Coalminerswife23

Hey everyone!!! I am so confused! I keep reading all of these forums on lapband and the insurance process and now I am starting to get concerned. I have Highmark BCBS out of Pennsylvania. I started my whole banding process on June 5th with my PCP supervised monthly visits. I did my seminar in late May in which I found out that indeed I was a candidate. So like I said, June 5th was my first PCP weigh-in. I had my monthly visits all the way up to Dec 5th. In September I met with my surgeon in which she game me a list of tests to have complete. I complete my bloodwork, sleep tests, Upper GI with Barium, and now I go Thursday for my Pysch and Nutritionist visit. (This was the earliest appt I could get)...

Now, here is where my confusion begins. Speaking with my Surgeon's assistant, she advised me that before she can submit me for approval after she rec'vs my Psych and Nutritionist Evaluations. I understand that as well...BUT She said that once she submits me, it will take 4-6 weeks for approval!!! So the tentatively schedule my surgery date for Feb 14th, 2012....Almost 2 months away.

June 5th - 242lbs

Dec 5th- 234lbs

Mild Obstructive sleep Apnea

High Cholestrol

Dystfunctional gallbladder- due to weight

Borderline Diabetic

Borderline HBP

Hopefully I don't get a denial...

So, how is everyone getting approvals in a matter of days when I am told it takes weeks?...I am so anxious to get this done and start the "New Me." Can anyone give me info on this?

Wow it is amazing to see the range of dates for approval...I just finished my 6 month monitored diet...I have my Psych eval on Thursday, then I can be submitted for approval. I have BCBS Keystone Blue Plan...My surgeon's office told me it takes up to 6 weeks for an approval. Yikes!!! So they tentatively scheduled me for Feb 14th. That seems so far away. I wish i could get a speedy approval. Ughhhh...Now I am frustrated!

Wow that is very weird...I started my 6 month "weigh-ins" in June. I met my surgeon in September. At that time I was sent formy 2nd set of blood work, a sleep study, Upper Gi with Barium test, EKG, Chest XRay...and I got on Thursday to have my Psych Evalutation and meet with my nutritionist again. Then i will have another set of bloodwork completed. To think my surgerydate isn't til Feb 14th....U should feel lucking only having to do blood. Good Luck on your journey sweetie!!!

I too have told everyone close to me and have also talked alot about it on my Facebook page. Thus far, I haven't had any major issues. I had one person comment about it being the easy way out. I sent them a nice message about it not being the "easy" way out....In that email I also sent them a link to a youtube video about Lapband and the struggles of it....I have not lost any friends yet due to my decision, but I have not been banded yet either. My surgery date is Feb 14th...My thought is this...If you no longer want to be friends with me after lapband,then we never really were friends. What "friend" doesn't want to see you happy and healthy? What "friend" doesn't want to make sure that you are still here many years from now for all of those people that mean the most to me? I am gettin lapband...It changes my body...NOT my heart OR my personality!!! (This is just my thought)

Congrats to all of you....I too need to find a name for my future band. I am tentative scheduled to be banded on Feb 14th....I can't wait. Hoping weeks fly for me. Again...Congrats and keep us updated on you and Cletus!!!