Arkansas Bansters!!!

bandster_1007 · 10-12-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGACX

Hey all! I have decided that I am going to start this journey and go to a seminar! I am excited, but scared to get my hopes up. I live in Conway and I have so many questions! I am hoping I can get my insurance approved with BC of California. How does that work? Does the surgeon take care of trying to get it approved? What is the cost of the Lap Band? The fills?   I am looking at Dr. Welborn, he has had over 850 surgeries that focus on Bariatric Surgery. I haven't looked into anyone else. Does anyone have suggestions?   Thanks!

You will hear this again at the seminar but Dr. Wellborn has actually done over 1000 bands. (They haven't updated their info yet). They will file your insurance for you, but they tell you the code, etc. and ask that you find out the specifics before they do it. They charge a $275 non refundable fee for filing insurance because it is such a timely and difficult process. Also, it takes a lot of their time and they have had a lot of people decide not to go through with the surgery after they filed.   Dr. Wellborn and his staff are SUPER supportive. I am a self pay and i have bc/bs, my policy has a written exclusion, but each policy is different. i had completed my patient package, had my labs drawn, and was scheduled for surgery before i even attended the seminar!!! they are wonderful. of course self pay process is a bit more expedited because you skip all of the insurance filing and the requirements for insurance.   i called and told them i wanted to do it..found out i was self pay and decided not to do it. three weeks later i e-mailed the girl back and i was scheduled in 2 weeks for surgery. i was in contact with leslie in the beginning and she is super fast and helpful with your questions. you may want to try to contact them first that way.   i have been very pleased, and i will keep you updated on my journey. i will be banded on Thursday of next week, and Monday is my consultation and pre op testing.   i live in jacksonville..it is nice to meet you.

by the way the cost of the surgery is $16,000 and it includes 18 months of fills and follow up visits, the anestesiologist, and the hospital fees. if you use capitol one credit it is actually
$16,275. (i've read on here before that some doctor's bill the insurance companies an insane amount for the surgery like $50,000, so you may want to double check (if your insurance approves) what the total billed to your insurance will be to calculate your co-pay, etc.

lindata · 10-13-2007, 05:24 PM

SG, I live in Maumelle. We're so close! I'm booked Nov 2 with Dr. Gibbs. He hasn't done many lap bands but has done MANY gastric bypass and actually teaches the gastric bypass procedure (which is much simpler than Lap Band). His staff seem very nice and approachable and all that. I haven't looked into any other doctors.
Linda

lindata · 10-13-2007, 11:28 PM

okay, I see two people lurking here. Will you post something so I can talk to someone other than myself?

SGACX · 10-14-2007, 12:10 AM

ouachita, I am in the LR area, where do you get your fills at? In LR? I am considering Dr. Welborn. . . haven't met him yet though.

Thanks,
SGACX

SGACX · 10-14-2007, 12:16 AM

Hey LINDATA, yeah we are pretty close! Are you excited about the band? What all did you have to do before the big surgery day?

SGACX · 10-14-2007, 12:21 AM

Hey BANDSTER 1007, thank you so much for the reply you really have helped!! Here is what my policy says aboutmy insurance:

Exclusions & Limitations:
Obesity. Service primarily for weight loss reductions or the treatment of obesity. This exclusion doesn not apply to surgical treatment of morbid obesity as determined by us if we authorize the treatment in advance as medically necessary and appropriate

Hey so maybe I have a chance at getting it approved. . .

SGACX · 10-14-2007, 12:26 AM

I was born in Montcello and lived in McGehee my growing up days. . we are all close

Mommathang · 10-14-2007, 02:06 PM

Hello, I am planning on being banded in December by Dr. Wellborn. I am just beginning this exciting journey. Just wanted to say hello.

lindata · 10-14-2007, 02:39 PM

SGAC - yes, I'm excited -but also dreading it if you know what I mean. It's going to be lifechanging and I only hope I don't screw it up. I didn't really have to do anything because I'm self-pay. I'm seeing Dr. Gibbs on Tues for a consult and the dietician and someone else (quite a whirlwind day), then two weeks of liquid diet, and then surgery on nov 2. I googled Dr. Gibbs and there's a lot of good feedback about him, so I think I picked a good one - but it seems down here (In the U.S.) there are a lot of good doctors to choose from.
Linda

bandster_1007 · 10-14-2007, 08:06 PM

SGACX-it sounds like you do have a good chance. i love dr. wellborn and his office so far. i go for my consult tomorrow, so i will let you know!!! my surgery is THURSDAY!!!!

MOMMATHANG-hello, i posted some information about Dr. Wellborn a little ealier in this thread, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. i'm scheduled for surgery this week.

lindata · 10-15-2007, 11:59 AM

Bandster, keep us posted. Can't wait to hear how it went!
Linda

Buffie · 10-15-2007, 04:06 PM

Linda! You have a date! Congratulations on your decision, you're on your way. I'm nervous and scared for you, but also VERY excited for you. I'm into a size 11 pant now. Size 11???? I can't even believe I'm saying that. I was a size 24 before I started my pre-op diet. Just remember that no matter what happens, good or bad, you're doing everything in your power to be happy, healthy and full of life again. Not only for yourself, but for your family as well. I'll give you a call at some point before your surgery, I have a HUUGGGGEEEE favor to ask of you about a X-mas gift for Eva that's not available in Canada. It's a Littlest Pet Shop VIP stuffed animal or something, I'll find out and give you a call. I also would REALLY love it if you could bring me a couple of those awesome banana holders next time you come up! I'm so excited for you that I have butterflies!!! Take care, love you, we'll talk soon.

Buffie

Mommathang · 10-15-2007, 04:13 PM

Thank ya'll so much for the info. I go to my seminar tomorrow night. I am so pumped for this!!! I am also glad to know that I now have this forum as a tool to help me with this transformation!!

Terri-ific · 10-15-2007, 05:02 PM

I've been off the computer for a while (too much to do at work, and too pooped in the evening) but I am back now. i was banded July 2005, by Dr. Wellborn. I have had many ups and downs with it, but I would do it again in a heartbeat! In fact, I was having problems in July and August, so I had an unfill.
I went in on Saturday and got some put back in. Now, I feel great! No more problems and I had a great night's sleep. (Before the unfill, I was having awful reflux and regurg at night! Yuck!)

You are all right, Dr. Wellborn and his staff are GREAT! I have recommended him to several people who have noticed my weight loss and asked how I did it.

If anyone has any questions for an "old banster" please let me know. I am not an expert, but I can certainly tell you how it was for me. For those just starting the journey, remember the band is just a tool. You have to be ready to do the work so that it can do its job! Good luck to you all.

Terri:clap2:

Terri-ific · 10-15-2007, 05:19 PM

Unless things have recently changed, Central AR doctors will not do fills for bands done in Mexico -- it's a liability thing. Good luck!