BethFromVA

I haven't found this question yet (though honestly, I haven't looked too hard), but can anybody explain why some seem to get filled sooner than others? Is it only about the healing time? Some seem to get their first fill within a couple weeks, and in this case it has been six.

Thanks for understanding, WAS. Nanook, I hope my explanation helped you understand further. Unfortunately forums are not the best for getting one's point across. What sounded good in my head apparently didn't translate well in the written word. We all know all things don't work for all people. I feel badly for those who did everything right and for whatever reason, their bodies did not react well. However, I have also read many posts where people "cheated" and didn't do what they wee supposed to and then wondered why it didn't work. I was referring moreso to them, not to y'all and your issues, I promise. I was not being flip toward you. WAS, I'm curious: What have you learned about the long-term effects of the sleeve? I ask because I once knew a guy with GBP surgery, and when I met him, he was still very morbidly obese (made ME look skinny). He HAD gone from about 600 pounds to what I would estimate was mid- to high-400s, but he either wasn't losing or was actually gaining during the couple years I knew him. He not only bragged about cheating the process by eating whole gallons of ice cream (because it would go through), but I can guarantee you he could eat plenty at a sitting when we would go out for a meal. Buffets were at least two trips to the food troughs. I guess what I'm saying is, since the stomach is an elastic muscle/organ, how does one get something like GPB or the sleeve and not eventually stretch it out? This is more curiosity than anything. Being overweight myself, I would never wish failure for anybody and, in fact, pray continued success (healthy success) for you.

Also, if you'r so inclined, eBay can be another great clothes resource.

So at this point do you think it is due to the PCP or the insurance company? Or is it a matter of which came first, the chicken or the egg? lol Sorry, I don't mean to make light of this, and I'm really not. I'd say if it's your PCP, can you get a new one? If it's the insurance company, can you talk to somebody or appeal? I have been spending hours on here and have found that a lot of successful appeals have gone through. I hope the very best for you.

Sorry for the confusion. I'm just saying that for some, the problems experienced are more due to the banded (the person) than it is the band. Certainly not all, I don't want to infer that. I just know that many still have the issues they had going in, and though the physicality of one's body can be altered, it doesn't change what got them there in the first place unless they are also working on that as well. So for some, I believe the bad issues experienced with the band (or their WLS of choice) is more about the person and not the procedure. I don't have the courage you do to do the sleeve (did I remember that right?). For me personally, to permanently alter my body is too scary a venture.

Please forgive me if I'm sounding stupid, but what I got from your post is that your PCP is potentially the hold-up? If you've done all the hoop jumping, then why haven't you been to a surgeon yet (insert rhetorical question here)?? Wow...

Sounds like it's potentially an issue with the banded, not the band.

"Life or death" sounds like that fantastic vague insurance-speak. But it does sound like you have co-morbidity along with being overweight so I would think that may qualify. I see you wrote this in August. Any luck?

Interesting... I have Anthem BCBS "in" Virginia, but I must have a different plan (I work for the state) because mine covers it. Granted, so far I am only getting the most basic info right not and will be meeting with a surgeon on Tuesday and will hopefully find out more. I'm guessing our plans are different, even though they are somewhat the same plan. Sounds like each one is specific to whatever the company plan is...?

It sounds like the food wasn't worth it, which hopefully will stick with you if you get the urge again. No bashing... we are all human. Be proud, go on to the next day, and move forward. The only one who will judge you the hardest is yourself. Just try not to be too hard.

Do y'all eat in the family/living room, or is this in the kitchen? The reason I ask is this: If it's in the living room, maybe ask him to eat in the kitchen until the liquid diet is over (at least). Besides, it's better for him not to eat while watching tv. If y'all are in the kitchen, what if you went to the living room? Though one should not eat in front of the tv, you're not really "eating." Does that make sense? Maybe if you don't see it, it will be easier. I went on a liquid fast (religious reasons) once for a week -- didn't eat a thing for seven days. I can only hope that when my time comes, I will be as fastidious about this as I was before, especially because of what this means to you/me before the operation. Just remember what you are working towards. If you can keep your eye constantly on the prize, then you will not be tempted by something that only lasts a moment in the mouth but somehow latches forever on the hips.

Hehe, sounds like you missed your chance!

Serenity, I re-read your original post and I'm confused... does your insurance cover obesity surgery but they are denying you, or do they not cover it? I'm guessing they DO cover but are denying you? Just want to make sure I understand.

My emotions are all over the place too, but I've gotta tell ya -- I'm more scared of living one more year at this size or bigger than I am about a procedure that sounds, for all intents and purposes, like a breeze. I've already lost my gall bladder due to my weight, and that was worse than natural childbirth times 10.

Hello, brownskin, I am right there with you. I am also seriously thinking about it (though truth be told, I am leaning more towards it than away from it). I too have my consult next week! And by then I should find out how much my insurance pays for it. I'm thinking probably 100% except for my co-pays and/or deductibles.

Okay, I don't believe in karma (necessarily) or luck, but I do believe in God and that we can be guided by Him to do the right things. That's all I'm gonna say because I don't want this to turn into a religious thread. However, has anybody else besides me feel like they were led to this somehow? I had never even heard of Lap Band or that type of weight loss system before about five days ago. I saw an ad in a magazine at the very end and went, HMMM, wow, I want to find out more about this! All I ever really knew about was bypass and other severe surgeries, and that was a HUGE no way for me. Okay, so I see this ad. I want to find out if my insurance covers such a process, and I go rooting through a box I have some of my papers in and find it. There was a supplemental sheet tucked into the book with contact numbers for different departments at my insurance company, and it was tucked in THE very page that discussed this operation. Within two days I was at a seminar; and though I liked what I heard (and I had also joined here and read a lot), I didn't like the doc. Besides not liking him, he's not in my plan. BUT, his father IS. And I've heard some great stuff about him. I have my initial consult with him on Tuesday! Besides that, get this: Has anybody, once they decided this is what they want (or think they want) to do gone through this? I have noticed that in less than a week, my stomach gets full quicker automatically! I'm not eating NEAR as much as usual, and in that week I've lost 6 pounds without doing anything else. Does this sound weird?

At this point, I don't know that the issues experienced by the OP were not self-created (i.e. not following instructions exactly, etc.). ALL things need to be considered when reading about people's experiences.

Oh wow, that's harsh! Could it be that when you succeed, it will show him how he has failed? With him having a BMI of 47 himself, what makes YOU weak and HIM not?? Well, I'm glad to hear you are doing what you need to for you. Let the chips fall where they may, regardless of what he threatens. He'll either go through with his threats or he won't, but either way, you'll be a healthier you to handle whatever comes down the pike.

I've heard about this before: We are no longer the fat friend, the fat coworker, the fat family member. It changes our "position" in all of our relationships, and oftentimes people don't know what to do with that, especially when we start looking good and getting attention. It's sad, but it does happen.

There's all sorts of bias. Unless you're a young, thin, pretty/handsome individual, you can about forget it. :tongue:

Hey, Serenity, first of all I'm sorry to hear this. I haven't gotten started yet, but so far I hear my insurance covers this. I go to my doc on Tuesday to begin everything, so we'll see what "coverage" means. Secondly, if your insurance covers this, do NOT give up!! Appeal this! I went to the seminar last night and said out loud that I was alarmed at the amount of money my meds (which I believe are ALL weight-related) cost a month (about $500 to the insurance company) versus this procedure, and the doctor stated that many insurance companies realize they only cover you for a couple years and then policies change, etc. They'd rather put out the cost of meds than something large like this. So, he said, they make many jump through hoops hoping you will give up (for you it is all the outrageous demands, for some it is 6 months of pre-op dieting). Please do not just take their "NO" lying down. Find out how you can appeal and ask for your doctor's help on this. I know I saw something the other day about this very thing -- how to appeal their decision. Let me look through my computer history and see if I can find it for you. Good luck, and PLEASE don't give up on your right!

I like your outlook too, Pink. I'm just looking forward to the day I can look in the mirror again... :tongue:

To be fair, I haven't heard anything BAD about him -- what little I have read. But I just got this hinky feeling last night... like he was not sincere or kinda like I was being sold a bill of goods. Not with the product, mind you, but himself. You really had to clue into it as it wasn't right "out there," if you know what I mean. I got more of a sense of egoitsm than I did a true caring about the patient. Yes, his dad does know about his practices as what I found out came from his dad's receptionist after vocalizing my issues. I told her how I felt about meeting the son and some of the concerns I had, and she said that is why he broke free from dad -- they didn't see eye-to-eye on how to run the practice, and he chose to do this sort of thing instead. That makes me all the more excited to meet the father. What was sadly funny is that the receptionist said that you raise your kids the best you can, but you have no say over what they choose to do when they become adults. She claims she used to work for the son but didn't really fit in there so moved next door to the dad's practice. She says the son relies on people not doing their homework so that he can assure you're financially invested with that outrageous admin fee!

I met Dr. Eric Pinnar last night at his seminar. I have to say I felt a bit... um... off as far as he was concerned. The first ten minutes of the loong seminar (all good info) was spent showing pictures of his kids. Okay, one or two I can understand, but it was THREE YEARS' worth of pics of both his kids. A bit of overkill, but whatever... Anyway, that wasn't where I felt the hink. He just seemed a bit conceited for me. His administrative fee is a JOKE! He is charging $420 for simply processing your paperwork. Thankfully I did my homework; I didn't realize father and son did not work together, and son is not in my plan but dad is. When I brought that up last night, it was glossed over and they made an appointement for me to come in -- WITH my $420, mind you. So... I called today to find out what my out-of-pocket would exactly be. Long story short, I would pay in the neighborhood of $4200 for his service alone, before any co-pays or other costs not covered. :eek: So I start inquiring about the dad and the lady hemmed and hawed (still, I didn't realize he wasn't in the same office as they work out of the same address, just different suites). This woman tried to get me off the subject of dad and then finally admitted he didn't work with son. However, they have this "great payment plan," no interest, yada yada. I asked what makes that so great since dad is IN my program and my cost is far less. Then they said cuz son teaches it. I figured, heck, if father and son both do this, likely sonny boy learned from dad. This woman did all she could to keep me interested in Eric. I said I would call Robert and see what I was looking at there and hung up. Needless to say, I got a warm greeting from Dr. Robert's staff and I will go in on Tuesday for my consult. When I asked about how much I had to come to the office with, they said, "Just your normal co-pay." I asked about an administrative fee, and the woman just laughed and said that was one of the things that split father and son. Son says he takes all insurance, gets you in, charges this hefty non-refundable fee, then once you're in there he tells you whether or not he is in your plan. So... had I not done my homework, I would have been schnookered. I don't like that. That's not looking out for the patient, imo. That's being greedy and sneaky. :tongue: Maybe if he hadn't spent so much time on showing us pics of his kids, I wouldn't have felt so rushed when it came time to ask questions. Staff was a bit impatient and ready to go. :tongue: