Sugarbear

Most of the surgery cost I have cheked out is around 16,500. Hospital, doctor and all. That is in Arkansas. (USA)

Hi. I have been researching the lapband. I have an appointment Nov. 22, to go to a seminar that is led by two doctors that do this surgery in Texarkana. I would appreciate any info on these doctors. Also what is a "fill" Is it something you have to go back for often? What are the serious risk of having a lapband, if any? Thanks .

Thank you for the reply. My insurance coverage for the procedure is very limited. Then on top of that the coverage would be less because it would be out- of-network. I am planning to get a letter of medical necessity for my husband and myself. We are both considering the lap band and have attended your seminar. When we get the letter they will be sent to our insurance along with a letter from me. I hope our insurance will consider this surgery more seriously than they obviously do now.

:phanvan Haven't been here in a while. Still considering surgery but have now found out my insurance is going to pay very little for the surgery. I am going to write a letter to them along with a letter of medical necessity. Hope that will help. They make me sick sometimes, after what we pay for it and then they want to pay practically nothing! I am wondering how much difference there is in cost between the doctors especially if they know you are self pay or nearly self pay? I am also wondering how Penni is since she had to have her band removed?

I guess everyone has seen pennys post about the erosion and having to have the band removed. She said to follow the rules and take care of your band. Exactly what causes this and now what can she do after healing. Can she have another band? What are the causes of the erosion? I have attended a seminar in Texarkana, TX and have filled out my client info. I am waiting to hear from the doctors there about an appt. for a consult. This is kind of disheartening and scary.

I am curious to know why, as popular as this procedure has become, that it isn't done at St. Michaels ? I am also wondering if you will ever be able to eat "normal" again after being banded. I know much smaller portions, but I am talking about being restricted from eating many foods that you may have eaten before surgery. I should have asked at the seminar but didn't think of it at the moment. My insurance doesn't use Wadley, just St. Michaels, I mentioned it to the doctor, and he said they have ran into that before and worked it out, with the insurance company, I guess. I wasn't sure about that answer from him. I should have ask him to clarify it better. There were many people wanting to ask questions, I didn't want to hog to much time from him. He mentioned that the company that makes the band is particular about who performs the services with the band. Anyway thanks for the info and any other you come up with.

Thank you Leigh Ann. One other thing...do you know why they do not do the lapband at St. Michaels Hopital? It is only done at Wadley in Texarkana.

Leigh Ann, after surgery are any foods forbidden? Not just right after surgery, I mean forever? Do you ever resume eating normally, just smaller portions?

Wanabealoser, Yes I am considering it even more now that I attended the seminar. Ask questions about some of those horror stories. It would be good to write those down before you go. They answer questions at the end of the seminar. If they are too personal go up and ask them afterwards. I think there were more positive stories than bad. I still have questions but will ask the doctors when I have a consult. I have filled out the patient information page but haven't heard back from them yet. I am planning to talk to them soon after the first of the year. Have you heard much about the doctors. They seemed very professional and confident in what they do. Good luck what ever your decision is.

Thank you for the info. We attended the seminar in Texarkana, 11/22. It was informative. The Doctors that do the surgery there are a married couple. They usually do it together, unless one is called away for emeregency surgery or something like that. I am wondering if there are some foods that you may never eat again such as steak and breads. Are you able to remain healthy on such little food intake per day? Thanks for helping me out. Sugarbear

Just wondering about the chat? I am not sure I know how to use it. Doesn't seem to be anyone on or either I am just not doing it right.