Have been wanting a lapband since 2007, and just now found out I have a BMI and insurance that should get me my surgery by this summer covered at 100%

When I went in they said that I could also get a test done to see if I have a hiatal hernia (most obese people do)and if I go the route to get that repaired, I can pay $2100 and get the lapband and the hernia repaired at the same time within 30 days! I'm kinda worried I'll lose my job before I get the surgery probably unnecessarily, and probably cause I want the surgery so bad. Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions for me??

Whichever surgery you decide on, if your Surgeon discovers a hiatal hernia, they will repair it right then during the WLS. And if your insurance covers WLS, it should certainly cover any additional charges for the hernia repair. Not sure what you meant by "same time or within 30 days".

Prior to your WLS most doctors suggest an Endoscopy to check for any issues including hiatal hernias. It's an easy painless procedure.

Also have your gallbladder checked. 6 wks after WLS surgery I had to have my GB removed. If I knew before I would have had my GB when he was doing the RYN.

Yeah, I'm confused by your post too? Do they consider the hiatal hernia an elective surgery therefore you must pay for it? Be careful, I saw someone just a few days ago who was billed about $7,000 by the doc to fix her hernia.

And why will you lose your job?

<p>Yeah, I'm confused by your post too? Do they consider the hiatal hernia an elective surgery therefore you must pay for it? Be careful, I saw someone just a few days ago who was billed about $7,000 by the doc to fix her hernia.</p> <p> </p> <p>And why will you lose your job?</p>

No the hiatal hernia is covered and the lapband would be considered elective, unless I chose to wait the 90 day period and do all the other insurance requirements.

The industry I am in is being affected a lot by internet sales and my sales territory #'s were down last month. I am just wondering if I should jump on the chance to have it done ASAP for $2100 if I have a hiatal hernia that needs repair. The advisor told me this was often the case that people have a hiatal hernia when they are obese. Or if I should just be patient and hope for the best! I am so worried only because I have been wanting this surgery for so long and now it seems to be happening that I guess I am just worried it won't happen :-/

I guess the hernia is a possibility but I don't see many forum members who have had one(watch the posts come in now )

Don't wait, this could be your only window of opportunity?

I had the same fear...that I'd lose my job before the insurance claim could be processed or during after care and I couldn't afford to pay out of pocket. It's normal and you're going to be fine. You've wanted this a long time, it's finally happening...trust the process and don't allow it to stress you out too much.

Thank you so much! I am glad somebody understands, I'm gonna try to just relax

Many people have the hiatal hernia, I see it over and over, including me and my husband which we did not know til after surgery. Spend 2 months on this site before you have surgery and educate yourself. Do not jump into this without research. Lots of experience here! Best wishes, Linda

The process takes about 90 days anyway with all of the preliminary tests you have to do and then the pre op diet. If your insurance will pay at 100% (which is phenomenal) you might want to wait on that but start the process right away. During this 90 days, do your homework, do research and read everything you can get your hands on. Go to some support meetings and talk to some other patients. I had the VSG "sleeve" so I am partial to that surgery but you should know that if you have the lap band, you will have fees associated with maintenance and fills. I think they run about $250. If you lose this job with that insurance, will your next insurance pay for that? Its something to think about. Once you have had the sleeve, other than diet and exercise, there is no maintenance. Money is always an issue so don't necessarily make your decision on that but it is something you need to consider. Congratulations for thinking about WLS and good luck with what ever you choose.

Well I'm afraid of the sleeve because there are a lot more complications with that and I like that the band is reversible. My BMI is 41 and I am 38. I'm hoping the band will help me get off about 50 or more pounds and still allow me to eat, but force me to eat slow and not overeat! My dad died at age 65 and weighed about 500lbs and I watched him lose over 100lbs probably 3 times and eventually gain it all back and more. His death has been my motivation to not try yo yo dieting, but search for a different type of solution.

Well I'm afraid of the sleeve because there are a lot more complications with that and I like that the band is reversible. My BMI is 41 and I am 38. I'm hoping the band will help me get off about 50 or more pounds and still allow me to eat, but force me to eat slow and not overeat! My dad died at age 65 and weighed about 500lbs and I watched him lose over 100lbs probably 3 times and eventually gain it all back and more. His death has been my motivation to not try yo yo dieting, but search for a different type of solution.

I'm not sure where you found your stats but the sleeve has the least problems of the 3 surgeries. My surgeon is getting out of the business of doing the bands now because of the complications associated with them but you have to do what you feel most comfortable with. Yes, the sleeve is not reversible but we chose to alter our life style, not just go on a diet because life style changes are permanent.

Is the sleeve the one where they staple off a section of your stomach? Cause they showed two types of surgery the lapband and one with staples.

Every weight loss surgery has complications.. Statiscally the lapband has the less % of them . The lapband can be reversed the sleeve cannot. you lose 85% of your stomach forever. Bypass is also not reversible and I have known people that had a band placed over the bypass.You do what is comfortable for you . My experience or anyone elses's s not necessarily going to be your experience. I chose the lapband because at my age (67) I did not want to risk losing 85% of my stomach should I get a life threatening illness such as Cancer and need to keep my nutrition up. Bypass has never been considered for me, I had a good friend who died from complications so I was too scared of that. I have lost 60 lbs and I feel like a new person.. I no longer need medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol. It does take some work, and you have to be conscious of what and how fast you are eating. Depends on your lifestyle if you need a short recuperation period, the lapband is good, not sure about the sleeve recuperation time . Good Luck on whichever you choose.

I went with the sleeve because it has the lowest rate of re-surgery and I'm under 40 so the chances of complications from having a piece of plastic inside my body for the next (god willing) 40 plus years were pretty high. Also I don't want reversible, ever. If I need to bulk up for disease fighting purposes in the future, I'm going to become a vegan/juicing/coffee enema performing maniac, not a dorito munching, french fry-o-holic! Pinpoint your weaknesses and figure which surgery will aid self sabotage, then choose against it.

Thank you for your insights, you both have good points. I am thinking about getting the sleeve, but they also told me they do something where they fold your stomach into itself when they do the band, anybody heard of this?