MEW

After checking in with my insurance and finding out that the Lap Band procedure is covered under my policy (pending approval..yadda yadda yadda), I'll be attending a Seminar next Monday Evening. I have a list of questions to ask the Surgeons but I'm curious as to what questions were asked at your initial seminar and the responses that were given. Were any of the questions "unusual" and were there any questions that were asked that you were surprised at the answers? Thanks for all your help!! I'm excited and nervous at the same time and just want some idea of what to expect at the Seminar!

Thanks Juli...According to their website that was just updated last week, between the 2 surgeons, they have performed over 600 lapbands since starting to do them. They are also a Center of Excellence, so that gives me some comfort!! Congratulations on your weight loss so far!! Its people like you that give me the hope I need!!!!

Besides the obvious health reasons....I want my little boy to be able to put his little arms all the way around me when he hugs me! Then, I want to go horseback riding without breaking the horses back!!

I want to ride a horse!! I've never ridden a horse for fear of hurting the horse, but its something I have always wanted to do...and I will someday!! As a defense mechanism, I always tell people I'm to scared...but thats not the case at all...*heavy sigh*

Can I just say to hotpinkbubbles, that I'm sorry for your experience at Great Wolf Lodge...but to state that no one should visit this hotel chain is a little harsh. You are judging all the hotels based on the actions of a few people at one location...and thats really not fair. We have a Lodge here in Kansas City and it is fabulous!! (I havent been in the water myself, just watch my children...but give me time, and I will be....and wearing a bathing suit to boot!!) My kids love it and I'm sure if you go back at some point, you will have even more fun!! Hang in there girl!!

My suggestion to you is first off, make sure you're insurance will cover the procedure and find out what their requirements are. If your insurance wont cover it, then self pay might be a route to take. I'm just beginning my journey, but what I have been doing is just sitting back and reading and learning all I can from the message board. I've seen many people get their hopes up, only to be denied due to policy exclusions, not meeting the criteria (each insurance company can differ) or not having the medical reports that are needed. If, after finding out about the insurance, you still want to proceed, then read, read, read and when you're done reading....read some more!! Do your homework and decide which procedure is best for you!! I wish you lots of luck and success in whatever it is you decide to do!!!

Hypercholestremia (aka high cholesterol) is most certainly a co-morbidity.

Thanks Tracey....I saved the link, just in case but I hope I never have to use it...LOL I've read lots of good things about Dr. Malley (unfortunately, he's not in my network), and I wish you as much success in the next step of your journey as you have had in your insurance battle!! I dont even know you and I'm tickled pink for you!! *giggle* Cant wait until my hubby gets home and I tell him that you are approved...we have both been following your story!! I'll be anxiously waiting to "hear" your surgery date!!!

OMG Tracey!! That's terrific news!!! I'm so happy for you...your stamina and determination has really paid off!!! I was checking through the posts earlier today, hoping to see something like this!!! Congratulations!!! (BTW...I am also in KS...Kansas City!)

:biggrin1: Great question Wheetsin....I'll add that to my list!! THANKS!!!

My insurance said they would pay for the PCP and Surgeon's consult and the psych eval and nutrionist's consult since they are they require it before the "approval or denial" decision is made.

I was told by a "friend"...cant confirm this though...that I would need to bring tampons to the hospital with me, as most women will start their period following surgery. I was also told that the tampons are preferred because it makes getting up and walking that much easier, as the mesh granny panties with a pad will be to restrictive after surgery. Also, after reading through many websites, on what to expect during and immediately following surgery that if a cathetar is needed, it will be inserted after the anesthesia is administered and removed just prior to "waking up"? HELP!!! Can anyone confirm or dispute this for me?

2bthinagn....I was almost in a panic!! I had to run and get my calendar to make sure the 5th was on Monday like they told me...thought maybe they had made a mistake...but nope!! Monday, Feb 5th it is!!! I got my "official" paper invite in the mail today, too!!

I dont think you're being negative at all Airwayman....just cautious, and thats not always a bad thing! I'm new to this whole process and I'm doing my best to learn all I can, and I certainly dont have all the answers, I was just stating what I "thought" I learned....guess I'll need to check into that even more. My husband and I had long talks about what would happen if our insurance wouldnt pay for the band, and the idea of self-pay came up quite often, although it would be a long time before we would have been able to do it, but we would have found a way. The price you have quoted sounds very reasonable!! I may have to get back to you and find out more about this place if, God forbid, my insurance finds some reason for a denial!! Sounds like you have found a great place to have your procedure done, and I wish you much success!!

:clap2: How exciting 2bthinagn!! Look for me there...I'll be the fat one!! LOL (sorry, I have a weird sense of humor!!) I tried to get in to the Feb. 23rd seminar, but they were filled up. The way I see it is...I didnt get fat over night and it wont come off overnight either...so a little wait wont hurt me. I'm so looking forward to getting this whole process underway! I wish you lots of luck and success in your journey without further setbacks!!

From my understanding....once a surgery/procedure had a CPT code, its no longer considered investigational. (lap band's code is CPT 43770) Have you tried this avenue with BC/BS?

Its not BC/BS....I just wanted Tracey to know how much I appreciate her knowledge!! I have Freedom Network~Construction Industry Laborers Fund

Tracey...I've been following your story for quite some time now, and I appreciate the effort you take in keeping up to date on your progress through this board!! I wish you luck and hope that your dreams are realized soon!! I'm just starting my journey, and have learned so much from you on what to say and do when it comes to the insurance portion of this whole thing. Hopefully, I wont have to use any of the knowlegde you set forth....I talked with my insurance company today, and lap band, as well as GB, are both covered with the proper documentation. I attend my first seminar at Feb 5th at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City!!!