depressed_bandster

PRAISE GOD! I have BCBS of California and was approved in only four days. :bananajump: I did call and check on it EVERY day (at least once a day), and they were very patient with all my calls & answered any questions I had. My BMI is barely 40 & I have moderate sleep apnea, so I'm sure that helped. I am SUPER excited!!! My surgeon's office, (Dr. Shahram Salimitari) said they will be calling me on Monday with my surgery date, but tentatively Nov. 17th!!!! It can't come soon enough!!! I am so anxious to start a new life with this tool and once again have energy & confidence and be able to look in the mirror without wanting to cry!

Wow, that's encouraging! Are there necessary guidelines for that being approved? What exactly is the difference between the two? ( TT& panniculectomy)

I will be having surgery in the next 2-3 weeks. Isopure is what my surgeon's office recommended for phase 1, right after surgery. What other clear liquid Protein drink do you recommend?

I know your post is a few months old....I was wondering if you were banded by Dr. Gee? I wen to the seminar and I'm scheduled to start my work up this week (sleep study & endoscopy) but while I was waiting for these appointments, I came across these posts stating these "800-get-thin" docs are bad...some are being investigated. This has scared me & I have contacted another doctors office, but don't want to start all over with someone else, since I'm under a time constraint with my insurance. I hope you get this & can respond to me!

mrslrjones: Please tell me you are not in California...I have Anthem BCBS in CA, I hope it is different and I hope my husband's union plan covers it. I am just starting the process, but SO anxious to get it done!

Is it ALWAYS a must to have the band removed eventually. If you follow all the rules & have no complications do you eventually have to have it removed? I am only 36, so should I plan on a "removal" surgery eventually? How long can it stay in? I am just in the work up stage, haven't gotten approval yet from my insurance. From what I have read, everyone that has minor complaints and don't need it removed seem like the pros outweigh the cons???? For someone who is at their goal weight....Is the port really noticable through the skin when you get to a size 6 or 8, etc? Can you see it?