I need to make a decision...

I have been researching lapband surgery for 3 years. It has always been a desire, but seemed out of reach due to insurance. I own my own business and have "terrible" health insurance...until today. Anthem BC/BS has accepted our company and we can purchase a weight loss rider for the policy at an extra $153 per month. The catch is...the rider must be added at the enrollment period or upon renewal (1 year later). I'm trying to get answers fast and would like lapbanders opinion. My main question is with all the complications, side effects, cost, etc..do you still recommend it? Has anyone had their surgery in Roanoke, Va? Any information will help. Thanks all, Penny

We have several SW VA members who have had RNY in Roanoke, but I don't know if the doctors there do Lap Band. I had my RNY in Richmond (MCV) despite being only 40 minutes north of Roanoke. You should get a few answers, though. Good luck on your journey. Lois

Hi Penny I don't have any answers to your question about health insurance.  But I did have my wls in Roanoke.  However, I had RNY and not lapband.  I had Dr. Lucktong .  Good luck with everything, sorry I couldn't be more helpful. hugs

I also had RNY and I live in NoVA so I can't really answer your questions either. Did want to let you know there is a forum for lap banders http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/ so you many want to post your questions there.  Keep us updated on what you decide. 

Hi Penny.  I'll tell you why I chose lapband over other available procedures. I like that it's less invasive. I like that it's adjustable. I didn't like the idea of having my organs dissected. There are more cons to other procedures than there is to lapband. A big one to me was when I read that even pregnant women can have lapband in place.  Not that I plan on having a baby...I'm headed to the grandma stage in my life, but it must be pretty safe to add that claim to it. I did consider bypass...even went to a seminar & had my first appt with a surgeon.  But it just didn't feel right FOR ME.  I'm glad I waited & then found out about lapband.  Maybe the best thing to do is set up an initial consult with a surgeon that does them all.  Between the two of you, & with some education, you'll be able to make the right decision FOR YOU. I wish you much success in whatever decision you choose to make.  And you're always welcome here.

Lok a the rider carefully. My company's Anthem BC/BS rider covers only a total max benefit for WLS of $7500.

I should have added: and I did the surgery anyway!

If you can't get a lap band in Roanoke, I recommend Commonwealth Surgeons in Richmond. They are affiliated with St. Mary's Hospital which has a spceially designed bariatric surgical operating room. They have been doing more lap bands than any hospital in Virginia. Dr. Hutcher is the former pres of american bariatric association. Dr. Bautista is the laparoscopic whiz. Good luck

If there's a provider directory listed, you may want to cross reference the surgeons in there with the ones you can find here on the site...there are links to "FIND A BARIATRIC SURGEON" (look to the left of the page)...most people post reviews and you can also see if they are covered by anthem.  Good luck in your decision.

Thanks to all. I need to research that rider a little more carefully. The cost of the insurance is higher, plus out of pocket deductible max $3500, and then maybe anything over $7500. Might be out of my price range. But I really want it. Thanks for everyones opinion.