Suzanne32750

Hi there,I have just started my new weight loss journey. I have my first appointment with my surgeon next Friday. It was my primary care doctor who told me about the LapBand and that my insurance would cover the whole thing. WOW.. So I called my insurance "Tricare Prime" and confirmed. As long as I chose a doctor on their list and I was at least 100 pounds overweight they said it would be covered. So I called my pc doctor, had them submit the referral request. Once it was approved (5 days) then I called Dr. Jawabs office and spoke to the new patient rep. I ask a lot of questions about the finance part of the surgery. I then called my insurance and found I was approved for 4 visits. Once I see the doctor, they will then submit request for surgery. Once that is approved I will be good. I will have to pay $250 for the education fee, $100 for pre-op fee and $12 - $25 for overnight at the hospital. Not sure why Tricare does not pay for edu/pre-op fee when they approve the surgery fee... but I look at it as a small price to pay for help with my weight. Just a little about me, I am 52, unemployed for a year now. Seems I have the right qualifications for a job, but either my age or my weight keep me from getting a job. So I have decided to opt for the LapBand and get my life back in check. I quit smoking (was up to 1 1/2 - 2 packs a day) two weeks ago. I switched over to the electronic cigarette and it has helped so much. I figured if I was going to give up shoveling food, all the bad types (my fav) into my mouth for the rest of my life. Then I could give up smoking after 46 years. I do have days that I miss smoking so much, but I have not cheated. So I know that there will be days in the beginning of post op that I will miss food.  The electric cigarette is a tool to success and so is the LapBand. The hard part will be all up to me.I have enjoyed reading your posts, enjoyed the ones on YouTube also. You all are an inspiration to me. This includes the ones who were not successful with the LapBand either because you were not in the right mind set to not cheat and follow directions or because you had an unfortunate medical issue. I will check in as time goes by, I am sure I will have questions. Peace, love and health,Suzanne