Pansy

Hey IttyBit, Dr. Afram was my surgeon too! Hope everything went well for you!

I had this happen to me about five years after the surgery. Turned out I had a stricture. Five endoscopies, a balloon dilation, and a shot of cortisone finally did the trick and I can eat again. Best of luck to you.

Thanks, Pamela! Good luck to you too. Keep us posted on how you do with Dr. Rickford! I have my fingers crossed for you. Pansy

Hi everyone! I made the decision over a year ago to have lap-band surgery (after doing my homework). I found a doctor I really liked (Dr. Brody) who agreed with me that the lap-band was the right procedure for me. I got all the documentation together, jumped through all the hoops... but Aetna continues to refuse to approve the procedure. So now I feel like it is important enough for me to self-pay. Has anyone else gone the self-pay route in Maryland? How much do these things cost around here? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!! Have a great weekend! Pansy

For me personally, I'd want to do some amount of research before going under the knife, or taking a drug, or undergoing any kind of medical procedure. However, I do understand that some people are different, and I understand that perhaps some people are so desperate for something, anything that might help them that they grab onto surgery or drugs and want those things sooner rather than later. One of the things I really love about this forum is that there are so many helpful people here who have gone where I want to go, and who are willing and able to share vital information. I hope to be able to do the same for those following behind me. Pansy

I wonder if there is an online European lap band support forum....? Pansy

I am looking forward to the day when I can honestly say that I don't feel ruled by my uncontrollable eating. The one thing that is a concern for me now (I am awaiting my insurance company's consideration of my appeal) is the fact that much of my daytime eating is emotional in nature. Does the band do anything to help this, or is it purely a change of habit, a shift in thinking? I am not shying away from doing the work necessary to make the band work for me, but I kinda want to know where to find the enemy. :confused: Thanks for the interesting thread! Pansy

Ew, sorry for that messed up post!

I too recently had my request for lap-band approval denied, and the insurance company was amenable to approving the bypass instead. Thanks to everyone who posted--you've helped me greatly! Pansy:clap2:

I too recently had my request for lap-band approval denied, and the insurance company was amenable to approving the bypass instead. Thanks

Yay, Carolyn!! You're on your way! Pansy

What wonderful news! Congratulations, and have a terrific life together! Pansy

Jen, you are gonna be FINE, more than fine, and when I am a week away from my surgery (in November, probably), you will be posting to me and telling me not to worry. Best of luck to you next week, and all throughout your journey. Pansy

Great job, Audrey!!! You look fantastic! Pansy

JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE! Pansy

same here!

If diet soda is the worst "crap" I put into my system post-band, I'll be doing a HECK of a lot better than I am right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pansy

It's the feeling I get when I eat a bag of plain M&Ms at around 3:00 in the afternoon. Soon I am typing faster, thinking more clearly, feeling more alive and awake and positive and cheery.......whee! Pansy

I'm so sorry this is happening to you!!! You must be both furious and disappointed. I think you have gotten some good advice here and I hope that your doctor's office gets on the stick and rights the wrongs done to you. Hang in there!!! I've got my fingers crossed for you. Pansy

Nancy, I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family. Pansy

I work as an editor for a private publishing company in Washington, D.C. I've always dreamed of making my living as a novelist, but I lack the discipline. Hard to believe after 16 years of meeting deadlines at work, but it's true! Pansy

Hi Tanya! Wow, I am late to this thread!!! Just wanted to say HIYA from Washington D.C. I recently attended a WLS info session led by Dr. Brodsky. You must have been one of his first lap bands! How did you like him? I was pretty impressed with his presentation, but his inexperience is giving me pause. I'd love to hear what your experience has been with him. Thanks! Pansy

If I were you, I think I would wait. It's not like the 29th is the ONLY opportunity you're going to have. Use the time to get the answers to your questions, at least. I know it's exciting to contemplate getting banded and starting your weightloss journey, but please give yourself the time you need to be sure that this is going to be the right thing for YOU. Good luck! Pansy

Hi HeyNice, I recently attended an info session at George Washington University Hospital, and they quoted a price of $19,000 for the lap-band ($25,000 for lap gastric bypass). If you're in the Maryland-DC metro area, GW has WLS information sessions once a month (fourth Thursday of the month). Hope this helps! Pansy

I'm very sorry for the loss of your precious Gunnar. You did the right thing. Pansy