DrmBig4Evr

Also, if I may add, the plication is not the typical plication for the sleeve it is modified. It does not involve staples only stitches, so eventually they will become undone and your stomach will go back to "normal". This is when the band begins to play an active role. For me I have severe back pain and can't even walk without having to take medicine, it will help me to lose a significant amount of weight quickly and reduce the load and stress on my back, relieve the pain so I can begin exercising.

Here is another link I found, in the above referenced thread the woman who had it done was very pleased with the results. It is similar to the results from the sleeve initially and you need less fills. http://www.peachtreebariatrics.com/gastric-band-plication.php

I am hoping to have that done next month as well! I did find a thread on obesityhelp.com. Here is the one I am referring to: Post Date: 4/25/11 4:54 am here's the link to the video: https://weightloss.clevelandclinic.org/WhatisBariSurg1.aspx After you watch it check out their video about the realize band. Here is some info about the surgery: https://weightloss.clevelandclinic.org/gastricplication.aspx Here is the results of a study done about plication: https://weightloss.clevelandclinic.org/images/file/Articles/ Laparoscopic%20Gastric%20Plication_inpress.pdf Although this info only talks about plication it really halped me with my decision. I knew that the lap band had been done for several years so that part didn't concern me as much.

Congrats! and yes, it is true, lol!

My BMI is 35 and I am having it done, self pay though. I know that FDA just approved this procedure for anyone with a BMI over 30. You will be fine, lap band is the least invasive and the weight loss is slower than the others giving you time to adjust. Good luck on your journey!

Congrats! I'm soo excited for you!!! Keep it up!

That is awesome for both of you! I may self pay, so keep in touch with me on your progress. Also, still appealing, do not think its fair to be on a diet and get weighed lower 4 yrs ago...??? Oh well, I decided to do this so I am going too!!! Let me know how it all turns out!

That is interesting to hear...I was talking to my brother over the weekend who was also researching lap band and he is a doctor...he said he read somewhere that a hormone (I don't remember the name) in your body that makes you feel hungry stops being produced. I wonder if this is really true if you are feeling this way? My advice to you is to stick to the original plan that you had when you first got the band...Also, small meals 150-200 calories each meal 5-6 times per day...

Ok, well I didn't have a full 5 years of documentation and in early 2008 after a fall I went to a doctor and my BMI at that time was under 35, then the other weights from doctors after that were all above 35, UHC denied me, I had a letter of medical necessity from my surgeon, my letter, my weights from last 3 years, photos, everything. I am going to appeal once I get the letter, but considering in the meantime to self pay. If I self pay this will put me in a bind financially. And although my kids are supportive of it and are willing to go through a month or two just "getting by" I am so afraid to do it. I cannot finance, low credit. I know this surgery will keep me from continuing my life in pain from my back and I do have family support, but I do not think they will help me with financing nor with any portion of the payment....I have no idea what to do. I would put it off, but I am in agony and feel that I can do this surgery which is less expensive and less time off work vs. having a back fusion.... Any advise from anyone would be appreciated...what are your experiences, anyone run into this? If so what did you do...

Just an FYI, I was denied, my weight 4 years ago fell below 35, I am in the appeals process. Good luck in your endeavor! I will still be around, planning on self pay and appeal, if I win, I will submit the bill.

Yes I have the choice plan, but from what I understand mine only required over 40 bmi, the 5 year history was for under 40...you may want to clarify that. Also, I have documentation for only 09 and 10 and I had to write a letter, I did have 12 months of supervised diet and also submitted all the weight loss plans I was on like Atkins, Weight Watchers, etc. In my opinion you should get approved...let me know what happens! Good luck!

A lot of people seem to have this issue. You have a lot of history which is great compared to mine. I only provided 2009 and 2010, before that I really never went to the doctor. You can use gyne visits, etc. Make sure you write a letter along with your sumbission simply explaining that you did not see a doctor that year because you didn't have insurance, that should suffice. -Kathryn

Also, wanted to add that they do require a psych eval and sometimes a nutritional evaluation and physical before submitting.

As with anyone, each plan is different for each employer. If your insurance does cover bariatric surgery and your bmi is over 40, depending on your requirements you should get approval easily. According to my surgeon's office as well as many others on here, UHC is the best to work with for lap band, they understand the cost savings. I should have a denial or approval this week, it is taking longer for me because my bmi is right at 35. I will respond to this once I hear back. A tip would be to call UHC and see if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under your plan, then find out what documentation you need to submit for approval. I needed 5 years of morbid obesity documentation (other peoples plans do not require this), I also needed to document any significant health issues. However, like I said, if it is covered, most insurance plans automatically cover it with a bmi of 40 or over, just make a call. Once you submit the documentation it takes a few days to show up in their system, they usually have 15 days to approve or deny it.

My surgeon's office just submitted it last week! Found out yesterday when I called UHC that it just showed up in their system and they are working on it! Good luck to you! Have you heard anything yet?

That is AWESOME! Good for you! Now just keep going with it!

I definitely would be, submitted to my insurance today! I may get denied, but I am trying! And I am waiting for Christmas now, lol!

my ticker is from ticker factory, I already had one set up then I saved that page (otherwise you lose it), then it will show the ticker and you can right click and copy and paste it in your signature in your profile.

I found Whey Protein at Walmart, but not sure if lactose free in the powder but I mix it with water!

I was in snug 14s at 195 and fit into 14s well at 185

Honestly that is a loaded question. I am still going through it, we have yet to submit everything to insurance, lacking some records and I've been going through this for a month. Some people it takes 1 month for the whole process, some say it takes 2-3 days once they have submitted and others it takes months. The ones that take months are usually the ones who get denied and appeal. Sorry I can't give you anything specific. I have UHC not Tricare.

Mucle burns calories, so although you may look bulky for a little bit you will burn more calories throughout the day and it will look better long term.

I am in the process of being diagnosed, I have the same problem, Dr.'s thought it was Cushing's Disease or PCOS and I too am considering Lap Band, I have almost all my paperwork together to submit to insured, hoping this week coming up we can send it in! Its very hard to have this kind of disease (and similar ones as I have not yet been diagnosed) and I wish you the best!!!

true, sorry, good advice!

I had a personal trainer back in 2005 that said the best liquor should be clear and you should exercise, like dance or something, or it will turn to sugar. So vodka and diet tonic would be my suggestion. If you like dark liquor then go for Jack and diet. Stay away from beer at all costs!