dcgloribell

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Went this past Thursday May 21st. Dr C's crew were great. Unfortunately the whole process took 3 hours! They had reps visiting -holding up staff. I tried to do this consult as an "extended" lunch break since they told me it would only take 1.5 hr.  Thank goodness my bosses are cool! Other than the delay I felt the consult went great. 

Dr feels a band is the best fit for me. Loved Elaine the dietitian...have to do 6mos supervised diet to satisfy my insurance and get approval.  I am worried that I'll lose to much weight then may fall below the BMI minimum required.  I know how to lose weight - short term... it's the keeping it off and back sliding that always get me.... that's why I need this tool!!! Elaine agreed she could tell I was ready had lots of experience and knowledge ... she knows I'd do great with the band and the life changes required.  UGH... I just want to get this done and get on with it.... It's just a $ and Insurance issue- nothing I can change - so I'll deal with it...  At least I am on my way- YAY me!

So after going to a seminar, checking my BCBS insurance benefits and meeting Dr. Curry's staff.  I've decided to have either the lapband or realize band procedure done.  I would have liked to have the VSG but my insurance will NOT cover it since it's still considered "experimental".    I do not wish to wait any longer...so I am moving forward!

I've been looking into to WLS for over a year. I have heard many good and great things about Dr. Curry and his facility and staff that I've chosen him as my WL surgeon.  I've paid my program fee and have my 1st consult scheduled later this month.

I am excited about doing this for myself....getting a tool that will give me hope that I CAN and WILL be successful!
I'm so excited to get the ball rolling!!

Never made it to that seminar...the doctor went out of network with my insurance. 

Then I got involved in a relationship. He was totally against WLS. Wanted me to give dieting with him a try before proceeding with pursuing WLS. Told me that was the lazy and risky way to lose weight.

So a year later ... I'm at my highest weight & we tried 3 different diets together. Turns out he was just afraid that I'd have surgery and lose weight and he'd wouldn't- he wouldn't even consider WLS for himself. . . Anyway due to additional reasons we are no longer together...that's one way to lose weight...lol.. I truly wish him well and success however he may find it.

As for me...I'm taking my success into my own hands and pursuing WLS. I've considered the lap-band as a safer option in the past. However, I've given it some thought and actually think VSG may be a better option. This eases my concerns of having a long term implanted device and needing to have "fills". It also reduces the issues caused by reassigning the intestines: dumping syndrome, malnutrition and mal-absorbtion..etc.  It costs about $1500 more than banding, is comparable safety wise to banding and has a 1 day post op hospital stay.

Going to call the insurance company- BCBS (Anthem) to check on coverage, requirements and who locally is in network.  Then research the doctors..... I'm open to suggestions if any one has advice or recommendations! 

I'll be attending my 1st seminar this week on 5/3/8 with Dr. Curry. He will talking about the normal WLS, Lapband and the J&J band (new?). I am excited! One of my friends is going with me- she had WLS 5yrs ago. She is so much healthier and happier for it.

I've been thinking about doing bariatric surgery for a couple of years. To be honest it scared me. I had heard of many tragedies resulting from gastric bypass.  Being a single mother that wasn't a chance I would take. Now that there is the  Lapband  I've decided it would a safer option for me.

I am planning on attending a seminar soon. I've started compiling a list of questions to ask.......any suggestions on what I need to know?  I live in the Cincinnati Ohio area and hope to have the procedure locally. Any recommendations are welcomed!