Hi!

This is my first post and I'm thrilled to have found this site. I have just recently (in the past couple months) decided that maybe the Lap Band is the way for me to get control again. I have tried diet after diet over the years and nothing has worked with any long term success. I am approximately 90 pounds overweight and a BMI of 38, so I feel like I would be a candidate. I live in the Chattanooga area and wondered if there was anyone else that had the Lap Band experience in this area. Also, I have Blue Cross of TN and wanted to know if anyone knows if they are covering this procedure. Any information is greatly appreciated, as I REALLY want to make a lifestyle change.

Thanks! :thumbdown:

I think Dr.Ponce, the doctor that invented the Realize band (?), practices in Chattanooga. If I'm right, I know that he flies all over the country and supervises other doctors or something like that. So I bet he'd be pretty good.

Actually, I think I was right. He's in Chattanooga.

Here's his info and website:

Gastric Band Institute - Chattanooga, Tennessee - The LAPBAND

Welcome!!

I am fairly new myself and this is a wonderful source for support and guidance. I live in Alabama but was banded in Chattanooga on June 2nd of this year. I have bc/bs of alabama and had to jump through hoops with the 6 months diet thing and exercise at the YMCA at Shallowford. For what I understand your BMI is not the only determining factor. Other factors such as sleep apnea,bp,diabetes and others can effect their decision. Hope this helps.

Thanks. I just looked at the website and saw that they are having a seminar next week.