betrthnever

HI Jacole1820, No worries they are very good about submitting the paperwork for insurance. They had my approval in a day

My band date is Feb 14, Valentine's Day! And I feel very lucky because I was only 2 months into a 6 month Dr supervised weight loss program when I got a call from the bariatric center telling me that my insurance co dropped all previous requirements (including weekly "nutrition" counseling signatures, and proof of a workout regime with proof that I was going to the gym 3x a week). Also, I have a BMI of 40 and was told that I couldn't really lose or gain any weight. I was able to pull off 2 months of keeping my weight the same but I was worried about the nex 4 months. SO, 2 weeks after my insurance dropped the requirements I had my date!!!! Yeah!! Instead of April, May, or June, I'm in Feb. Yeah!!!!

:confused:My surgery is on Feb 14, 2008 (yes!!!!) but I don't know how long I'll have to take off. It is on a Wed. Trying to determine how much time I'll need to take off. It will be inpatient as I have BCBS of AZ and apparently that's they're policy. Can I have input from those of you who have already had it? Thanks much!

Thanks very much for your input. I'm thinking of returning Monday or tuesday, but the nice thing is with FLMA I can take 4 weeks off if I want (provided I can afford not to be paid for that time). I had a c-section with my son, an ovary removed and tonsils out (as a kid). This almost sounds a little easier!

THanks, the sooner I can return to work the better. Luckly, this all falls under FMLA so if it takes 2 weeks thats ok. But then I might not have enough sick leave so I just might not be paid. I'm so excited!!

Oh, and the Center just this last friday (12/14) to tell me that I have been approved. So there's no more waiting!

HI Bourgeois, I am going through Scottsdale Bariatric Center, Dr Blackstone. It really is one of the best places and she's one of the best Bariatric surgeons. I've talked to people who've come from other states to get the procedure done here. I'm so excited!!! Right now they're schedualing for January. But there are other tests to get done and I have to have them all done within the next few weeks. Hey, I'd be happy with February!

Onceuponatrip, when you said you don't have the 5 year weight history do you mean that you haven't seen a dr every year for the past 5 years or you weren't obese?

Your hormones might be a little out of wack, too, Lovingwhatis. If it is really bothering you perhaps you should find a good Naturalpath (sp?) in your area who can check your homone levels. My sex drive gets kicked into overdrive around my period. A male friend of mine says my sex drive mirrors a man's at that time. I was told that my testoserone is a bit too high. The Dr wanted to take care of that issue but I say no way! As long as I'm not growing facial hair I'm ok with it! LOl Or maybe you are just feeling better about yourself because you are eating better. Feeling better = feeling sexier. Or a combo of things. If it isn't a problem then roll with it!

Yes, BCBS of AZ has dropped the 6 months worth of hoops to jump through. Which is really good - no need for us to wait so long anymore for something that we know we need. I was already 2+ months into my 6 months so I have all of the documentation for working out, the weekly nutritional visits, and the monthly dr visits to submit. Figure it all will work. All I need is my 5 year proof of weight and I am set. Yahoo!!!! :whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2:

It is true, ethansgrandma! We don't have to jump through the hoops anymore. I'm going to Scottsdale Bariatric Center and they called on Friday to tell me the good news!! I'm SOOO excited. I was about 2+ months into my 6 months, but I'm at a 40 BMI and couldn't afford to gain or lose weight. This is mana from heaven

Well HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Wow, couldn't imagine a better way to start the new year (unless a hot movie-star hunk is involved!) I'm a couple months into my 6 month stint with BCBS...can't wait!!

I have a BMI of 40 and my Dr (who is affiliated with the bariatric center) told me that I can't afford to lose more than 5 pounds. I'm 9 weeks into a 26 week (6 month) Dr supervised wl for BCBS of AZ. I also can't gain 5 pounds, either. And I've heard so much conflicting advice in this realm, even within the clinic itself (the Drs can't even agree about the ending bmi!) so I'm playing it safe and not gaining or losing. Its hard and its driving me CRAZY!!!! I'm doing things that I thought I never would just to try to maintain. Keeping my eyes on the prize!

Thanks, Huberslave, for your honesty. My big "scary thought" is what if you are at your tightest and suddenly there was mass distruction and you couldn't get to your dr, or if he wasn't alive. OR standed on a desert island...wow, the what ifs are too scary...talk about Halloween talk!

HI lizb88, this has been a journey and will continue to be long after I get the surgery, which won't be until april at least. I decided that I, too, want to live life in a different way. WW worked for me to a point and then I hit a brick wall. Its the keeping it off part. And I understand about being scared (although the by-pass scares me a whole lot more!) Just something you have to decide for yourself.

Godzgurl75 My sister in law did the same thing. She had a 6 month hoop-fest with her insurance co and decided to pay for it herself. She got the by-pass. My dr tells me that in some states there's little to no wait for LB. I asked her what states have no wait so I can move there LOL

This is a great site to read about what others have gone through with the LB. And good your were able to get it quickly. I'm envious of those of you who don't have to go through all of the insurance hoops to have the surgery

HI, my name is Jeanine and I've been on this site for a little while but realized I haven't made an introduction. This is the most resourseful site I have found on the Lapband (and the most interesting, too!! ). I'm 40, married w/2 children. I'm 2 weeks into my 26 week journey to the lapband and though the insurance hoopla. Going pretty good, I think. The big thing with me is that I'm sitting on a 40 BMI and was told that I can't lose any more then 5 pounds and can't gain anymore then 5 pounds. I can gain/lose that much in a week from that time of the month! BCBS of Arizona has very stringent requirements (6 months Dr visits, weekly dietician discussions, and 3x a weeks at the gyn w/a workout plan from a trainer). I've been heavier, and have only been slightly lighter than I am now and know that I won't lose or gain during this time. It will be hard but I can do it. This is too important to me. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips or/and adivce for me? I want to lose the weight and get healthy NOW but not risk losing the surgery. Thanks your help!

Hi, lafevretj I've been geting conflicting messages from people within Scottsdale Bariatric. The NP says that the original BMI is what they use, the Dr I'm seeing there says not to lose or gain any more then 5 pounds. I don't know who to believe

Hi All, I was under the impression that being banded greatly reduced hunger but what I'm reading is how hungry everyone is!! Is the hunger around only for a while after you're banded or is it something to live with? I haven't been banded yet I'm going for my first consultation. I really do want this! Thanks for the help!

Is it easy to get fills from another Dr if I move out of state? I am working towards the band (with my insurance I have to jump through lots of hoops first, 6 months of hoops). Thanks!