All a
EGD is a scope down your throat to look into your stomach. You are put to sleep to do it and it is no big deal.

Thanks Roxie.

Hi fellow Georgians!
I was banded on October 11 in Albany, GA. by Dr. Bagnato.
I am self-pay, it cost $17,400.00. My first fill is November 26 and I can't wait.
I sure wish we had a local group that could meet at the Obesity Clinic weekly, that would be great. I think the doc is trying to get that started up.
Anyone else here banded by the same doc?

Me too, Me too... (at least on the doc part and the fill date)
What time is your fill - mine is 1PM. So I will be there around then - maybe we can meet up then.
Amy

Hi, I live in St. Marys, GA and I am trying to have the Lap Band done I have bc/bs but I am not having any luck they said they don't cover it I want to have it done and I have a letter from my doctor stating that I need to have it done any advice from anyone?

I have BCBS of Georgia and my plan covered it. I would call them again or check the policy yourself just to make sure. It's worth the time!

Good luck!

I have BCBS PPO and I am also covered. But I remember reading somewhere on LBT that it depends on what coverage is negotiated by your employer, which would make it a companies individual choice whether or not to offer the surgery. Don't quote me on that, but thought I would mention it since I know I read it here somewhere.

I saw you used Dr Duncan at Peachtree Surgeons. My DIL is in the process of researching having surgery. She works in Atlanta near his office. Did you have the surgery and did Dr Duncan do your surgery. The research I am finding is he and his office lean toward RNY ..not much in writing about Lap Band and them ..even their website seems to promote the other WLS. So needed some thoughts on using them.
Thanks

I talked with Elizabeth on Tuesday when I had my fill and she said that she is trying to get a support group up for Albany. I had Dr Burnette and had first fill on 10/30/07.

Yes to both. The process was a lot simpler than I thought it would be. I did all of the appts Dr. Steinberg advised me to do, submitted paperwork and was approved w/in 30 days.

Hi, I live in St. Marys, GA and I am trying to have the Lap Band done I have bc/bs but I am not having any luck they said they don't cover it I want to have it done and I have a letter from my doctor stating that I need to have it done any advice from anyone?

I too am in Georgia. I have BCBS of GA. I spoke to my HR who told me they knew AETNA covered it but were not sure about BCBS. I went to them because I didn't want to call the insurance company...(paranoid they will know before I try and deny me)...so she advised me to call them and just give your group employer ID # and they can pull up the certificate of coverage booklet.
I called them and did without giving them my info..just as she said with my group ID# and they were great and understanding. She even gave showed me how I could get to it online and print out for my records and gave me info about if it is approved and down the line I have 100 lbs or more to loose how I could qualify for an ab..something or the other in our terms tummy tuck.... I was very suprised with their customer service... Just try calling...if not comfortable giving your info..just do what I did...they will still give you the info because you identified yourself as an employee and are giving them the employer group id#.

Hope this helps.....oh..and they told me my employer plan pays 100%
At the beginning of the call I was :speechles:cry
But I ended with a :nervous
Good luck!

Hi Everyone!

I am in Lilburn GA & scheduled for surgery with Dr. Johnson & Atlanta Bariatrics on Monday, November 26, 2007...

Look forward to getting to know all of you better!

How much are you all paying for your fills?

My doctor charges 250.00$

I know there is a place in Roswell that charges 155.00 after the initial fee of 299.00.

Hello everyone! I just registered today but I have been reading post on this website for a while. I'm from Savannah. I've just begun my journey. I attended a seminar on 11-7 at Memorial and I am now waiting on an initial consultation. Savannah Bariatrics(Dr. A. and Dr. Whipple) will not see you if you're not paying cash, until they verify with your insurance if it's covered. I am anixious to be banded. Hopefully, I will be banded before the year's end!

Welcome! You will find tons of info here.