TX Diva

Hello all, I have just finished all the things my insurance company required and I received my letter of approval a week after my last visit! On Monday I called True Results and Dr. Carter's office to let them know that BCBS-TRS Activecare had sent the letter, so now I'm waiting for Dr. Carter's office to call me back to schedule the surgery! I'm hoping to do it in June right after school is out. I'm stoked! I didn't mind doing the 6 months of supervised diet because I was able to lose some weight and change some habits that needed to be changed. (No soft drinks...I can't believe I've successfully done it!) I also began riding my recumbent bike almost daily. During the testing, we discovered that I have just now developed diabetes, and I'm treating that. My PCP is positive that it will disappear after the surgery. I also am now using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, and I haven't slept this good in ages!

The Dr. who did my psych. eval. explained to me that they want to make sure they we are realistic about the surgery, and that we realize that there are risks involved. I didn't have anything to fill out, and it lasted about 30 minutes tops. Hubby was hoping I'd get a straight jacket to play with! :-)

I'm using True Results. I went to one of Dr. Richard Carter's seminars and I had lots of my questions answered. It was one of his office staff that suggested I go through True Results (AIGB). There should be someone at the seminar that can help you with your insurance question. I would go to the seminar with a list of all your questions.

Thanks for all the information on Dr. Carter. Cherrie, the reason it's taking so long is because of the requirements of my insurance company, BCBS TRS Activecare. They require 6 months of supervised dieting, which I'm doing at AIGB, which is located at the Hurst building where Dr. Carter does the surgeries. I was hoping he would be doing it at USMD, since it is so close to home, but at least it is at a building I'm already familiar with! Misty, thanks for the offer of the PMs for advice. I'm sure that I'll be asking you all sorts of questions when the time nears. I'm thinking that I might go to the support meeting right before my surgery to get a feel for the group.

Hi, Cherrie. I'll be banded by Dr. Carter later this year. I have 3 months to go before my paperwork is submitted. Does he perform the surgeries at USMD?

Hello all. I'm in Arlington and will be having Dr. Carter do my lapband. I have BCBS TRS/Activecare, and am into the 2nd month of my 6 month supervised diet. That puts me past Spring Break, so I might schedule my surgery in June right after the school year is over. I've learned many things from reading the posts here, but haven't posted much. I lost 9 pounds my first month, and I can't remember the last time I lost that much weight! I'm not as good this month, but I'm thinking if I maintain in December I'll have accomplished something!

Hi jljeje, I live in Arlington too and also just visited AIGB which puts me on the same schedule as you. I didn't feel discouraged after my visit. It was good for me to get the list of things I have to do. Look at it as a checklist and not as hurdles. Every month will be one more thing completed towards the goal. The only thing that discouraged me was that all the doctors they suggested for the various things I have to do are all in the HEB area. I hate that drive! After I found doctors in my area using the BCBS website I felt better. Dr. Carter, whose office suggested AIGB, will be doing my band. I'm excited to find someone who will be experiencing all this at the same time as me! TX Diva

I went for my first appointment today. After being recommended by someone at Dr. Carter's seminar, I thought I would try them before I decided to just use my PCP. I'm glad I went in. I'm thinking that it will be less stress for me than having to ask my PCP for everything. They KNOW what I need. All the people I talked to today were very nice and helpful. Pardon the pun, but it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders as I do my 6 months prep as required by my insurance.