where to start : thinking about lab band surgery

I am thinking about lab band surgery and I have Advantage Health Insurance. Trying to find out what I have to do where to start or if the insurance even cover the cost.
I have Crohn's and also a Ileostomy do they even do lab band surgery on people like me? 
Any help please. I know I need to loose at least 90 lbs. I feel horrible at this time and I did try all the diet's that are out their .
PLease anyone I really would appreciate it.
Thanks Sandra M.

I would seriously consider VSG over lap band for someone with Crohn's. Hopefully someone with the desease with chime in.

First of all, it's a "laP" band, not a "laB" band. That's short for "laproscopic", and refers to how it's placed.

Look into the Sleeve /VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) instead.

I agree with the previous two posters. A VSG or sleeve surgery would probabbly be a better choice for you. You also don't have to worry about any mechanical complications while enjoying your weight loss.

I know there must be someone somewhere in the world with successful lap band surgery, but every single one I know who has had it locally has had a slipped port, leaks, slipped band, etc.  I'm glad I didn't choose that surgery.  I agree with the others that the sleeve would most likely be a good option for you.  Do as much reading as you can and make the decision about what you think would be best.

Linda

HUNDREDS of people without complications:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/a,messageboard/

I'm just sayin'...

HAHAHA!!  True, and 99.9% of them are newbies.  Give 'em a year or two, then the greater majority will be just like the rest of us.

OK then I'll use the hundreds of people who are in the various weekly support groups near me. I've been on four different days on a rotating basis for a year and have personally met and interacted with hundreds of various happy bansters and many *gasp* have had them for years and are blissfully happy.

You may not like that answer, but it's true...

Okay, so the people that live in your state don't have band problems, just the other states.

I'm quite sure the doctors, countries, and band makers are dishonest.

So what you're saying is that California lap band patients are aren't a reasonable representative group for successful banding because hundreds I've met are successful? Or that the lap band is a big conspiracy by drug companies, doctors and the US? To do what exactly?

How stupid do you think I (we) am (are)? I'm own two post-bachelor's degrees. I'm a researcher for a living. I don't do one thing unless it's completely researched. Just like my WLS. When comparing the rates of complications for ALL WLS and going with what's best for me, the risks and benefits of the band are right there with ALL other WLS.

Oh and having gone to college near the border and being one of those people who had many people in her life who sough "cheaper" treatment (and medications) south of the border, you really don't want to get me started on how dangerous that is and that I find you to be irresponsible for sending people in that direction, do you?