DrmBig4Evr

I'm down in Dallas, I see your in VA...my prior coordinator wasn't good, I switched after that experience and once I had better insurance. Typically most insurance companies cannot go longer than 30 days for a decision. Also, the surgery date given to the insurance isn't usually your surgery date (I'm sure you know this as you've been through it before.) However, as for your leave, I figure its just like going to the doctor, if I want it I've gotta go through the process. I'm not scheduling my time off for my surgery until I'm approved.

I too submitted before, took 30 days, UHC in 2011, oh and my ins coordinator sucked, was slow and didn't care. Maybe the best because I had applied for the band and I changed my mind AND I have better insurance in my opinion, lol! That opinion may change

So many of these posts I really can relate, but I feel like avoiding pictures even ones with my family at outings makes me the most emotional. My son once asked me where I was at when looking at the photos. My answer...someone had to take the pic. I missed documenting my life and my life with my kids...have a lot of make up to do... Post Op gift thoughts for myself... A Nice Camera Active Calendar full of Memorable Events!!

According to my weight loss doctor it can stretch a bit, but not as much as the part that was removed, the fundus, what is left is basically a muscle. So think of any muscle in your body and how far it really can stretch. Thank you for posting these articles. i jumping into them right now!

Ok, one week into waiting, impatiently Anyone have Horizon BCBS NJ? If so, how long did it take for you?

I may join in, I'll have to see if I am approved and if I have the surgery, inbox me the details. Why Miami and not Galveston?

I was thinking about the band for 3 years and I went to try for it this year and my weight loss doctor who isn't a surgeon and has no agenda asked me to do my research. He told me that if you look at the numbers there is an average of about 70-80% excess weight loss with the sleeve and about 40-50% excess with the band and more complications in the long run. He also told me to look at the source. I too had that issue, I was being steered toward the band, but figured out that their interest was in me using their facility and their aftercare program for the fills, made sense because otherwise all they get is the kick back from the surgeon for the referral after I get the sleeve. Just do your homework.

Also check out the Dallas area, a true "mecca" of wls, I've seen anywhere from 8500-9800.

One thing my psych suggested is to keep an index card or photos of what my ultimate reason for the weight loss goal is in my purse or on me at all times so that if I think of food I'll remember that whatever it is I want right now is not as important as the long term goal which is to live for my kids and grandkids.

Wondering if you have gained/lost any friends due to your weight loss or have any issues with too much attention?

I have the same exact fears also, but I know that its about me and learning who I am, and I am going to be healthy and happy!

This is interesting to see and good to know! One of the main reasons for me to have this surgery is to relieve my back pain. I realize it will subside with time once the weight is gone, but thanks for posting!

Mine was to be submitted today...in the same flying pattern as some of you also...very anxious times. My ins coordinator told me 30 days, another site said 30 business days, and I've seen anywhere from 2 days to 15 days for patients actual approval responses. Focusing on the best outcome for everyone!

I'm out in Allen...insurance being submitted tomorrow, so can't really help you through experience, but I do know that eventually you will be able to eat "almost" anything. The key is to eat your protein first, it will keep you satisfied longer. Keep at it and work hard and I'm sure you will see great results!

Ok, here I am a year and a half later!!! I have changed employers and landed a better job and found out that I may have a chance to undergo lapband! So we shall see! I have my nutritionist & psych eval Friday, had my physical and blood work done, EKG etc today! I already had my physician letters together from the last insurance process, so I am keeping my fingers crossed...if this doesn't happen, then it wasn't meant to be. I have been under a supervised weight loss program and I have been having success, albeit very slow and has extreme ups and downs. I am at peace with whatever decision is made...very hopeful to get all of this taken care of and live a normal, energetic and exciting life!!!

Excellent job! Keep up the good work!

Well if it is a true HSA, typically you don't lose your money it rolls over. If it is an FSA then you lose it. Also, last year 2010 you could use it for the vitamins and over the counter meds. Not sure about the membership at all. This year, however, you can no longer use it for over the counter medications. It must be rx meds only, but if your doc will give you a script for it then go for it and keep it in your records.

I've read a few posts wanting to know about the band over plication surgery or banded plication. Here is an article I found today that appears was published today, thought I'd share. http://www.zimbio.com/Bariatric+Surgery/articles/CKaEFXYy8sL/Medical+marketing+Stomach+Folding+Surgery

Yes, I too am considering it as well. Will find out tomorrow for sure if my surgeon has performed this in the past...good luck and keep in touch! If you do get it we can compare notes since not many have done it...

I am appealing as well! Congrats! U give me hope!

Well in my last blog I told you that I had to lose a significant amount of weight in order to avoid a lumbar fusion. I have been waiting very patiently for my doctor to write my letter of medical necessity to submit to my insurance to see if lap band will even be covered by my plan. And boy, it better be! Now I got a call from my doctors office regarding my physical done for the lap band and I was told to see an endocrinologist now because I now have Cushing's Syndrome. I look hideous, I have a huge hump on the upper part of my back from this overproduction of cortisol and it is all because of the treatment I received for my back. The only way to get rid of my excess tummy, my fat face and this hump is to lose weight! I am praying everyday that my health will be markedly improved and ask for patience as I go through the process of applying for this procedure. I know everyone on this site (mostly everyone) is very positive and caring and I want to thank each and every one of you for your kind words and motivation. I would be such a mess right now if I didn't see the great results and positive feedback. Keep it up and we will all be feeling and looking great!