Lap Band Information Session this week!

So After an entie year i landed a job where I am covered by BCBS IL HMO! I was recently diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and asked my doctor to refer me for Lapband or Laproscopic Gastric bypass. I have an informational session to attend this week at St Joseph hospital's - The Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics, where i understand the procedure will eventually be done under the guidance of Dr. Rami Lutfi.

So now to my questions: Has anyone gone to The Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics? How much of my insurance can I expect this to cover? Ive only been covered by my HMO 4 months, how long can I expect to wait for the actual surgery? Im torn between Lap band and gastric bypass...Im 25yrs, 388lbs and 5'10". I just want to live life like im still in my 20s. Any information will help.

Congratulations on getting insurance that will cover.. and making steps to improving your health!

You will have some people reply who say at your weight you need bypass or even DS.  And that may be your eventual choice, I don't know you or your medical history.  Just as we all know "one size fits all" is a big honking lie, "this surgery for this weight category" is also not true.

I wanted to share that you can indeed do well with the band at your weight.  I started at almost the same weight (383) and have lost 200 lbs in 2 years.  Very few issues with the band (so far), only one unfill in the spring of 2010 because I was too tight for a bit.  Since then I've gotten even more fill and doing fine.  Some people do have problems with the band.. sometimes from not following guidelines, sometimes from poor medical care and sometimes things just happen for no known reason.  So far, my experience has been good.  "knocking on wood that it will continue so".

Choosing which surgery is for you is a very personal choice.  You'll need to decide if you'd rather deal with fills and possible unfills (band) or deal with keeping up with lab work and supplements (bypass).  I know people who've had the bypass and done very well too.  One of my nurses was only about 100lbs overweight and got RNY and she looks great.

Whichever you choose, if you follow your surgeons guidelines the majority of the time (no one is perfect..lol), the likelihood of you doing well is very good.  Again, congrats on making steps to improve your health.

 Thank you so much. Im preparing to ask A lot of questions. Are you from Chicago? If you dont mind sharing if your insurance covered everything? Im leaning towards the band but if Im made to feel safer about RNY I may take that route. Ill keep everyone posted!

No, I'm not from Chicago, but my insurance company is based there.. haha.

Mine did cover my banding 100%, but that's because I had had major surgery 16 months before banding that met all my deductible.

Lots of questions are good.. make sure you find out all the advantages and disadvantages of every surgery.. and decide which one you can deal with the easiest.  This is an exciting time.. enjoy it!

If your open to hearing about negative experiences in regards to the lap band, then I encourage you to join " The Failed Bands " group. This is a group of banded and formerly people who have shared their experience with the lap band and Realize bands.
The link to this group is in my siggy. Just click on the link and join. You will need to be approved first. Just give me a heads up if you are interested in joining and I will approve your membership so you can start reading.

 Sure Id like to join the group. I'm interested in getting a balanced perspective. Thank you.

You're Welcome.