SuzKelly

Well, I am not sure if this is what you are referring to, but MY insurance company requires 6 months of consecutive weight loss attempt through doctor, or weight loss clinic or whatever. And it stipulates that said documentation must be WITHIN the last 4 years. I don't have anything within the last 4 years, even thought I have made SEVERAL attempts to lose, have lost, and gained all back PLUS. This means I will have to be on some weight loss program for 6 months before being approved. :w00t:

Sorry...I, like all the others understand your frustration. I have HMO - so I need 6 months of documented weight loss effort. :w00t: I've been to Weight Watchers more times than I care to count - and had a couple of 6 month stints. Doesn't matter cuz I don't have anything to document it AND it wasn't within the last 4 years that my insurance requires :blushing: I went to my PCP last night (my back is giving me fits) and I asked him if there was *any* way to get around that 6 months thing. He told me no So WHO knows *when* and *if* I will ever get a band. hang in there.

I INHALE my food. I disgust myself. It's such a bad, rotten habit that has gotten worse over time. I am quite sure that would make for a very unpleasant experience with the band. Today I am making a very concentrated effort to chew and count my chews! It's amazing how much better things taste with proper chewing.

I know I am doing a lot of "going back and forth" in my mind now that I have decided to seek out surgical help. I guess I should try to go to a few different seminars...that's a great idea.

Has anyone just decided to go right to a sleeve rather than the band? I have that swimming around in my brain today....

:sneaky: After I posted this I clicked on the hyperlink and signed up on that site. Yes I definitely to arm myself with as much info as possible. I was so set on the idea of the band - then today I have read some things that have me wondering...... Going to seminar on the 14th - hope they discuss a bit of both...we'll see. thanks for the replies.

Ok I went to PCP yesterday and discussed me being a candidate for the surgery. He was supportive of it. Told me who to get in touch with. St. John Weight Loss - Dr. Hawasli. I will have to do a 6-month supervised diet / exercise routine. I am little bit disappointed in that. I mean the reason I have decided to seek this is I have hit my rock bottom. I know it's not the magic wand for weight loss or the quick fix. BUT I've been down that road so many times I've lost count. And now lately everytime I try to "eat right and do right"..I tank out after a week. I am tired. I need to get a good amount of weight off so that I can feel better physically and be able to exercise. Sigh. I am going to a seminar on Sept 14.

Oh My Goodness! Check out this article I found: Lap Band Surgery Insurance Coverage Guidelines I now understand....Sheesh. I have been racking my brain over this.

:biggrin: I hear ya buddy! Good Luck. I just got an appt for my consult (sept 26) Yay! So I got the ball rolling anyhow!!

Omg - that's awesome!!! congrats :biggrin: I wonder why some insurances do not require a time constraint???

Hi Again Courtney! Well, I guess I shouldn't call it problems, but my insurance requires a 6 month program for weight loss prior to being approved for surgery. :biggrin::confused: Um, gee. If it were that easy for me I wouldn't be seeking out surgical help ......this boggles me. I have read where other insurances do not require that. I get it - that this isn't something you just jump into. It's a serious step. But 6 months???????? I have hit my rock bottom - and finally gave in that I need some serious help with this issue. Anyhow - I am going to a seminar on Sept 14 ....and I just made my appt for the psychological exam for Sept 16. Waiting to hear back from the surgeon's office to schedule me for a consult. What kind of insurance do you have?

I am also new to the whole Lap Band idea. I went to my PCP yesterday and he was very supportive of the idea. After making phone calls today I see I have a lot of hoops to jump through. Good luck to you - I am sure you doctor will support your decision.

Hey Cathy = The surgeon's office told me that they cannot be the ones that have anything to do with my 6 month diet - it would be a "conflict of interest" to the insurance company I guess.

Congrats on your surgery date!!!!! I know you must be thrilled and excited!! What type of diet plan have you been following? I have no idea what to do there...go to my doctor or a clinic or what. What type of insurance do you have?? I have Blue Care Network (Michigan) It's the insurance that is requiring it. :biggrin: And now I am on the hunt for a psychologist for that exam... of course the only one on the list of numbers that I was given, I was told that they usually want you to come back 3 times. Anyone ever have that happen? I am a bit lost right now.

Hi there. I have been seriously thinking about WLS for a couple of months now. I have been leaning more towards the Band. So I call my insurance company and find out that it's covered 100% *IF* I am approved. I've been fighting with my weight most of my life. I've lost 50+ lbs 3 times only to gain it all back PLUS, not to mention all of the other attempts and losing 20 or so...then tank out and gain it back. I am tired of the fight. I am 45 years old and have 2 young children (9 yrd old boy and 5 yr old girl) I am horrible shape. I am 5'11" and 295 lbs. My knees kill me. Now I am having problems with my feet :frown: I cannot live like this any longer. I really feel I have hit rock bottom. Going to see my PCP tomorrow about my foot - I think I have that plantar fascia Or however that's spelled, and I am going to ask him what he thinks about my being a candidate for the band. I have to be honest, the thing about having to diet for 6 months really makes me feel sad at this point. My thought is, if I could do that and stick with it for 6 months then why seek out the help ..the tool that the band offers. I realize that the Band isn't a magic wand and that I will have to work hard, but I really think it's the tool that will help me achieve my goal weight and help me to stay there. I just don't feel I have the fight in me to go through the 6 months deal at this time. I am tired of fighting. Know what I mean? I Know I sound terrible saying this. But I am at a LOW point ..... Any feedback would be apprecaited. Sorry about the whining. Suzy from the Detroit area.

So glad to hear that you are doing well. 22 lbs makes a different in how you feel doesn't it. Good for you!!...I wish you much success in your journey!!!

Wow, good for you. Reading your entry just makes me want this all the more.

Yes, that's true that the time will go by anyhow. It's just that since I have decided that this is what I want to do..I want it NOW!! Wah. (ok being funny there, I know that's not how it works) How are you doing? You just recently got banded I see..... Actually my husband's sister is interested, too. I am going to see if I can find a seminar for us both to attend together.