?'s about Lap Band Cost, etc.

[jedijill]

Thanks for starting this great thread. I've often thought about lapband after nearly a lifetime of struggling with my weight. Is it appropriate for someone that needs to lose about 75 pounds? I've been on diets since I was 13 and nothing ever works. I've always thought that you needed to lose at least 100 pounds to even consider it.

Thanks!

Jill in CO

 

[englishteacha]

I have Anthem BC/BS and it covers quite a bit for weight loss surgery. What bothers me is that our plan doesn't have any coverage for other weight loss/healthy living options. I wish it had a discount for gym memberships or Weight Watchers, or to see a nutritionist. I think everyone's insurance is different. I have 4 friends who've had weight loss surgeries and have had a lot of success.

 

[thelionqueen]

Thanks for starting this great thread. I've often thought about lapband after nearly a lifetime of struggling with my weight. Is it appropriate for someone that needs to lose about 75 pounds? I've been on diets since I was 13 and nothing ever works. I've always thought that you needed to lose at least 100 pounds to even consider it.

Thanks!

Jill in CO

That was what I was told as well when I first looked into weight loss surgery in 2003. Things have changed. I strongly suggest attending a seminar to get information that is specific to your needs. There are MANY GREAT WLS doctors in Colorado!

 

[Mickey527]

I found a great website for those thinking of LBS.
http://www.lapbandtalk.com/
There are quite a few on this site who have gone out of the country to have their surgeries and discuss who is the safest and the cost. Most of the people who's insurance won't pay have to go out of the country, our Dr
s here charge alot more than they should sometimes. I am lucky to have insurance that will pay everything.
I had quite a bit of pre-requisites, I had to see a nutritionist and a counselor along with my GP and the surgeon. I also had to have a few tests prior, blood tests and abdominal ultrasound to make sure my gallbladder was ok since GB problems sometimes occur after a big weight loss and they thought they might take it out prior since I had problems in the past. Luckily the "sludge" is gone and I dont' need that surgery too.
I have been reading the above site for a few weeks and my comfort level with having this surgery has gone up 90%. I still have that 10% of doubt in the back of my head saying "what about those all you can eat restaraunts at WDW?"
I am looking forward to being able to sit on the ground with my grandson and even living longer so I can see him grow up.

 

[thelionqueen]

I frequent that forum as well, there is a TON of great advice and information there and helped me through my "darkest days."

I think that with every surgery there will be at LEAST 10% indecision or worry, as there should be. The outcomes for each individual can vary greatly, and although lap band is the least invasive of all WLS, there are always risks associated with every procedure.

I hope you find which procedure works for you and it is a HUGE success! As far as eating at Disney, I can still eat whatever I want with the lap band. That is the beauty of the lap band vs. other surgeries (some would consider this a negative, but definitely not me). Is that you can tailor the band in a way that best suits you. My band has very little "fill" (saline) in it so I can avoid the "stuck" episodes, and other restriction problems that come with a bigger filled band. Of course this little fill works great for me, because it lessens my appetite, but still allows me to eat foods that other bandsters have problems with (chicken breast, dense meats, fibers-all the things your body needs). However, it also allows me to eat everything I want. Luckily, I have NO desire or hunger to go back to my old eating habits, but if I want pizza on occasion, I have no problems.

I went on vacation in May and had my band unfilled because I didn't want to "fight" with it (meaning the band is very fickle and can let you eat foods one day, and not the next without issues). I didn't want to be in a position, @ WDW, where I was seeking out specific foods or having a "stuck" episode let's say in line @ Space Mountain

Long story short, I could eat whatever I wanted and in whatever portion I wanted to. Of course I didn't, and kept up my workout, but that is me. MANY people who chose the band WANT severe restriction so that they are physically unable to eat, that is definitely not what I want, EVER! I want the band to help me make the right choices and lead me to a healthy life long term, which is what it does.

This is how I choose to use the band, you may choose differently. That's the beauty of this WLS procedure, it works differently for everyone!

 

[patsal]

I frequent that forum as well, there is a TON of great advice and information there and helped me through my "darkest days."

I think that with every surgery there will be at LEAST 10% indecision or worry, as there should be. The outcomes for each individual can vary greatly, and although lap band is the least invasive of all WLS, there are always risks associated with every procedure.

I hope you find which procedure works for you and it is a HUGE success! As far as eating at Disney, I can still eat whatever I want with the lap band. That is the beauty of the lap band vs. other surgeries (some would consider this a negative, but definitely not me). Is that you can tailor the band in a way that best suits you. My band has very little "fill" (saline) in it so I can avoid the "stuck" episodes, and other restriction problems that come with a bigger filled band. Of course this little fill works great for me, because it lessens my appetite, but still allows me to eat foods that other bandsters have problems with (chicken breast, dense meats, fibers-all the things your body needs). However, it also allows me to eat everything I want. Luckily, I have NO desire or hunger to go back to my old eating habits, but if I want pizza on occasion, I have no problems.

I went on vacation in May and had my band unfilled because I didn't want to "fight" with it (meaning the band is very fickle and can let you eat foods one day, and not the next without issues). I didn't want to be in a position, @ WDW, where I was seeking out specific foods or having a "stuck" episode let's say in line @ Space Mountain

Long story short, I could eat whatever I wanted and in whatever portion I wanted to. Of course I didn't, and kept up my workout, but that is me. MANY people who chose the band WANT severe restriction so that they are physically unable to eat, that is definitely not what I want, EVER! I want the band to help me make the right choices and lead me to a healthy life long term, which is what it does.

This is how I choose to use the band, you may choose differently. That's the beauty of this WLS procedure, it works differently for everyone!

Thanks for that info. I am currently all set with all the prerequisites that the WLS people are asking me to have completed. Finished my psych eval last week, so now it is wait for the Dr. to call me in so I can have my consult. I am at the 90% place with going on with it, I have made serious changes to the household pantry and taken note of many of the things that were presented to me by the psychologist. I am hopeful for the first time in a very long time. Now to wait for the consult and find out what is covered and what is not covered by my insurance--mostly for budgeting purposes--let's face it a $50. copay and I could get things set up, a OOP for the whole thing will take some time to budget.

 

[thelionqueen]

Thanks for that info. I am currently all set with all the prerequisites that the WLS people are asking me to have completed. Finished my psych eval last week, so now it is wait for the Dr. to call me in so I can have my consult. I am at the 90% place with going on with it, I have made serious changes to the household pantry and taken note of many of the things that were presented to me by the psychologist. I am hopeful for the first time in a very long time. Now to wait for the consult and find out what is covered and what is not covered by my insurance--mostly for budgeting purposes--let's face it a $50. copay and I could get things set up, a OOP for the whole thing will take some time to budget.

I literally almost cried when I read that sentence! I know EXACTLY how you are feeling right now, and I'm SO happy for you!

I remember telling my husband, about a month ago, it feels like the ENTIRE WORLD has been lifted off my shoulders! I was SO defeated before my surgery and felt like this HUGE amount of weight to lose was just next to impossible and I was destined to be 250lbs FOREVER.

Then when I got all my evals done, paperwork and scheduled the procedure, it was like a veil was lifted off my head and I could see clearly again. I looked forward to that day with GREAT anticipation (and fear) and was hopeful this would FINALLY help.

Well, it has, and continues to. And my total life has changed. I realized there is still a beautiful, young (fairly young anyway) and active woman in there. Not a mom, not a wife or a daughter but a WOMAN. I honestly forgot what it felt like to do something for ME. To do something BIG to help myself. I got SO caught up in being the best mom and wife I could be, I TRULY didn't matter at all.

Now that I can see the light, I see that I have a LOT of life still left in me. I STILL can look good in clothes and have so much more to give than just a meal and my time. I have ENERGY and SPUNK and EXCITEMENT that I haven't had in decades. My kids LOVE it and so do I!!

In fact, we went to a local amusement park here in CO. It's literally on a mountain and takes quite a LONG and vertical climb to get to a ski lift to take you to the top. I passed no less than 4 people (all younger and smaller than me) who were stopped in the shade to catch their breath. I had to smile as I told my boys to hurry up (8 & 11) to catch up with me as these people who were resting looked at me a little something like this -->. I felt SO good and alive, I cannot begin to tell you.

I can't wait to hear your update and hope all goes well with your consult. It literally changed my life and I am TRULY grateful!

 

[patsal]

theLionQueen, thanks for sharing that as well. I am in exactly that place. I want to only be accountable to myself for what I am --not defined by daughter, sister, wife, mother, etc. I got caught up in what I was to everyone else that I forgot what it was like to be anything for myself. I will be doing this for myself--I don't think I have ever done anything for purely that reason before-- and I know I am supported by those that really matter. I long for a time when I will not have to be satisfied with being the "big girl with the pretty face!"

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hey Everyone!

I had my surgery on Wednesday and was discharged on Thursday afternoon. I'm feeling pretty good, sore and just trying to take it easy. Yesterday was a hard day, I felt miserable and kept asking myself why I did this. Today I woke up in minimum pain and remembered.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I'm so happy to read such encouraging posts. Everyone has been so helpful to one another here.

I'm going to move this over to the Community Board since the conversation has evolved and moved away from a budget-related topic. I hope that the positive vibe will continue there and you will be able to inspire more people with your stories.

 

[Mellie2162]

I have Carefirst Bluechoice and they paid for both me and DH to have Lap-Band. My husband is doing well. He has lost about 45-50 pounds now. He had his first fill a month ago and after that had a few stuck episodes, but he has now figured out how to eat his food and what foods work for him.

I, on the other hand, had to have my band removed 3 weeks after getting it. My body decided that it didn't like the foreign object in there and decided to rebel against me. My stomach swelled up around the band and formed a pocket of pus around it. I couldnt get anything down except water for 3 weeks. Iwas in and out of the hospital for dehydration several times and finally my surgeon decided to go back in and see what was going on after my upper GI showed absolutely nothing wrong. I lost about 40 pounds in 3 weeks and I was absolutely miserable and weak. It has taken me nearly all summer to recover from that and I finally feel normal again. I have to say I would rather be fat forever than to feel like that again.

Im glad to hear so many others are doing well with it.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Congratulations to all of you who have done well.

I have considered this a few times, but I just know I would screw it up. I never really eat because I am hungry... I eat because I just do. I have no idea why I eat so much and so often.

I'm not sure why I am not mentally strong enough to beat my food issues, but so far in my life, I am not.... I have had a heart bypass and am diabetic.... you would think that that alone would get my mind straight, but it hasn't been.

 

[thelionqueen]

Hey Everyone!

I had my surgery on Wednesday and was discharged on Thursday afternoon. I'm feeling pretty good, sore and just trying to take it easy. Yesterday was a hard day, I felt miserable and kept asking myself why I did this. Today I woke up in minimum pain and remembered.

CONGRATULATIONS on getting the surgery behind you! I too felt like I had made the worst decision of my life right after surgery, but you will be surprised how quickly you feel like you're back to normal.

Just take it easy and do exactly what your doctor tells you to do, that is so important during the next few months. Keep your chin up, this is a tough time, but it will soon be behind you. Keep us up to date on how you're doing!

 

[PrincessShanShan]

Just found this thread.

I was banded 12/19/08, so a little over 8 months ago. I researched for almost two years before deciding to have the surgery. It's the best thing I've ever done, but it's not a miracle cure. I have to "work my band" every day.

Some people think they can get the band and still eat the same way and you can't. Don't get me wrong, I can still eat anything I did before. I'm one of the lucky ones in that respect, but I have to do it all in moderation. I'm also an emotional eater and I battle that every day.

You have to change your mind set, at least I did.

I started out wearing a size 22. Today I bought a pair of Levis (jeans) and they're a size 6. I still can't believe I'm a size 6! I've lost almost 78 pounds and I have about 16 more to go.

If you have any specific questions, pm me and I'll try my best to answer them for you.

 

[tuckerkeys]

I was banded 4-2-09. I am almost at 60 lbs gone forever! It was 1 of the best decisions i ever made.

I have horizon bc/bs of nj. they paid for everything. i was in a 6 month holding period where i was to see a nutritionist, and a series of other doctors people have mentioned on here ( psyc, gastro, etc etc..) the 6 months is used to see if you can loose weight on your own before the surgery. some insurances have it, some do not. i learned a lot in those 6 months and it is why i consider my band to be so successful.

I have had 3 fills, and after the 3rd a slight unfill to where i am good....my next one will be in mid september.

My goal is to loose 100 lbs. I will do it. the scale moves so fast for the 1st 3 months ( as much as 5 lbs a week!) then plateaus are hit. the great thing is there is no falling off the wagon for me when a plateau is hit, b/c i wont be able to eat the amt of food or the specific food! now i am creeping along at 1-2 lbs a week, some weeks nothing. If i want to see the scale move faster, then i move faster. simple rules of weight loss apply with the band...it is not a magic pill, it is simply a tool that slows things down.

i feel that self payers will be very successful, b/c at a cost of @ 15k or so WHY would you go through this to sabotage yourself? most Dr's in the US will do self pay have financing available. i know my Dr's cost is less then if you went through insurance, b/c there is no 6 month wait, and no insurance paperwork mess to deal with so less staff to deal with etc etc.....

bottom line it was awesome for me! good luck with whatever it is you decide to do!!!

 

[quentina]

Good luck.

My aunt had gbs instead. She is a compulsive/emotional eater and it drove her into a serious depression. She is miserable and took up drinking and she is so sickly now. But she did lose the weight very quickly.

If you are just trying to lose weight and keep it off, it should work fine for you. From what I understand of the surgery you have to be careful not to overeat/eat what they tell you not to or you can not only gain the weight back but upset the lap band and you can get ulcers.

An employee of mine had bypass...I never saw someone so sick in my life. Her kidneys started to fail, something happened to her liver. She looked like a broom stick with a head. Apparantley, there was something major wrong, she had to have surgery to repair and now has a feeding tube.

 

[Candle]

I just wanted to say good luck to you and the others considering the band. You've gotten some great advice in the thread.

I just passed my 2 year "bandiversary" and am VERY happy with my choice. I lost 135lbs in under 1 year and have been at my goal for over a year now.

I chose the band not only to lose the weight (I'm a professional dieter at this point) but TO KEEP IT OFF! I know quite a few people who have had gastric bypass (RNY) and lost a lot of weight, only to gain it back because they did not make the proper lifestyle changes. The band forced me to make proper food choices and I forced myself to do the rest.

My insurance thru my employer had a WLS exclusion but I was able to switch to a self pay plan that covered it 100%. If I'd paid out of pocket, it would have been around $18,000-$20,000.

The band is not for everyone - do your research and make an informed choice! There are quite a few WLS options available.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I just wanted to say good luck to you and the others considering the band. You've gotten some great advice in the thread.

I just passed my 2 year "bandiversary" and am VERY happy with my choice. I lost 135lbs in under 1 year and have been at my goal for over a year now.

I chose the band not only to lose the weight (I'm a professional dieter at this point) but TO KEEP IT OFF! I know quite a few people who have had gastric bypass (RNY) and lost a lot of weight, only to gain it back because they did not make the proper lifestyle changes. The band forced me to make proper food choices and I forced myself to do the rest.
My insurance thru my employer had a WLS exclusion but I was able to switch to a self pay plan that covered it 100%. If I'd paid out of pocket, it would have been around $18,000-$20,000.

The band is not for everyone - do your research and make an informed choice! There are quite a few WLS options available.

I was under the impression that BOTH required one to make proper choices... can you explain what you mean?

 

[thelionqueen]

My take on her comment is this...
With bypass, if you don't make the correct lifestyle change (diet, exercise,moderation, etc) your stomach can and will stretch to its original size and bigger. With the band, you can choose the restriction you want for a lifetime. Your stomach could stretch, but all you would need to do is go in for a fill to be at your original restriction.

Many people with bypass are forbidden to eat specific foods due to many different reasons. With the band, you can pretty much eat anything you want if you don't have proper restriction. Therefore you are somewhat "forced" to make sensible decisions that last longer than most IMO.

Perhaps she can clarify better, but that is what I was thinking

 

[Candle]

The gastric bypass works in 2 ways.

One: The procedure creates a smaller stomach pouch, causing you to get full and stay full on a smaller amount food. (Similar to the Lap Band.)

Two: The bypass also makes it so that food BYPASSes part of the small intestine. This causes you to absorb fewer of the calories that you eat. This is what makes people lose the weight so fast. The malabsorbtion of calories only happens for the first 12-18 months.

After the bypass, some people just don't make the proper diet/lifestyle adjustments but still lose weight because of the malabsorbtion component. Once that 12-18 month grace period is over, those people tend to start to gain their weight back. I was worried I would be one of those people.

It is a great weight loss tool for a lot of people - I just didn't feel it would be the best FOR ME. I’m a volume eater – the band does not physically allow me to continue that behavior. I was worried that over time, with RNY, I would slip back into those habits.