Requirements for Happy Band Group?

MARIA F.
on 6/23/12 3:35 am - Athens, GA

On June 22, 2012 at 12:02 PM Pacific Time, Alese wrote:

Hello Happy Bandsters....

I am a newbie...no surgery yet. In fact I was fixated on the sleeve but found out today that insurance doesn't cover sleeve so I am back looking for successful, positive, successful and happy bandsters...

My interpretation of this site would be positive messages. From a newbies viewpoint I didn't see that, too much bickering about this thread.

I would rather read about your diet regimen, exercise and, of course, weight loss...I am aware of the pros and cons and this is what I fear the most-cons....

If this isn't the result, then I may have misuderstood this thread and wouldn't be interested myself....

Just a tiny back history of me. I am female, 69 yo, who had Diabetes with the complication of kidney failure....I was on dialysis for 1.5 yrs before a pancreas/kidney transplant in 4/21/03-9 yrs ago.. I don't want to jeopardise my fantastic organs...doc and kidney doc says Not to Worry!

I do hope the lap band is for me....

alese (in SE Florida)

First of all kudos to you for looking into WLS at your age. It's never too late! I have a friend in her 60's that had WLS and is now so much healthier and happier. She now travels all over the world, and is completly enjoying her life now!

And congrats on the transplant! That was your first shot at a new life, the appropriate WLS can be your 2nd shot. :-)

Now as far as the band, I'm assuning you're on Medicare. I was told that Medicare will be re-evaluating weather or not they will start covering the VSG on the 27th. Don't know how much truth there is in that, but that's the latest I've heard about it.

Regardless of the decision on the 27th (if that is the case), you can still appeal Medicare to cover the VSG. Some of the members on the VSG forum on OH might be able to lead you in the right direction concerning that.

I would guess with a pancreas/kidney transplant they want you to go with a procedure with no malabsorption? If so VSG would be your best option. The band is very much a crap shoot. It works for some, it does NOT work for most long term (and by long term I'm talking 5 years out!).

Allergan stats according to HHS reflect a 50% failure rate 6 years out ! How lucky do you feel???

Lap-Band 50% removal/complications rate

♥ FormerlyFluffy.com ♥

mary d
on 6/22/12 5:27 am

It's an honor to be excluded.

Bette B.
on 6/22/12 12:58 pm

Lap Band on 12/02/03

It's funny. MY post gets moderated and removed. Yours stays.

I guess the person pushing the "Mommy Button" likes you and not me. Hmmm. Who could that be??