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Juli, congratulations on the weight loss! You've done fantastic and I hope you are proud of yourself. I agree that this is a fantastic site...for the most part. There is a lot of knowledge and support available. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about banding, about to be banded or banded already. There is a wealth of experience here to rely on. Keep up the good work!

LOL...I'm calm...just explaining that self-pay does not mean stuffed wallets or lots of money. We are like the rest of you...desperate to lose weight and be healthy. And, we are willing to sacrifice and struggle financially to get the surgery that insurance denies us...often because it is an exclusion. Believe me, my life is just as tough financially as the next person...my oldest recently graduated college and now is getting married in a few months. It seems the money goes out so much faster than it comes in. :frown: Sure would be nice to have a money tree or a rich uncle. LOL.

Sorry you are having insurance issues, Froggi, but hang in there! Things always have a way of working out. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Congratulations, poohprecious! I am so happy for you!

Welcome, Ben! This is a great site for information, encouragement and support. Good luck on your journey and keep posting so we know how you are doing.

And, I think most of us, aren't angry about it being asked but we are trying to explain why we have the right to have the surgery too. After all, obese is obese, there are just different degrees of it. Many years ago, there were no real options so you lived, rather died, with obesity. Today, there are options so why shouldn't we (regardless of how overweight we are) have the right to use those options and the sooner the better? After all, the sooner the problem is taken in hand, the less stress done to the body and self-esteem. I hope everyone who has an issue and wants help finds a way to make it happen.

LOL, Gloucester. I would LOVE to see the face of who you tell. I'm sure the expression on his face would be priceless! :wink_smile:

Wow! Prices listed are all way higher than what I will pay and my price covers the surgeon, anesthesia, hospital, the works.... Sounds to me like all parties involved really pad the prices when insurance is paying the bill.

Amanda, there could be so many reasons while your hubby is acting like this but, if he won't discuss it with you, there isn't much you can do. Just keep those lines of communication open so that when he is ready, you can both discuss how he feels about it. In the meantime, please consider having a very close relative or your best friend as a support system and to be with you. Then you won't have to go it alone. Good luck!

Each situation is different. I am short and though I do not weigh over 200 pounds, I do have a borderline BMI. I have only been obese since my 40s but that has been more than 15 years! I also have high blood pressure. Why should I be denied the surgery just because I don't weigh 200 pounds? What is wrong with seeking help before my health is endangered more than it already is? This weight puts a strain on all my major organs...just like excess weight does to everyone. And for the record I am not using insurance so no one has the right to deny me the surgery! I am paying for it out of my own pocket. And, I do have a lot of weight to lose...we are not talking 20 pounds here!

Nothing! I will even be happy about only being an A. I'd rather be thin and have no chest than to be how I am now.

Asking a question doesn't make you sound stupid! Ask away. This site is a great place to learn all about the lapband and what to expect. I am new here too...having joined just this month and I have learned so much already. Good luck in your journey and be sure to post when you get your approval!

Sirvine, when you hear the 6 or 7 months, they are referring to the time it took to meet all the requirements (particularly the 6 month diet). Though I am not familiar with your insurance, most insurance companies will make a decision in a month or less. Some are as fast as a few days once all the requirements have been met and submitted.

Camjay, good luck on your journey toward health! Remember, there is a lot of support and a lot of friends on this site. Glad your surgery is behind you and you can now recuperate.

Stephanie, welcome! I'd be happy to be your friend too.

Wow, Rita! $20.000?! That is high! Mine won't even be close to that!

Weightisover, if you can't purchase the Jenny Craig meals alone have you considered Nutrisystem? If you have a Big Lots near you, they often stock the meals at a very reasonable price. Nutrisystem also has high protein with low fat and low calories. Just a possible alternative for anyone who doesn't want to actually follow/join a program...if they have a Big Lots near them!

Rita, I hate to tell you but, depending on your insurance, you may end up waiting an additional 6 months to have the lapband...if your insurance requires 6 months of documentation that you followed an approved diet plan. If your insurance doesn't require it, you are one of the very lucky ones! I am also borderline but I have chosen to be a self-pay. That way, I can have my surgery asap without having to jump through the insurance hoops or without having to gain an additional 10 pounds. I just have to attend the seminar and have my consultation...and hope the doctor will decide to do surgery.

Badgermom, glad to hear all is well with your partner and I'm sure she appreciates all the support she is getting from you. I agree; this is a wonderful site and I have learned so much from it. I love the site and the people that I have met and corresponded with from here. Everyone has been great!

Jason, so glad you got your letter! Let us know when you get the date for the surgery! Congratulations!

BJean, I can totally relate! A few years ago, I was shopping for clothes for a cruise. I went in one store and not one salesperson seemed to be available but they sure all rushed to help the size 2 that walked in behind me! After 10 minutes, I was so miffed I left the store, went two doors down to another store and was immediately asked if I needed help. Made that salesgirl's day...spend $1200! Just because we are packing some pounds doesn't mean those pounds don't extend to our wallets! And those pounds do not mean we are unworthy of someone's time, attention or respect.

I told my sons and a few friends I was considering lapband surgery. My husband already knew as I've been researching for months and we have been discussing it. My husband is very supportive. My youngest and my best friend felt I wasn't "that heavy" but they will support me. My oldest son and my other friends were extremely negative. Their response made me decide not to say anything once I have the surgery. My husband will know and I may tell my best friend but no one else outside of this board. I am and always have been an optimist so I just don't want to deal with the negativity.

It could be accidental too. I am here every day so I do a search for new posts. In the past, I never looked all the way over to the right to see what category the post falls under so it would be easy to accidentally post in one of the men's areas. I accidentally did post in one of their categories (re: what everyone's career was) and as soon as I realized it was for men only, I deleted my post. Now, I try to pay attention to what category the post is listed under.

IndioGirl, you look fantastic! Kudos on a job well done!