mom24teens

I first checked into Lap-Band in 2008 and was very interested in the procedure then but the insurance I had at the time wouldn't cover anything.  I changed insurance when I got married in May 2009.  In Oct 2010, I had a gall bladder attack that landed me in the ER.  After testing, it was determined the gb had to come out.  Before the surgical consult for the removal of my gall bladder, I noticed the doctor's waiting room had lap band pamphlets laying around.  When I went in for the consult, I asked if both procedures could be done in the same surgery - and they could!  There was 4 criteria that had to be met for the insurance company, and I met them all EXCEPT the length of time I had been on the insurance - at that point it was 18 months, and they required 3 years.  I had my primary care provider write a letter, I had my surgeon write a letter, and I myself wrote a letter to the insurance company. I submitted all 3 along with documentation of my labs when I was heaviest, and after I had lost some weight previously.  I pointed out that my family history included heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure - all which would cost them $$$ if I developed any more of those conditions - I already had high blood pressure.  I also argued that it was better for me to undergo one surgery rather than 2, and it would cost them less to pay for one surgery rather than one at that time and the other 18 months later when it was likely to be more expensive!  I was determined I was having Lap-Band one way or the other.  My husband and I had to to some pushing and keep after some people because I wanted the surgery done before the end of the year and I had all the counseling & psych testing to do too!  After all, our deductible had been met for the year so why not get it done?  After the insurance appeal board met, I was approved! Surgery was 12/28/10.
Since the surgery, I have lost 87 lbs and feel great!  I haven't had any real problems and have adjusted to the lifestyle changes that are required to make this journey a successful one.  I am still working on the exercise, but looking back to a year ago, I am way more active than I was.  My clothes get pulled from my closet and put into a Too Big pile rather than a Too Small pile - and the stuff that I had saved back to "wear again someday" has become my everyday wardrobe (for now until it, too gets put in the Too Big pile).