karanicole

Yes, I've looked up this surgeon and done my research. He is one of the best in the St. Louis area. I know I'll be in good hands. Just really, really scared. But I would regret it every day of my life if I backed out just bc of nerves.

Thank you all soooo much for the encouraging words. I suffer from anxiety to its not helping at all. I'm in the same boat as you, valann, I've never had surgery besides my wisdom teeth so I guess I'm scared of the unexpected. I know its the best thing for me. It also doesn't help that my family isn't supportive. All I have is my husband and everyone on this forum. Thank you all so much again. This is what I needed to hear.

Anyone have any advice? I'm afraid I won't go through with it bc of how scared I am of surgery! What if I die during surgery, what if there are complications, etc. I'm so scared but at the same time I want this so bad! Any advice?

Thank you, mas79.

Thank you, mas79.

Also, how long until you could return to work?

Did anyone pay out of pocket for dr minkin? I'm self pay and they said around $17,000 but a more exact number would help greatly. Thank you!!! Ps...any support out there would be helpful, I don't really have much support from my family except for my husband.

I'm just starting my journey with dr minkin and going to my consultation next Wednesday, January 23. It's great to see people on here who support each other. I'm hoping to get that, too, from here. I don't have family support unfortunately but I do have my husband and I guess thats one good thing.

Jim, Just wanted to tell you that I love your post. Your story is very motivational. I'm just starting my journey and going to my consultation next Wednesday, January 23. It's great to see people on here who support each other. I'm hoping to get that, too, from here. I don't have family support unfortunately but I do have my husband and I guess thats one good thing.

Ive done so much research and am finally deciding to do this. I told my husband and family. My husband is supportive and my parents seem supportive. one of my sisters is telling me everyday how I shouldn't do it. I'm paying out of pocket so I'm pretty serious about it and it really hurts to not have much family support. I'm so scared for surgery but after that I know will be the hard part. Really wish I had my family there to support me. Any advice would be appreciated...

I'm in the same boat as you, insurance won't pay and Im tired of waiting around for this so I've decided to self pay. I'm so nervous and anxious but so excited knowing I'm finally getting lapband and getting a new lease on life. Good luck to you!

I called the member member services number on my insurance card. If you call that number, they can tell you right away if you will be approved or denied.

I was looking forward to it but just found out that my insurance doesn't cover it.....pretty devastating...

Well it's not covered by my insurance. Just found out...pretty devastated right now....

Thank you, FLORIDAYS. I agree. The benefits outweigh the risks. Btw, you look AMAZING!

No news yet. I thought i would've heard back by now but i haven't so I'm going to call on Monday. I'll let you know as soon as I find something out! let me know too when you find out.

Thank you, Cheznoel! I went to a seminar last night and I definitely still want to do lap band. It seems right for me.

Thank you, Chaznoel! I went to a seminar last night and I definitely still want to do lap band. It seem right for me.

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement! I'm going to my first seminar tonight. I hope all goes well and I still want the band after this.

Thank you both for giving me hope. @marybell...good luck! I hope you get approved! Let me know what they say!

I'm wondering about Anthem BCBS as well. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

I love hearing good things about him! I was recommended to him by my doctor and I'm going to a seminar of his soon! I hope I can get banded by the end of the year pending insurance approval. Congrats to you all on your weight loss journey!

Im starting the process today...going to my first seminar. I hope to be banded by the end of the year. I really hope my insurance will approve it!

I'm jst starting the process of getting the band. No cormorbities but bmi is over 45. Any advice on if this insurance will cover the band? I'm nervous and hoping it gets approved! Going to my first seminar tonight.