Surgery Type Change and other Q's

Well, just found out that my insurance, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, does NOT cover the lapband surgery , as it is "too experimental". Me thinks they are . Therefore, they only cover the VGB and the RNY. I had my mind wrapped around the lapband and my family was supportive of that particular surgery as they are all terrified of VGB or RNY. Sheesh!!! Now I am in a quandry and am beginning to freak out. I would be greatful for any commentary. Also, I see the nutritionist for the 1st time tomorrow. My follow up is July 13th. I have the stress test of July 9th. Waiting to see if the oximeter results warrant an actual Sleep Study at the hospital, hoping not. Can anyone tell me what to expect at the Nutritionist and anything I can do between this visit and the next one to be on track? Thanks for letting me vent. Just feeling like I am completely overwhelmed and ready to bawl my eyes out. NA

Hi NA Just let you know that my Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield do NOT cover lapband surgery but there are mostly other kind of insurances are not cover lapband surgery so I am going for RNY surgery. Maybe you should come to the Gathering party with your family to meet other people and can talk about the issue which should help you and your family feel more comfortable this Saturday . I was terrified to go RNY surgery and was chicken out and in for a while until I met great people at Gathering party last March. I am more comfortable now than where I was in the past. Hope to see you at the Party Kathy K.

I'm sorry you got news you didn't want to hear. I don't understand insurance companies' refusal to cover the lap band. It's been approved for some time, and the initial surgery is less dangerous than the others. That being said, the lap band does tend to require a lot of post-surgery care, as opposed to the lap RNY. The VBG is an older surgical technique that the more up-to-date doctors aren't using very often anymore. If I were you, I'd go with the lap RNY. The other thing my doctor told me about the lap band (because I went in wanting the lap band as well!) was that if you like simple carbs (pasta, bread, etc.) and sugar, the lap band will not be as successful in helping you lose weight, because it travels right through the band and into the digestive system. Just a few things to think about. I hope you feel better about your choices. Good luck to you! Kathy F.

Hi NA, Heres my $.02...Like Kathy said, some foods are just not as compatible with the Lap Band which is what I originally wanted but like you, not covered by BCBS of any flavor. Having Open RYN was the next option for me since my Dr prefers doing open. Oklie doklie with me, he's the Boss! Plus after talking with Dr Aranow, I wanted the highest guarantee against failure I could get from surgery, any surgery, and open RNY was what I got. Lap would have been fine, if Dr A said that would have been it. It's tough to have to focus all your energy on another surgery type, but please, dont let your family's fears stop you. You do this for yourself, not your family. Only you walk in your shoes. -Deb

You're right Deb -- open RNY is just dandy too; I just get into the habit of writing Lap RNY because of my surgery. I think either way is great, depending on what the doctor thinks is best. Talk to your doctor, research everything you can, and you'll come to the right decision for you. Kathy F.

HI NA, Most info. I've read on lap band is not as encouraging as open or lap RNY. I looked into it before I decided to consult with Dr. Bell for Lap. I've read where it snapped on someone and they immediately starting gaining weight. So I have chosen the lap surgery instead. This is the place to get all your information. I am still pre-op so I don't know anywhere as much as others do. Ask away and you will get lots of info. GOOD LUCK. JA

Who's your surgeon? You really should be making your choice based on what's best for you according to your medical needs, your eating habits and your surgeon's recommendations. So, a conversation with your surgeon is definately warranted. Please make an appointment to speak to him about this development. I know it's difficult when you get denied, however, if you and your surgeon decide that lap banding is truly the RIGHT surgery for you (not just the surgery to choose becasue you might be scared of the others) then you can pursue appeals with your insurance comapny or switch insurance during your company's open enrollment period. Just my thoughts... Good luck to you. Lisa C

When I first made the decission to have WLS, I was going to have the lap band. After a consult with the surgeon, he felt I was a better candidate for RNY. This scared me initially, but I went home thought about it and went for it. I have no regrets. I am off all of my diabetes medicine and only take one pill for my heart. (I used to take 13 pills a day) I say go for it. Yes it is riskier, but if you want to live a healthier, longer life, some things are just worth the risk. Just make sure you do your research beforehand and are completely comfortable with your decission. Maggie

Thanks so much for your kind words and your thoughts on this. Lisa you are right I have to speak to the surgeon and see what he recommends and go from there. It is just hard because out of everything that I have to do to get ready for the surgery, the surgeon, believe it or not, will be the last person I see. Makes me all wonky just thinking about it. Ladies, you are all so right...I need to take a breather, step back and reevaluate. Thanks for your insight into your own situations and what transpired, makes it that much easier for those who follow in your footsteps. Originally we were supposed to be out of town this weekend, but my fiance is having back trouble. So if he is okay to be left alone for a bit, possibly I will get to meet some of you. Thanks again. I don't know what I would do without the CT Boards. NA