Hope4Joy

I can totally feel your frustration!! 2 weeks after I found out insurance was going to cover I got PART II of the news. . .I have to do a 6 month supervised diet and exercise program. The surgerical center says I can begin all those tests in mid-summer so that I'm ready for surgery in October. I went thru depression, disappointment and finally decided to use this time positively. I don't know about you but I have been a big girl alllll my life. . .what's another few months? I'll use this time to get my body and mind healthy for surgery. Hopefully you'll see the silver lining of your cloud too! My support and hugs go out to ya! Stay positive and here's to hoping both of our "waiting time" flies by!!

Insurance gave precertification but now I have to do a 6 month supervised diet program. Along with that I have to see my primary care physician once a month to "track" my weight loss. :frown: URGH!! I'm ready to have this done. . .not have to wait 6 months. Did anyone else have to jump thru hoops? :tt1: Also - wonder what the right amount of weight is to lose because I fear insurance will say "oh, you've lost x# pounds in 6 months, you don't need the band". Help - I'm so frustrated and disappointed by this news.

I have GreatWest Cigna too - my first appt was yesterday the 7th and my next one is May 5th. Should I change the May appt to the 7th?:frown:

Hey Mandilou - YES we can support each other. I am going this afternoon after work to check out a Water aerobics class. I hope I like that so I can add it to my daily 1.5 mile that I'm walking at lunch to help with the loss process. I will join WW tomorrow after work. Which diet plan are you using?

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. After I sent this I did some thinking, talking, crying and decided that this will be a good thing. They will NOT let the WLS be the person that I see monthly. . .Crazy!! Anyway I am going to use this time to go to water aerobics, walk at lunch and begin weight watchers. I have seen on the posts a couple of people who used WW to help with their portion control and learing to eat healthier. SO, I'm considering this a "jump start" to my journey. I'll get healthy, have my body and mind in good shape come Oct/Nov when it's time for surgery. I am so glad I found this site - Thank you all so much for your inspiration and support.:regular_smile:

I went to my Lapband seminar Friday afternoon and totally had my bubble busted!! I have been on this site for a few weeks now reading posts and taking in everyones experiences. I am 5'8" and a little over the 300 mark. The surgeon said with all of the excess weight I have to lose I would be a better gastric bypass candidate. Did anyone else have this happen? He has almost made me decide to go that way. Needing to lose 150+ pounds is a big deal in my life right now. I'm 36 and beginning to have the lower back, knee, feet aching almost daily. Is there anyone else who had that large of an amount to lose? Please someone send my your success story so my mind and heart can go back to the lapband as the best option for me. THANKS!!

Wow Shelli - Those are AMAZING stats!! How proud you must be. I did lots of research this past weekend and went to a support group meeting Tuesday night that sealed the deal for me. I have decided 100% to go with Lapband. When I got home from the meeting I immediately began my registration process. You are such an inspiration. . . I hope to be as strong and steadfast as you in this journey. Thanks for sharing!! Keep up the good work!!:biggrin2:

Exactly - if the gastric goes awry you're just SOL! The seminar I went to had nice large charges and I thought $$$ the other doctors offices just expect everyone to squeeze into the one size fits all! HAHAHA

I think I am going to get another opinion. I have been online a couple of times today doing more research and reading. Bottom line at the end of one year there is only a difference of about 25 pounds (on the average). I think I'll stick with my initial thoughts and feelings about the lapband. I feel safer and more confident in it. Good luck on your banding. Do you have a date set yet?

Funny! I had that same thought. Is it all about the $$$??

Hey! I am in AR too. I go to my initial seminar this Friday and am so excited. I believe there might be financing thru this clinic. Their website is Northwest Health System - Weight Loss Surgery Center if you want to check it out. GOOD LUCK!!

I am so excited for you and Mimi both!! I am just starting my journey. I go to my seminar to begin the process this Friday the 21st. The night after I talked to the insurance (and found out it was covered) I was like a kid on Christmas Eve. I wish you both the best - take care!! Joy