Just a question. . .or two

Hello everyone! First, lemme introduce myself because I'm brand new to this site. My name is Jay and I live in Grayson County.  I've been researching WLS for a few months now. I can not seem to figure out which surgery would be the best for me. I thought that Lap Band was going to be the one, but, from what I have researched, it seems that the gastric bypass would be easier to adjust to. I'm just really confused, and im really not sure which to pick. Would anyone like to shed some light on my situation?  Also, I am wondering if anyone out there has United Health Insurance. Norton Hospital gave me a huge packet to fill out for insurance purposes. When I called United Health, the person was quite rude and she read me a huge disclaimer. Is this insurance company easy to work with? Any addition information that anyone would like to provide on this subject would be great also. Thank you all so much for your help!!!

Sorry I can not help on the insurance question. I wanted to say Welcome! Research the WLS available and you will know what is right for you. This is a journey that begins with dealing with insurance requirements. Keep a cool head and get ready for the ride. We are here for you.

Thank you for the warm welcome! Insurance is already giving me a headache though. . . lol I will remain calm though. I have to keep telling myself PATIENTS.

Hi there Jay....Welcome to the KY board.   Research Research Research  that is the key to finding the answer to which wls will be best for you.    Everyone will like their surgery, their doctor, it really is your decision but the one piece of advice I will give you is make sure that your insurance company will pay for the one you choose.  Some will not pay for any wls. Some will only pay for one type of surgery.  Make sure yours will     Ask them point blank,  and get it in writing. Is that the disclaimer she quoted you over the phone that they will not pay? Good luck   ask any questions,  someone on the board will be able to help you.   I've not had surgery yet,  going to Lexington Monday for a seminar at St. Joes.   but if i can help, just ask.  i'll do my best Take Care and Good Luck Belinda

Thank you Blenda for the nice welcome! I didn't expect to find someone close to where I live! I have been doing research for some time now, six months maybe!?!? I have just about drove myself crazy with the research really. I logged onto YouTube and watched a lap band surgery being preformed and I have also watched a gastric bypass.  From what I have learned, the bypass will take longer, but I wont have to go back for any adjustments as with I would with the Lap band. Also, I would not have to worry about band slippage. Those were my two main concerns. And, I didn't like the idea of a plastic object in my body forever. So, I guess I have already half-way made my decision. But, I keep second-guessing myself, and I thought that it would help having other people's opinions.  I am going to my family doctor on Wednesday to discuss the surgery. If we agree that it's right for me, I will have him to type me a letter of medical necessity to send to the insurance company. I have already attended the seminar in Louisville. The surgeon was very informative about all of the weight loss surgeries. I however, have chosen to have my surgery with Nortons Hospital. Thank you for all the advice also! I didn't know  that they may cover only one type of surgery. The disclaimer basically said that I have to meet a specific set of requirements to have the surgery covered.  I have already spoke to my insurance company twice. The first time, they said yes right off the bat. But, I had to call back a second time for more information, (and of course you can't speak to the same person as before), and that's when she read the disclaimer. I will have to call back for a third, and hopefully, a final time on Tuesday. I will have to be sure to get all my questions answered this go around. LOL. . .Sorry, it looks like I wrote you a book. But, thank you again for helping me out! If you need something please ask. I would like to help you as well!

Welcome! It has been a awhile since my surgery and being on the boards.  If your packet came from Nortons, are you thinking Dr. Shina? Just curious.  He did my surgery and I couldn't be happier. The staff was great and the insurance folks will help you get approved if, you carrier covers WLS.   Gastric bypass was my choice. Many others have been successful with lap band but for me it seemed too easy too cheat. I have a friend who has done well with the lap band and a friend who has not. Your success will depend on your mind set and attitude.   For me food was my friend and comfort! I have to be careful still today when I get upset not to let food be my refuge. Our minds can play mean tricks on us. Your personal success will depend on noone but you Jay.  Got to run, time to get ready for work! Blessings Tonya

Hello! I have not yet decided on a surgeon. I was going to go with Jeffrey Allen. But that decision was not final. Im almost finished with my packet, and tomorrow, I will go see my family doctor to talk with him about the surgery. Thank you for all your advice and kind words!