Thinking of starting the journey

Hello All! I have been going through the standard problems with being overweight.  I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and the meds for that cause weight gain.  It is the never ending cycle.  I have tried everything imaginable like most folks and had some success but gained it all back and more.  I am leaning towards the lap band and wanted to see what your views were on this type of surgery.  I need to lose about 130 pounds to be at the top of my healthy range and see no light at the end of the tunnel for being succesful.  I have Cigna insurance and have no way of knowing if they will approve it.  Has anyone had good luck with them?  My general doctor said he will help, but be prepared to self-pay.  Any advice and information from the TN or others is greatly appreciated! Thanks! Kristy

Hi Kristy, If you visit one of the surgery centers, if at all possible they will get your insurance to help. It depends on the plan, but I have heard of Cigna paying before. I had my surgery at Baptist Hospital in Nashville with Dr. Morton and I did not have any issues getting my insurance (Aetna) to pay.

Hi Brian!  Thanks for responding. There are two in Knoxville and I have signed up to attend both seminars.  I have heard and read good things about Dr. Boyce so I am leaning in that direction.  Can I ask why you went to Nashville as opposed to Knoxville?

Hi Kristy, You asked why Nashville? At the time I was living in Nashville. I only moved to Knoxville a few months ago.

Hi Kristy,  I too suffer from Fibromyalgia and CF.  The meds are really bad about putting on weight.  I finally decided to have WLS back in January and have been jumping through the hoops since then.  Before deciding which surgery is best for you I would suggest you read everything on both, plus ask your surgeon which type of personality does better which which surgery.  I went into my surgeon's office all ready for the Lap Band procedure but asking his opinion.  He said instead he would tell me which type of patient did better with each procedure.  After talking to him I decided to have the Gastric By-pass instead.  I will have my surgery Tuesday morning at Baptist hospital in Nashville.  But remember only you know what is best for you.  Good luck B

I am kind of afraid of the by-pass.  I am not sure why, but it does scare me.  I think I am in for a long haul with my insurance company on approval so I am not getting my hopes up.  I think it would help with the fibromyalgia since it would get some weight of the joints and muscles.  I am sure it wouldn't hurt! Good luck with you surgery, I will say a prayer for your peace, safety and a speedy recovery.  Keep us posted! God Bless Kristy

Thanks for the kind words.  As far as your insurance, I would suggest you select a surgeon and let his staff fight it out with your insurance company.  This is their expertise and they are very good at it. Don't give up! B

Hello Kristy, and Graphics for Welcome Comments.Hon first of all, find out as much as you can about the difference between the surgeries. Then read  up on the docs. in your area.  Call your ins. company to see what coverage there is on WLS.  and which hospital they cover. Then call that hospital and  set an appt. up for a seminar. And go from there. But you have come to the right spot to start you question. Hon they are great here.  Every here are great and so informative about the surgery. Hope that the small amount of info. help ya alittle bit. Please don't hesitate asking question, we all started from the point that you are at.  Myspace Hugs Comments & Graphics Barb

Hi, Dr. Boyce is really good I have heard. I am using Michael Hodge in Johnson City though because he is the closest who takes my insurance. Dr. Boyce does not take my form of TennCare. I will have my first consult later this month. I wish you luck with your decision.  Blessings, Karen

Hi Kristy, Welcome to the Tennessee board!  It is so nice to see more and more fellow east Tennesseans on the board!  Dr Boyce is an excellent sugeon as is his partner, Dr Williams.  I did not use them only because I had a revision that had to be an open procedure and neither of them felt they had the expertise to do it.  As far as what surgery to do, really, really research it.  I looked up everything that I could including clinical research that was in my hospital's library. I thought about a lap band but the national weight loss statistics weren't high enough for me.  I needed to lose a total of 170 pounds-over half of what I weighed at the time.    I did have to private pay.  I had Cariten insurance and they had an ironclad exclusion written for WLS.  I used CapitalOneHealthcareFinance.com as well as savings and 401K.  It wasn't easy, but it was well worth it.  Again, welcome! Marilyn