I am New

I have been researching the different types of weight loss surgeries that are available. I think I have opted for the lap-band. I go for a seminar this week. I have read several conversations regarding the lap band and there seem to be a lot of positive and negative feed back. I have a BMI of 40+ and would really like to get back to a normal life. I had my first heart attack at 35 (3 yrs ago) and 3 days after that, a triple by-pass. I have been turned down by one clinic already because the did not have the equipment in case something goes wrong with my heart. I don't know if anyone has heard of Dr. Price in Columbus OH? I have Aetna insurance and I imagine that I have to give them my 4th born just to have the surgery. Any words of wisdom?

Well Mary Ann....I'm not trying to get the Lap Band but Cheri (the insurance person)from "Fresh Start" here at Riverside has submitted all the material she "thinks" she needs to Aetna for approval for my Lap RNY procedure. I'll let you know about the fourth born thing. I have only one son and I hope they don't ask for him. I don't know how fast Aetna will give me a thumbs up or down will take. I also have heart problems. I have CHF and i'll be 60 in April....so I sort of know what your going through. Good luck!....let's both hope for the best!

Thanks for the response. Please let me know how things turn out for you. I guess I will find out more once I go to Mt. carmel on Wednesday. I think what is going to be a down fall for me is that my Dr. does not believe in a weight loss plan. I guess when you have a skinny Dr. they think that "Just stop eating so much" is the answer to it all. I did join a gym but when I did go to the trainer, all I got out of it was a hernia. Good luck and I wish you all the best.

:wave: Welcome to you Mary-Anna! :clap: :clap: :clap: Its great to have you! I feel the same as you about getting back to a normal life. Im actually having the Lap RNY tomorrow. So Im very excited. I think with all forms of WLS you are going to find those positive and negative feedbacks. From what I have gathered so far from this board is that there are just as many reasons why one chooses what WLS they have as there are people. Everyone seems to be very passionate as to why they made the specific decision on WLS that they did. What ever decision you make will be the best for you. You are doing the right thing by researching so that you fully understand which option will be the best for you. I have never heard of Dr. Price as I am in Cleveland. My heart goes out to you for your recent (3 yrs ago) afflictions. I sincerely hope all works out for you. Best wishes to you. Kym

Kym, Thanks for the encouring words. I wish you all the best on your surgery. Please let me know how everything goes. I sit backand think of the things that I can not do right now and the things that I would be able to do again if I could get rid of this extra weight. I miss out on so many things that my 8 year old does. I am just lucky that I have an understanding husband that can do things with him. I KNOW that I am at the point that I am tired of just sitting at home other than going to work and to the grocery store. It sure does make it hard when my husband can eat anything and alot of it and not gain weight. We are talking 5ft 5in and 140 pounds. I smell what he is eating and there goes 10 pounds added on to the hips. :-( Again good luck and let me know how everything goes. Mary-Anna