Hi,

My name is Terry and I live in Delmar, De. I would love to have the lapband surgery but my insurance company will not pay the 2,000 dollars for the seminar that is required through Delmarva Bariatric. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to pay the money myself as I am not working and we have no extra money. I have two small boys and I want to be around to raise them to men. Also, if I lost the weight I could help pull in some extra income. Does anyone know of any local practice or doctor that does not charge you a lot of money before you have the surgery. My husband has very good insurance and they will pay for the procedure. Any help anyone could give me would certainly be appreciated. :thumbup:

First I'd find out which surgeons/centers ARE covered by my insurance. That should be your initial step. And I agree...2K for a seminar is outrageous, unless they teach you how to do the surgery yourself! Good grief!

Wow, If I was you, I would go to another place for a seminar. In MD, I didn't have to pay for a seminar. I had to pay for a Nutrition and Psych. consultations which was required ahead of time for insurance purpose and surgeon itself. Don't give up girl, keep on searching. I wish I could help.

Sweet Gothic

I'm at my wits end. Sorry, but I want this so bad. I want to be able to ride bikes with my kids and other things that I can't do right now. My boys are 7 and 11 and I don't want them to have a mother who looks this way. I want them to grow up and be proud of who their mother is, not embarrassed. I have been heavy all my life and would just like to be average looking and not have to shop in all plus size stores.

Then, call your insurance. Find out if they cover bariatric surgery and if so, find out what centers/surgeons are covered. Then go to a FREE seminar, and get moving on the band!

My center just got like $25 from me for my visit....the hospital $150 the day of my preop tests. If you do have "good insurance", use them!

Thanks, I will call the insurance company and check around for more doctors. Maybe I'll find a miracle.

They are trying to charge you $2,000 for the seminar? l think l would find another surgeon..Sounds like he will charge you for the air you breath in his office also...Every seminar l ever heard of, was FREE....hummmm maybe he's tring to pay off his student loans...Good luck and never give up hope....

I have to agree with Lisamarie. All seminars should be FREE FREE FREE!!! *lol*

Hey Restless Monkey, how are you doing since you got banded? Looks like you have lost a lot of weight, congrats. Are you have any trouble swallowing certain foods?

Sweet G

Sweet G I WISH I had restriction! In fact, now that I'm 4 weeks post op, I'm going back on the preop low fat low carb hi protein my surgeon had me on. I'll probably get a few more calories than the 600 his called for, but want to try to do something! I know this is a time for healing etc..but good grief I'm tired of potatoes and other mushies! :thumbup:

My WL so far was preop (32) pounds and the 1st 2 weeks post op (9 pounds). I haven't lost in the last 2 weeks and in fact have gained a bit, but I think it's water (judging from the fact that I have cankles instead of ankles! LOL) I feel great, though, and get my first fill about 3 days after you get your band! Are you anxious or just very ready?

Restless M,

I was told healing time is 6 weeks, so don't worry about WL or WG. I am very ready for the band and know it will be a big challenge. I will be sure to listen to my doctor and nutritionist. I have plenty of boxed mashed potatoes and I probably will get tired of mushies,too. After you get your fill, don't you have to go on a 2 days liquid diet everytime? I was told we do.

Sweet

I'm not sure but it sounds like a good idea, to just do liquids and give your stomach and "self" a chance to settle down! I think i'll do that whether my surgeon requires it or no...2 days liquids then 1 mushie. I really feel great; I don't know why (LOL) but I do. And I had 2 surgeries in August to boot. I just REALLY was ready to get the band and so glad to have it once it was actually placed.

Are you excited too? I know some people get a little anxious but I was just afraid they couldn't place it the 2nd time after my 1st fiasco (liver was too fatty. That was a bummer, let me tell you!) I feel so good post op it's hard to remember its in there.

Wow, that's great you feel it's hard to remember it's in your tummy. I always thought we would feel that all the time. I guess you kind of get used to it.

Reason they tell us to do liquid for 2 days after each fill is to keep the band from slipping if I remember correctly.

I will have to add you to my friends list. I enjoy reading your messages.

Going to bed soon..Talk to ya soon,

Sweet

Thanks! I'll add you too. Unfortunately I got in a spat w/a poster earlier so it's nice to know I can play good with the other kids! I DO try! LOL

Good luck on your surgery...so soon now!

restless monkey, you always have something wise to share with all of us...You brighten my days...when l need answers, you always know the answers ..thanks so much for being a cheerleader for some of us...Lisa.....

LISAMARIE1158 THANK YOU! You are so sweet to take the time to tell me that! I appreciate it so much! :thumbup:

AND I have to tell you I really did "laugh out loud" when I read your comment about the student loans!