MommyTawnie

Sorry to hear of your lap band mishap. Many doctors will not touch a patiant that had surgery through another doctor. Did you change insurance during the 5 years of the band being place? If so you may end up having to pay out of pocket for the removal. Most insurance companies will not cover a procedure that they did not approve of in the first place. I have a friend that is trying to go through the process of insurance and lap band and they told her that she has to wait the full year before submitting for approval from insurance. She can always pay out of pocket, but they will not cover anything that happens after the band is placed. If she waits the year and has it place with insurance approval the cost of everything will be covered through insurance "fills, check up, etc" if however this is the same insurance you had when the band was placed call them and explain to them the situation, and ask them for the name of a surgeon they cover, and go from there. If it's causing that much trouble, and it has made it's way into your stomach it would be considered an emergancy situation. Call the origanal surgeon back and see what can be done through him/her..

My insurance says 100lbs over weight or a bmi of 40 or higher with no comorbidities. Or 35 or higher with comorbidities. If you are unsure what they are asking for call the insurance company and talk to a representative. They can explain it better to you, and don't be afraid to ask what they need from you. Through my insurance "Aetna" they require a bmi of 40 or higher with no comorbidities or 35 or higher with comorbidities. If you fall in the catagory then contact the surgeon you plan to use if you are approved and get a consult if they feel insurance would approve you then they will start you on your next step. For my I have 3 months of a charted diet/exercise program I have to complete with my doctor. I have to meet with the dietician and have a pysh eval done. I have met with my doctor to get started with the charting. I have had the pysh eval done. Now I am waiting on the dietician to call me to set up an appoinment. After I meet with her and I finish the next 3 months being charted. We will submit to insurance and hope to be approved with the first letter. Call your insurance 1st and find out what exactly they expect or need from you to get you started.. It never hurts to get a consult to see what they can do to help you find out more info. Best of Luck to you..

I am 4 months away from having surgery "if the insurance approves 1st time" and I to have had the fear of missing food, but you know my doctor told me that with the lap band you want to continue on with your normal foods that you eat everyday. You just won't be able to eat as much. Spread it out over 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day and go from there. Pizza will be a no no, but treating yourself to 1 slice once in a blue moon will give you the satifaction you are wanting. I know that I have to make changes and sacrifice the joy of the good tasting food, but I am willing and prepared. I will continue with a normal diet "chicken, fish, vegies, etc." I started dieting and joined a gym a month ago I have managed to loose 4 lbs on my own in 1 month. Not much but atleast I am working towards a happy healthier me. It's going to take a lot to get into the mindset of Portions and snacking. Snacks are allowed, but only healthy nutritional snacks that limit you calorie intake. Don't fear the loss of food look at it as a step to a new life. Food is what got you to the place you are at, and will continue to hold you back unless you make the choice to move past the want for food..