DrmBig4Evr

Ok, one week into waiting, impatiently Anyone have Horizon BCBS NJ? If so, how long did it take for you?

I may join in, I'll have to see if I am approved and if I have the surgery, inbox me the details. Why Miami and not Galveston?

I was thinking about the band for 3 years and I went to try for it this year and my weight loss doctor who isn't a surgeon and has no agenda asked me to do my research. He told me that if you look at the numbers there is an average of about 70-80% excess weight loss with the sleeve and about 40-50% excess with the band and more complications in the long run. He also told me to look at the source. I too had that issue, I was being steered toward the band, but figured out that their interest was in me using their facility and their aftercare program for the fills, made sense because otherwise all they get is the kick back from the surgeon for the referral after I get the sleeve. Just do your homework.

Also check out the Dallas area, a true "mecca" of wls, I've seen anywhere from 8500-9800.

One thing my psych suggested is to keep an index card or photos of what my ultimate reason for the weight loss goal is in my purse or on me at all times so that if I think of food I'll remember that whatever it is I want right now is not as important as the long term goal which is to live for my kids and grandkids.

Wondering if you have gained/lost any friends due to your weight loss or have any issues with too much attention?

I have the same exact fears also, but I know that its about me and learning who I am, and I am going to be healthy and happy!

This is interesting to see and good to know! One of the main reasons for me to have this surgery is to relieve my back pain. I realize it will subside with time once the weight is gone, but thanks for posting!

Mine was to be submitted today...in the same flying pattern as some of you also...very anxious times. My ins coordinator told me 30 days, another site said 30 business days, and I've seen anywhere from 2 days to 15 days for patients actual approval responses. Focusing on the best outcome for everyone!

I'm out in Allen...insurance being submitted tomorrow, so can't really help you through experience, but I do know that eventually you will be able to eat "almost" anything. The key is to eat your protein first, it will keep you satisfied longer. Keep at it and work hard and I'm sure you will see great results!

Ok, here I am a year and a half later!!! I have changed employers and landed a better job and found out that I may have a chance to undergo lapband! So we shall see! I have my nutritionist & psych eval Friday, had my physical and blood work done, EKG etc today! I already had my physician letters together from the last insurance process, so I am keeping my fingers crossed...if this doesn't happen, then it wasn't meant to be. I have been under a supervised weight loss program and I have been having success, albeit very slow and has extreme ups and downs. I am at peace with whatever decision is made...very hopeful to get all of this taken care of and live a normal, energetic and exciting life!!!

Excellent job! Keep up the good work!

Well if it is a true HSA, typically you don't lose your money it rolls over. If it is an FSA then you lose it. Also, last year 2010 you could use it for the vitamins and over the counter meds. Not sure about the membership at all. This year, however, you can no longer use it for over the counter medications. It must be rx meds only, but if your doc will give you a script for it then go for it and keep it in your records.

Yes, I too am considering it as well. Will find out tomorrow for sure if my surgeon has performed this in the past...good luck and keep in touch! If you do get it we can compare notes since not many have done it...

I've read a few posts wanting to know about the band over plication surgery or banded plication. Here is an article I found today that appears was published today, thought I'd share. http://www.zimbio.com/Bariatric+Surgery/articles/CKaEFXYy8sL/Medical+marketing+Stomach+Folding+Surgery

I am appealing as well! Congrats! U give me hope!

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...