GracieMoon219

Hi everyone. I have read and learned so much from these postings. I think it is wonderful that people care enough to share their experiences to strangers to help them. I have considered banding for several years, but to be honest was scared. Earlier this year I had a spinal fusion to my lower back and have decided if I could go through that, I can do the banding. Afterall the banding may save my life. My BMI is 37.5 and I am not sure what associated risks would be to make me a candidate for the surgery. My parents are both obese, heart disease and diabetes run in my family. But, my main concern and reason for this is my back. Even with the fusion, which was a horrible surgery my back is not better. In fact it is worse. I also now have nerve issues that make walking painful. I am hoping that banding and weight loss will help my pain. If anyone has experience with Digenerative Disk Disease and then was banded, I would like to know if it helped your lower back pain. I am in the Houston area, and after reading all the posts I have decided to pursue having the surgery at True Results also known as the Surgiscenter. I am also going to use Dr. Spivak. I would love to pen pal/e pal with someone in my area that used this doctor. :help::help::help:

I have seen several people did their surgery in Mexico and had positive results. Is the cost better there? Will a doctor state side do your fills/unfills? You can email me directly at GracieMoon219@aol.com. If you ever want to chat. I am a good listener. It will be March before I can get the surgery :-( even if the insurance approved it for tomorrow.

Samorelli, I am a fellow newbee, in fact I haven't got a surgery date. But, I wanted to wish you good luck! These boards are the best support ever.

No, no date yet. I have my first consult this Friday. I am going to the Surgiscenter here in Houston. I want Dr. Spivak. I have read soooo much good about him here. I have United Health Care, HSM. I called them and they said they cover 80% with 40+ BMI or 35-40 with co-morbid. I am pretty sure from what I have read about co-morbid I will be ok there. My big thing is my back. I had a spinal fusion in Feb and it has not helped. I can only pray that losing about 70 pounds will give me some relief.

Thanks Carol. I called my ins., I didn't know enough to ask all the right questions. All I was told was that they covered it 80% with 40+ BMI or 35-40 with co-morbid. I have heart disease, diabetes in my family. My mother, father and sister are all obese. And, I due to digenerative disk I had to have a fusion earlier this year. I got NO relief in my back. I am hoping that losing about 70 pounds will help. :-)

I am so happy for you. I am not yet banded, just starting the journey. I hope to have the success you are having.

Nancy, what did they use for your approval since your MBI is under 40? We have alot of the same co-morbids and we are about the same BMI. I have UHC HSM, I realize each plan is different just wondering what they looked at for you?

I am changing to United Health care, HSM at the first of the year. I called and they said they would cover 80% with 40+ BMI or 35-40 BMI with co-morbid. Has anyone used them? Anything else they wanted that comes up later? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

$j, Good job. It looks like you are really into this. I hope I have as much luck when I start the process. I am changing carriers at the first of the year. I know the new one covers, not sure about the existing. I am new to the boards, looking for friends who have gone through or are going through this. We can learn so much from each other.

Hi Apples, it seems we may be at the same point in our banding, the very beginning :-) What exactly is the 6 month supervised diet? I am a little confused. I see some women apply and have the surgery in a few weeks, others talk about months and months? Is it all your insurance issues?

Hi Gina! I am new to the site, not yet banded but starting on my journey as well. I wish you luck. My insurance is an 80% deal too but I am not sure of the details just yet. I have my inital consult with the surgery center on Friday. They advertise that they do all the work to get you approved. I sure hope that ends up being true. Have you already found your surgeon? I found mine from reading these threads. I am sooo glad I found this site.

Hi everyone! I am just starting on this journey. I have been reading through these threads and I am so happy there will be so many helpful people when I actually do this. I have my evaluation this Friday. I am not sure about what I should be asking. Any and all help with questions/topics would be great. I have already contacted my insurance and know that they will pay for 80% so that is a big relief. My BMI is not over the 40, but I am pretty sure my circumstances will make me eligible. I also want to say, I am proud of all of you that have actually faced this and made changes. I know I am excited and scared. I really want to be healthy! :help: