jen_1381

Welcome! I have a little knowledge but each system is different. I work with a group of primary care pysicians, and typically on the first visit it's a "get to know you" session but if you made the appointment with the intentions of discussing your weight, they may give you the referral. Otherwise, if you've been established long enough with your GYN (since they were the one suggesting it) I would give their office a call and just explain that you would like a referral from them since you're just getting set up with a PCP and want to get this done sooner rather than later.

Typically only if your insurance requires it. I have UHC and my plan does not.

I thought at first I wouldn't want anyone to know that I am working my way towards surgery (don't have an exact date pinned down yet, within the next two months) but as I'm getting more comfortable and more informed about the surgery, I'm actually feeling empowered! I like to be able to share me knowledge and and don't feel like I'm taking the "easy way out" or "cheating". I still haven't told some family, but my close family and coworkers know. It's nice to share what I've learned, and I think when it all comes down to it, I may need their support to stay strong. It's already been helpful when trying to make some pre-op diet changes. For those that don't really NEED to know, if they ask, I will simply just say that I've made a lifestyle change.

The WLS Coordinator told us during the seminar that if you call and talk to Member Services three times in one day, you will almost always get three different answers. I was super excited when I called once and they told me it was covered completely once I hit my deductible. She warned that the info might not be entirely accurate. Also, the people that the WLS Coordinators call to verify benefits and the people that customers call to verify are seperate people, and the two units typically have no communication between each other (ie: if they document the patient calling and telling them they cover it, they won't see that when the WLS Coord. calls). The bottom line is - get it in writing. My WLS Coordinator got the 28 page print-out outlining all of the bariatric benefits and said that if they change the policy between now and surgery time, she can refer back to the dated policy she has in hand. Good luck to you!!

During the WLS Seminar, the surgeon mentioned that the dietician is going to tell us all that we must not drink coffee. Forget the Starbucks, no more Dutch Brothers, skip the home brew. This, my friends, was devistating news to me. See, I don't drink alcohol. I've never smoked and never even thought of touching drugs. But coffee...oooh coffee. I drink it all day long. I would rarely buy the good coffees (Starbucks, Dutch Bros) but I would drink a pot of coffee a day. When asked the reasoning behind that idea, the surgeon said the focus needs to be on giving your body only what it needs. "Okay", I thought, "I totally get it, I can do this!". Saturday was my grande finale. That night, I ran the coffee pot parts through the dishwasher and put it all away. Sunday I tried a cup of black tea, then some diet green tea with ginsing later in the day. No caffiene headache, and I felt pretty good. Monday was pretty successful too. Yesterday though...yesterday was a doozie. I REALLY wanted a venti white chocolate mocha frappuccino from Starbucks. As in, it was all I could think about all day. I had a headache, I was tired, and seriously doubting my decision to go 'cold turkey' on this whole caffiene-free thing. A coworker suggested grabbing a Pepsi, but again, my focus is on transitioning to what my body needs not what my head wants. So I resisted. Has anyone else had to give up anything (besides the yummy food!) to get in the right mindset for surgery.....or do you think it's better to "live it up" while you can pre-op since you'll essentially never have some things again (if you stick to the plan)?

You posed a great question about emotional support. I feel very blessed with my husband, and I even feel bad for complaining about this, but my husband is maybe a little too supportive. He thinks I am absolutely perfect the way I am. He never understood why I would diet, and why when I look in the mirror I hate what I see. Knowing that he thinks I'm great the way I am, at 235 lbs, made it much easier not to stick to my diets. I finally sat him down, with tears flowing (which TOTALLY scared him since I'm not the crying type!) and just filled him in on what I go through being overweight and how having this procedure would change ME for the better. I think its scary for men to think change....like, SHE'S changing so I either have to change too or get left in the dust. I've actually inspired my husband to get fit with me (even though he's 175 lbs and very active). We've planned out my post-op work outs and everything. Maybe just reinforcing that you're in this together and that you need his support will put him at ease.

Wednesday night was the Seminar on WLS. I found it very informative but also felt prepared after scouring this website so much! There was about 10 people there, the WLS Coordinator spoke first then one of the three Bariatric Surgeons. I was actually a little let down, I had gone in so stoked about the Lap Band, and the surgeon that came actually disliked Bands and much preferred the Sleeve or Bypass over Bands ("difficult to balance, very easy to put in, very low risk BUT highest failure rate with post-op weight loss). After the seminar I introduced myself to the coordinator and we chatted for a moment about my insurance (I asked if I could fax back in the paperwork instead of mail - again, I'm Type A, tell me to do something I get it done, and I want it finished NOW). She asked more specifics on my plan and when I filled her in that I had UHC through my husbands employer, and who that was, she was ecstatic! She said she had already approved 3 patients that worked for his employer this year, and the insurance was an absolute dream to work with. She said to fax in my paperwork ASAP, she would get it done the next day. I came home FULL of info, got my paperwork filled out and faxed in the next morning (Thurs.). Cathy (WLS Coordinator) called that night about 6:30 and said that I completely met their criteria, it was VERY basic criteria, and they've given me pre-approval! She locked in my benefits, 20% co-insurance after my deductible (which I've almost met) and out of pocket max of $6000, which by the time surgery rolls around it should cost me only about $1500-$2500 out of pocket, then EVERYTHING will be covered the rest of the year since I will have met my max! So now...appointments! There are about 20 steps before surgery. Tomorrow I have to have 13 lab tests done. On March 21st I have my 4 hour appt with the Dietician/Internal Medicine/Surgery Coordinator/Physical Educator, then the following week I have two appointments set up for my Psych Evaluation. The timeline said to allow 2-3 weeks for insurance pre-approval and I got it in one day. I still need authorization, which comes right before surgery when I've done EVERYTHING and am ready to go, but Cathy said it should be a breeze. I'm excited for the whole thing. 539 question psych test? Yay! Two weeks of skim milk pre-op? Bring it on! Projected surgery date is mid-May/early-June. I've got to kick some butt fast afterwards because I have my best friends wedding in September and plan on looking astonishing.

Hi Karen, Thanks for sharing. Scary stuff! I just wanted to share about the Plication. I hadn't really heard of it until I went to the WLS seminar last week. The surgeon that spoke was completely against it. She said that there is not enough long-term data to support it's benefits and that the risks are higher because comparable type surgeries have a high fail rate. I know there's only a handful of surgeons that will do Plication in the United States, it's mainly done in Mexico. I'm sure you will, but please, research the heck out of Plication and the doctors doing it. It may work short term, but after going through everything with your band you are probably wanting the assurance of long-term results. Also, again, my info came from the surgeon speaking and some very brief internet research on my part, so I could be off base Whatever you chose - good luck!

I am going through SW! Dr. Cagle gave the presentation, and while I'm sure she's a great surgeon I want someone whose on board with what I want. I won't consider bypass. I know the procedures have gotten much safer, but I don't want to mess around with stapling the stomach, attaching intestine, etc. I've heard Dr. Jan isn't the warm-and-fuzzy type from a few people! I don't need that in a surgeon - most surgeons aren't that way anyhow - so I think I'm going to request him over the other two. Morelgirl - how are you doing with your band?

Hey all, My name is Jennifer, I'm 28 years old, and I am ready to change my life. I'm just starting the Lap Band process. JUST starting. As in, I've made up my mind and am attending the informational seminar tomorrow. I've been overweight my whole life ("She takes after her fathers side" is what they would always say - they're all over 300 lbs). After successfully losing 55 lbs at the beginning of last year, then gaining it all back after changing jobs and buying a house (hello Stress Eater!) towards the end of the year, I've made up my mind that Lap Band is what I need. I'm happily married, have been for over 8 years, with a very supportive, loving husband. He's never mentioned my weight more than telling me how beautiful or nice I look. It wasn't until a converstation with my doctor two years ago when I was complaining about PMS bloating, and that my weight would fluctuate between 230-240 lbs that he suggested I try to lose 40 lbs, because wouldn't it be better to go between 190-200? I was honestly shocked. I need to lose weight?! I never really saw myself as overweight. I don't eat badly. I don't eat all day long. I just RARELY feel full. So speed up to current day, having tried many different diets over the past two years and epically failing, I'm ready for the Lap Band. I've done my research. I'm mentally ready. I've figured out my insurance coverage - even though the Nurse Coordinator assured me that she will do all of that. I'm lucky enough that my insurer covers it as your every day outpatient surgery, covers all pre and post-op care, you name it, they cover it once I hit my deductible which thanks to a few trips to the doctor, some PT for my husband, and lab tests, I'm almost there. My BMI is only 38 (below my insurance requirements unless a co-moribitiy) but luckily (yay for me!) I've had uncontrolled high blood pressure since I was 15 years old, and take medication daily for acid reflux. I've also had a borderline sleep study. I'm no stranger to surgery, as a matter of fact my ONLY spare parts are my tonsils (okay, I could spare one kidney and part of my liver but I'd realllly like to keep those if I could). My goal is to get the band placed within the next few months. My goal weight is 155 lbs. That's only 80 lbs and I KNOW I can do it.

Hi Michelle! I'm also new to the blogging and Banding! I'm going to the seminar tonight. My insurance has been pretty cut and dry about the approval requirements, and I fit them, so I'm hoping for a smooth process (but doubt I will get it!). I just wanted to say - I noticed not only a weight gain but also a resistance in losing weight after my hysterectomy. I did well with my immediate post-op HRT but had to switch 6 months after surgery and literally gained 15 lbs in a month! I insisted I switch back to the original HRT (Vivelle Dot) after a few months. Good luck with the insurance piece! I'm nervous and excited for the seminar tonight. I've been looking forward to it for a week!

I'm also getting to this topic late. I have UHC through my husbands employer, but my plan is pretty limited (which is surprising - you'd think Georgia Pacific could afford a better plan for it's people!). I'm nervous about the insurance part, my husband is 100% supportive of my choice, but 100% concerned about the cost! I got a great impression from the Nurse Coordinator I talked with last week, I'm attending the seminar on Wednesday. Since my BMI is under 40 (it's 35.5) she said it may be a bit more challenging, but I've had high blood pressure for 12 years, and take medication for acid reflux. I've tried EVERYthing. WW, HCG diet (lost 60 lbs, gained back 55), low calorie, plus working out daily - we're taking the Insanity workout - and my weight will not budge. My MD's even tinkered with my thyroid med thinking it could be responsible, but I'm just stuck. REALLY praying UHC will be kind to me, I do not want to live my life this way anymore.