Questions about Gastric Bypass. - ThinnerTimes

scuuder3 · 03-07-2005, 05:41 PM

I am looking into gastric bypass, i am 5'7" and 315 pounds. I have tried every diet and cannot loose the weight. My UHC insurance won't cover the surgery but I am going to do it anyway. I have been reading a lot and have seen many websites about the "mini-gastric bypass". this seems like a very good way to go. Also, what about the Lap band. The MGB seems to work as well as a full gastric bypass, but is less invasive. Any information would be greatly appreciated, as this is a huge decision.

Thank you.

LizardQueen · 03-07-2005, 06:11 PM

I'm glad to see that nothing is going to hold you back. I know nothing about the lap band. However, lots of people here have great advice. So you've come to the right place. I did a lot of research before I decided to do the open RNY procedure. You are doing the research and that is important. The best of luck to you.

A

mber Jarvis

Dara · 03-07-2005, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuuder3

I am looking into gastric bypass, i am 5'7" and 315 pounds. I have tried every diet and cannot loose the weight. My UHC insurance won't cover the surgery but I am going to do it anyway. I have been reading a lot and have seen many websites about the "mini-gastric bypass". this seems like a very good way to go. Also, what about the Lap band. The MGB seems to work as well as a full gastric bypass, but is less invasive. Any information would be greatly appreciated, as this is a huge decision.

Thank you.

Hey Scuuder, welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on your decision to do something about your weight. Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you regarding the mini gastric bypass or the lap band. I am only familiar with the RNY gastric bypass.

Whatever decision you make, good luck with your quest for good health!

Pokey757 · 03-08-2005, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuuder3

I am looking into gastric bypass, i am 5'7" and 315 pounds. I have tried every diet and cannot loose the weight. My UHC insurance won't cover the surgery but I am going to do it anyway. I have been reading a lot and have seen many websites about the "mini-gastric bypass"mini-gastric bypass"mini-gastric bypass". this seems like a very good way to go. Also, what about the Lap band. The MGB seems to work as well as a full gastric bypass, but is less invasive. Any information would be greatly appreciated, as this is a huge decision.

Thank you.

Please beware of this Mini Bypass. I too was thinking this was a great thing, until i asked my surgeon. He told me it was very dangerous, and be warey of any surgeon willing to perform it. Have you talked to a surgeon yet? Ask him about this, if he recommends it get a second opinion.
I dont know why, but there are no lap-band ppl here. Maybe someone else can answere that question. I am still pre-op so i dont have much to add.

cedesigns · 03-08-2005, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pokey757

I dont know why, but there are no lap-band ppl here. Maybe someone else can answere that question. I am still pre-op so i dont have much to add.

I am not aware of the "mini bypass" surgery, but I do know a little about the lapband procedure. My surgeon was/is a very big proponent of the lapband. I also went to several other clinic seminars in my area where the surgeons giving the presentations were very pro on the lapband procedure. It is less invasive, cleaner, simpler, can be adjusted externally, can be removed. There are less complications to it and almost all surgeons in our area are very excited about it. The problem is it is still a very new procedure, so far insurance companies are not picking it up, so if you are looking for insurance coverage you almost probably will not get it. I have seen the lapband aparatus and seen how is works. It is a pretty cool piece of medical innovation but it's not been out long enough yet for the insurance companies to cover it. I opted to go for laproscopic bypass. I have been very happy with my choice there were no large incisions, no complications, and I have had a fairly unremarkable experience. There are some basic things that happen as a result of these surgeries that some people feel uncomfortable about, but if you know what to expect, and understand that is part of the process it is liveable. There are many of these surgeries done worldwide, it is a proven surgery that works, and there is a small percentage who have complications. The main thing is, as is true with any surgery, follow the rules, stay in close contact with your physcian, contact them whenever you feel something is not right. I think this is where a lot of people who have post surgical complications run into trouble. Good luck on your surgery~

cedesigns · 03-08-2005, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuuder3

the Lap band. Thank you.

http://ww2.khou.com/global/story.asp...ientType=Print

Go to the above site for some good info on the lapbad procedure

Gatzby · 03-08-2005, 03:32 PM

You have UHC and they didn't cover it? What plan do you have? My father's workplace has UHC, and two people he works with have had it done insurance covered it. This is worrying me because I have UHC, and I've basically been told by the surgeon that has done my three hernia operations, either get this surgery or die. He referred me to my doctor, and my first appointment is in April. They asked who I have for insurance, and when I said UHC, they didn't even blink an eye when asking me for insurance information.

scuuder3 · 03-08-2005, 05:14 PM

I have a UHC PPO Plan. My employer uses ADP Totalsoure HR service and it is through them. I know they have many plans, so there may be some that cover it. when I first checked with my insurance company about a year ago it was still covered, then I went for patient orientation and they verified my coverage. by this time, about 2 months ago, it was no longer covered.

Does anyone know how the results with the lap band, compare to the results with the RNY, weight wise?

Loove · 07-05-2005, 02:29 PM

You mat search about gastric band complications here: http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

search for:
adjustable gastric band after 5 years

or

adjustable gastric band complications

Lovisa

Mavisavis · 07-05-2005, 03:56 PM

My friend has some form of UHC coverage also. Her rep from the place she works told her that basically UHC will not cover it even if her Physician considers it life and death.....nice huh? She has decided to take a part time job at a place with Aetna and switch to their coverage once she's been there long enough. They will pay 80%, but it beats the loan she was going to take out to pay it all out of pocket. She is definitely a person in need of WLS.....it's a shame they are so close minded. About the lap band....I considered it, my insurance has started paying for it. However, for me I decided that lap bypass was the best for me. One consideration is that you have years of adjustments and you would have to pay them out of pocket too in all likelihood. The information I found was a little inconsistent too. It sounds like a viable option for some, but I feel I need something more sure and permanent. Keep researching and asking anyone you can.......the answer is different for every person. You'll figure out what you need. Hang in there and forge ahead......you deserve to be healthy!

Marty