Lap Band/ VBG??

Here is my situation. My husband is going to get new insurance. Either Cigna: covers Lap Band but requires the doctor supervised weight loss program (which they may or may not cover and I understand is probably too much money for me to afford,) or Blue Cross: which doesn't cover lap band, but DOES cover bypass (which I don't want) and VBG, which I might consider. Their plan just requires nutritional counseling and they may cover a nutritionist. Sounds more affordable. I really would prefer the lap band because there isn't any organ-cutting going on, but I am starting to wonder if my resources will allow it. Any thoughts on the above?? Thanks guys, Beverly

Hi Beverly! Im totally new to this board. I have been on the Lapband board for a few weeks since I was totally going to get that but after talking to the doctor I have decided to go with the VBG...I am self pay but I think in the long run for me the VBG will work out. Good Luck! Jamie

I think you need to do what's right for you. Usually, A supervised diet is done by the PCP so you usually only have to pay a co-pay. Which is usually 15-35 dollars depending on your insurer. Lap-Band is used as a restricting WLS. Which means you will have to get off your butt, and lose weight. Your fills are usually covered by insurance which is under the "Specialist" co-pay. Which is anywhere from 30-100.00 depending on your insurance. Some even have to pay up to 300.00 per fill but I think they're self pay. Not 100% on that. A VBG'er on the Main forum said that she's shocked that they still do the surgery because it has a 90-95% failure rate in the long run. Something like the Honey-Moon weight loss. If you DO decide to get the VBG make sure you go to support groups, and have A LOT of support. Regular calories can still be absored ex. ice cream ect. So make sure you move to lose in the long run!! Good Luck, and I hope you chose what's right for you! What I suggest is you talk to your PCP so she can tell you which one she thinks is best for you!! Good Luck hun!!~*Nicole

Wow I can't believe that 90-955 failure rate? I don't want to start any wars but I would double check that. I'm trying to decide between VG and Lap-Band as well but I haven't seen that number anywhere. Good luck!

Yeah... whoever said that there was a 90 - 95% failure rate was VERY biased against the VBG procedure.  The way it was described to me is a lot how the previous gentleman described it: VBG is restrictive, only. That means that while you will be eating CONSIDERABLY less, the majority of the weightloss is going to rest on your ability to exercise regularly, and eat healthily. Pretty much, this tool lets you live like a "normal" person... but with a smaller tummy!

actually i had the vbg and my cousin had the lap band 10 years ago at the same time and i lost 100 lbs and so did she. i gained it all back in 2 years and she still has the weight off. and im the health nut. she eats cookies for bfast, lunch and dinner. if i could do it all over again i would do the lapband. anyway its pretty reversible and also you can tighten and adjust. i lost my staples and now what am i going to do? im looking for a revision to lapband. hope that helps. tania