Hi everyone. I have been searching the internet for information about the Lap-Band, and stumbled on this site. This looks like a great place! I am going to attend a seminar Saturday at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. I have been thinking about doing this for awhile, and this is the first step. I have Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc. I am 5'4" and weigh 209. Any info/support offered will be greatly appreciated!

Welcome Vickie,

I was taking 2 shots and 6 pills for my type 2 diabetes!!!! 3 months after surgery I was able to stop. My md was thrilled and I was in shock. lol. The brochures for lap-band lists type 2 diabetes as a reason for getting the lap-band.

I was also on various other for high blood pressure,high cholesterol and pills to counteract the side effects of the medicine I was on.

Now I am on one pill daily for anxiety ,effexor and a hormone first 12 days of month. Woo Hoo.

Do you know why Kentucky doesn't fall in to Tenn? Because IN sucks.

your hillbilly neighbor in KY,

edie

GOOD LUCK! I love Nashville! I live in the Memphis area and had my LapBand surgery in 2005. I have not been the best patient, but am getting a fresh start tomorrow! Let's take this journey together! God Bless!

Hi, Vicki! I was originally going to use Dr. Olsen from Centennial, but my insurance wouldn't pay for them. I am now using Dr. McGrath-Weaver in Memphis.

What insurance company do you have? I don't think you'll have any problem getting approved, since you have co-morbidities, even though your BMI is under 40. Although, you may run into trouble if you have to do a diet before your insurance will approve you.

Dr. Dyer is the only one of the three surgeons at Centennial that works with Medicare patients, so if you are on Medicare, you'll have to use him. To be honest, Dr. Olsen doesn't have a great attitude about the lap-band. He told me (and another patient that posted either here or at OH) that patients who have the lap-band aren't as committed to losing weight as patients who have RNY. If you have the choice of which surgeon to go with, I would recommend Dr. Houston. He's by far the most experienced with lap-bands, and I've heard lots of good stuff about him.

I have BCBS PPO. I thought Dr. Houston would be the best, too. On their site, it looks like he has done alot more than the others. Thanks for that info!

One thing I really liked about their program is that they give out a packet at the seminar that contains listings of all the insurance companies and their requirements, so that you know what you'll have to do. The program manager or whatever she was (short older lady with curly hair) was cool, too.

Oh, and they're really good about contacting you through email, also. You can ask them anything and they'll get back to you really fast.

Thanks for the nice welcome and the info!

Edie, you have done great after your band! :clap2: If I have it done, I hope to do as well as you!

Lauren, I wish you the best with your surgery!

Hi Vicki I am new and will have surgery on Tuesday. I live in Ky but I am going to Cincinnati to have my surgery.

Hi Vickie. I'm from West Tennessee and I have decided on the lap-band also. I've already attended a seminar at Centenniel and want Dr. Houston to do mine. I've already sent in my paper work, now waiting to see if I'm approved. I wish the best for you in whatever you decide. You'll get lots of support on this site. :welcome:

Where in West Tennessee are you from?

I'm from Dyersburg.

Vickie, I had my surgery at Baptist in Nashville nine days ago. I do not have any of the usual health problems, but I am 57. I have had no real problems. I stopped having any pain two days ago. Dr. Albert Spaw did my surgery.

Vols Fan, I hope you get approved soon! What insurance do you have? I have BCBS of Tennessee. I hope I don't have any problem getting approved.

NurseDSD, good luck with your surgery!

TMC, I'm glad you are doing well following your surgery. Keep it up!

hello vicky,

i'm also from tennessee i had my surgrey in March in the boro

dr eckles done mine

dr houston will be in smyrna on sat. @ the support group meeting speaking. it is from 10 - 12 @ stonecrest medical center

good luck and i wish u well

kim

Hello, I am also from TN and am having my lapband done in Murfreesboro, I have attended the seminar and am going through medically guided weight loss and support groups for my insurance approval. Hopefully i will be done and ready to be banded in november