Has anybody had a LAP Band?

I'm considering having a Lap Band procudure. It seems less invassive, has a quicker recovery time, slower weight loss, and appears less costly. I had the dreaded Cigna insurance, so this will have to be self pay. If there's anyone out there who has had this done, I would really appreciate your input. Also I'd like to hear from Dr. Colquitt's and Dr. Ray's patients at Blount Memorial Hospital.Thanks.

Victoria, Have you tried applying for approval with Cigna yet?? Or do you already know it will be excluded?? I'm not trying to be pushy only offering advice and opinion. Usually super morbidly obese people are best suited for the gastric bypass. I saw you fall into that category with your BMI on your profile. I understand completely where you're coming from by going with the lap band. I wanted the lap bad initially for the same reasons you mentioned but decided with the bypass. Ultimately, I want the weight off and I want it off now and to do that I would need the bypass. If I had to self pay, I would have done the band definitely! good luck! april

Hi April! Thanks for your response. When I started working on getting the wls I was interested in the RNY. I had the psych eval, went to a nutritionist, did six months of doctor supervized dieting . My PCP and the nutritionist and psych doctor wrote supporting letters and my insurance (Cigna POS) covered all of that. Then I find out that effective 1-1-05 Cigna would no longer cover any kind of weight loss surgery, even if it was a matter of life and death. I fealt they were just jollying me along until it was a moot point. I figured this was a sign from God to forget it and just stick with Weight 'Watchers (for which Cigna will give me a discount ). Then I happened to be lost in Maryville with a client and found myself in front of Dr. Colquitt's office (another sign from God) and went in and talked to the receptionist. Suddenly I was considering self pay and Lap Band. By the way, my daughter was your age whn she had RNY in N. Carolina. She did great and looks wonderful! Best of luck to you! I wish this was available when I was your age.

Hey Victoria, I'm sorry to hear that you went through all that only to find out they wouldn't cover it. I can only imagine the disappointment you felt. Kathy Newton had RNY with Dr. Colquitt. She posts often. You should email her to ask her about her experience. She's always had positive things to say. I'm glad to hear your daughter is doing so well. I'm not having surgery until April 11th and am anxiously looking forward to it. Keep us posted on everything! April

Try posting on lap band forum. they r very helpful on that board. good luck i had lap band 7 months ago down about 50-60 lbs.

I had Lap Band surgery in Johnson City in November. I have Cigna and they approved me within 2 weeks. I hear excellent things about Dr. Colquitt. I know the nutritionist he uses - she is phenomenal. Good luck with your decision. Catherine K 269/ 230/ 140