Hi! I'm Amanda, 25 years old from outside Memphis,Tn. Stay at home mom to a 2 year old. I'm 5'8 and weigh around 400 lbs :thumbup:, my highest weight ever (even as I typed that it didn't seem real). I've been heavy since the age of 4ish, and my weight has always been consistently heading upward and spiraling out of control. I've tried weight watchers, south beach, First Place, hypnosis, diet pills, my own don't-eat-anything-after-4pm diet, etc. Some things have worked temporarily, other diets have not.

Recently (as in a few weeks ago) my best friend had the lap band surgery done and it made me take notice. I had not really considered the lap band before. So I've been researching night and day in my spare time for a few weeks now, and I'm thinking I want to give the band a try. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure our insurance won't pay. :sad: My husband's employer has a written exclusion:cursing::cursing::cursing::mad::mad::mad: on any treatment for anything having to do with obesity or morbid obesity, including weight loss surgery. From everything I've read other places, I'm probably most likely out of luck. :cool2: However, DH and I have decided to self-pay if that is the case. I'm very scared about self-pay as it will put us in debt for the first time ever. Also what about complications? What if we go that much into debt and it doesn't work? So many questions...

Anyways, guess that's where I'm at. I love this board, and forwarded the link to my friend that just got banded. :biggrin2:

Welcome Amanda!

First of all, congratulations on being one of the only 25 year olds in America who isn't already in debt!! That is rare! Good luck as you begin this lapband journey. These boards are helpful - you can learn a lot here. Do your homework, especially when choosing a doctor. Don't automatically go to the cheapest place, count the costs beforehand (sometimes the cheapest upfront cost isn't as cheap in the long run) Good luck!

Hi Amanda, we are so glad you found us and invited your friend as well.

My employer also had an exclusion on our insurance plan for weight loss surgery, so I had to go self-pay as well. We refinanced our house and it only increased our monthly payment by a small amount.

When looking for a doctor, make sure you ask exactly what your fee covers. For instance, mine covered all fills and any complications, etc. for one full year after the surgery. That is important, especially when self-pay.

Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are glad to help in any way we can.

Hey Amanda,

My name is Lana and I am on my way to being banded, just waiting for auth. This board is a great forum for your questions, insecurities etc. I guess there is no 100 percent guarantee with anything, but as you read there has been a lot of success with the band and from what I understand it absolutly will not work if you don't work it. As long as you don't try to sabotage yourself then it will work. As far as getting into debt I would make sure it's a payment you can live with or now may just not be the time. Stress is a huge cause of weight gain... If the main person who is supposed to support you becomes resentful because your now in debt, then it really won't be worth it...I wish you so much love and luck.

Always Lana

Hi Amanda:

If you wind up having to self pay be assured that it is the best money you will ever spend. It is pretty easy to justify in light of the changes it will make in both longevity and quality of life. Even though it is expensive if you put it in perspective it is cheaper than a new car, which will last only about 10 years at best. You are doing the right thing consulting the boards. The research process is lengthy and individual. There are a lot of qulified surgeons out there and a lot more programs to choose from than even just a few years ago. Best advise would be to actually contact some of the people you meet on the board for more candid conversations. i know that helped me decide. I swear by my surgeon and hospital, Dr Aceves, the same as I know many other people swear by thiers. The point is there are a lot of good surgeons out there, you just need to find the one best suited to you.