Hello From Houston

mike165 · March 18, 2008

Just wanted to say hello...

I went to a seminar last Saturday given by Dr. Richard Collier. It was interesting to hear the intricacies of the surgery and the testimonials of others who have had the procedure done.

I decided that this is something I need to do for several reasons, first and foremost being I don't like the person I am becoming. I want to live a long and healthy life and be there for my children. I want my wife to know what it's like to not have to constantly worry about me. And I want to go to Disneyworld and be able to actually ride the rides again.

I found out that my insurance company won't cover the surgery, so it was back to square one for me. My wife has been incredible throughout this process and I can see that she understands how much this means to me, as well as the fact that I am doing this for her, too.

We came to the conclusion that we would pay for the surgery ourselves, which is no easy task. I have my first consultation tomorrow at 4:45. I am nervous, but also excited at the prospect of what is to come.

I don't think that you can put a price on health and happiness. If you're reading this, please pray for me and my family. It is going to be a struggle, but one that I know will ultimately be worth it. And if you have any helpful hints or suggestions, please let me know!

Thanks.

shortgal · March 18, 2008

Welcome to the forum. I

was self pay also ( have ins that covered it but long around to get them to pay and didn't want to wait anymore). It's a lot of money, but it's my money, and I intend to get my money's worth from the band. Paying yourself can give you a real good incentive to staying on track.

It can be a long, but worthwhile process and by losing the weight slowly, I believe I am establishing new eating habits that will stick with me for the long haul.

I am also learning so much. I thought my life (and food) as I used to know it would be so different after banding, but really it isn't.

The first couple months is harder as you adjust to the new way of eating, but then you just blend it into your old life routine. I will still have new lessons along the way, but I am glad I have my band and I'm thankful my husband has been very supportive.

Advice: Follow the Dr's instructions for pre-op and post op eating, it's important for healing. Be ready to be patient. The fill (adjustments) can take time and it can be hard to stick to the post op eating regimen until you get a fill that works for you. (I'm still waiting for my best restriction fill).

jme62 · March 18, 2008

Dr. Collier did mine. He is awesome and so is his staff!! I did self pay and my interest rate was 19% through Capital One. Then I put it onto another card for 5% and it made the payments go down. I think it is worth it! Good luck...

Hookem74 · March 18, 2008

Mike:

I understand that twelve oaks hospital is having a cash special on the lap-band. You might call them and see if your dr. is working with them.

mike165 · March 18, 2008

Hookem

Thanks for that, I will definitely check it out...

cowboysfan · March 18, 2008

Welcome Mike. You've come to the right place for support & encouragement. I wish you the best of luck and the only advise I have to follow your doctors orders to the tee o.k. and all will be fine. Don't be too nervous, I realize it's scary & everybody who goes through this is scared at first. It's normal to feel that way. Just remember if you need to talk we're all here for you.

mattintosh · March 18, 2008

Welcome Mike. Yes self pay sux no doubt about it. But as I tell people, it no more than a good used car. You are worth a used car, right? Also it will be there for you your whole life.

Edited March 18, 2008 by mattintosh
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mattintosh · March 18, 2008

Oh by the way I have a friend Debbie, that paid a fee of 38,000.00 as a self pay. The bummer was that when she went back for some follow up her Dr. said he wasn't doing bands anymore and that she would have to find another Dr. for any care she may need. Now that sux!