Anyone out there approved by Anthem PPO for lap band?

I have attended a Cincinnati Weight Loss seminar. Would appreciate any replies as I'm scared of having surgery, scared of not having surgery. Don't have anyone for help for post op; if I plan things out, is this doable by myself?

Hi Sandra, I am not a bander so I can't help with information there or the insurance..but there are lots of banders on the site and you can go to the lapband message board as well. What I would recommend is to check out everything and do your homework, when going to a center/surgeon ask about after care and about the surgeon performing the procedure. You have lots of good docs to choose from so when going to the seminars or speaking to a surgeon one on one..asking about the program is essential. Find out all you can.. How much training does the surgeon have? what type of after care program do they provide (support group, dieticians on hand, how involved in the surgeon after the procedure, etc) Ask questions on the boards about the facility to see how many people have been there and the success rate. good luck!! Brenda

I had lap band surgery done on 2-13. I spent the night in the hospital, and then came home to my couch, where I mostly stayed for the next 2 days. Pain was minimal, my problem was the sleepiness from the surgery itself. I guess it was the anesthesia wearing off. After the initial few days, everything went well. I was back to teaching my kids by Monday, and I never was in enough pain to have to have help dressing or going to the bathroom or anything like that. I did keep a shower chair in the shower with me, though, because the pain meds made me shaky the first couple days--Come on over to the lapband board, there is plently of knowledge and support to help you out. Theresa R

I could NOT have been by myself, but I had RNY and I understand that lap banders rebound so much quicker. My bosses sister had lapband on a Wednesday and went back to work on Monday... so if you are a strong person, and you believe you can do it, and if you prepare as much as you can before hand (get your foods prepared so its just a matter of re=heating or stuff like that), then you probably can do it. Talk to your doctor too...or have a friend on ready standby should you truly need help.

Sandra, I don't think it's a good idea to have even an easy surgery like a band and not have at least a ride home from the hospital. I usually keep patients who don't have any help at home overnight but you can't really drive yourself home and legally I don't think a hospital can let you take a cab. That having been said, don't be scared - the band is NOT scary, it's exciting! Good luck, Dr. C