Question about Lap Band and other surgeries

I have been researching lap band for quite some time and feel that it could really help me lose weight. I am more than 140 lbs overweight and at 20 years old, I am at my wits end trying diet after diet. I can't even count on both hands and feet how many diets and diet pills I have tried and failed. I would use pills and go on diets for months at a time with no cheating and it doesn't work. I would workout for several hours every day and nothing. I was wondering if Lap Band would be a good solution for me? I currently do not have medical insurance but have found a plann that would work for me. Also, how long does it take insurance to approve it espsecially if there is a medical need to?

If you have truly been researching lapband, I can't imagine how you came to the conclusion that it could really help you lose weight.  Especially at 140lbs overweight.  Have you only been reading the manufacturer's websites?  If you have really been doing research, surely you have read the numerous drawbacks and complications of the lapband surgery.  Just some time spent on these boards would illustrate to you all the people getting revisions from the lapband.

I wouldn't waste my time on lapband if I were your age.  I started out wanting the lapband and only took 24 hours of researching the internet, not just manufacturer's websites but extensive search engine searches, youtube videos and OH reading to figure out that LapBand was not the right WLS for me. 

I'm not saying it doesn't work for some people because I'm sure it does, but I've been on these boards long enough to see quite a lot of people revising from the band usually to the DS but also to VSG and RNY.

If you haven't read up on all of the surgery options then you are doing yourself a great disservice.  And if you think that any one WLS is less invasive than the other, all surgery is invasive and risky one way or the other.

Since you don't have insurance and cost may be a factor, that is something to consider, but choosing a lapband because it costs the least versus another surgery that may be better for you is really no choice is it?

Forgive my tone if I sounded at all harsh but I feel strongly that at your BMI, you need more than the lapband can offer you and you would only be dissappointed with your weighloss and the money you wasted.

You can check out the Revision board, and the DS board for people who have had revisions from the band and read their profiles and stories.  You are young.  Do yourself the biggest of favors and do real research before you go under the knife so you only do it once.

Best of luck to you.

Lia

Oh no...you were harsh at all. I did see what people have been saying about it. I'm still looking at other options and considering going on my 50th diet....literally. thanks for the website btw. I'm checking it out as we speak!

Here's some reading for you and a perfect example of what I was talking about.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4251149/anyone-have-i nfo-on-lap-band-results/

No ins...........n want lap band...............NOT a wise choice!!! Worst decision I could have made! I have now wasted about $15,000 and 11 mos. on this piece of **** band! Now I need a revision to a real WLS..........but the money is gone!

Also the band mill that I paid all that money to went out of business here less than 2 mos. after my surgery (True Results). They were suppose to cover fills for the first yr. but I am having to pay cash for them b/c they are no longer reimbursing me for them. Won't return calls either. Not to mention all the lies they told me about the band before my surgery!!!

If I were u I would think very carefully about the band before making a decision!!!

Hey Courtni.  You know if you do go with a band you will STILL be on a diet for the rest of your life! And even then you statistically won't lose all you want to.  Having met countless people who've has various wls, I've only personally known 1 lady who lost over 50 pounds!

Besides that, there are numerous complications from the band. Yes, it is quicker and cheaper to have the band surgery, but you will definitely pay in the end with heartache, maintenance and potential complications.

Don't be tricked by all those lap-band commercials and billboards. It ain't all that.

Please research all 4 wls  DS, rny, vsg, and band.   Also have consults with at least 2-3 surgeons that do all 4 surgeries, so you can get an unbiased recommendation for what is best for you. 

The closest ones to you are Dr. Dennis Smith in Marietta, Dr. Donald Maynard in Conyers, and Dr. Aurthur Chasen in Augusta.


BTW, I am so freakin jealous you are getting to do this so young. Oh how different life would have been in my 20's if I were 150 lbs lighter then!!!

I'm sure my fat kept me out of a lot of trouble :-)

I guess I am the Lady  you know that has lost 5 pounds with the LAP-BAND.

EXCUSE ME I LOST 110 POUNDS IN 11 MONTHS WITH THE LAP-BAND.  I HAVE LOST  A TOTAL OF 122 POUNDS.


SIZE 24 TO A SIZE 4.


WOO HOO I FEEL GREAT.

Yep, you're the one. The ONLY one out of many, many banders I've met.  And while your results were favorable,  they are not repersentative of the norm.  Count yourself blessed.

Far more banders see little or no results. Those that do have a loss often gain it back when the pouch stretches out. That is if they can keep it in long enough without having a complication which requires removal.

While we may find it offensive when one speaks negatively about our wls of choice, facts don't lie. The band is simply the least effective weight loss surgery on the market. Period.

Best wishes on continued success.

OK, part 2 of your post insurance...


It normally takes 3-6 months of pre-op testing, supervised diet, nutrition counselling, phychiatric evaluations, lab work, etc before you can even submit a request for wls to insurance.   Most insurance plans require 6 months.

Once you've done the 6 months of pre-op requirements, your wls surgeon will put all your paperwork together and fax it to insurance. This takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the surgeon and how good their office staff is.

Once insurance gets your paperwork it takes a few days to a week for them to approve or deny you.

Once you are approved the surgeon will schedule your surgery. It can be as soon as a few weeks or several months out depending on how busy he is.

To sum it up, be prepared to be very patient.  This is not like going to get a pedicure.  It is a lot of work.

Take advantage of those 6 months to educate yourself and meet other wls patients. They will be your lifeline when times get rough post-op.


Now, you mention you are not insured... Most self pay individual policies do not cover wls. Even many insurance policies purchased through an employer will exclude wls. Make sure if you are purchasing insurance, it covers wls.

Do you work or attend college? What insurance are you considering? Can your parents cover you under their plan?  With the new healthcare reform bill I believe they can keep you on until you are 26.  If this is an option, it may be worth paying your parents the difference in the premium $$$ to get you covered.


BTW, if you are a self pay, how do you plan to pay for your band fills and complications? It's not cheap.

You should consult with your surgeon before making any decision on a specific surgery. The surgeon will look at your medical history, your diet history, how and what you eat and finally your life style. Each surgery has its pros and cons and that is what you need to ask the surgeon about. Once you get all the information, then make your final decision. Remember any weightloss surgery is just a tool. It is how you use the tool that will determine your success in losing weight and getting helathier. Please do not rely on what other's opinions are about the different surgeries when making your decision, it needs to be based on you.