Decision to make

I'm like Lisa -- I went into my consultation convinced that I wanted the Lap Band for the same reasons your doctor has recommended the band -- less invasive, removable, etc. But ... my doctor asked me what my favorite foods were & I replied pasta, ice cream & Twizzlers. His response to me was "no Lap Band for you!" It seems the simple carbs and sugars pass right through the opening with the lap band, so if you eat those sugary/starchy things, you don't lose the weight. So I ended up having lap RNY. If you're not a huge sweets/simple carb eater, I think the lap band is a great way to go. It's too bad your insurance company hasn't kept up with the times -- it's been approved for a few years, and it is technically less dangerous. Good luck to you! Kathy F.

Hello Claudia, I am right now going through the process to get the lap band surgery. I have done the Pulmonary, sleep test and will be going to my second Psych evaluation on Saturday. My doctor is Richard Newman at St. Francis Hospital. I think you're doctor told you to consider Lap Band due to your low BMI. St. Francis will not do the Lap Band if your BMI is higher than 50. My sister is getting her Lap Band Next Tuesday. You mentioned in your post that your insurance company will not cover the Lap Band. Who do you have for insurance? I have Blue Cross and Blue Shield POS.

Hi Antoinette, I have the same insurance as you BC/BS. My doc said that they absolutely will not cover the lap band. He said that if I choose Lap Band that Connecticare is the best and then Healthnet. How did your sister make out with her band? Good Luck to you!

Hi claudia It was nice to hear from you.....I still have'nt finished all my testing and that will have an inpact on the type of surgery I have. I am 62 and I have several medical problems and I'm still waiting for the results of several tests. the surgery for the band is much shorter timewise, less invasive and reverseable.....on the other hand you lose weight much slower. Have you met with the dietician???? she will discuss the pros and cons related to your specific eating habits. the bypass is still not out of the picture for me.....Doctor aranow may reccomend if my medical problems require me to lose the weight rapidly to save my life. I will learn more this week from pulmonary doc. If you have any other ????? you can e-mail me at [email protected]. good luck angel