cras253

mrclaf..... I finally got banded on 09/12/07, by Dr. Dietrick at UCH. He was wonderful. I'm having some adjustment issues as far as drinking the fluids and adjusting to the new diet, but overall I am so glad I had it done. Do you attend the support sessions at the clinic?

Heather.....No need for tears, sweets! I, too, had to pay a hospital fee, even though my insurance is covering the surgery and the overnight stay. I know $750 is a lot of money. But, you have to weigh what's more important....paying the fee or having the surgery. The first thing I would suggest is to find a good doctor, one with references that you can check out like Carol stated above. Then, find out exactly what your insurnace will cover or not cover. At that point, then worry about the hospital fees, etc., becuase between the surgeon and the insurance company, and all of the information they give you, you will be on info overload. Once you make your decision, then worry about the hospital fees and the $$ it will cost you. You'll be surprised how things will work out in the end.

I told people the truth! If they're a bunch of snots and skinny ones to boot...who cares what they think? It's really none of their business. If you have to tell them something, tell them "It's a personal medical issue that I'd rather not discuss". And, if your insurance is paying for it...if you get paid for sick time - take it! That's my vote.... Cindy

Shelby, That's wonderful news! Congratulations! I did several of the tests required on the first visit with my surgeon...Psych interview, interview with the surgeon and on the second appt I did the dietician and exercisologist. The ones I had to do before my 3rd appt, outside the surgeons office was a complte blood work up and urinalysis, chest x-ray and cario clearance (ekg, echo and stress test). Later tater! Cindy

Shelby...Found out today I passed all of the pre-op testing! My surgical appointment is set for 08/30 with the surgery scheduled for 09/12. I will let you know how it goes. Any word from your appeal? Later, Cindy

Hi Guys & Dolls! Good news! I passed all of my pre-op testing and have my 3rd appointment with Dr. Deitrck on 08/30. My surgery is scheduled for 09/12/07, so keep your fingers crossed for me. Surgery will be done at Univeristy Community Hospital, Tampa, FL. Later, Cindy

Shelby..... Walter and Kellie helped me with my appeal to CIGNA. You will not be alone. For my appeal, CIGNA set up a date and time for a confernce call. A facilitator will handle the call. They get you on the line, then Walter/Kellie, and then the review board at CIGNA. Walter/Kellie does the talking and then the facilitator may/may not ask you to speak. In my case, they asked me for my input. Walter and Kellie are great. Stick with them and do what they ask you do do. You should be fine. My appeal was approved. I have yet to schedule my surgery date as I am doing all of the pre-op testing. Once that's done, I will meet with my surgeon and schedule the date. I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Thanks, Cindy Tampa, FL

MR.....How did you like Dr. Dietrick? I am almost ready to schedule my third appoinment with him so we can set the surgery date? Can you please let me know how your experience went/is going? Thanks, Cindy

I am so excited! I just found out that CIGNA approved my surgery. The Obestiy Law and Advocacy Center (Walter and Kellie Lindstrom) were WONDERFUL! I have now started my practice diet and exercise routine. I have my required post-op appointments set-up. So, once those are completed, I will be on my way to scheduling a date. Hopefully it will be in early September, if not sooner. I have strugggled with my weight all of my life and it feels so good to know that the struggle has just gotten easier. I know it will always be a struggle, but the Lap-Band is such a great life tool that will make the journey seem so much easier. To all of those who have come before me....thank you for giving me the courage to continue to try. Cras253