looking into this...

Hi Everyone! My name is Emily, I'm a 22 year old from Minnesota. I've done everything for weight loss and its gone up and down since I hit puberty, but it only goes down when I starve myself and work out to the point of exhaustion, and the instant I let up just a little bit, it all comes back. I'm on this forum because I'm looking into Lap Band surgery and was curious about its effects, etc. Currently my BMI indicates I'm a good candidate. Also, does anyone know anything about its coverage under Blue Cross? I just really wanna hear your real stories and get some insight into some good surgeons. Thanks so much, Em

Welcome Emily!

I haven't had experience with the lap band - but i know there are some great people here that have and will chime in.

As far as coverage - every insurance is different - and have different requirements - so you will want to call and ask what the criteria are for you.  They all seem to have hoops that we need to jump through to get coverage.

Good luck on your journey and welcome to the OH family!

Linda

 

Hi Emily & welcome to the MN board! Can I ask what your BMI is?

Typical BCBS of MN coverage is RNY & Lap Band are approved for BMI's of  40+, or with BMI of 35 - 40 with comorbidities. You are young and I give you credit for taking charge of your health NOW. That is great. Just please make sure to do yourself the biggest favor you can by really researching everything you can about each surgery. The revisions board is a great place to start IMO! Ask away, we're here for ya!

My BMI is 37 but I also am on the borderline of having high cholesterol, which is bad considering that I am only 22. Also, thank you all for being so helpful! I am really doing my best to do as much research as I can. Other than this site, does anyone have any suggestions of credible sources? Good surgeons to meet with to talk to? You are all so sweet :) -Em

Hey Emily!  Glad you found your way over!!
Good luck on your research - this is the best board for support and encouragement and answers to those questions you have!

I agree with Amy - RESEARCH!!!

Can't wait to follow your progress to health!

Hi Emily...I had the Lap Band done in December. With the band, you have to work a little harder at losing the weight. It also comes off slower than the RNY. Drinking lots of fluids, taking your vitamins, and excersise are essential to this tool working for you. Thats exactly what it is, a tool not a "fix. I am almost at my 3 month post op and have lost 25 lbs and about 20 inches. Inches is something to take into account also because you may not lose pounds, but you are losing inches and that can make all the difference. I do believe for BCBS you will have to have 6 months of nutrition visits, but it is best to call your insurance and find out as each plan is different. Just because BCBS offers weight loss surgery coverage, doesnt mean the plan your employer chose has to have the weight loss coverage. I have not had any effects from the surgery, except the occasional eating to fast. It is important to chew chew chew and take small bites.  If you have any questions feel free to ask! Good luck with your journey.  Brea

I just wanted to welcome you to the board. You'll find lots of info and support here. Congratulations on the decision to take charge of your life and good luck on your journey.

Welcome to the boards! I would start by attending and informational meeting through whoever your insurance will cover. Give your insurance a call and they can give some options.

Hello Emily....sorry I can't help you with your questions . I would like to WELCOME you to the MN board!! Hugs, connie d

Welcome Emily, I had lap band 10/27/06.  You really have to look at the band as a tool.  It helps you eat smaller portions, however you can easily eat around the band if you make bad food choices.  With the band, weight loss is much slower.  At two years out, most bandsters are where many RNY people are in about a year.   It takes a lot of work.  I think half the battle is the mental preparation.  Exercise is key to your success as well as nutrition, changing your eating habits and how you see food.  Ask yourself, do I want it fast or do I want it slow.  Are you doing this because you want to look good or because you want to feel good, be healthy and fit.  Looking good is a benefit you get from the weightloss and should not be your primary goal. I have MEDICA and the whole process took me 9 months before I had surgery.  My soon to be X's ins. BCBS would not cover the surgery at all.   The process can take a bit, but it's a great time to become more familar with the surgery, to learn everything you possibly can about it.  Also you should visit the lap band forum for more specifics about the band and what people are going through. OH, btw, I was on a 8th month plateau which can happen, but in that time, I still dropped 3!!!! clothing sizes, then I started losing agian. Good lucky on your journey, Kathleen