RKidder

HI! Thanks for the kind words. My name is Rachel. Hope we can meet sometime. Here is my email: ravecoder@aol.com

Hi Trish, Rachel here. I just went to my seminar on June 15th in Portsmouth, NH. (I live in Maine, 2 hours away.) I contacted my insurance company and was told the first time that the lap banding was not a covered procedure. I called again and requested their written policy on weight loss surgery - according to it, I meet the criteria! So, if at first you don't succeed - try getting in their faces and request everything in writing! I am scheduled for my first appointment in less than a month. I am hoping to have the surgery around October. Best of luck to you!

Went to seminar on 6/15. Great presentation! Impressed with surgeons. Application completed and submitted. Waiting for my PCP and Endocrinologist to write letters of medical necessity. Aetna sent me copy of criteria to be met - looks like I meet them! Just waiting to hear back from Portsmouth. Would like to do this in the fall. Working on losing the first 10 pounds on my own. Dr. switched me to Byetta to help with weight loss - awful headaches and nausea...not sure this is the way I want to lose this.

Went to seminar on 6/15. Great presentation! Impressed with surgeons. Application completed and submitted. Waiting for my PCP and Endocrinologist to write letters of medical necessity. Aetna sent me copy of criteria to be met - looks like I meet them! Just waiting to hear back from Portsmouth. Would like to do this in the fall. Working on losing the first 10 pounds on my own. Dr. switched me to Byetta to help with weight loss - awful headaches and nausea...not sure this is the way I want to lose this.

2:20 am Can't sleep, too wound up. My mind is reeling. I will be going to first seminar in Portsmouth, NH this evening. Will I be scared, elated, excited, curious? Yes, all of the above. My greatest fear(s): I am an RN who has done a lot of research on the lap banding. Will the doctors be intimidated by my list of questions? Will they shy away from taking me on as a patient because I am a medical professional myself (she asks too many questions...) Will my insurance cover this? Will my husband's insurance cover this? Who knows? My PCP supports me and will write necessary letter, as well as my endocrinologist. (Thanks). Have to get some sleep - big day today.

2:20 am Can't sleep, too wound up. My mind is reeling. I will be going to first seminar in Portsmouth, NH this evening. Will I be scared, elated, excited, curious? Yes, all of the above. My greatest fear(s): I am an RN who has done a lot of research on the lap banding. Will the doctors be intimidated by my list of questions? Will they shy away from taking me on as a patient because I am a medical professional myself (she asks too many questions...) Will my insurance cover this? Will my husband's insurance cover this? Who knows? My PCP supports me and will write necessary letter, as well as my endocrinologist. (Thanks). Have to get some sleep - big day today.

Hello, I live in Lewiston, ME and I will be attending my first seminar today in Portsmouth. I am sooo looking forward to going and finding out all I can about lap banding. I am an RN and have worked on a surgical floor that had many RNY gastric bypass surgical patients. After seeing many complications, I have decided to pursue lap banding for myself. Best of luck to you all....Rachel

I am from Lewiston, and I will be attending the seminar later today at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. I am an RN who has worked on the surgical unit that had RNY gastric bypass surgery patients - After seeing the many complications that can occur, I have decided to check out the lap banding procedure for myself. I am now an insulin-dependent diabetic, with other co-morbidities, and am serious about losing weight to extend my life and be around to enjoy my husband and my son. Best of luck to all of you. Warmly, Rachel

Kate -- love your cros stitch work! Beautiful!! I also love cross stitching. Just can't wait to retire so that I can have more time to myself...Rachel

Hi, Has anyone had their lap banding done in Portsmouth, NH? How was your experience? Do you recommend them? Which surgeon did you have? I am going to my first seminar on June 15th. Any tips on the types of questions I should ask? Thanks, Rachel :cool:

Hi - where are you going to have your lap banding done? Rachel

Portsmouth Regional Hospital has 2 or 3 surgeons that do the lap band procedure - I am going to their seminar on June 15th!

Hi! I am so glad to hear from you. and that you are doing well, so far. I have not had surgery yet - insurance coverage is an issue. We are checking to see if my husband's insurance will cover. Do you mind my asking if you had any problems with insurance - what company are you insured with? Aetna (mine) won't cover the procedure.

I used to live in Meridian Hills Court apartments when I lived in Indy in 1988 - I know the area you live in well,. I am also familiar with St. Vincent's as well. Good luck with your procedure!

Hi Everyone! Love this site. Going to my first seminar on June 15th. My primary care physician will be writing a letter on my behalf to the insurance carrier. My husband is very supportive, and has checked if his insurance company will cover the procedure. Has anyone had their lap banding at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, NH? Please let me know if you have, and how was your experience? Thanks!

I am considering lap banding in the near future - I am looking for feedback from those who have already undergone this procedure. Any advice? Regrets? Tips? Recommendations? Thanks, in advance for your help. Rachel

Mine was: Rachel, the other white meat..tee hee

I am checking into the Portsmouth Regional Hospital bariatric program in a few weeks -- will be going to a seminar in mid-June. I live in Lewiston. Best of luck to you! Rachel