Blue Cross and the Lap Band

Good evening! Have any of you heard that Blue Cross of Oregon will now be covering the Lap Band? Also, have any of you had any success in getting them to cover it? The more I think about it, the closer I get to surgery, specifically gastric bypass, the more frightened I become. I'm starting to think it may just be too risky. I know it brings great benefits but it scares the heck out of me to think of some of the possible complications. Tammy

Tamara, My BMI was about 55 and I was 57 years old when I had RNY last April. My health was getting worse, my knees hated me and were beginning to rebel terribly as were my hips. I doubt it would have been too many years before I would have been in a wheel chair. I had several other issues and my life expectancy would not have been as long as I wanted it to be. I felt the risk of having the surgery was far less than the continued risks of living obese. I am a nurse and see the consequences of being overweight on a daily basis. I think we all can see these consequences. At this point, 10 1/2 months out I have lost 131.5 pounds and feel wonderful. I no longer have high blood pressure, beginning diabetes, knee or hip pain. I take no pain medications, no diabetic or blood pressure medications. I cannot believe what this surgery has meant to me and my health. When I think back to where I was a year ago, how awful and hopeless I felt, I want to cry because of what a wonderful gift God has allowed me. I realize there are possibilities of major complications and yes even death, but I know for certain that I was already readed that way before surgery. These are the same possibilities that you would face with any surgery, not just this one. This is a major decision that only you can make. Just know that we have all been there and have wondered if we were making the right choice. You have to do what is right for you. Hang in there, we are here for you know matter what you decide. Julia

Tamara - If you have Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield through PEBB (State Employees) they do now cover the lap band. I don't think it's on their website yet, but I called them with some questions last week and I asked. They said yes, it's been a new added benefit since the beginning of the year. Linda

Tamara, I know that any weight loss surgery is a risk. I am an RN so I know too much about several things and not enough about alot!!!! But I Just had the RNY at ohsu on the 20th and I feel great!! It is so totally normal to feel scared before ANY surgery and especially this type of surgery because it is about choice.......the choice to make a life change right here and now. I was so scared that I couldn't talk about it without crying the whole week before my surgery.....so not like me! I would laugh and make jokes about who would get what when I was gone and then pretty much walk away in tears. It is all part of he transition I think....I'm not a professional in the area but so many people that have had WLS have all written about the very same things that you have. So.....Think positive, you will make the right choice for you.