Considering the lapband

[MR.NOBELLY75 0]

I started out weighing around 308 about a year ago/i started working out with a trainer and lost weight.looking good feeling good.working out everyday weights and cardio.eating what i should be eating,and also treating myself every now and then.as i think u should lol...anyway about 5-6 months ago i lost all motivation due to a life change that was greater than the life change i chose a year before.slowly i started to feel the weight come back.i get in the mood to work out and run all the things i had come acustom to doing.only for a short time.and i watch what i eat.but its like when i eat i eat waaaaayyyyy to much.i just had patatoes,sliced tomatoes.and asparigus,with lazanga.i dnt know what my deal is i wanna lose weight be healthy and fun doing it,i have been considering the lapband as maybe a way to help me eat less and maybe some motivation.its like i would have something there as a reminder maybe even a slap on the hand per say.........any way thats my story in short...............anybody here thats in the same boat or have any information for me?i have not seen a doctor yet or have any idea about this entire process.i do know that im hoping my insurance will pay for this.or at least a portion....thanks for having me look forward to meeting some new people with the same ideas.......MR.NOBELLY75

[Jess55 97]

I am in your boat too. I was 307 prior to doing jenny craig for 3 years and lost 70lbs. I too lost interest only to gain back 55 of those pounds in 5 months. I then joined weight watchers and started off good, went off program around the holidays gained weight and can't get that weight back off. I need a kick in the ass to motivate me more. I start off the day eating right and then some days it just goes downhill because I get hungry.

I feel like I am ready to contact a surgeon, but am worried I won't get approval because I have not even sen a PCP in like 3 years.

I hope you and I both decide to go for it. I know I am very unhappy where I am right now. I am 260 and the high end of my ideal body weight is 140. So I need to do something.

[tnwhite2001 2]

I was in that same boat...only I'm heavier. I did weight watchers, started working out everyday. Did everything in my power to lose weight and lost 94 pounds. Then crisis struck my life and I felt like I needed the emotional salve of food more than I needed to be healthy. I gained it all back plus some.

When I went for my first consult I weighed 374 pounds. I lost 30 pound prior to surgery. I just had my surgery last week and I have to say that I can already feel the difference. It is, like you said, I slap on the hand every time I want to reach for something I know I shouldn't eat. I haven't started working out yet, but that is the next step. I want to wait until I'm healed a little more. I think the surgery is totally worth it and, if your insurance will cover it (mine covered 80%), I would go for it.

Best of luck to you!

[settebee 11]

Hey Jess!

After reading your comment, it sounded a lot like me. I was considering the surgery and worried bc I haven't been to the doctor in years and "my insurance won't pay". What insurance do you have? In most cases your insurance requires 2 to 5 years of medical records, but you can use your jenny craig as records too. Don't be discouraged! I'd look into different weight loss surgeons in your area. You have nothing to lose! :thumbup: Good luck!

[Jess55 97]

Hey Jess!

After reading your comment, it sounded a lot like me. I was considering the surgery and worried bc I haven't been to the doctor in years and "my insurance won't pay". What insurance do you have? In most cases your insurance requires 2 to 5 years of medical records, but you can use your jenny craig as records too. Don't be discouraged! I'd look into different weight loss surgeons in your area. You have nothing to lose! Good luck!

I have Empire Blue Cross Blue shield. I tried contacting through e-mail my insurance and they said I would need to request it in writing with a code number or through a doctor. I was trying to find out what the requirements were. I have made a Dr. appointment for 2 weeks with a PCP. I'm thinking I should go to that first prior to contacting a surgeon. I hope I can use my Jenny Craig and WW history towards it. My sister is planning on getting married next fall and wants me in her wedding, but I really don't want to the way I am now.

[settebee 11]

Jess,

Today is your lucky day! I actually saved the codes they are as follows: The CODE for LAP-BAND® for insurance purposes is CPT 43770, diagnosis code 278.01: morbid obesity.

I understand wanting to look amazing for ur sister's wedding. Next summer my husband and I are renewing our vows on the beach, so I want to look sharp. Ha!

Going through ur pcp is smart, but to me it's timing consuming. I rather go straight to the source, but u r more patient than me. :eek: Good luck and keep me posted. Suzette

[Jess55 97]

OMG! Thank You so much! I will write a letter tomorrow. I hope they are the same for my insurance. I might end up calling the surgeon I found tomorrow and check if he takes my insurance and maybe make an appointment.

[settebee 11]

You're so very welcome!

Honestly, I'd just show up. Ha! That's what I did. I told the lady behind the counter I was interested in the lapband. She took my license and insurance card, made copies and gave me a packet to fill out. I turn it in and thank her. She stops me and says oh your insurance specialist will come out and talk to u on what ur insurance covers. I talked with the insurance specialist for 20 minutes if that and she gave me the chose 6 month diet with pcp or 3 month with the surgeon. I took the 3 month plan, and she gave me everything I needed to do each month! Ha! Easy! What city and state do u live in?

Suzette

[Jess55 97]

I live in Islip (on Long Island), NY

[slow_but_steady 0]

I wish you the best of luck! When I considered the surgery back in February and discussed it with my husband, he was all for it until I told him the cost. Then he whoa!! He said I'd have to wait for a while. That is when I found this site. I had no idea that insurance would cover the cost. I went to see my PCM, he got the referral from my insurance. Two weeks later I saw the surgeon, they got the go ahead from my insurance the very next day. Each insurance company has different requirements you must accomplish prior to surgery so I quickly fulfilled all of mine and then BAM! I was scheduled for surgery on the 24th of May. If I could do this so can you...I'm the queen of procrastination.

[healthydesire 0]

I am brand new to this site and am considering the lapband surgery...more than a little nervous about it. I weigh 253...should weigh 135. I am anxious to learn more.