Swan56

Thanks Honk and Krasc! I think the wait is about the worst part of it all. I keep going over it in my mind and it's just stressful. But i really appreciate the encouragement! Thanks!

Okay, i'm pretty new to the sight but haven't had much luck in getting feedback or positive encouragement. I think I'm driving myself insane... All my paperwork was submitted to the insurance company on Nov. 22. Everyone else that I have talked to that was submitted around that time has gotten approvals. I realize it is just over a week but I'm super anxious. I have a tentative date (12/27) pending approval but i really need it done (out of pocket reasons) this year. I don't personally know anyone who has had the band. My family isn't overweight like me. Neither are my friends. While my family and the few friends that know are super supportive of my decision, I'd like some help from someone that knows. I find myself checking this site and my insurance company website a few times a day trying to find something that would help. Maybe I'm freaking out a bit... i've NEVER had surgery and other than being overweight, i'm pretty healthy. Someone help...

I've always heard that if you can imagine yourself thin, it's easier to achieve your goals. I know the whole "the mind is a powerful thing" but what if you can't imagine yourself thin? I've been heavy my whole life. My (then) stepmom started me on weight watchers at the age of 13 or 14. I can't remember being under 220 lbs since I hit puberty. Any suggestions? Some have said find a picture and put your head shot with it but I don't want to be unrealistic and end up disappointed...

Sorry guys - this came off all wrong. I realize that being healthier and feeling better is much more important than looking better. That is my goal - to be healthier and not be so winded doing the simple things. I've just heard people say that if you can see yourself thin it helps. I was just making an observation on the fact that I can't imagine myself thin because I haven't ever been that way. Thanks for the encouragment. Good luck on your goals as well. Hopefully my journey starts on 12/27/10 - praying for insurance approval!

Thank you Annie! And congrats on your progess. Yes, a half compliment is better than none but it's kind of a pointless start. Just makes you feel worse about not getting a full one... haha.

I'm in TN too - awaiting approval by insurance. Going to have Dr. Spaw at Baptist do mine as well. Anyone have BCBS? My paperwork was submitted 11/22. Any encouragment, help, guidance... anything would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Elikis. I'm pretty excited about being over to bend over, cross my legs, etc etc. All the little things that the smaller people take for granted. I'm excited about being healthier. But as far as a the self-esteem part, I'm not depressed because of my weight. I think that despite it I actually have good self-esteem. I know what you're saying though. Maybe I should just be excited about shopping at a normal store at the mall instead of Lane Bryant. Oh that'll be fun!

Woohoo Congratulations! I haven't received word yet but my surgery center was kind enough to "pencil" me in for December 27th. Praying the approval comes through. Looks like we will be starting this journey together.

My paperwork was also sent in last week (Monday). I was told they have 30 days to respond. The insurance specialist in charge of my case at my surgery center called today to check and she was told that it was under review. She told me that this was a good sign. That my case had been assigned a case number and a case manager. She deals with this all the time and she didn't seem worried. Even penciled a surgery date in for Dec 27th. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just TRY to be patient (I know how hard that is).

Hey Cari - I, too, am going for it. My suggestion is to do as much research as you can and go ahead and start the insurance process. I know a lot of insurances require a 6-month diet. Hopefully I will be banded in a month. Sorry I'm not more help but I'm also new. Good Luck!

Hi Liz - I'm Laura. I'm 29 (holding on for the last few weeks). My surgery date is "penciled" in for Dec 27th. I actually just got all my paperwork submitted to the insurance company on Nov 22nd. Pending approval, I'll be having surgery on that date. I wanted to get something scheduled since we have to be on a primariliy liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. I am shooting for before the end of the year so luckily my surgery center understands (my out of pocket is paid for the year). I told them I was going to invent a dance, like a rain dance to encourage them on... she suggested a "lap band dance." It's nice when your contact at your doctors office can joke with you about it. Congratulations on your miracle baby! And finding your soul mate to have her with. Are you as nervous as I am? Have you been heavy your whole life?

My insurance company required last 5 years of weights, psych test, psych eval, and doctors letter recommending me as a candidate for surgery. I guess I got off easy too - waiting for approval now. I submittted everything on Nov. 22.

Okay so I'm new here and am just trying to hear from people that have had surgery and gone through the steps, etc. Anything really. Let me start off by saying, i was completely against weight loss surgery earlier this year. Maybe it was denial but I thought I should have been able to do this on my own. My stepdad actually suggested it and I was offended. But I guess this is what made me start thinking about it. I've been trying for fifteen years to not be the chunky kid and it just wasn't working. I turn 30 next month and I decided I was going to start right. I finally got everything submitted to the surgery center earlier this week. I have BCBS of TN - Network P - anyone know how hard it is to get approved by them? My doctor wasn't against it but it wasn't easy getting him to finally write a letter (a little bit of a procrastinator maybe?... haha) Anyway, BCBS required me to lose 10% of my body weight from my heaviest, take some psych tests, get an eval, and get a letter submitted from my doc - stating the last 5 years of weights. The surgery center says that BCBS has 30 days to approve or deny me. I'm really hoping for an approval and surgery before Jan 1 (for out of pocket costs reasons). I'm a little scared. I have NEVER had surgery. What can I expect? I'm already an active person - play softball, enjoy working out... another concern is excess skin. I guess if it's too bad I'll deal with it but I really have NO desire to have cosmetic surgery after it's all said and done. Please guys... give me some words of wisdom

Congratulations! I hope mine goes that quickly. I have already had all the evaluations, tests, etc. I am just waiting on insurance to approve my surgery. I'm sure with this being a holiday week it'll take a little more time but I'm being optomistic. Keep us posted on your journey and good luck!

Thank you! Congratulations to you as well. I, too, am hoping they won't take 30 days to decide. The surgery center has told me they still have openings so hopefully BCBS won't wait too long. Are you as excited/nervious/anxious as I am? What's your story?

Price - i feel for you. It's frustrating enough having to admit you can't lose on your own and you need the help of the surgery. It's even worse when you don't have a support group. But like many have said in response already, you have to do what is best for you! My husband is very supportive and my sister, mom, and stepdad are too. My dad on the other hand, is pretty hesitant. I think that has more to do with not knowing though. He lost his father to an adverse reaction to a routine surgery - so I understand his concern. I have chosen not to tell many people that I'm going to have the surgery. I don't want their judging and I don't need their criticism. Lean on your husband - find a support group - use the forums here... we will get you through this and then when you're thinner and healthier I'm sure your family will get WLS amnesia too. Good luck!

How long did it take you to be approved by Insurance MichelleLynn?