Colleywobbles30

Hello everyone, I started this journey wanting the Lap Band but after a lot of research, I 've decided to go the route of gastric bypass. I considered a lot of things and with the goals I want to meet and the amount of weight I need to lose I think the bypass is a better option for me. I wish you all the best of luck on your weight loss journey.

When you talk about classes? Do you mean the free classes that you start with? I go on Dec 3rd and I'm wondering how many trips to Magee I need to prepare for... I live about 50 minutes away. Ugh.

Someone had asked about using Highmark BCBS - I have the same insurance and when I called them they told me to go to their website where I could print out all of the "eligibility" information for weight loss surgery. Seems they will pay 100% if you go though the 6 month jazz with your PCP. I've also heard from others that Highmark wasn't too hard to get approval. I have my first class at Magee on December 3rd then I see my PCP on Dec 11th. I'm still clueless as to how this all comes together. I recently switched PCP's but she seems really nice and understanding and I HOPE she doesn't give me any problems. As far as my weight goes, she can look back through my medical records from my old PCP and see I've been struggling with my weight for years and years. I'm curious does anyone know what preop testing the Dr's at Magee require? I've read everything from sleep study to colonoscopy... EEK!!!

Hello, I am just starting on this exciting journey, scheduled my first informational seminar on Dec 10th and then I'll begin the 6 month requirements requested by my insurance company. I was curious as to what tests you need to have done before surgery, is it standard things? I had my gall bladder out in 2005 and had to have an EKG and chest X-ray before my surgery, also I know they do blood work. Just preparing for what is to come. Thanks everyone.

Hello everyone, My name is Amanda - 30 years old from the good ol Mon Valley ( about 40 miles south of Pittsburgh) I will be attending the informational seminar at Magee on December 3rd. I am new to this journey and although confident I am making the right decision I'm a little overwhelmed with everything I need to do before I will be approved. I have Highmark insurance and I contacted them -basically the same as most insurances, nutritional counseling and weight management for 6 months and then they'll pay 100% of the procedure. When I called Magee she told me to "start" with the seminar and go from there. I just want to take all of the proper steps towards my approval. I haven't seen my PCP yet, I see her on the 18th and I feel confident that she'll assist me with whatever I need to get this done. I am 5'6 and 270 pounds which puts my BMI around 43 - I dont have any complications from the weight at this time ( thank goodness) except for PCOS but my BMI alone makes me a good candidate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, what kind of pre-op testing do you need to go through. I've read everywhere from a sleep study to a stress test...does this depend on the insurance or the surgeon?!? Yikes. Thanks.

Hello everyone, My name is Amanda - 30 years old from Pennsylvania. I'm about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh and have high hopes to get the lap-band at Magee Hospital. I've been overweight for as long as I can remember, I've gained about 60 pounds since I got married in 2001. I've tried the diets, tried the whole "not eating" and every time I lose the weight comes back. I did try WW in 2006 and lost 28lbs over 3 months which I managed to keep off but I'm still unhappy with myself. I recently turned 30 in July and I realized how uncontrollable my weight has gotten, things are hurting that never hurt before and my energy levels are decreasing. I have a 4 year old daughter that I want to see grow up, I want to be able to DO things with her, like ride on roller coasters and RUN after her when we remove the training wheels from her bike. I'm ready for this journey because I now know that I can't do it alone, no matter how hard I have tried. Thankfully I don't have any ailments at this time ( except for PCOS, which I've had since 13) but my BMI is 44.5 and that alone is enough to get me banded. I have Highmark BCBS and they will pay for 100% of the surgery ( minus my 250.00 deductible) but I have to go through 6 months of nutritional counseling before they'll approve me. This seems common with the insurance companies, they want a doctor to follow my progress for 6 months, have me meet with a dietician and have a psychological evaluation before they'll authorize the surgery. My question is this.. do I do this 6 month "diet" with my PCP or I do I need to find a surgeon first?!? How does ths process work? I want to start ASAP in hopes of having the surgery next Spring or Summer... any help in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to getting to know some of you and traveling this rocky road together. Sorry so long ... I tend to go on and on and on and on....................

Hi Dani, Congrats on making the decision to get your surgery. I am actually in the beginning phase of all this craziness. I just scheduled my first seminar to get the ball rolling. I wish you continued success with your new life and hope things go just as smoothly for me when the time arrives. Best Wishes.