strikeuptheband

I had breast reduction a few years ago and I was told to NOT expose the scars to tanning (or sun) until they are totally healed. If you don't the scars could turn and STAY bright red. Once the scars are healed, you might be OK but definitely ask your doc first.

I like what the little green guy says: Do or do not, there is no try.---Yoda

Truckoholic, when you find out what your insurance will cover, take the next step and talk to your HR dept where you work to see if your employer has put an exclusion on WLS. My insurance would cover it but the particular plan my employer bought does not cover it. I am now going to see if the VA center will provide this service since I am a veteran. Good luck and keep us posted.

I have a pantry full of the stuff if anyone wants it! lol The first time I did Nutrisystem was right after my divorce when I was out to become 'all I could be'--that worked well for a while, lost what I wanted and was pretty motivated. then when I couldn't afford the food any more, I gained it all back and then some. That was close to 20 years ago. I tried it again last year, struggled for a long time to finally lose 10 lbs and got tired of the gravy or sauces on everything and quit eating it. I have gained back lots more than those 10 lbs. Seems for me, nothing works. I am now researching to find a way to pay for lapband.

I had breast reduction a few years back and had a miserable time getting my bra to not press on my incisions. Right after surgery I started slipping s soft minipad under each breast and that seemed to soften things and make it bearable. 4 years later I still have some pain but mostly itching along the scars and still can't wear anything but a stretchy sports bra. Not banded yet, I am trying to find a payment source. My insurance where I work won't pay it. Good luck, try the minipad...no one can tell and it makes a soft cushion.

Any Veterans out there? I was in the Air Force and am wondering if the VA would pay for lapband surgery. So far, looking at VA websites, I don't see any exclusions. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience getting this done by the VA. I have United Healthcare where I work but my HR dept has excluded WLS so I doubt that I can get it thru them. I live in Missouri so Kansas City VA or whatever they have at Columbia might be an option for me although I don't mind traveling farther if I need to. Thanks for any input!

Thanks, WasABubbleButt! I am going to get registered at a VA center next week and see what happens next. I don't care where I have to go, it VA will cover it, I will do it!!

I have UHC too and its my employer, not UHC that has denied me. The reason is "its too expensive to add into the policy. It would raise your rates way too high." This from my HR dept! Have they looked at all the walking heart attacks waiting to happen when I work??? HR put an exclusion on WLS so it won't do any good to appeal. Plan B is that I am a veteran so I am going to hook up with a VA center thats about 2 hours from where I live and see where that takes me. Wish me luck!

I am not active duty now and did not retire. Got out after about 10 years of service. I know I can hook up with VA. Looks like Tricare won't help me then. Send the link if you will, can't hurt to check it out. I live in Missouri. Thanks,

minpinmom, Do you know if TriCare is for military veterans or is it just for families of military? Back when I was in, it was called Champus..is this the same thing? I want to pursue TriCare since I have heard (mostly from you) that it works. My work's insurance wont touch WLS even though they don't hesitate to increase my rates! And they will be more than glad to pay for my heart attack, stroke or other weight related illness when I get them. Yea I am being snarly! lol Just trying to find an avenue that will help me pay for this. My BMI is about 37 and I have high BP, high chloresterol and borderline diabetic. Also lots of leg, knee, hip joint pain. Do you think I am miserable enough to be considered?? :-)

Hi Chell, First of all you won't be getting a 'psycho' eval, you are not a psycho!! lol My psych eval consisted of an online test sort of like the MMPI but shorter, about 180 questions. Then the rest of the time we sat and chatted. She asked me questions about every aspect of my life. Food and eating and dieting affect everything; finances, relationships, the decisions we make, etc. I would tell you not to be nervous or scared of going. If any questions make you feel uneasy or uncomfortable or make you want to not talk about it, that should be your clue that you have to take a look at that particular aspect of your life. They are not there to pass or fail you, just to ensure that you want this for the right reasons. Good luck when you go. I am not banded yet, waiting for the insurance to approve. I should hear by the 17th and I am really antsy that they will say no.