Hi, I am new to this site and have decided I want to do the LAP-BAND® surgery. I am from the Birmingham, AL area and am wondering if any of you have any suggestions as to a doctor to use. Also, as far as qualifying for insurance what are the steps you go through to see if you qualify. Thanks for the help!!!

Hi, there,

Since I saw that no one has posted to your questions, I thought I would try to give you a hand.

I don't live in your area, but let me suggest that you visit the Allergan Lap Band site, where they have a search engine that will help you will a list of doctors in your area that are performing the surgery. You could also try inquiring at your local hospital. Some surgeons hold periodic seminars discussing weight loss surgery...that's how I made the connection to mine. You'll also want to find a support group- your surgeon might sponsor one of those. It's really helpful to be able to talk with other people walking the journey, even in the pre-op stages. In any case, keep an eye out for the term "Center of Excellence"- it refers to a hospital or surgical center that is doing at least a certain number of these types of surgery a year, and also meets other quality criteria. If at all possible, have your surgery done at one of these facilities.

As to the qualifications for your surgery, I'd get in touch with your benefits or HR specialist at work- they can help you sort through your benefits and any constraints (for example, my insurance required a 6 month physician-supervised weight loss program prior to surgery). Many insurance companies require that you have a certain BMI (Body Mass Index) to qualify for the surgery, which is based on your height and weight. If you have comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and the like, the required BMI is usually lower. You can go out on the net and find BMI calculators as well, if you don't know what yours is. If you don't have an HR rep to work with, give the insurance company a call, and see what your policy covers.

Hope this is helpful- best of luck to you!

Christine

Hi Christine, thank you so much for the answers Yes that did help. I will take your advice and see what I can find out! Thanks again! I'm sure I will have more questions in the future. Thanks!!!!

My family is from Bham!! I would ask my insurance provider to provide you with a list of approved physicians in your area. The first step is a seminar which descibes the procedure and answers some basic questions. If you choose to proceed, you then see the physician face to face and proceed with an EGD which will determine if you have any ulcers, etc. The office will also schedule you to see a nutrition and psychologist after you complete those three steps, they submit to the insurance company. Some companies have their own set of pre-op guidelines which may be additional.

I am from Cullman. Dr. Cottingham completed my surgery in Cullman. Prior to using him, I had looked into Dr. Pennington in Birmingham. I have only heard good things about him. I had Blue Cross of Alabama. They required a 6 month Dr supervised diet. Once complete then I had to have a PT and Dietician vist for Cottingham and a Psych visit. After I completed all that, then I was scheduled for Surgery. I started the process at the end of Jan 2009 and I had surgery at the end of October 2009.