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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 24, 2012 15:07:49 GMT -5
I feel like I am going around in a circle. I would say " Full Circle" but that to me makes it seem like I have accomplished something. I feel like I have done nothing in the last 5-6 yrs since I was banded. My depression, isolation etc is creeping back up as my weight comes back on . I am finding myself becoming that same bitter nasty person I was 6 yrs ago before my surgery . Ok you think , "Do something about it " I feel like im stuck.
No insurance to get my band out , no money to get insurance, if i could get the insurance i could probably get the band out . I feel like i did when i wanted my band surgery so damn bad. I am not sure what to do .
I am even afraid at this point to loose any weight if i can . Or try to loose weight. I am afraid if I do once I finally get insurance my BMI will be too low and wont be able to get any surgery ! This is a vicious awful circle !
I am tired of reading boards and hearing people getting approved for revisions, hearing people who have had them seem so smug( no offense to anyone its just how I Feel ) because they have their sleeves or revisions and are so happy again . I snap at everyone around me and Im just turning into an out right bitch anymore.
Im tired of the know it alls and I am tired of the negative people even though I am one of them right now !
I just feel stuck !
thanks for listening !
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Post by larra on Apr 24, 2012 15:56:52 GMT -5
Mindy, I'm sorry you are going through all this.
I don't know if this will be helpful or not, but Diana posted about a very good self-pay deal for VSG or DS with an excellent, highly respected surgeon. Exactly what it costs I don't know, and of course I also don't know whether or not you could afford it whatever the cost is, or whether or not once you knew the cost you could grub up some $ from relatives or other source, but I'm just trying to make sure you have not overlooked this option. The only type of revision permitted in this deal is from a non-eroded lap band, and you didn't mention anything about erosion, just that the band has been a failure for you (note that YOU are not the failure, it is a very imperfect gadget that has failed).
So if you are interested, you can get more info by emailing coehospital@yahoo.com.
Maybe this won't help you at all, but at least you know that people do care about you and are trying to help you.
Larra
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 24, 2012 17:12:04 GMT -5
Thanks Larra. I cant afford it right now , anything, I am 99% sure that the PCIP ( pre existing insurance plan ) will cover it, however its $300 a month , for just me . My husband is self employed right now and business is slow, really slow, he's looking for a "regular' job (with hopes that the insurance would cover the surgery ) and I am looking for a full time job ( I work part time now ) but there is just NOTHING where we live in Austin . Even getting the PCIP insurance I would still need to come up with $2500-$4000 out of pocket and I dontk now where i could do that ? So I wait and get frustrated. I remember feeling like this would never happen w/ my band and it eventually did , I just have to try to be patient.
Thanks
Mindy
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 24, 2012 17:17:03 GMT -5
Larra, if you could give me the info for the revision also I would appreciate it, just so i have it ?
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Post by petham on Apr 24, 2012 17:18:44 GMT -5
You didn't say what happened with your band, you are afraid to loose weight because then you can't revise? No WLS will help you with your personal problems. Do you equate being overweight with being miserable and being skinny with being happy? There are many unhappy skinny people.  I hope you don't missunderstand what I am trying to say. Good Luck Petra |
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Post by MsVee on Apr 24, 2012 17:45:16 GMT -5
I am sorry for your situation. It is very frustrating to feel you have the solution to a problem and have it remain just out of reach. I hope things get better for you real soon.
MsVee
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Post by larra on Apr 24, 2012 20:20:08 GMT -5
Mindy, are you referring to the info about the low cost DS or VSG deal? If so, the info I have is that email address. I don't know the exact cost and don't want to take a guess at it and mislead you. I do know who the surgeon is and can assure you that he is an excellent and very experienced DS surgeon. I also know that this deal will be available for only a little longer, so if you are at all interested, email them right away. I know this all sounds vague, but this really is a legitimate thing.
Specifically regarding revision from lap band, it has to be an uncomplicated lap band, i.e. no known erosion, that kind of thing. And other revisions, such as RNY to DS revisions, are not included in this limited time thing.
Send them an email. what do you have to lose?
Larra
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 24, 2012 21:36:33 GMT -5
Is it only a DS he will revise to ? I would really rather have the sleeve .
I can email them .
Thanks
Mindy
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2012 22:26:36 GMT -5
Is it only a DS he will revise to ? I would really rather have the sleeve . I can email them . Thanks Mindy They are doing both DS and VSG in this special deal. Email them for more info. |
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 25, 2012 14:53:12 GMT -5
I am a little leary about this ... they sent me a confidentiality agreement to sign BEFORE they send me any info on the program ? Does anyone know more about this program the hospital doctors ?
Mindy
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Post by ragamuffinb on Apr 25, 2012 18:15:09 GMT -5
I am a little leary about this ... they sent me a confidentiality agreement to sign BEFORE they send me any info on the program ? Does anyone know more about this program the hospital doctors ? Mindy It seems odd but it is all on the up and up. Great doctor, great hospital. I know 3 people who have participated. i don't fully understand the need for the whole Secret Squirrel thing but if that is what it takes to get a truly awesome deal, it's really no big whoop. |
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 26, 2012 18:31:14 GMT -5
I went ahead and filled it out . They were going to call me today but i have a bad migraine and didnt feel it was best to talk to them now. So they are calling me tomorrow morning.
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 26, 2012 18:32:10 GMT -5
Ragamuffin, can you send the people you know who has gone to them my way ? Or give them my email ? mtolbert9201@gmail.com ? I would like to talk to them about their experience ?
Thanks
mindy
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Post by ragamuffinb on Apr 27, 2012 9:38:42 GMT -5
Mindy,
They are still bound by the confidentiality agreement so there may not be much they can tell you. But I'll pass your email on to them.
All I can say is this program has been a life saver for 4 of our locals (we just had one go last week) who might not have been able to do the DS otherwise.
Rags
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 10:25:23 GMT -5
Ragamuffin, can you send the people you know who has gone to them my way ? Or give them my email ? mtolbert9201@gmail.com ? I would like to talk to them about their experience ? Thanks mindy Listen, Mindy, I totally understand that this seems freaky to you. Please, oh please, look at WHO is telling you about this and our track records for trustworthiness and good information, okay? There are reasons that we have been asked to NOT share the information you are requesting with anyone who is not already involved in this program. The reasons are not nefarious at all. So please, just contact them, sign the confidentiality agreement, and have the conversation. Please stop asking us to give you information that would jeopardize a very fine project if we disobeyed the rules. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 12:00:58 GMT -5
I am a little leary about this ... they sent me a confidentiality agreement to sign BEFORE they send me any info on the program ? Does anyone know more about this program the hospital doctors ? Mindy There is an EXCELLENT reason that any doctor offering this kind of thing needs the confidentiality thing. For example, if any doctor quotes a price--an out-there-good-for-anyone price--for a procedure that is lower than the price he negotiated with the insurance company, then that lower price will be the new "reasonable and customary" for everyone else...even if they are not part of the "let's get it done right now" program. And then the insurance will pay less for EVERYONE ELSE and the surgeon will not be able to afford to do the procedure. OTOH, if a surgeon decides to lower his existing reasonable and customary fee for an individual patient here and there...then that would NOT impact the negotiated price. So if you are in a situation with any surgeon who wants you to sign a confidentiality agreement before he talks price, it won't hurt you to sign it and discover the price...but then you have to not discuss it afterwards or we'll rat you out and you'll probably have to pay the usual price. If people don't stick to the agreement, all the people in the future who need one of these surgeries are going to suffer. that's why "the attitude." (That, and the surgeon has a reason he has to do a certain number in a certain time period to get some sort of certification.) |
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 27, 2012 17:20:33 GMT -5
First off I was NOT ASKING anyone to give me information that shouldnt have . But if you cant see how this seemed fishy at first then I guess im the crazy one ! I am sorry if I asked questions !
I did contact them and It does seem like a legit program etc.
Thank you MSCal for explaining it to me better, i was not sure why the conf agreement was needed. If anyone on here cant understand why I would be skeptical with all the " paid" people there are out there that post bogus info than I am sorry !
I did get the information and sadly i still cant afford it .
Thanks for the help
Mindy
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Post by redbabe08 on Apr 27, 2012 17:59:07 GMT -5
i thought while this thread was going on - i know a mindy from austin from the old LBT days ( you were a mod? ).
didn't see where you identified your band problems - but 4 of us old posters from LBT have all revised. various reasons - but i did recognize your email address listed in the thread and am sad to see - you too have issues.
i'm north of you - used dr stewart to revise to the sleeve & after a slow start...it's been pretty easy & zero follow up, minus labs.
sorry for your current circumstances.
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Post by goodkel on Apr 27, 2012 18:06:53 GMT -5
First off I was NOT ASKING anyone to give me information that shouldnt have . But if you cant see how this seemed fishy at first then I guess im the crazy one ! I am sorry if I asked questions ! I did contact them and It does seem like a legit program etc. Thank you MSCal for explaining it to me better, i was not sure why the conf agreement was needed. If anyone on here cant understand why I would be skeptical with all the " paid" people there are out there that post bogus info than I am sorry ! I did get the information and sadly i still cant afford it . Thanks for the help Mindy Um, well yeah, you kind of were asking for info you shouldn't have. If you had to sign a confidentiality agreement, wouldn't it stand to reason that they did, too? And, by your questioning them, asking them to break a legal contract? Once you were contacted, signed the confidentiality agreement, you would have had ample time to research this surgeon. He is highly renowned, an expert in this field, and there are many glowing reviews to be found from happy patients. I would not allow scam artists to prey on the members of this board. I am so sorry that this won't work for you now.  Have you considered working part time at Starbuck's, Home Depot, or some other company that provides WLS coverage for their part time employees? I know it can take as little as 6 months to qualify for it. That gives you time to fulfill any diet requirements their insurance may have while you're waiting for it to kick in. Also, the band failed you. Not your fault. Really.  Please read this: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=dsdata&thread=2035&page=1#29841 |
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 27, 2012 20:28:48 GMT -5
Red that is me  Here is my "story" lol tryingtostayskinnyintexas.blogspot.com/2012/04/story-of-my-band.htmlI dont really want to argue about this conf thing, since i had not seen it or signed it at that point I did not know WHAT they were asking and what could be said. Since i did not know WHAT i was going to be told I was trying to find out what i could in the mean time, I think that is only natural . Im sorry i just cant take someone's word for it. I came to this board because so many I want a non judgmental place , and I cant seem to find it else where. I am sorry if i cant just take someone's word for it when i just came to this board. I didnt mean to try to go "Around" the conf thing w/ this doc I just wanted to find out what i could ... After the crap ive seen on LBT and OH I think you can see why I question and why lots of people question others. I have been looking for a job ANY JOB in Austin for almost a year and they are just not there . I have a part time job that does not offer insurance. Im still looking. I am to the point now that i have given up on everything when it comes to this surgery . |
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 27, 2012 20:29:46 GMT -5
PS I actually thought I had failed the band until i found out just how many people had issues with the band now . I realize its not so much my fault now .
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 22:06:18 GMT -5
i thought while this thread was going on - i know a mindy from austin from the old LBT days ( you were a mod? ). didn't see where you identified your band problems - but 4 of us old posters from LBT have all revised. various reasons - but i did recognize your email address listed in the thread and am sad to see - you too have issues. i'm north of you - used dr stewart to revise to the sleeve & after a slow start...it's been pretty easy & zero follow up, minus labs. sorry for your current circumstances. Am I included in that count? |
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Post by Leonie on Apr 27, 2012 22:27:50 GMT -5
Mindy
Late last year I joined the board, discovered it was the DS I needed, and realized there was no-one in South Africa I would trust to give it. There was absolutely no way I could afford travelling. We started seriously saving and I was here every day
Six months later I am here, eight days out from my DS.
Miracles do happen. Do not give up.
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 27, 2012 23:02:40 GMT -5
I am not giving up , it just seems everywhere i turn right now esp on boards someone has to attack someone else . I have a 20 yr old in college, an 11 yr old who needs braces, my husbands income is not steady or reliable right now due to the economy and i cant find a full time job .
I remember feeling like this w/ the band, that I would never get it , But eventually I did . Im just very frustrated right now .
Congrats on your surgery !
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Post by goodkel on Apr 27, 2012 23:07:02 GMT -5
PS I actually thought I had failed the band until i found out just how many people had issues with the band now . I realize its not so much my fault now . Not your fault AT ALL. As Lulu-Leo said,"Do not give up." This WILL happen for you. Check out the following board. You have to join to read it, but it is not selling anything and it is free. You'll find leads to online jobs of all sorts: transcribing, customer service, research. You'll also get the inside story from the people actually working these jobs and they will warn you of which are scams. With many jobs, you can set your own schedule to work around the job you already have. Take a look. Let me know how it goes. workplacelikehome.com/ |
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 27, 2012 23:18:30 GMT -5
Thanks Goodkel ! I'll check that out .
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Post by Band to DS on Apr 28, 2012 10:32:22 GMT -5
I got a lap band in 2008 & it never worked for me. I only lost 30-40 pounds, which I gained back plus more, and I developed swallowing problems (official diagnosis: esophageal dysmotility). I suffered in silence for 3 years because I was ashamed & embarrassed. I finally sought help a year ago. That's when my insurance battle started. It was an extremely difficult process, but I'm finally getting a revision on May 11. I understand your feelings of anger, hopelessness, & bitterness. I felt that way too & still do to some extent.
What kept me going? I received a lot of encouragement from folks here. Larra & Diana gave me invaluable advice about my insurance appeal. I was also inspired by other people who had to fight tooth & nail for a revision. The stories are out there if you look for them. (Jamie from Alaska is one example. It took her 4 years of hard work & frustration to get a RNY to DS revision, but she prevailed.) It won't be easy, but you'll get there. Keep taking steps forward as you are able & try to be kind to yourself during the process.
Shelli
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2012 11:10:15 GMT -5
Never mind.
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 28, 2012 20:11:30 GMT -5
Someone had mentioned some companies that offer WLS in their insurance. I know home depot , Star bucks. Does anyone know any others ?
And do y a'll know for sure they cover revisions ? Im going to look into this some more , i have been looking for a full time job for over a year but have not looked into home depot . Wanted to see what other companies might offer me a chance at a revision . thanks
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Post by mindyntexas on Apr 29, 2012 14:12:06 GMT -5
I think i answered my own question lol I have been looking into Starbucks and home depot and they both seem to have some issues w/ the working part time and getting the insurance.
Seems if you work just under 20 hours a week a couple times they yank the insurance.
And most managers make it hard to get the 20 hours a week . Starbucks esp . I know a couple kids who work at Home Depot im going to talk to them tomorrow. Also found out Costco Appears to offer insurance as well ? Checking into that .
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I hope you don't missunderstand what I am trying to say. 
Here is my "story" lol 
