cpbaby

I have been told about Spivak and Spiegal many times. Those who have used them, could you tell me more about their practice, costs, insurance, skill, pre-testing, office, etc? Anything you can thinkof would be helpful (to me and to others I think). P.S. Is one of them involved in something called a "cattle call" and what would that be?

Wehave BCBS UT Select through my husbands work (we works for University of Texas). Does anyone know anything about thier coverage of lap band or who I would call to find out if they cover it?

I wonder why they do this test? If it diagnoses sleep apnea or not, how does that change your surgery?

Anyone now of a good, fat-friendly/lap-friendly PCP in houston? I need a doctor but I always go to the one who gives me the worst time and I leave and cry in the car. I want one who will be my partner, not bossy or condesending. Much Thanks

I am having a really hard time with getting my butt in geat on this. I really want the lap band, but feel all the steps are so overwhelming and humiliating, that I am having a hard time getting the nerve up to start. The seminar! Would an oncologist gather 100 prostate cancer patients in a room and discuss their health? I dont think so! It seems to say to me that they dont believe it is a medical condition and they just want as much money as possiable for the least amount of work. Even the thought of being weighed is a nightmare for me! I know I will cry. And a sleep test? They need to take the same precausions if I test positive or not! I have had 4 surgerys while I was this large and they didnt sleep test me. And I worry that some doctors wont touch me cause I am 50+ BMI or force me to do an extended liquid diet. . . or worse yet, humiliate me. Did anyone have the same feelings early in their process. I know I want the lap-band but the steps after that, I am just not sure if I can do it. Any constructive thoughts, support, words of advice, etc is so greatly welcome!

Yeah I called! Silly me, I didnt realize I should do that. Got great info...sure hope it works out (a few requirments for documentation)

I am sure this isnt the same or everyone, but what kinds of pre-op testing did you guys have to go through? Is this done prior to insurance approvial or before the doctor gives you the ok to have the procedure? Thanks so much, Carol

Why do they do a sleep study and how long do you have to be there? I cant imagine sleeping infront of people...and I cant imagine sleeping away from my son. He would flip out!

Does anyone have blogs to share that you have kept through the process? It would be so nice to get a good idea of the process by reading other stories. Carol

First things first, you all have been so great! I am so impressed with the support and help I have gotten as a new member. Thank you all so much! I have a question about being normal. I still havent really had a serious talk with my husband about it. He will be resistant. I know he is just araid of things. One thing he is afraid of is that I would always feel sick and never be able to be normal again. Besides complications, I am sure this is his biggest fear. At some point will I be able to go out to dinner (and eat a smaller portion) and enjoy it? Or have a drink? Or appear normal at all? Will I always feel sick? Thanks so much! Carol

I was actually scared cause the more I read, the more it seems like it is something I should seriously consider. And I thought he would just say "no way, no how" and then we would have a fight on our hands (he is a great guy but very stubborn once he makes his mind up) But he said "Honey, it sounds interesting. If it would make you happy, I am 100% behind you. Whats the next step?" I was so happy I cried a little bit :cry I had been so nervous all day. Carol P.S. What is "PB" and what kind of doctor do you have follow you through the process that can help you moniter your progress and stuff?

Hi, I am new to the group and to researching this. I have a few questions I hope might be answered by those of you who have experience (and guts, I am scared just thinking about it!).<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p I have a 1 year old son and I am wondering how long after the surgery would I need help with him? Would I not be able to lift him Would it be impossible to keep the surgery to yourself (i.e. I dont want to explain it to all 50 moms in our playgroup, my husband's office, our neighbors, the grocery store workers, etc. I just think its personal information)? Did anyone keep it to close friends and family only or does everyone notice your new eating and weight loss? <O:p</O:p Has anyone had it done with a BMI in the low 50s?<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p Are the seminars required by doctors? Again, I just feel strongly that it is personal for me and no way would I do an seminar. <O:pDoes anyone have a favorite doctor in Houston Texas? Has anyone had a husband (or wife) who was not for the idea? How did you deal with that? (my husband is thin and met me when I was overweight, but not really big like now. He just thinks very bad about WLS and wont hear of it...but I need help so bad and I dont think he understands how bad I feel) <O:p</O:p Thanks so much. I have been so inspired by the before and after photos, it really seems like it has to be worth it!<O:p></O:p> <O:p</O:p Carol :couch2:

Thanks so much. Did they give a weight which is considered heavy lifting? My son is 20lbs. You all are so helpful! Carol

thanks everyone. I am a bit disheartened though. My husband could take a week off work to take care of the baby, but after that, I would be on my own...and there is no way to care for a baby without picking them up. Perhaps it wasnt meant to be. Thanks for all the info! Carol