the extra bucks. I had an EKG and ECHO cardiogram with no negative indications. I have had no cardiac symptoms nor chest pain. I get a little out of breath at times after exercise, but duhhh, I'm fat. The cardiologist I saw wants me to have a stress test, but I am against it as being an unnecessary and unwarranted use of my medicare. There are plenmty of medical articles stating that this is not a needed test prior to banding, which is a minimally invasive test, done laproscopically, and lasting less than one hour. So he wants me to come in to his office to discuss my reasons for not wanting the stress test, which I think could be much more hazardous to my health than the surgery. ps I will be most upset if he chooses to charge me for this ukpcoming consultation.

I am curious if anyone has come across this situation. My insurance carrier approved my lap band surgery that is scheduled for May 12th. In their infinite wisdom, they have declined the stress teast ordered by my cardiologist in order to obtain cardiac clearance because to date I have not had any cardiac symptoms and I do not meet their requirements for a stress test.

BTW, I am scheduled to have my gall bladder removed this Friday (3 weeks before my Lap Band surgery) which does not need cardiac clearance. Go figure.

Has anyone had this type of situation, and if so, what have you done? Were you able to have a different test approved that gave the cardiologist the necessary results to grant clearance. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.