Hi

I am 35 yrs old with a bmi of 35.1.. I am 5'3" and I weigh 205lbs..I would like to get banded as quickly as possible.. I can feel my body and health deteriorating.. I currently take high blood pressure medicine, I take prevacid, and I tested positive in Nov 2007 for sleep apnea... My mother is obese.. My grandparents are deceased but both were overwight, had diabetes, high blood pressure and died from stroke..

I have tried to maintain for years.. I've tried every diet available from phen phen to south beach..

I submitted my application to Cleveland Clinic on December 10, 2008.. I received a call on December 17, 2008 stating that I have been accepted as a potential candidate for the lap band surgery:thumbup:.. and that to begin the process there is a 12 step program.. I needed to attend an informational workshop which had been scheduled for Jan 13, 2009.. I went to the workshop and learned that my insurance Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield doesn't require a pre diet program.. so I was very happy:thumbup: because I've heard that some insurances require from 3 months - 2 yrs.. About 2 days after the workshop I received a call to get my testing done.. I go for testing on Feb 25, 2009..

7 Steps down.. 3 more to go... after testing I meet with the Doctor who will determine if he will write the letter to my insurance company, next my insurance company will decide if they will approve for me to get the lap band, then i make the appointment.. If anyone has had this similar situation can you let me know your outcome and what you think my chances are of getting approved and about how long b4 i actually schedule the appointment..everything is spaced so far apart it seems it may not be until May if I even get approved.. I'm just so nervous I've gone this far and don't want to hear No!! any information will be appreciated

HI,

I have anthem(PPO) and they stated that I need the 6 month diet, but My doctor and specialist submitted information from other programs to see if they could

waive the diet. I should no in about 13 more days.

carla

Wow.. Let me know what they tell you.. That is too bad..They did not require me to do any additional diet programs..I have been with that insurance company for 9 years so they have my history of past prescriptions for diet drugs that I've tried and maybe thats why they didn't require anything additional.. I go for my testing 02/25/09 and I'm getting it all done that day.. The psyc and nutrion testing and consultation as well.. I'm nervous and excited..My bmi is now 36 so I'm not sure how things are going to go with the Doctor or Anthem.. Check back and I'll keep you posted

Ok..02/25/09 I've completed all my testing..Current weight 215 bmi 37.. I've also met with the Psych and Nutri... The Nutri asked me to lose a few pounds and see her again when I meet with the Doctor and go over the test results on 04/01/09.. Hopefully all is good and he will submit the paperwork to my insurance company.. and then I can schedule my surgery date.. If all goes well I am to be at a weight of 205 bmi 35 the date of surgery.. Check back for more information

Just 2 more steps..next appointment is 04/01/09 a visit with the Doctor at Cleveland Clinic to go over my test results.. :cursing:

Went to my appt on 4/1/09 everything is looking good..I weighed in at 210.5 so I did lose the weight the nutritionist recommended..The doctor feels that I'm a good candidate so he is submitting my information to the insurance company.. I'm now waiting to hear back from them which should ne in about 2 wks.. If everything is approved I'm looking at a May surgery date.. YEAH!!! got my fingers crossed.. Will post once I get more information.. Long journey almost coming to a good ending..

I have been approved:lol: ... Got an approval in only 6 days!!!:thumbdown: I will schedule my appt on Monday.. Looking for a May 2009 date!!:thumbup:

:thumbup:Surgery Date has been scheduled for Monday May 11, 2009:thumbup: at the Cleveland Clinic

Hope my journey has helped answer any questions you may have had if you have a low BMI..You can get approved..:wink: