Mrs Sabre

PCP sent a letter requesting approval for surgery. UHC sent request over a week ago for additional information. I called the PCP's office this afternoon, and our guess is the letter from UHC went straight to the doctor, as it's not on/in my record yet. Fortunately, the gal who processes these requests seems really nice. She'll take a faxed copy of the UHC request for additional information from me to expedite the process. May God grant me patience!

Update: I went to fax the request to my contact at my PCP's office and found out phone/fax lines in the entire building are down today I'm keepin' my head up; it's temporary. I'm starting to believe this is a lession in patience from God. I will be a better person when I get through this

Awesome! When you talk to her again tell her I/we all said "Hello!" Starr, you're next

Thanks Kim! I simply felt the need to vent. Albeit cautiously so, I am fairly optimistic everything will work out; I'm just being impatient.

Congratulations! That's truly awesome! After smoking 1+ packs a day for 21 years, I quit Dec. 27, 1998 using the Nicoderm patch and Zyban. I'd be lying if I said I'm never tempted, but I treat it like any other addiction; I know I'm just one puff away from a pack-a-day habit, and I just don't do it. God Bless!

Awesome!!!

Congratulations Dianne! I look forward to seeing less of you at our next meeting

Viggo Mortensen Chris Noth LL Cool J

It was awesome meeting you all! I had such a great time, and really look forward to our next meeting too. I hope I have a date by then. All but one pair of capri pants fit me too; thanks so much for the clothes! I look forward to the day I can bring a box of clothes in for others to wear. Dianne & Loretta, my prayers go with you this week!

Whether 11 or 11:30, I'll be there.

As with every belief system, there are always those who make the rest look bad. It's unfortunate that someone treated you wrong. Personally, I'm proud to be a Christian (Free Will Baptist), saved by the grace of God through Jesus' death & resurrection. I'll only witness to those who ask. I may or may not agree with everyone's views, but I respect their right to have them and not agrue if I disagree.

I am an accountant. I do management reporting for the corporate trust area of a large bank.

Welcome! I'm just getting started and don't have a date yet.

Congratulations! That's awesome!

Congratulations! I'm jealous

Congratulations! That's awesome

Starr Yes, I have UHC - Choice through Wachovia Bank, and according to their website, he is a providing "specialist" physician. I haven't gotten approved yet, so I haven't actually seen Dr. Kuwada yet; so I can't give you any first impressions, etc.

I'm just getting started. I've done my research. My PCP has sent a predetermination letter to my insurance. I see a weight loss specialist on Thursday. (PCP thought it would make a better paper trail.) What are your thoughts on doctors in the Charlotte area? I've heard Dr. V is quite slow? Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Timothy Kuwada? If so, what did you think? Other Recommendation?

FruitieGal - Really? Please do tell; Dr. Kuwada is the surgeon to whom my PCP is prepared to refer me.

Dr. Timothy Kuwada does lap-band at CMC. I don't know if he goes to Presbyterian or not. I got his name from Inmed (spelling[?], the makers of lap-band), and the weight loss specialist I saw last week knows of him and approved. Maybe this is an option for you?

Let me first say that I love this site so far! I've already found a ton of useful and interesting information. After reading everything I could find on Lap-Band surgery, I went to my internist to see if he would recommend it for me. He's completely supportive and is willing to fight with my insurance if need be to have it covered. (It is covered under my health care plan.) My BMI is 37; I'm 5'6" and 230 lbs. My co-morbidities are all boarderline, i.e. boarderline high blood pressure, chronic heart burn (maybe unconfirmed GERD), insuline resistance, sleep disorder (restless leg syndrome w/ periodic limb movement disorder) with snoring, and chronic depression. I'm also hypothyroid, status post radioactive iodine treatment for Grave's disease. From your experiences, does it sound probable that I'll be covered by my insurance?

I'm just getting started, and have already decided only to tell choice people - family, closest friends, and work folks on a need to know basis (cause of all the appointments). Although I'm feeling really optimistic, until my insurance actually approves me for surgery, there is no reason to tell anyone else. Too many people have watched my weight yo-yo over the last 10 years and climb especially high over the last 2 for me to tell. If/when I'm banded and losing weight, if someone asks how I'm doing it, then I'd tell them. For me personnally, right now it's just too soon.

Who is your doctor?

Dani - My PCP referred me to a weight management specialist, who I saw yesterday. I had a sleep study done 5 years and 40 pounds ago. I had minimal apnea at that time, but with the additional weight, they've concurred that I should have another. Significant apnea or not, it would also confirm that my restless leg/PLMD medication is addequate. How long have you used the CPAP? Have you been banded? Is your apnea expected to improve with weight loss?

I'm only telling a few people, mostly closest friends & family because I'm so early along in the process. I'm telling co-workers on a need to know basis. So far everyone has been very supportive. I hope that doesn't change. I agree with Keri, we get enough of that from strangers without hearing it from "friends".