Aliciafl2014

Thanks industrious bee. It does help as I prepare for lap band hopefully in July.

Hope your doing well weevie. Thoughts and prayers your way. You certainly have a positive attitude and that is a great start!

Thank you for this and all the information I find on this site. I'm awaiting final insurance approval. Once I get to the actual surgery I will be so prepared with what to expect and knowledge of some of the typical struggles. I'm trying to get some sanity in my diet now, and so looking forward to winning at weight loss. I want to fully live my life and stop hibernating because I don't want to be seen by anyone.

Id be interested in vegetarian and vegan options.

Wow that's great! Great to see. Can't wait to start my journey!

How long after submitting package to insurance did it take to get approval? I have last visit next week before my info can go to insurance. I think I'll meet criteria ok, but not sure how long for approval or surgery date. I have to maintain weight at this point so I do still meet requirements. I'm eating too much and feel uncomfortable. I don't want to go out in public anymore. I just want to get this moving without it dragging out.

Well I got a letter from insurance today looking for more information in order to approve my surgery. I'm glad they replied so quickly. I'm going to call Dr's office tomorrow to see about supplying additional information. Hopefully they will be quick to approve!

My package was just submitted this week. Hoping it is approved and doesn't take too long!

Did anyone go through Oband in Ft Lauderdale?

I'm in Coral Springs. Moved down from NE 9 years ago and would not go back. I hope to be banded in June/July. Surgeon is close by. Love it here

What's the iband?

It's crazy to have a requirement to lose weight before the surgery. Aren't we doing this because we don't have the ability to lose the weight unless we have the surgery?

I've decided if my insurance won't cover me I'm going to self pay. I don't think I'll meet the co-morbidity requirements. But who knows. I'll try that route first and have package submitted to insurance after final tests Thursday. If it is rejected though I don't want to spend months trying to get it approved. I really want to have this done and soon. It's a relief to know it's only a matter of time now.

Than you Toodie and kayzoog, I had final test the EGD last Thursday. I have stomach and throat inflammation Dr said the band would fix. I don't think it helps with meeting insurance criteria though. Its good to hear people say it was worthwhile to pay. I've spent so much time energy and money trying to help my adult boys who have squandered those opportunities I'm ready to start on a track to help myself for once! I'm going to find out this week if it's worth submitting to insurance. If not I'm going to pay and get it booked. . Can't wait

Hello all, newbie question: how long did you plan to take off work for surgery and recovery?

I have Aetna too! You can check with them, but dr office should also help you with working out with insurance. It seems they covered all those tests for me without need for a pre- certification.

Hi Fabu, I'm not sure which specialist visits but I think if you have to self pay it's all inclusive up to first fill. I read fills after that aren't always covered by insurance even if the cover surgery. Fills look to run about $100 plus. I'm still hoping insurance will pay. I have the coverage but may have tough time meeting criteria. I've heard at insurance company it often comes down to opinion of person reviewing the information. I'm praying it reaches a compassionate soul.

Anyone around the Coral Springs area? Wondering if there are any face to face groups. Just getting started and can't wait to get to a surgery date.

All the best to you! I know I sometimes question if I really need this but I've spent far too long carrying around the extra pounds. I don't want to wait only to be still stuck in the same position five years from now. It will also be an ongoing tool to stay track. Keep us updated!

Thank you all for the insight. I was hoping about a week was a good amount of time. I'm finishing up testing and hoped to be approved soon for a June date