lhallab

You keep going! I need some of your willpower! I have had candy and I want to stop. I haven't eaten candy in a long time and I have messed that up. There is just so much in the house. I would like to throw it all out...I know my girls would be crushed. I am VERY mad at myself!!!:thumbup:

Banded 7/31/09 Surgery Weight 219 (I think) Today's Weight 209.5 Before the pre-op diet I weighed 226. I think I went down to 219. They weighed me the day after my surgery and I went back up to 225. I am now at 209.5. I am very happy (and starving). I am on liquids until Wednesday. I have never been so excited to eat mushy food!

Just talking about mushies makes me drool! I was banded on the 31st. I have one more week of liquids. :tongue2: I am looking for recipes. :tt2:

I have been approved by my insurance for surgery on July 31st! Yea. I love Erin, Dr. Provost's insurance specialist. She is great! The staff has also been great. I'll let you know how the rest goes! :-)

After two years of work, I have finally been approved by my insurance for the band! WOW! I am scared and excited at the same time! My surgery date is July 31st. Please keep me in your prayers! :thumbup:

I am seeing Dr. Provost on Wednesday...has anyone else seen him recently? Thanks....

Wow...this site has changed. It has been awhile since I've been back here. I have moved and am starting the approval process again with a new doctor. I hope I am approved. My insurance is now wanting two co-morbidities. Ugh. Wish me luck! :-)

I posted this in another area...didn't realize there was a Maryland section! My insurance (Aetna HMO) gave me one option for a surgeon in my area (Urbana, MD)...GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (Baltimore, MD), David von Rueden, M.D. and Babak Moeinolmolki, MD. Their website isn't great. No patient pictures or testimonials. Just wanted to see if anyone knows anything about their practice? Thanks for the help!

Thank you all for responding! If you had the procedure in Mexico, how did it go? My husband and family are freaked out about having this done there.

Thank you all for your help. It is so nice to have support. I will write all of this down and talk with my doctor's office.

I was told by my doctor today that Aetna denied my request for a Lap Band. My BMI is 37...because is it under 40, I am required to have a co-morbidity...I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I have had all my tests, done my three months with a dietician. I have been working on this for a year and a half. I am so disappointed and upset. I called Aetna and they were not too nice about it. They told me to wait for the letter to explain why they turned me down. Has anyone ever appealled and won? What should I do?

I am so very upset. Aetna has denied my request to have a Lap Band. I haven't received the letter saying why I have been denied. I called Aetna and they said it was not medically necessary for me to have the Band (my BMI is 37). I have a co-morbidity...sleep apnea. I have been over weight since my first daughter was born in 1991. I was looking forward to having my body back. My doctor is waiting for the letter to see if we can appeal. I have had all the test and waited a year and a half...for nothing??? Have any of you appealled and won?

Linda, My BMI is 37. If I had a BMI of 40, I am automatically approved by my insurance. I had to meet with the nutritionist for 3 months, have one of four co-morbidities, and take MANY tests. It has been a long process! I HOPE to be approved by my insurance within the week.

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I met with Dr. Von Rueden today. His office is requesting approval from my insurance company for the band. My surgery date should be sometime in the beginning of July. I am so nervous and excited! It has been a long road! :-)

Hi GWhite, I am a patient of Dr. Von Ruden's. I had my first appointment last month. How did things go with his office, your surgery, how are you doing? He said I am a good candidate for the lap band. Just following the steps to get approved by my insurance. Lea

My insurance (Aetna HMO) gave me one option for a surgeon in my area...GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (Baltimore, MD), David von Rueden, M.D. and Babak Moeinolmolki, MD. Their website isn't great. No patient pictures or testimonials. Just wanted to see if anyone knows anything about their practice? Thanks for the help!

Hi y'all! I am so glad I found this thread! I am in the process of getting approved. I am 37 yrs old, 5-4 1/2, around 226, BMI 37. My insurance (Aetna) requires me to have a pre-existing condition to get approved... hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, or sleep apnea. My Internist had me tested for sleep apnea. I have it! I never thought I would be happy to be diagnosed with something! I need to decide whether to meet with my doctor for 6 months or a nutritionist for 3 months. I am not sure which is better??? I am in the process of finding a doctor. There is only one practice in my area that takes my insurance. I hope they are good. I am trying to find out more about them. I am excited about getting this process started...even if is it slow! I am ready to get my body back after having 3 children and yo-yo dieting! :-)

I am in Frederick (Urbana) also. Aetna does not have Dr. Greene on their list...I check.:-(