taylormomto6

You guys are so helpful and I'm learning so much.:wink_smile: Since we've had no insurance and spending our money raising our kids, I had zero chance at getting surgery before. Now at least I can have hope. I am so sick of trying to convince myself to go on yet another "diet" and dealing with the feelings that I know its just going to be another failure. I've failed so many times that my confidence that anything will actually work is rocked. I am still fighting the feelings that tell me I won't even be successful with the band. Maybe I'll stop losing again, no matter what I'm eating...maybe I won't be able to control my eating, I haven't been able to yet...and the list goes on. I'm by nature a very positive person, but all the years of diet failure has caused serious doubts in ability to lose this weight. I keep telling myself that these feelings are normal, I mean afterall, each successful bander has failed at diets pre band right?? Anyway, I've rambled long enough:embaressed_smile: Thank you all, Cindy T

Thank You, that is very good information to know:thumbup: Cindy T

I see. Then if you turn in the paperwork, it will be looked at and decided if they have a good chance at getting paid. If so, they set you up a consultation appointment, I'm guessing for free as well, to kind of "reel you in"?? Will they still need the referral? Thank You, CIndy T

I'm sorry I don't have the answer for you, but I just want to say you are not alone. I have also been without insurance therefore been without medical care and am just now getting Blue Shield Access HMO through my husbands employer. It is supposed to take effect today, but I have not yet received my benefits card. I can tell you that on the benefits paperwork they gave DH, it does state weight loss surgery is covered if medically necc. I believe the 5 years is to show you didn't just suddenly gain weight, that it has been an ongoing problem. I could get records from ob/gyns that cover 20 years, just not the last 5, so I guess I'll just have to see how anal they want to be and keep appealing if they don't approve it. Good Luck and I'll be watching your responses. Cindy T

Whisper- I can go have a visit with one of the doctors at the seminar without a referral from my PCP? Hmm, I thought I had to get the referral first with an HMO. See, I'm learning already:laugh: I have BS as well (Blue Shield Access HMO). As far as the 5 years...if that would be the last 5 years, I'm just out, but prior to that I think there are some records. I did see a doctor for Phentermine and failed, went back to the same doctor after a year on Atkins because my weight loss stopped. He did labs and found me to be hypothyroid. There was several doctors visits involved there. Then a year later when my prescription ran out, I went to the clinic a few times for labs and thyroid meds. Of course, I've had 6 kids in 18 years, so I could get those records that document my weight, not to speak of 25 years of pictures:scared2: I think you are right though, I think I'd have better luck with the bariatric surgeon pushing the paperwork rather than my PCP. Afterall, the surgeon is the one that will get paid, not the PCP. Fairy- I will check with HR, but the paperwork on coverages I received from the employer states it is covered if "medically neccessary". I do need the insurance anyway though, as there are other issues I need to have looked at (vaginal prolapse, lower back pain, strange skin problems I believe are yeast related and several other lil issues). Thank You both. You've been very helpful!! Cindy T

For years we passed on purchasing medical insurance at DHs work because we simply could not afford it, but at we are 45 now and problems are cropping up:ohmy: This is going to cost us 100 dollars a week for just the two of us (The kids are covered under the "Healthy Families" plan) and I'm not quite sure how we'll afford it, but like always, we'll manage. But I figure II need to make the most of the insurance and take this opportunity to get lap band. I mean heck, after surgery my food intake will be restricted and that will reduce the grocery bill, helps cover the cost of insurance:laugh: Our insurance is Blue Shield Access HMO with no deductable and the policy takes affect April 1st and states Bariatric Surgey as covered when medically neccessary. I am 5'6" and weigh about 262, so my BMI is over 40. I'm hypothyroid (been treating myself the last 6+ years because of no insurance through mexican pharmacies) and really don't know if I have any real med problems since I haven't seen in a doctor in years. I have been obese since I was about 20. Been on many diets (at least 30), lost lots of weight and regained just as much (including losing 77 lbs on Atkins in 18 months about 5 years ago). The only time I was treated by a doctor for weight control, I was given Phentermine and I think that lasted 2 months). Since I am completely new at having insurance at all, I'm not sure where to begin. I have not yet received my insurance card, but when I do, I assume my first step would be to make an appointment with my PCP. Should I speak with her about lap band on my first appointment or should I establish a relationship with her first? Should I request a weight loss program? What if I lose too much weight? I know I can lose weight in 6 months, but it'll be back by 9 months. Your thoughts and comments will be appreciated. Thank You, Cindy T

Thank you so much for the reply!:puke: I will do just that. Also, there are 2-3 seminars in my area, so I think I will attend each one. This way when I'm ready to ask for a referral, I will have already chosen my surgeon. Thanks again. Cindy T

Thank you both for the replies:smile2: Wheetsin- yes, the first thing is to get the physical for sure. I have already chosen a PCP and will be making an appt as soon as I get the insurance card. Tulip- I think that is a very good idea. There are at least 2, maybe 3 seminars in my area. I also plan to attend each one before I ask my PCP for a referral. Thank you so much for the encouragement. Cindy T