Lizstar319

New poster here! Just got word yesterday that my insurance approved the surgery, and I am all set to go for Sept. 23rd! I'm Liz from NYC, and I'm 31 years old. Have been overweight/obese for at least the last 20 years. I seriously started looking into LB about a year ago, but didn't actually make it to a seminar until December. I found out for sure that my insurance required the 6 month supervised diet, and also that the surgeon's office I chose (NYU Medical Center in NYC) had just added this component to their practice, so I was able to do it all in house. Started the 6 month program in January, completed it in July, and then the surgeon's office submitted me last week. I start my pre-op liquids (2 weeks) on September 9th, and am planning to use Carnation Instant Breakfast (the powder, not pre-made). It's something I already love, so I won't be throwing away money on something I might hate. Not so sure how much I'll love it after 6 a day for 2 weeks, though :biggrin: I'm excited and nervous to start this journey, but can't wait! Very glad I made this choice. I started a blog (am planning on writing more often as I progress), and would love to be part of the September 2010 Bandsters! Tales from the Band

Hi everyone, I'm just getting started on my Quest to be approved by United. I am seeing my PCP next week, who has previously told me she is on board with the surgery if it's what I want. I'd like to provide her with a sample letter of referral/recommendation for the surgery so that she can model mine after that. Does anyone know where I can find samples (I've looked a bit, but none seemed to be that type of referral), or would anyone be willing to share theirs? I can be emailed at Lizstar319@yahoo.com Thanks so much in advance! Liz

I am also in NYC, and have been thinking about this quite heavily for the past few days. I have been overweight my entire adult life, and while I have had success with WW a few times in the past, nothing has worked long term. My BMI hovers between 39 and 40 (depending on how my week went). My doctor has been on me to lose weight for years, and recently my gyn asked me if I had considered lap band. I said no at the time, but have reconsidered. I spoke with my ins co today, and they said under my policy I AM covered, I just need to find out what the specific requirements in order to be approved are. (Why they couldn't tell me that, I have no idea..) A friend who also had WLS suggested a dr who I believe is affiliated with NYU Med Ctr, so hopefully once I see my PCP, and get her OK, then I will be moving forward! (Sorry to jump in, this thread just kind of resonated with me!)