Looking for advice/help

Hi everyone I am new here and was hoping to get some answers to some of my questions. My name is Sara I am 23 years old  6' 2" and weigh 406 pounds I have been dieting and exercising and am unable to lose weight and keep it off. I am looking into getting the lap band procedure. Ware do I start? I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and am hoping to get approved. I know that the first step is to go to a presentation about the lap band procedure than do I apply or go to a consultation? I live in Arlington Texas do any of yall recommend a specific Dr? I was looking at Dr. Carter do any of yall have any experience with him? Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any help/advice you can give me.
Sara S.

Hi Sara,
Welcome to the Texas Message Board!  Congrats on wanting to get HEALTHIER with wls.  You will be in for the journey of your life.  I guess the first thing u should do is find out if your insurance covers wls and then ask them what the procedures are for getting it.

Do plenty of research on here about the Dr.'s that do the lap up in ur area.  I am in DEEP south tx so I am not familiar with who does what up in ur neck of the woods.

I wish you well and please keep us updated and ask away...someone is always here to try to help.

Take care,
Monica
on the border, by the sea...

Hi Sara ~

Welcome to the family!!!  I just wanted to say I about fell out of my chair reading how tall you are!!  OMG.......you are a whole FOOT taller than me.........lol!!!

Ok....now to the questions you asked.  I would recommend going to a couple presentations to find the right dr for you (that is what I did)

I have BCBS (federal), I used Dr. David Kim (North richalnd hills) and I love him.  I dont know anything about Dr. Carter.......sorry!   My dr is wonderful and will help you through your process.

Best of luck to you!!!

Hugs B~

Hi Sara......I too like Becky are one of Dr. David Kim's ( his office is in Colleyville...use to be N. Richland Hills )  patients and he is fantastic and he has wonderful support groups available.    Be sure to check out all the different surgery options and choose the right one for you.    Some don't always work for everyone.   And I am with Becky.   WOW 6'2"......that is over a foot taller than me.    LOL   I am a shortie at 5'1".    Welcome to the TMB and I am sorry....I know nothing about Dr. Carter either.      

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

DANG IT...........I forgetting that he has moved.  I have even been to the new office several times......lol!!!  One of these days I might get it right........lol!!

Hugs B~

Call your insurance company and specifically ask which surgeries they cover and what are the requirements.  Most require a 5 year history of being obese and a 3-6 month pre-op supervised diet.  Choose a doctor that performs ALL the different types of surgery so he can guide you on what would be best for you.   Look for people that post that live in your area and see which doctor they used.  I'm in the Dallas area and I used Dr Barker but I'm sure there's lots of good ones in your area.  Just make sure the doc you choose is VERY experienced.

I used Dr. Lyons in Arlington.  He is the BEST!  His office staff is great and he uses Arlington Memorial.  He is also in with Dr. Dyslin who is great!

PM me if you want more information or the phone #.

Welcome and best wishes!
Lisa

I concur!!!!!!!!! Dyslin did my surgery and several subsequent surgeries! Dr. D and Dr. Lyons are both terrific, leave beautiful tiny scars, and are both caring and personable!!

Meggie

I will be at DrDyslin and DrLyons seminar on Thursday night at Arlington Memorial Hospital at 5pm. Give their offices a call to find out more. They are both terrific Docs and do lapband,bypass and have started doing sleeves. Come see us at the semianr!!
Meggie

Hey, Sara,
I'm 6'1", just an inch shorter than you! I don't need to tell you how rare it is to meet another tall gal!
Yay! for you taking a major step forward to have great health. I wish you the best of luck. Scour the ObesityHelp forums to educate yourself before & after surgery.
Therese