Question:
CLARIFICATION OF PREVIOUS QUESTION

Since I was rushing, I didn't realize what I wrote!! Sorry about that!. I do know the difference between the two surgeries. I have been to both seminars about a year ago. I did not proceed because I had horrible insurance. Now, I have new insurance and am starting to think about proceeding. My concerns: With the bypass, I have always said I don't think it is a good idea to mess with nature. With the lap band: I am not sure I will like a port in me that I will have to be concerned with for the rest of my life either. Confused and not sure how to determine what I want for me??? I am going to another lap band seminar on 1/26/05. I do have another question? My new insurance is UHC ppo. Now, I recently called and I found out I do not have WLS coverage. However, I have been told by many to proceed anyway and let the doctor's office I choose do their thing to get it approved. Does anyone have any experience with UHC ppo? Now, I do not have any co-morbidities in which I take medication for, but I do have some. Plus, my BMI is 44. Thanks to all of you for taking time to assist me. It is very appreciated. Take Care~ Kelli    — kdsmiles (posted on January 10, 2006)

January 10, 2006
I have UHC ppo through AIG....they had a list of requirements...Weight loss history, psych eval, etc....I went thru their requirements...met them one by one...when the past one was met...I was approved within 2 weeks.... As far as which procedure is right for you...if any...is strictly a personal issue. Some people want Fords others want Chevys hope this helps... Russ
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 10, 2006
Hello, Kelli .... "living with a port" is actually less of "problem" than "living with fingernails" .................................. I chose a midline port location, about 3 inches above my waist. My surgeon in Mexico installed a low-profile port (usually they charge extra for a low-profile in the States). ..................... I am two months out now and NEVER EVER have had any sensations associated with my port at all. My incision scars, on the other hand, itched for a while and now still have an extra-firm ridge that will eventually soften and become less noticeable. ................... My Mexican surgeon does NOT use normal saline to fill the band, but mixes normal saline to create a solution of higher osmolarity. This prevents or slows down the commonly recognized phenomena of "disappearing fill" which is a large component of post-op cost and inconvenience. You see, normal saline will find itself absorbed, across the port membrane, by the body. ........................ but having the port is what makes the LapBand the PERFECT lifetime method of weight control as it makes fine-tuning possible throughout your entire lifetime. If you are ill or pregnant or somehow lose too much weight, you can be "opened up" to allow the eating of more food. Or perhaps you become less active and start to gain again --- then you can be "tightened up". I still recommend joining SmartBandsters at YahooGroups.com to get a full picture of The Banded Life ....................... Theresa
   — SouthTX LapBand

January 10, 2006
Hello, Kelli .... "living with a port" is actually less of "problem" than "living with fingernails" .................................. I chose a midline port location, about 3 inches above my waist. My surgeon in Mexico installed a low-profile port (usually they charge extra for a low-profile in the States). ..................... I am two months out now and NEVER EVER have had any sensations associated with my port at all. My incision scars, on the other hand, itched for a while and now still have an extra-firm ridge that will eventually soften and become less noticeable. ................... My Mexican surgeon does NOT use normal saline to fill the band, but mixes normal saline to create a solution of higher osmolarity. This prevents or slows down the commonly recognized phenomena of "disappearing fill" which is a large component of post-op cost and inconvenience. You see, normal saline will find itself absorbed, across the port membrane, by the body. ........................ but having the port is what makes the LapBand the PERFECT lifetime method of weight control as it makes fine-tuning possible throughout your entire lifetime. If you are ill or pregnant or somehow lose too much weight, you can be "opened up" to allow the eating of more food. Or perhaps you become less active and start to gain again --- then you can be "tightened up". I still recommend joining SmartBandsters at YahooGroups.com to get a full picture of The Banded Life ....................... Theresa
   — SouthTX LapBand

January 10, 2006
Have you check out the DS, its the more natural bypass, it leaves you with a mor natural functioning stomach, able to eat all foods, no dumping, visit the DS forum, and read about it and ask about self pay, as it is often excluded by most insurers, it is done by some of the best SURGEONS FOR ABOUT 13K, hospital, airfair included.
   — walter A.

January 11, 2006
I too didn't want to mess with nature, one of many reasons I chose the band. Yes, the possible side effects of bypass may be a better option than a life of obesity, but why take that risk when you don't have you? The band offers the same outcome, less risk. As for deciding what is right for you....you need to get on some of these message boards that have been suggested and read like crazy--the only way you will decide what side effects are tolerable for you is to read them from the people themselves. Honestly most people never mention the port as being an issue (except in case of complications--some people have to have it replaced) but as for having it in their body? Nah. Its funny, I hear so many people talk about a "foreign object" in their body, but I bet you those same people would think nothing of breast implants or a pin in their arm....it really isn't a problem. Good luck to you, feel free to email me with any questions!
   — jessicamegan