Went to Information Session w/ Dr. Bara and teams....still have ???'s

Hi everybody!! I went to Dr Barba's information session last Thursday. It was, indeed, informative. It was great to meet the staff and the Dr as well. I left the info session with the feeling that the Lap-band is the way to go for me. I have not ruled out RNY yet but I will only go that route if I absolutely have to. Most of my decision is based on recovery time and risk of complications due to leakage and not tolerating food well. I was so excited when I left there. I felt more settled. It's sort of hard to put into words. I think it's just that I feel so completely out of control with my weight and finally I'm starting to take control in the way I see is best. I have already started to eat better. I had a family member ask me why I was eating better now that I know surgery might be a definite, yet I couldn't get myself to eat better with no surgery was on the horizon. I told him it was like the last meter of a relay race. You give it all you have the last 10 yards because you know you are going to "tag up" and someone else is going to take that baton the rest of the way. I don't think he got it but it doesn't matter. I know why I'm doing what I'm doing and that's all that matters. I spoke with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and they have said that there is a provision under my plan. It is NOT excluded. My company is "self-insured". That means that we pay for all of our employees medical claims. If someone has a procedure and it costs $1500, our division pays for it out of it's profits. It's still very good insurance but it doesn't cover as much as others do. After talking with the insurance girl I'm a wee bit confused though. I gave her the Lap-Band CPT code that is provided in the literature that Dr. Barba provided and she said that code is for VBG operation. At the informational session, Dr. Barba said that surgery is very rarely done anymore. I am wondering is Dr. Barba has more success getting approval of that code and since Lap-Band is so similar, it gets approved. I'm not sure. I would hate to get though this entire process only to be rejected by insurance. I bet it happens all the time though. Now, I have to schedule my appointments with the breathing specialist and psychiatrist. I would like to find someone around my neck of the woods (NW corner). So, onwards and upwards. I just hope this ends up the way I want it...and if it doesn't, I hope I handle it with grace and strength. Gina

Hi Gina, Dr. Barba did my RNY on dec. 19th. He is a very good surgeon and I've had no complications. His associate Dr. Giovanni is good too I hear. I can't help you with the insurance issues but Jessica who works for Dr. Barba (and has had WLS herself) does frequent this board- maybe she could help you out... Good luck!

Hi Gina, I had RYN on Nov 17 at St. Francis. Dr. Giovanni did mine. When I went to the info session I thought for sure I was going to have the lap band, but after lots of research I choose RYN and am soooooo glad I did. My recovery time was about 2 weeks...I have 2 small children too so I had to "recover " fast!!! hahahaha I have lost 50 pounds since. You will know what surgery to have, it will just feel right to you when you "know" does that make sense? Talk to a lot of people who have had both. Bette on this site had Lap band and has done a great job!!!! Jennifer and I talk alot so feel free to ask us anything!!! Bethany 266/216/150?

Gina, I went to Dr. Barba's Oct info session. I also found it great with lots of info. Just take each step one at a time and before you know it you will be done. Good Luck in your journey. JEN

Dear Gina, If you are seriously considering the LapBand procedure, do plug into the following OH site:- http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/about.html The information and support there is wonderful. "I am wondering is Dr. Barba has more success getting approval of that code and since Lap-Band is so similar..." The vertical banded gastroplasty is nothing at all like the LapBand procedure; the LapBand is an implanted device to restrict food intake. Good luck with your weight loss journey. Mary M