Looking for Lap Band Support Group in Colorado Springs

Hi everyone - I had the Lap Band procedure on 10/22/03 done by Dr. Johnell in Greeley and am looking for a support group or others who have had the Lap Band here in the Springs. Also, I went thru the 2nd level appeal process with Cigna to get approval, and I would like to help any others facing this dilemma by sending them a copy of my appeal if they want it. Lisa Penny

Hi, Let me know if you hear of any support im doing the Lap band with Docter Johnell on December 14, 2003 but where is the support at??

I am switching to CIGNA and would be interested in your dealings with them. My email address is [email protected]. Also, who is your primary care physician? How did you get this referral?

Kathy, my pcp is Elizabeth Erickson, over on Silverstone Terrace off Centennial. I went to her and asked her to write a referral for me to Dr. Johnell up in Greeley. There was no hesitation from her at all. A man here in my office had the Lap Band done by Dr. Johnell, and he told me about the Greeley clinic. I had originally gone to a seminar given by two doctors from Canon City that also do the Lap Band, but they didn't deal with the insurance companies at all. If you do switch to Cigna, be ready to duke it out with them. It took me 6 months to get approval, and during that 6 months I made sure I went to my pcp every month and got weighed and "discussed" my diet and food program and how it wasn't working. This provided one of the "failed diet attempts" required by Cigna (one of which must be within the last 12 months). If you can get another insurance company, I would.

What did you think of Dr. Johnell? Was he nice? Through? Effective? Have you had any problems with your lapband. I am going for my initial visit on 12/08/03 and any if would be appreciated. Eileen

I know that there is groups that call themselves the banders, I don't know much about them, However I had the RNY done 4 months ago.. I belong to a group based in denver Area and alot of colorado springs girls and guys belong to the group.. Some are banded, Some are getting ready for the band, Most are RNY people but they offer alot of support no matter what you have done.. I will give thier web address if you would like to have a online group close by and kind of local people.. Alot of them are always getting together for coffee, lunch, clothing exchanges.. There is alot of people in this group, And very chatty group.. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Friends/ Hope you check them out.. Audrey