makena2

I'm getting banded on 10/27 and Dr. Benevides in Texas is telling me that I will be on clear liquid for 30 days! Now, I'm like "yikes"! How do you get your nutrients with that? I didn't ask him.

OMG - I've got a surgery date! October 27 is the day...finally! I'm so nervous and excited.

Well after 10 months of waiting for insurance to get their act together, I've finally been denied insurance coverage for banding. Disappointing, but glad there's finally a decision. I plan to follow-up with Dr. Benevides' office on Monday to get the ball rolling for self-pay. I'm VERY HAPPY with the support I've received from Dr. B's office staff...the 10 month wait wasn't their fault... I'll keep you posted, I'm gonna FINALLY get banded and I can't wait!!!!!!!

Hey Dell- I too am in the "waiting game" with insurance. My paperwork was submitted last (need to call to confirm that) with Dr. Benavides office in Richardson. I have Horizon BCBS and understand that they do cover the band. We'll see. I had to do all of the following done to try to get approved: psych test blood work sleep test - I've got sleep apnea, didn't know that before! 5 years of medical records weight loss attempt history stress test nutrition/dietician appointment Took about 6 weeks to get all THAT accomplished, now I'm waiting on them. Cross your fingers!

Just signed up and looking forward to it!

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I'm also from Texas. Have had my initial consultation, did all but one of my preliminary tests (blood work, psych test, stress test) still haven't scheduled the sleep apnea test. I had my consultation about 2 weeks ago (seems like years) and am in process of getting my letter for the insurance company together and submitted. It seems that the insurance side of this takes the longest. I'm hanging in there, but anxious to get going!

Ok, let's fess up - how many of you have used your ... shall we say, female enhancements... for a purse? Lipstick, folding money, credit card, license. I know I have and people think it's sooooo cute. I'm ready to be over that cuteness!

I also heard (from Dr. Benavides office) that the manufacturer (I think it's BioEnterics) of the lapband is providing financing options as of February 22 of this year. May be worth a phone call about it.

Hey there, I'm in Dallas too. I just had my first consult with Dr. Benavides' office. They do the exam at the clinic next door. I went to their seminar last Saturday...very informative. After doing all the things mentioned in other responses (medical history, vital signs, etc.), they weighed me (ack! - hadn't been on a scale in awhile!) and talked about my potential co-morbidities (sp?). I have a 35 BMI with high cholestrol, depression, potential sleep apnea (going to a test for that). I don't know yet if I qualify on insurance (BCBS). They're helping me through the process by doing some tests like blood work, stress test, sleep apnea test, psych evaluation, etc. My hope is that I can qualify but even if I don't, I'm doing the surgery anyway. Dr. Benavides (Richardson, TX) charges $15K and it covers one year of follow-ups too. I hope that helps. I'm anxiously awaiting my outcome on the tests and approval. If you decide to self-pay, all these BMI scores, co-morbilities (sp?) etc. don't mean a thing. You pay, you're there.

Thanks for your thoughts...my BMI is around 35 without any health problems related to diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. I'll probably end up self-pay because of that. I'm ok with that though...I'm just sick of being heavier than I should be. 205 pounds, 5'4" tall...Heaviest I've ever been (even when I was pregnant!)

I'm so excited and nervous. I have a meeting on Monday with Dr. Benavides. I'm going to a seminar he is holding on Saturday, February 19 at 10 am at the Surgery Center, Richardson, 610 North Coit. If anyone else wants to attend, call Melissa Jensen at (972) 331-9500. I'll keep you posted on my progress! Thanks for all the great support.

I'm close to my decision to get banded in Mexico but know based upon my great new friends at LBT that I must find a Dr. locally to do fills. Any recommendations on Dr.s in Dallas, TX? I live in Frisco (just north of Dallas). Thanks!

Hi, I'm new to LBT and welcome all the insights from everyone. I'm considering lap-band and have a couple of questions. I've read many, many threads so far and have gotten alot of questions answered. Here a few lingering ones: 1) When you get banded, what happens to the "bigger" part of your stomach? Don't you still get "hunger pains" from the bigger part that isn't full anymore? 2) I'm still seeing people talking about eating what I consider alot of food even with banding. How is that possible if your stomach is so small? 3) My BMI is 34.5, not considered "morbidly obese" (that makes me feel SO MUCH better, not!) but I've struggled with this for most of my adult life. I'm 48 and have rampant heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol (on Lipitor now for 3 years) etc. etc. Am I overreacting by getting a band? Thanks for your thoughts...I appreciate having a place I feel I can "talk" about this, since I'm uncomfortable talking to anyone in my life about it. They consider me "weak" that I can't lose my weight (by the way, 5'4", 203 pounds). Thanks, Patti

Hi there...I'm new to the lapband discussion. I'm still in research mode. I live in Frisco, work in Plano. I'm 48 female, 203-210 pounds, 5'4" tall. My question is around qualifying...I'm considered obese, but not at the BMI to qualify. I've tried every diet on the planet, work out on a semi-regular basis at Curves, to no avail. If I'm a self-pay, is there a problem getting a good doctor in Dallas? I'd love your counsel on this since I'm a newbee...Thanks! Patti

Hi Kathy - I live in Frisco, Texas and am considering lap-band. I'm just beginning this journey...I would welcome any insights you have on doctors, fill locations, etc. I also haven't contacted anyone yet to find out if I'm eligible (insurance or not). I'm 48 years old, 203 pounds to 210 and 5'4 inches. That puts my BMI in the "questionable" range. I don't have any current health issues related to weight but have diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease all over my family. I'd like to be around to see my 11 year old daughter grow up. Any insights and thoughts would be helpful to me. thanks so much for this forum...I'm so glad I found it!