Starting Lap journey-Raleigh-UHC-Any input?

Hi- I'm just starting to look into the LapBand. It seem's like alot of you from the Raleigh area are fond of Dr. Moran. Franklin Regional scares me alot! Anyhow,I'm going to the next info session to get started. I have United ins., how are they with approval? It's so stressful dealing with the weight and then to think of having to fight to tell them that you really need this? I better get ready huh? Thanks in advance for any help!

Hey Wendy hows it going.. I am have ryn with dr Kenneth Mitchell in Pinehurst but i live in Raleigh.. Gurl get ready!!!!!!!! your about to be on the ride of your life.. But its all worth it in the in.. I am almost there myself.. Cant wait.. Keep us posted.. K

Hi. I am having Dr. Moran do my RNY. I am scared too but he really has good creditials. I still have a while to go and I'm month in to a mandatory 3 month supervised diet. Yes, Franklin Regional is my only reservation but there are lots of people here that say it was fine. Let me know if you'd like to talk sometime. Jennifer

Jennifer, Did Dr. Moran require the 3mo. diet? I hope not, I'd rather get things rolling-lol and not me! I too see the good things that people have written about FRH but, it still scares me! I took my husband there a few yrs ago to the ER for stiches in his finger -BAD EXPERIENCE! That's what makes me nervous. If his office is in Raleigh I wonder why he wont operate out of Rex or Duke Ral?

Hey there...I am not from that area but I have the lap-band and I just love it. For UHC that is who I had when I had mine put in and didn't have any problems. Just follow what your doc wants and you should be approved w/ no problems. Good Luck!!!!!

As I am sure you have read, Dr. Moran did my RNY in March. I love him, he is the best. I can tell you the FRH is an older hospital, but oh my God, were they the greatest I have ever known, and trust me I am a nurse. The reason he does not do the surgery at Rex or Wake is this. Right no there is no WLS being done in the Raleigh area. There was a Dr. at Rex that did a lot of bad surgery's so there was a ban placed and no surgery's were allowed. Dr. Moran is the only board certified Surgeon in the Raleigh area. Rex Hospital will get approval for surgery to be done there hopefully by the end of this year, and Dr. Moran can do it at Rex. However, he is planning to build a Bariatric Center between Raleigh and Wake Forest. He is truely the best. Let me know if you need anymore information. Debra Warren

Oh I forgot to answer the other part of your question. He does not require a 3 month diet, but he does request you loose about 24 lbs before surgery. He will cancel your surgery if you weigh more that at your consult. I lost the 24 lbs. before my surgery, in only 2 months. I had RNY so I don't know if it is the same for lap band. He will discuss with you any concerns you have. Tell him I said Hi when you see him. I go back to him in June for my 3 month check up.

Why would he require you to lose 24lbs. Is that a standard amt for everyone? What if you BMI is on the lower side? I know I wouldnt weigh more after my consult, my weight stays basically the same (fat)! LOL! I dont know I guess I'll learn as I go?

Dr. Moran didn't have an amount of weight to lose but he did say he expected to see gradual weight loss. My insurance (BCBS of Al) is making me do the 3 month supervised weight loss. I haven't lost any but I have been snacking at night. Not sure why. I feel like I'm sabotaging myself. I keep saying tomorrow I'll do better. I go for my month check-up on the 24th.

Jennifer- I think as long as you don't gain any weight you should be fine. It seems silly to me that they make you try and lose weight before having surgery? Like HELLO why do you think I'm wanting surgery - because I'm overweight and am unable to lose the weight with regular conventional methods. Nite time is the worst for me also, my family all goes to bed early and I'm up till 2-3am. I try not to keep stuff in the house, but did you ever notice how creative you can get with food? LOL I've eaten some pretty strange things like that! Keep your chin up- there is light at the end of the tunnel.