Tauret

Sorry, nope. You're never going to convince me that a) any insurance company actually has my best interests, rather than their bottom line, at heart or that a board of policymakers giving a general sweeping statement is more capable of making a sound medical decision about my health than my well-qualified surgeon who has taken the time to speak with me and knows the particulars of my personal situation and his practice and abilities. Furthermore, as I mentioned, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's position statement indicates there is absolutely no medical basis for these requirements, that they don't improve outcomes, but they DO frequently cause patients to drop out and thus be denied a potentially lifesaving surgery.

Woah that could be really useful info, thanks. I'd like to see the documentation backing that up, in case I have to fight. I think it's completely ridiculous since in their own policy statement, they link to this position statement by the ASMBS which says there is absolutely no medical evidence that those diets are helpful in any way.

Keep in mind that Anthem changed their policy as of 1/13/15 to require a 6-month diet. I haven't been able to figure whether or not they require actual physician supervision or just documentation reviewed by the physician. I'm waiting now on my benefits coordinator to find out for me. That said, I have a $2500 deductible HSA that covers at 100% after that. http://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm

I am a very healthy eater. My two big vices are popcorn and ice cream (which I know are both no-nos on a bandster diet). Other than that, I can turn away junk like chips, candybars, processed food, etc. I've been following a primal/paleo/natural lifestyle for a couple of years now. So what I need to know is will the band (or any wls surgery) really help me to lose weight? I am hoping for restriction of hunger, and thus better portion control. But I'm not sure if this is going to be enough? Anyone else have a similar experience?

Hi all, I've been combing the forum for the past few days as I do my research on WLS. I really like the idea of a gastric band vs something more physically altering and dramatic like bypass or sleeve surgery. I was recently diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroidism (possibly postpartum thyroiditis), and despite an overactive thyroid, I've gained a ton of weight since giving birth. I've read this can happen because of the hormones increasing your appetite. That said, I've been overweight my entire life, this is just the heaviest I've ever been non-pregnant, with a BMI of 38. I had gestational diabetes and now have very mild insulin resistance and it's scared the crap out of me. I've never been able to lose weight, even dieting and exercising, the lowest I've ever been is 200 lbs at 5'9 and that was when I was 18 and eating very little and exercising very hard every day. I'm thinking/hoping the band would be the tool and motivation I'd need to stick to a low calorie lifestyle and becoming more active. My insurance will not cover this procedure for any reason, so I'm on my own for payment. I'm looking into local facilities as well as surgeons in Mexico. This forum has already been a huge help and I'm looking forward to being a participant as I move forward with my journey!