Sharon T - PA

Happy to be your friend....no date here but hoping to have one sooner than later! Sharon

Just saw this post today, hope all is well with your sister and her baby.

I'm sure each day will be better for you! Sharon

I've never even thought about Mexico - because I"m quite hopeful that I will be able to get my band approved through insurance. However, I was searching around Dr. Ortiz's site and was thinking that a quick vacation to Cancun coupled with surgery would be quite nice LOL. Of course there is all that dealing with fills and local post op care - but I had to ask - has anyone done the Cancun thing? Just curious. Sharon

So now I have two potential banding options - one at Geisinger (although I don't know the MD name yet) if they do it, and if they do one of their hospitals is only 5 minutes from my house, and one with Dr. Kwon in Port Jervis, NY which is about an hour away from me (that appt. 2/25) I still am maintaining my non-banding surgeon appointment in March just in case. Sharon

And it went pretty well. I got my note of "medical necessity" certifying my morbid obesity (isn't that the worst sounding thing...morbid). I also got a referral to the Geisinger obesity clinic. So now I have several options. My understanding is that they still do the band there, but my MD wasn't sure. Either way, now I have a few avenues to pursue. I also had a great time discussing the lovely Fluid in my legs and ankles.... One step closer to bandhood. Sharon

I have no intention on telling my inlaws. They are the most judgemental group of people I've ever met....and somehow, I promise, if they were to find out, they would try and make it about them (like how are we ever going to plan for dinner if Sharon can't eat). I'm sure my husband will blab at some point though :paranoid

But if it's excluded, then I would think it's unlikely that you will get a break... My previous employer had the same exclusion - and we never went around it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...but I would still check with your employer, especially if you are self insured. Good luck.

It's a really tough call. I'm doing everything I can to be able to make an educated, thoughtful decision. One thing that does concern me is the "opinion" of the doctors. The surgeon I spoke with (the non-banding one) didn't recommend one type of surgery vs. the other. He only said that he didn't feel there was enough info for him to do the band - right now, anyway. I have the banding doc appt first - and I think he also does RNY - so I'll be curious as to his approach. (sigh) It's a lot to consider.

I've posted this on the lap band forum at OH as well....hoping for some of your great insight. Ok bandsters I'm hoping you can give me some guidance here. I'm continuing my journey towards the band - my first consult is 2/25. I really do think this is my best choice. At the same time, I've made an appointment with a surgeon that performs DS, RNY and VBG - in the event I cannot get the band covered by insurance. That appt. is 3/17. Not surprising, the surgeon does not do banding - doesn't feel there is enough long term data to support it (he and I had a long conversation) Here are today's fears (LOL). Since the band is a newer procedure, are any of you concerned about long term issues? 10 years from now are we all going to be getting the bands removed? Will it require additional surgeries over time as we age? (I'm 36 and hope to live a long life once I overcome my weight demon). It's not like I don't have the same fears on the DS/RNY/VBG side... Anyone else? Thanks in advance for your insight. Sharon

Sounds like you had a good experience! I can't wait to be joining you! Sharon

I'm a die-hard Dilbert fan, primarily because of Catbert, who is the Evil Director of Human Resources (my hero). There aren't many places you can find reference to HR folks outside of the business place, and I find myself feeling ever so evil on a regular basis :devious I welcome any HR related questions/advice you might need. I've been at an executive level for a few years and feel pretty secure in what I know. (although don't be surprised if my Catbert side comes out now and then) Sharon

Just wondering if anyone here on this board has used Dr. Kwon. I've communicated with one person on OH but haven't seen any references here. So far, I like his staff, although they are a bit abrupt (but so am I so that's ok!!). Thanks! Sharon T.:nervous

I probably should have clarified a few things. Let's see. I live in Northeastern PA. I wasn't able to find any local docs outside of Geisinger - I've been in the Geisinger health plan for years, and never got any kind of warm fuzzy about my desire to pursue surgery. So, on 2-1-05, I was able to switch to my company's insurance (due to husband's open enrollment). Dr. Kwon's office is about an hour away from me, which I think I can handle ok. Anyway, I'm hoping beyond hope that I won't have to fight within my company - that means I have to notify the world about what I'm doing, and I'm not sure I want to become the poster child for WLS, you know? I've enjoyed reading all the posts and plan on hanging around!!! Thanks again. Sharon

Hi all, my name is Sharon. I'm 36 years old, 5'6.5" and 260ish pounds. I have finally recognized the need to fight my weight battle - so here I am. I'm married with two children (5 & 7) and couldn't bring myself to face the risks of RNY so after quite a bit of research, I've decided the band is a good choice. I have Anthem PPO insurance, which is self-insured. So far I haven't heard a definitive "no" on the banding, but not a yes either. The thing about self-insured plans is that the employer has the final say on coverage. I work for a very large company, but I do work in HR - so if I have to, I'm prepared to go up the company chain to get them to cover me. We'll see. My first MD visit is Feb 25th at Dr. Kwon's office in Port Jervis, NY. I'm really looking forward to hanging out here and learning from all of you. Sharon