margo281

I just got off the phone with Dr. Storeys office (Houston) and they told me that after 6 months with them and being monitored by a dietician and exercise they will submit it to the insurance company. I am not willing to wait 6 more months. I told the girl I would be dead by then. Did anyone have to wait like that? Is that the norm? How absurd for them to even say that! If people could get the weight off by just watching what they eat then they could just waive their magic wand and it would be done now wouldn't it!!??!! It's not like getting fat has happened to me overnight, I have been battling weight all my life and with hypothyroidism thrown in there to mix it all up. Its not like lap band surgery is a quick fix for goodness sake its still major surgery and I don't think anyone out there thinks its an easy solution. But how freaking fat do you have to get before enough is enough? Sorry to rant an rave but this is frustrating!

I am new to the forum and just began checking out the lapband procedure. My husband and I are both looking into the procedure and are currently looking into doctors in the Houston Texas area. We have BlueCross blue shield of Texas and according to their benefits book will cover lapband beginning in 2007. I am currently at 36 bmi (but weigh about 100 lbs more than ideal weight) and my hubby at 38 bmi. I have thyroid disease and he has many other health problems that make him an ideal candidate for the procedure including weight induced diabetes. I need some help and direction about the procedure, good doctors in my area and life after the band. Thanks for the info....

I have BCBS of Texas and they have just approved lap band through the federal health plan on the PPO side. One catch is that they have to be over the 40 BMI in order to have it done or under 40 but have one or more co-morbidities. I am only at 37 BMI (but 100 lbs overweight) and don't have any co-morbidities to speak of..... Any suggestions?

I made my appointment with Dr. Spiegel for next week and they are supposed to call me back with information about my insurance. I have continued to read all the posts and am having some hesitation about Dr. Spiegel. There are some people here who are complaining about him here in Houston. Any thoughts?

The amount has to be over 7.5% of your income in order to claim it on taxes. The first 7.5% percent you basically get to eat it. (Sorry, pardon the pun)

Thanks for the info about BCBS. I called them to check on the costs of the procedure and they had not even gotten the rate sheet in for the new year. Fortunately I have the benefits book and they did FINALLY approve it for 2007, so I have it in writing.

Wow you sound adventurous! Weren't you afraid to have it done in Mexico? Unfortunatley I can not pay out of pocket. BCBS is just now including the lapband in 2007 after a psychological exam. That is all they are requiring and a 10% copay on allowed amount, but no one seems to be able to tell me how much I can expect it to be. Any help there?