So this is all new to me although I've been doing research and going to doctors visits and having all kinds of tests done and well my doctor finally gave me the referral to a surgeon. Although I confused. I called the doc and I have to do some seminar before they can give me an apt. The girl was really nice and advised me to see if my insurance covers bariatrics and to not ask to many questions, so I did just that. I was advised that it is covered if medically needed once approved they will cover 100%. I also asked where on line I could find the requirements so she told me where and so I went to look but that info is not online. So I came across something else in the benefits website under doctor search and it didn't have names of doctors but approved facilities for bariatrics and this doctor is not affiliated with any of the 4 hospitals in the Chicago land area! So am I just wasting my time with this seminar if this doctor isn't affiliated with one the the 4 hospitals? Ugh... Anyone have a suggestion for me. I will tell you that I was diagnosed with sleep apnea (just received my cpap machine a week ago) my BMI is 41 or 42 and I have been having back issues and went to therapy and MRI's and nothing is wrong mechanically. I have issues with my ankles and knee's giving out I'm like 5'. 0.5" and as of yesterday 219 (I lost 5 lbs this month, I'm so proud). I have BCBS of GA and I live in Chicago land area go figure out of state insurance! Does any of this look hopeful? Some one anyone give me some inspiration words of wisdom. I've been wanting and pushing doc to say ok lap-band since early this Year and it's now August and I just turned 30 2 weeks ago and want to enjoy my 4 year old daughter and life.

FIGHT!!! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT thru all those hoops that they put u thru! I was banded june 23rd down 30.... be focused... think of yourself as a pioneer...you are about to change your whole life as u know it!!!!!! You are tough!!! You are a mother!!! you can do anything!

Ok so great news, I called to make sure this doctor my PCP referred me to was on my network and all the dreaded things I was afraid to ask and GUESS what! He is on the network and if approved for what they call medically necessary they cover 100% and the guidelines are not crazy like some that I’ve seen so I should be ok. Now I just need to wait for this seminar that I go to on Sep 6th with Dr. Kane in Arlington Heights, IL. Thank Goodness he is in my network!!!!!!!!

I almost feel so silly for being so nervous but after reading some blogs I feared the worst! I guess that’s not the worst thing to do, because if he had not been in network I would have been bummed to have to start looking for a new Doc. Ok I will continue to keep you in the loop Oh Illiana yes girl you’re so right I’m a Pioneer and a MOM and I can do anything!!!!!! Hey now I’m a rock star…..

Ok seriously if I’m this happy now imagine when I get to hand in all the paper work and finally get my APPROVAL LETTER lol I’m going to get on my desk and DANCE like a ROCK STAR lol.

Peace out!