court4short

So, I called the insurance company and they said that with the lap-band I would pay a $1,000 deductable and then they would cover 70%. So, I called the one doctor that was both on the lapband website and my insurance website. Well, the secretary said that she called my insurance and said that the procedure/doctor was out of network, so there would be a $3000 deductable and then 60% would be covered. I was a little disappointed, and confused, to be honest. But, I made an appointment with the doctor anyway, just to get a more clear idea. Maybe find out a more concrete out-of-pocket figure. As important as this is to me, price is a big issue. Especially when I've got enough debt as it is. So, we'll see what happens on the 21st, then.

It's time for me to make it official and introduce myself. *waves* My name is Courtney, and I'm thinking about having my stomach banded. I'm 21, and I'm from a growing town near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I've struggled with weight for most of my life - I'd have to say the issue started when I was 12. My BMI is currently 39 and I've got a history of heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure on both sides of my family. I'm not looking for a quick fix - something to quickly make me lose weight. What I am looking for is a lifestyle change - something to help my life for the better, and make my health better. I'll be calling my insurance company first thing after work, to see about getting more information about the process. From there...we'll see.

pamla68: Yeah, I've found that as well. My BMI is at 39. I think where my confusion lies is what my ideal weight would be, to determine if I'm 100lbs overweight. I'm 5'4 and at 228 right now. As far as health issues related to the obesity, there's a high risk of diabetes and high blood pressure on both sides of my family. I've also got some back problems that my doctor said could have been aggravated by my weight. Actually, in my defense, he said he'd supply a letter of proof to my insurance to say that my weight could have been a factor in my pain. Courtney

Hey everyone! Another fellow Louisiana inhabitant here. I'm actually right outside of Baton Rouge in a growing town called Denham Springs. That's right - home of the future Bass Pro Shop! Pft. Anywho, I've recently started doing a bit of research about the lap-band procedure, and as it turns out, www.lapband.com only recommends one doctor that's also on my insurance. His name is Karl Leblanc. Anyone heard of him? I spoke with his secretary yesterday and she's going to start looking up information on my insurance to see how my insurance would work with it. Hope to hear from more of you soon.

::clears throat:: OBAMA IN '08!!! :clap2:

Don't let anyone tell you what to do or not to do, based on their opinions. You're lucky to have realized at such a young age that you want to take control of your situation and change things for the better. I'm 21 and I've started looking into the lapband procedure. So, you aren't alone. If you need to talk - with someone around the same age anyway, feel free to send an email my way! Court.225 @ gmail.com

JDru: Thank you for the welcome! I'll definitely keep the board updated as to the status. I actually called my insurance yesterday and they told me that I'd have to pay a $1000 deductable, and then they'd cover 70% of the rest. So, I called the doctor's office that was on www.lapband.com and also on my insurance and left my information with the secretary. She's going to call me back today with more information. rottiemama2003: Really? I wouldn't have even considered medicare or medicaid. If you don't mind me asking, how would that work? Don't you have to have a certain income? I guess this shows how educated I am on the topic. :help: Courtney

First of all, my apologies if this has been posted a millions times, or that I've overlooked it. I'm rather new to this entire thing and well, you guys seem so nice and welcoming, I'm hoping that you'll forgive me this time if I've done something wrong. I recently heard about the LB procedure a couple of days ago, and I just started researching today. Here's my question(s). If I'm interested...what's my first step? Where would I go from here? Check with insurance? Go to my physician? Make an appointment with a surgeon? Thanks you guys! Courtney

Lisah25: Thanks for the information. I've been reading and reading everything I can get my hands on, and so far, I'm feeling positive. I'm going to be giving a call to my insurance provider today when I get off of work, to get a basic idea before I schedule an appointment with a specialist. Renebean: Unfortunately, the closest seminar is one state away and a 2 1/2 hour drive. Should I consult my family physician first, and see if she could recommend someone? I've been back and forth from www.lapband.com and www.myuhc.com to compare doctors, and there's just one doctor that is covered by my insurance, and listed on the LB website. I wonder if I should just make an appointment with him? Again, thanks for the welcome, you guys. Courtney

Okay, I just joined this community about 20 seconds ago, so firstly, I want to say hello to everyone. Secondly, I recently heard about the lap-band procedure and it interested me. I've struggled through weight problems for most of my teen years and on - and this seems like a possible solution. I'm currently covered by UHC Choice Plus in Louisiana. My BMI is 39 and I've got a history of heart problems, high-blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke in my family. Just off the top of your heads - do you think I'd qualify?