BooCakes

I just finished my 3 month program. I was bummed I had to do it at first, but decided to really do it and I have lost 32 pounds so far. So, I feel like it gave me a big head start. I did ask the nurse if I should slow down or maintain till approval and she looked at me like was I crazy and was like "no, they love to see your losing weight". She said my Insurance actually wants to see that. I don't have any co-morbidities either, but my BMI is in the upper 40's, so for those who weight less and are close to the BMI cut off I totally understand why your worried, I would be too (and still am honestly). I also think they submit you with your original weight. I have my last appointment/consult on August 11th and then they will submit for insurance approval. I am really nervous, but I have taken this all very seriously and hope they see that I am preparing myself for this. I would ask your patient co-ordinator and nurse at the office. They are the ones who do this everyday and will be able to tell you what to worry about or not. It will give you peace of mind and allow you to get into this prep stage. I can't wait and just hope I get approved at this point!!!

I was wondering, do people with GERD still do the gastric banding and have it resolved, or is it more people get the band and develop GERD? If you had GERD before the band, I'd love to hear your experience and if it got worse or improved, as well as if you developed it after.

I just got my blood test back and my TSH level is 24.77 (normal is .3/.5 up to 3/5), so it's a good bit over. I have been taking Synthroid for years now and my levels were good about a year ago. So, I am kind of surprised at this. My family doc did up my dose and said to restest in 6 weeks. I have the end of my 3 month program July 1st and was hoping for a July Insurance Approval and August surgery. Has anyone else had this happen or had a high TSH level and had issues with getting surgery. I would think the surgery would help so hope it won't interfere with the plan me and my doctors office have been working on. :blushing:

Hi Joan, Thanks! I am gonna call them. Also, if your TSH levels are high they actually have to INCREASE your meds. It's confusing how it works, you might be confusing it with one of the other thyroid levels. Here's a good article that explains it (for anyone interested): Thyroid Blood Tests: Understanding Low TSH, High TSH, and Confusing Thyroid Test Results Anyway, thanks and I will give the office a call. Just wondering if anyone had this or went through this with surgery coming up. :wink:

How exciting Suzanne! As nerve wracking as it is, it's gonna be such a great day and start to a new you. I am finishing up my 3 month program in July and am hoping for an August / September surgery. So, I'll be shortly behind you. I'll be nervous and excited too. Good luck, it will be here before you know it!

I read this book too and thought it was great. Worth reading cause it's something that pertains to something your going through. Inspiring reading others doing it and succeeding, just like here on the board. :smile:

My doc said I'd need bloodwork but never a drug / alcohol screening. Is that normal? That's the first I heard that, I guess all docs are different. Anyhow, I hope it all worked out and is falling into place for you!!!

I am doing the 3 month multi-discipliniary program through Aetna POS II. I've never had a problem at all with anything with my insurance and have my fingers crossed it stays that way. The surgeon I am using is great and his office does ALL the paperwork, submitting etc. Which is nice on my end, I just have to show up to appointments. So, to get to my point/question, it says a physician supervised diet and "Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional". My insurance contact told me I didn't have to do this. Yesterday was my first appointment with the nutritionist and I was told by her the same thing. Did anyone else doing this particular program do or not have to do the "exercise regimen" and did you have any problems with approval? Thanks so much!!! JJ

I'm not banded yet, but ending up going with Reading Weight Management Center. I am having Dr. Ku perform the lap-band surgery and he has been really great so far, along with his office. Their office is very organized and does all the paperwork. So far, so good. I have just begun my 3 month program. JJ

Well, I don't have to do the physician supervised excercise program. I called and spoke with the patient coordinator and she laughed and for the third time told me "No". She said I am doing everything I need to for the 3 month program. She also said that my approval should go through pretty quick, and that they normally don't have problems with Aetna POS. I'm hoping she's right and I guess I'm just going on some faith her at this point. lol As far as my PCP, they just need a referral letter and the weight history which shouldn't be a problem. I love my PCP and have already spoke with him. I do have to do a nutrition program, which I had my first one Thursday. I have to see a nurse as well with each nutrition appointment. Don't ask me why? She said "your Aetna requires that". I have to do the Psych eval for my insurance and surgeon. I asked if I should be keeping or doing anything and she said they will handle all my records and submitting. So, I'm a little nervous, but this is the third time I've asked and been told. They are a super busy program, so I am sure she knows what she is doing. She is really on the ball with it too. So, let's hope in 3-4 months your not all saying "I told you so!". Thanks everyone though, I am glad I read your posts and called again today. I was just a little nervous and probably will be a little till I get approval. JJ

Yeah, I'm gonna get in touch and make sure. Your so right, I'll be real bummed to find out they were wrong or it was an oversight. Linda, I will have like a total of 135 pounds to loose too. I have to loose 15 pounds pre-surgery.

Yeah, I'm not telling either. Just my husband, mom and day, sister and bestfriend of 20 years. I can totally trust them and know they will be nothing but happy and supportive. I also agree with the one posted. I don't in anyway look at it as lying. Your medical choices and records are of private matter and we don't owe anyone any info we're not comfortable sharing. I often wonder if when I hit goal or something like that if I will tell people? I don't know. All I know is, everything I've read and am preparing for says I need to do the work to make it work, so it's not like we have some super "weight loss fountain" we took a dip in. We are putting in a lot of time and effort pre and post surgery and for life.

Hi! Well, I guess this is like my first official post! I am officially starting my 3 month pre-op program tomorrow with my first dieticians appt tomorrow. Went to an Orientation, had an appointment with my surgeon (who I really like so far) and tomorrow will be DAY 1 of my 3 month program. I am so excited and just can't wait to begin this journey. It took me a long time of researching and trying to decide, so I am excited and anxious to be on this journey. I've been lurking and love and value all of the posts and info I get here. JJ

Good luck to you! Sounds like a good start. I had to do a info meeting/orientation too and I couldn't believe how many people were there myself. I guess we really are not alone in this struggle. I have been through the range of emotions. When I had my one on one consult with my surgeon (2 weeks ago), I got a little emotional when we were going through my history. He was so wonderful and totally understood. I was just ashamed really that I've gotten to this point that I even need something like this. I am focusing on the positive though, that while I've gotten to this point, I am being pro-active in getting it under control!!! Best of luck to you! Hope to hear more of your journey. JJ

Congrats! That is wonderful and exciting news! I have read some on here and thought Aetna seemed pretty fair and easy to get approval in comparison to others. I am gonna have to keep doing my research though cause I didn't know they were one of the tougher ones :confused: That is who I have and I know my plan does cover it and requires the 3 month program. I am just now starting, but getting nervous. Anyway...best of luck on your journey to being healthy and thin! :w00t: