HELLLLLLP

I had a lapband surgery in 2005 and was actually doing well with it (in New York) but then I got transferred to New Orleans and really couldnt get follow up care so the band lossened and....you guessed it- I gained all my weight back !  I dont know if I need a whole new band or just a revision but I live in Baltimore now and would rather do it here.  Also- I have to choose my insurance carrier by tomorrow so if anyone has tips on whether MAMSI PPO or Optimum Choice HMO is better to tangle with- PLEASE let me know- In short- I need HELLLLP and Im hoping you all can provide it !  Anyone is welcome to contact me- doctors, office staff, other patients......... thanks and God Bless  mark

Wow I have heard Mamsi being a pain and optimum choice too but I have noidea would be better in terms of dealing with.  Hopefully someone can help you.  I just want to wish you all the best.  

Wow ! Thanks Cira- Part of me is hoping that somehow I dont have to have the surgery all over again and I can just miraculously re-fill (I did AWESOME while I was able to keep going back for appointments- took off about 80 pounds in about a year) but its allll back now- would you reccomend your doctor ?  Im pretty sure I would only do the lapband again- Im a little too "fraidy" cat for tthe others- plus Ive done my research on and am comfortable with the Lapband.....

Yep, we would highly recommend Dr. Von Rueden aka DVR -- however, he is moving to St Agnes Hospital in February and he is currently at Greater Baltimore but I am not sure whether or not he is recving new patients at that location.   I do not know whether or not you would have to have anything redone -- Dr. DVR could definitely answer that for you. Good luck with those insurance companies.  I do not know anything about either one.

Thanks so much ! I now have TWO doctors on my list to check out- Its always good to get reccomendations for something like this- I definitely didnt wanna eeny meeny mineey mo off of the list they have on here for Maryland (Smile)  Thanks again for responding !

Hi Mark, There are plenty here that has used my doctor. He is awesome! He is an awesome doctor.  He is at GBMC in Baltimore but he will be moving his practice to St. Agnes hospital.  I eill give you the number incase you want to call to set up an appointment.   I am sure you will need to do an UGI so he can see what is going on in there and hopefully all you need is to be determined to make it work and get your fills again.     So tell me what insurance did you decide to go with? Keep me posted on how you are making out ok. Take care

The best way to search for your option is: Go to the top of this page where it mentions Forums and click (Sorry, they have made a loop out of recently) choose More Forums and click Then the lower left side it says insurance help click (yet again) on upper left side mentions insurance by state, choose Maryland (last click I promise) then you notice all people who have commented about their insurance, sometimes comments for each insurance company is over several pages long!  Another choice is to call Dr. Michael Swhetzer's office and talk to hhis insurance coordinator (Dr. S is a fantastic doctor with impecable (sp?) reputation and we have members of every sincgle surgery on this board who have been his patient. The insurance cooradinators can give you some incentive as which insurance company is more pheasible Good luck Ellie

You are a LIFESAVER- I went and checked it out- It seems NONE of the insurance companies have a sterling record- MAMSI doesnt seem much worse than most but I will call your Doctor tomorrow to be sure before I finally sign the paperwork- Thanks SO Much for all of your help ! People are SOOOO Friendly here- what a wonderful community this is- I wish I had known about it after my first surgery- In New York- the Doctor had in person support groups and stuff but as a busy professional- I find that its much easier to get "support" through the net while Im supposed to be working *Smile*- This place feels great- Either way- I think Ill  stick around and cheer people on !!! THanks again !

Hi Mark - Welcome to the Maryland Board - and yes, please stick around!  We are a wonderful group of people; in addition to online support, we also try to have get-togethers every 4-6 weeks or so, and it would be great if you could join us. I can't really offer an opinion on the two insurances, but I will tell you that I have an HMO, and as a single person, it truly is the best option for me.  Although I do have to see in-network doctors, I've been very fortunate to have found a PCP, gyn (you won't need that! lol!), a surgeon, and various other medical professionals who have all been top notch.  I have Blue Choice HMO, it's cheap, easy and my rny surgery was completely covered, with just about zero problems.  If you have dependents or you travel, it may pay to take something other than an HMO.  Like others, I'm a DVR devotee, and can't say enough good about him.  I love the man! Sorry I can't be of more help!  Good luck, Tia

Mark Not all is lost there is a ton of help and support here in Maryland.  Call Sinai today and let them know what is going on and see if Dr. Gandsas can see you.  There phone number is 410-601-4486, call and see what they can do for you.  You need to make sure there is not a leak in your band that you have now.  Hugs Kristen