skinnyinMT

Has anyone found a way to get Montana Medicaid to pay for the surgery?

Who was your doctor? Does he travel to Minot for fills?

I am scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Brudered the end of this month and am wondering if anyone out there has been banded by him??? And if so how was it??

I also saw that show. I am still trying to make my mind up if I want surgery. I am 51, 220 lbs and want to loose 70-80 lbs. I am pretty semitrical in build, only a little tummy sag now. My question is: How much saggage will I get and how much surgery and where will I need it---and what will the COST be. I have a friend who has lost 120 lbs. She is having a Tummy Tuck. But the remark she said that worried me was "I will never be able to wear short again, I firmed up my arms but my legs didn't firm very well". I do wear shorts now and even a swim suit at the lake. But if I end up looking worse because of sag. I am worried! I really need imput!!! HELP

So what about beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages--say tequlia sunrise, for example??? Can you have any???

I am seeing Dr Bruderer in Bismarck. I have already been to his seminar so paperwork is next. I am on disability and medicare does pay for LB surgery in some cases and I think I qualify. It's the fills I am not sure about.

Grace (skinny)

Hi Steph and Joy,

Talk about questions---I have plenty. Lets make plans to get together. Name the time and place. My house is okay if you want.

Grace

My question is on the long term of the lap band surgery. Is there ever a point when you no longer have to do the Protein thing or drink the 64 oz of Water daily. Will I always eat only a half cup of food or suffer the painfull consequences? Is Constipation going to be a life long problem? I have about 90 pounds to lose, what's the average time to lose that many pounds--I have severe back problem so heavy exercise is out of the question. Even long distance walking poses a problem. What happens when you reach your weight goal?

Steph,

Would like to talk soon. I am going to the doctor today to get things started with Dr. in Bismarck.

Skinny

Is this about when you need the first one? What is the average times you need them?

What about the fills, does Medicare pay for them?

Hi Gina,

Thanks for the response. I have already been to a seminar with a doctor in Bismarck, ND. Sounds like maybe the primary care doctor has to give the most detailed information, is that right? And then the Lap Band Surgeon takes over from there to get the approval.

I have border-line hypertension and a history of back surgeries with one possibly pending. Could maybe be avoided with weight loss. I also suffer from horrible heartburn, have hand, arm and leg numbing, and painful joints. Do I sound like a candidate to you (in your opinion!)

Good luck with your surgery!! I will add you to my prayers for success.

gmmc

<p>Hi, I am on Medicare and am curious how easy they are to get along with for approval. Are there quite a few hoops to jump through? And does anyone have any help and quick approval advice. <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /> I live in MT but all federal should be the same, I think!</p>

Has anyone been insured by Medicare and had surgery, or know anyone??

gmmc

Hi Steph, I am also from Plentywood and considering lap band in Bismarck. Visited with Joy tonight, she is great. Would like to get together with you sometime.

gmmc