cyndir

Barbara, I am a nurse practitioner and I treat patients with obesity every day. I also have a lap band. Most insurance policies that do not have an exclusion clause for lap band, have a criteria that states who qualifies for surgery. Usually a BMI of 40 is enough without additional co-morbid issues. Ask for a copy of your policy, which should be available on line. You may also want to have your primary doctor order a sleep study as the majority of people with a bmi above 40 have obstructive sleep apnea. That is a co-morbid condition that lap band has cured with weight loss. Also being tested for "impaired glucose tolerance" with a two hour glucose tolerance test may show early signs of type two diabetes as you have a strong family history for this could help make your case. I write these letters for referal that the surgeons office use to get prior authorization through the insurance companies regularly. The only time they refuse is when there is an exclusion clause, then you could go through a legal process of discrimination which actually has worked before. I would also concider consulting another surgeons office because they should be more helpful for you. It sounds like they are more interested in guaranteeing their success than yours. Also you may want to contact OCC www.obesitycontrolcenter.com and talk to one of their co-ordinators just to compare the difference in how they handle customers/patients. Good luck.

I was just reading through and figure by now you have been back to your doctor but thought I would post anyway. Your pressure sensation and lack of ability to eat is not normal. You need the band adjusted or you are at great risk for either stretching your pouch or slipping the band. It is very bad for you to leave your band too tight. you will be much happier with your results in the long run if you get to the zone rather than trying to wait it out too tight.

that sounds like a smart idea. It is suggested that every 40-50 pounds lost will result in a change it pressure needed on the cpap machine. many of the machines have smart cards in them that can be downloaded by your doctor or supplier to see how much pressure is being used to keep the air flowing while you sleep so at least you need to have that done if not a completely new study. cyndir

Laura, I think it may be that they have studies the LAP band and sleep apnea more. Just a guess. And maybe, because patients that have RNY tend to be heavier to start with than band patients so even after they loose weight they are still very over weight on average so the asleep apnea would still be present. Just my guess. cyndi

You look fabulous. I have been banded since 9-2007 and have been at goal for 10 months. So great to see others with longer success still doing great. It makes me hopeful that this is finally for life. Thanks. Cyndi in Pocatello

I've been banded since Sept 2007 and have not ever noticed weather affecting getting foods stuck. However, when I am very tense, stressed, dehydrated or swollen (puffy hands, face, feet) my band feels tighter and things seem to get stuck easier. The biggest factor for getting stuck is the size of bites and how much I chew before swollowing. Good luck. Cyndi- in Idaho

Don't know why this got sent to me- Cyndi Rice in Pocatello Idaho. Hope you get the message to the correct person. Banded OCC Sept 2007...happy at my goal for over 10 months!

Wow you are doing great with your weight loss and could share some of the tools you are using to do so well with everyone. Cyndi

Absolutely anyone with lap bands or other obesity surgery may attend and definitely people come who I do not see as patients. It is free and from 6-7pm. the third thursday of the month. I am there as a banster not as "the care provider".

Hope everyone is great. We are gaining in success in Pocatello and Idaho as far as weight loss success with lap bands let's keep supporting each other and do great. Cyndi

I am Cyndi Rice and want you to know there is a sdupport group meeting the third Thursday of every month at my office 1553 E. Center in Pocatello. I am sure with an adjustment and support you will do great. Cyndi

It's great to see such hard work being done to put this together. I hope to be able to make the conference. Being a banded NP in Idaho and having great success with my band personally, I want to learn from others to help more of my own patients have success. I will try to attend once you have details. Thanks Cyndi:thumbup:

Dr. Anthony Davis is a bariatric trained fellow from back east. He is now licensed in Idaho to do laproscopic surgeries including Lap banding. He follows the NIH guideline for candidates for LAP banding. He is working to get Blackfoots program Excellence standardized. As for costs, you can contact the hospital directly and they should have the answers. Dr. Avila is now in Olympia Washington. Cyndi Rice NP Aftercare fill provider in Pocatello

I think Bingham charges about $15-18 thousand. It depends on your personal insurance plan contract with that hospital. Than you have the co-pay according to your policy. I would contact Bingham program co-ordinator directly to have them help you in the process. That part does not cost you. Cyndi Rice in Pocatello