lookg4me

I have just started my journey with Dr Merremen here in Shreveport. I was wondering if there were any others out there that have had experiences with him. Lemme know!:help:

I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT! I HAVE CALLED MY BENEFITS UHC LINE AT LEAST SIX TIMES DURING THE PROGRESSION OF GETTING MY BAND. THEY HAVE PULLED UP MY INFO 500 X AND NOT ONCE DID THEY MENTION "OH YEAH YOUR EMPLOYER EXCLUDES THE LAP BAND!" NOT ONCE! I am so frustrated. My employer does however cover the gastric bypass. I DO NOT WANT MY ORGANS REROUTED, AT LEAST NOT RIGHT NOW, I WANTED TO TRY THE BAND FIRST. I have spent many an hour since the investigating of this procedure reading up on everyone's highs and lows, what to expect, I've been to the seminar and to my first doctor appointment. I am so let down. I just really don't see myself going through the gb. SO DISAPPOINTED...

Gastric Bypass. Not wat I wanted to be approved for, and I'm scared to death of gastric bypass. I guess being scared OF death is why alot of us are doing what we are. I'm so conflicted right now... Anyone dealt with this similar instance...Thanks guys! xoxo

I called uhc when I got home today and after being hung up on (presumably by accident), being sent to bogus departments, being placed on infinite hold. They told me that the exclusion is based on excluding morbid obesity surgeries that are considered especially dangerous?? I'm sorry but rerouting my esophagus to my big toe sounds worse than banding an area of my stomach! Which is reversible and adjustable!! *&%$!!!! I then asked them if they could email me whatever they were reading to me because the exclusion are not listed anywhere on the website when I enter my own personal info. They then sent me to the bogus dept, who was clueless as to why I was sent to them, THEN I called back a couple more times for them to tell me that the only way to know about the exclusion is to have them mail it to me. ?? So I will have to wait a week to even find out IF they actually are mailing me something, and then to try to decipher what the exclusions are! UGHH

:help: :embarassed: :sick :angry :huytsao :phanvan :faint:

thank you so much for the reply I'll have to search for Merrimen later. I am waiting for my insurance to hopefuly okay everything. Good luch with your new path!

Congratulations! I am so happy for you!

I would have to say YES I am afraid to be thin. Do I still want to be thin-OF COURSE. But definitely scared. I like or maybe have become accustomed of being un-noticed. I feel like no one notices me because I'm not much to look at (no pun there is plenty to look at). I can go to family reunions and can be pretty much left alone. I also think alot of the comfort (being overweight) stems from when someone does pay attention I know it is because they are interested in me the real me. I was once thin and beautiful, but I think alot of my interactions with people then were solely due to my looks. My husband has only known me big, I wonder how he will be if/when I get smaller. WOW you really got us thinkin!

I have a tentative surgery date for june and keloid runs in my family. This will be my first cut of any type on my body. I was wondering if from the lap band how your scars ended up? I appreciate any input that you may have:nervous

I am in the process of going through Dr. Merrimen. So far he has been so helpful. And he comes with great credentials. Hope this helps!:confused:

I have united healthcare and was notified today by my Dr's ofc and thru the insurance company that I have 80-20. Which they explained to me that I am responsible for 20% of eligible expenses? I can't seem to find out what my eligible expenses are. Are we talking 1000$, 5000$? Has anyone else encountered this? I just want to make sure I have my ducks in a row. Quack Quack:help:

Thanks Jtrek and Maryb. It's all so overwhelming in itself without having to worry about the debt accruing. Hopefully as I get closer to surgery date things will be clearer.:clap2:

I have my first seminar Thursday night to begin my banding process. It is a prerequisite before the doctor will see me. I do have a physician referrell and UHC insurance. Can I get some feedback on beginning to finish how long the process took some fellow banders? Thanks!!

I am new at this but have found this web site most informative. I have so many questions. I am 5''4 225 and looking into lap band. I have my first seminar this week. :clap2: