Mikie in VA

I've been looking at obesityhelp.com. Found this site when someone posted it there. Started the research a few years ago. Late last year I went to 2 drs. and various seminars in MD and VA. Was denied because my work ins. didn't cover lap band, only gastric. Saw a dr in VA, and really liked him-Dr Chebli (sp?). Was waiting to get re-married, move to a newer house, 2 kids graduations, etc. So, this year found out on the BC/BS CareFirst providers website that as of June 13, 2005, they no longer consider the lap experimental. "Obesity and Morbid Obestity, 7.01.36. New technology/--aparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for treatment of morbid obesity. Description--Placement of a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, to restrict the patient's ability to ingest food. CareFirst and CareFirst BlueChoice Determination--If it's 'Considered medically necesary when treating morbidly obese patients who meet the established criteria for surgical intervention. This is a change from previous policy.'" There isn't a CPT code, but a HCPCS code, S2082. Found at another site that there is HCPCS S2083 for adjustments. Was told my the dr nurse in MD those codes are for hospital coding. So, it's a wait and see for now. Paperwork was sent this Mon. Nurse told me 2/3 wks to hear. Person who does it is out-other's are handling in her absence. The kicker could be if my employer didn't have a special rider for WLS. Not sure? Could be an appeal coming my way. Lots of co-morbities. Take too many medications. Rheumatologist's visits increasing lately. Said way to much for now. But, wanted you folks to know what I've found out. This is such a great site! Glad I found it. Glad to communicate w/you all. Finding folks in VA/MD/DC area to meet in person. Don't think there are enough support groups, even for this large metropolitan area. Maybe TMI? too much information

Hi there everyone- Had surgery for my "Happy Halloween" day! The day was alot longer than we thought it would be. There before 8 a.m. home at 8 p.m.! Surgery was to be at 11:00 but it was more like 11:30/45. Folks in the recovery didn't tell my fiance I was there, and then I was moved to another room, and he finally got to see me over 1-1/2 hrs later! It took almost 2 hrs to have x-ray call me in for a shallow test. I had a headache going into the hosp. and a doosy of one by late afternoon. Was so glad to go home! In more pain today than last night. After getting off of the computer-I'm taking a few pills for pain. Small sips and trying to get all of the liquids in me. The port locations was higher than I thought it was going to be. Above the belly button and between the middle and right breast area. Took a shower! Feel better. Thanks for checking. Love this site. Mikie in VA

Brenda (little Ethel)- Yes, you look GREAT! Inspiration for eveyone for sure! Thanks for sharing. I haven't put any pic up. Not comfortable enough yet. Surgery was yesterday. See where I am in a few months... Mikie in VA

Theresa- Welcome to the lapband world! Good luck on your surgery. I had mine yesterday, and taking it easy. All the best, Mikie in VA

NYChick-Elileen- Hey, I'm banded! Sore, but home. Took longer at the hospital than I thought it would. Taking sips and easy does it! I'll write more later. Mikie in VA

Janet- I'm with ya there! I go for surgery tomorrow, as well. Yesterday, I was in a total downer mood. Got very depressed. Bitched to myself, for getting into this situation. Hoping the 'toolband' will help me along with being healthier and happier. I have to be at the hospital at 8:00, surgery at 11:00. Today, I'm trying to keep busy. Doing house cleaning, sorting/tossing mail, and planning to get outside and do some yardwork. Also, doing some outside errands. Getting the Gaaaaaaas-X and other items to help me along the way. Positive thoughts your way!! Mikie

Welcome Paul! I logged on just a bit ago. I've gone to one of the Dr. Pinnar's meetings. Was planning on having a doc in VA do my surgery, but he moved to Seattle. I'm having surgery this Mon. but in Maryland, Dr. Greene. I haven't written much on this site. Read quite a bit. Soooooo much info is out there, here. I've been researching lapband for almost 3 yrs. Finally, moving forward. Lucky enough with my insurance paying the way. Keep viewing, and glad you're doing the lapband.

I've been on liquids since Oct 6. My surgery is Oct 31. So, it's been a challenge. Two weeks-still more to go-plus liquids awhile after surgery. I've lost 14 lbs as of the past Sat. I'll weigh myself on Sat. again-and see where I am then. Like others have said: sugarfree Kool-aide, sugar free popsicles, sugar free Jello, Water or Propel and others, hot tee or coffee. I'm doing the Advantage Protein shakes (with lots of ice crushed up). I only like the chocolate ones. Tried an orange Crystal light mix. Didnt' care for it. Best of luck! Mikie

Wow-ReneBene & Tropicana--you both moved so fast w/responses. Very informative one. Thanks for putting this info up here. Mikie

Just saw the news story, as well. The RNY we all know is more open (no pun intended, for some), to having risks and all that was said in the news story. Glad I'm going the Lapband route-very much so.... Mikie

Just making sure you get Betts Stylist101 to be on the Oct band list. I want to be added to the October list,,my surgery dat is next Friday October 21 Can hardly wait,,,be staying busy getting things done.

NJChick- Hope you get this info to add Betts Stylist101 to the Oct banding list. Betts vbmenu_register("postmenu_118624", true); STYLIST101 Join Date: Oct 2005 Age: 53 Posts: 3 I want to be added to the October list,,my surgery dat is next Friday October 21 Can hardly wait,,,be staying busy getting things done.

Hope this goes back to NJChick who started/stated the October banding list. Mikie

My goodness-so awful for you to have to go through that-but glad your doc finally moved on it quickly. But, you must of felt, not quickly enough! I'm having surgery on Oct 31-and it's good to know about this kind of stuff. Reading on this site-definitely helps everyone interested, or going to have, surgery. Wishes for a quicker recovery. Positive thoughts your way. Mikie

Hi Eileen- Can I be added as well? My surgery is Oct 31-Happy Halloween! Mikie in VA

Randy- Like others have said-folks get nervous. I'm nervous too-my surgery is Oct 31. Just did more pre-op stuff. Adjusting to the liquid diet. But, it's all worth it. I want to be healthier-and be around for family and friends. You've invested a lot of time/research for the lapband. Make it so..... Positive thoughts your way. Mikie

Debra- That's awesome-congrats!!

Congrats going your way! Were you just stunned?! I still can't believe I got my approval yesterday-and they already had a date for me. I'll be checking the posts to see how you are doing.

Thanks for the congrats, Keri, Jessie, and Eileen! Still waiting on the call back from the dr's office. The office I'm going to is always soooooo busy. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing? Found out from the orthoped doc that my left knee will have to re-built within a year. Told him WLS will be coming up. He said to get off as much weight as I can before he'd do surgery. Got a cortisone shot today and follow up in 4 wks. The next step is a Supartz joint fluid therapy, with one shot once a week for 5 weeks. Has anyone one, or knows someone who has tried this? It wasn't good hearing that someone is usually in their 60's before this stuff usually happens. So, today I felt really old, for being 50.

Well, after just a smiggen over 2 wks of waiting for approval, I found out today that I have been approved for the lapband! I was just shocked! Last year after getting all of the testing done, I tried for approval of the lapband. Denied. The insurance covered RNY only at the time. Then I found out that BC/BS Carefirst had changed from 'experimental' to covering it, with my policy! All the testing I did late last year, was good for a year, but not after that time frame. They even gave me a surgery date! However, it was a date that wasn't good for my division/group/supervisor. We are doing year end stuff from where I work. My supervisor, who was going off to vacation tomorrow, made an exception for me because of the surgery/situation to have it done-Oct 31. So, I'm waiting on the okay from the nurses/hospital, to do it then. My head is still spinning. I've been researching this for a few years now. Now, it's time to get a move on. I was told to get going on liquid shakes 2 x day and 1 meal (I'm getting the specifics in a packet that's in the mail). But, that was for an Oct 10 date. for almost 3 wks later than that, I'm not sure exactly when I need to start. Still in bit of a daze

Just put up a new tread about getting my approval today. I was shocked! They told me it would be 2-3 wks before hearing of approval, and Oct was the earliest for surgery. Then being told today they already had a surg. date for me, but it wasn't workable because of work at the office. I have BC/BS (CareFirst) DC/MD/VA area. So, glad they changed and started approving folks for the lapband. I'll keep you posted and will check new posts.

Hey gang, My situation is quite similar as I've just read. I've done it both ways. Was done 50 lbs, meant a great guy and 7 ys later, I've got the 50lbs back. Since meeting the guy I'm engaged to now, I've had major problems w/my knees/legs, boarderline diabetes, high blood pressure, and now I've hit 50! Some folks when I tell them about going the lapband way say, You can do that yourself. Oh, yea, take the easy way out. Then there are some that say, you'll be so much healthier, I want you around for quite awhile w/me. Don't want you dying young. I know it's not the complete answer, but a help to get moving in the positive direction. The dr's office that sent my paperwork in last week, said it wouldn't be until Oct. for their earliest appt. if it is approved. This has really become a big business for docs. If other insur groups switch and will do the lap (I would think it would be less time for them and the same $$$ or some what the same $$$ to do lap vs RNY). Wondering how long for most of you who have done it from approval to oper date? Again, glad there our folks out there that have been there or or going there!

I appreciate the support. I'll keep you posted.