Hello Missouri

[shellysms 0]

does anyone have it? Please!! thanks!

[RJB 0]

Sorry, I thought that was you it dident sound like a problem that dr.malley would have. My first post op appiontment is sept.1. Hows your progress so far and do you live in gladstone like me. RJB

[CandySmooch 0]

no I live outside of Lee's Summit. I've only lost 33lbs in a year. I'm looking to check into another apointment with Dr. Malley soon. I have good restriction and I'm excercising 3 times a week, watching my diet. But still have yet to see steady weight loss. My 33lbs have all come off in chunks. First couple of months lost 10lbs........stalled for several months through adjustments. Somehow lost another 10lbs.......stalled for many more months........somehow lost another 10lbs give or take a couple pounds here and there. I'm thinking about taking a diet pill to boost my metabolism. I also think that working night shifts for 7 years straight has a lot to do with it as my body is constantly going against its natural cycle. I'll soon be transfering to a day shift and I'm hoping that will jump start my weight loss again.

[RJB 0]

I am sure switching to days will be very a positive change for your body and weightloss. You will be shocked on how you feel more alive when you work normal hours and how quick you adjust.

[PattiCakes 0]

Hi THelen, I saw that you asked why you had to go to Sedalia for your WLS, the reason is that Medicare only approves WLS at a Center Of Excellence (a distinction the government adheres to)....In our area (I live in Warrensburg) Sedalia is the ONLY center of exc. You can go to Obesityhelp.com and you will see Dr. Hornbostle. His mandatory seminar is on October 3rd at 6pm at Bothwell hospital and his number is (660) 827-0423. I have been to the seminar and I am now waiting on my appt. It takes about 2 months just to get your first appt. after the seminar, so the sooner you get started the better. I went in July and he was scheduling surgeries for December! He seems like a nice guy, just kind of "abrupt" when he speaks....maybe arrogant, I can't quite put a finger on it, and he may be different one on one. He has tons of experience and seems to know what he is doing. I don't have tons of info for you just because I am still waiting. However, he told me himself that Medicare is the EASIEST insurance to get approval through. I am kind of worried about being denied because I am only 34.8 BMI. (Of course, a nervous wait will put me over that! LOL)

Anyway, PM me if you need anything! Hope this helps!

[Leanie 0]

Hi everyone in Missouri! I am in St. Louis and hoping to get banded before the end of the year. I have just been approved with my insurance, and my doctor is a busy bee, so I have to be patient. I would love to be in contact with other pre or post-bansters.

[Leanie 0]

Does anyone have United Health PPO insurance? I have sleep apnea, had a total knee replacement and working on the other one and I am at least 95 pounds over my ideal weight. Would these be considered serious enough problems for the insurance to cover lap band surgery.

You need to have at least 2 co-morbities if your BMI is under 40. You probably have more than two. You should be approved. It may take time. Keep the faith and make sure all your necessary paper work is submitted and no loop holes needing to be filled in. It takes time for you to fill out all the paper work. I went back into my IRS papers to remember what went on and when. It helped me remember when I saw so and so and what for. Not easy to do, but gives you the added chance before you send papers off to your doctor. A good Doctor and staff will do the work, and you just need to follow up with UHC to make sure the application is on board, and know when it has been approved and a letter has been sent back to your doctor showing insurance approval. If not approved, what more do thay need? Then it is just a hop, skip and a jump through some tests, a consultation, and you have a date!

[2bthinagn 3]

Hi everyone, I'm have decided to have the lap band surgery, but I'm having such a hard time getting started. I live in Kansas City Missouri area, I have BSBS Blue Advantage insurance & also medicare. Medicare will cover but I was told I have to go to Sedalia for seminar & surgery. Is there anyone out there with the same problem I'm having?

I talked to a Dr office in the south part of Kansas City that is hoping to get approved by Medicare very soon. I am on there waiting list I can get the number for you. I was in the process in February, my secondary was going to pay then Medicare said they would cover. BUT, I had to have a "Center of Excellance" do it. Now I am at square one. The Dr in south KC is the best news I have had!

[willow5880 1]

Hi everyone in Missouri! I am in St. Louis and hoping to get banded before the end of the year. I have just been approved with my insurance, and my doctor is a busy bee, so I have to be patient. I would love to be in contact with other pre or post-bansters.

Who is your Dr.? I too want to have my surgery by the end of the year. I'm going to see Dr. Van Wagner on 10/3(hopefully to schedule). I am self pay so I won't have to fight with ins. co. That's a pro and a con all rolled into one!

:faint:

[jumbojet 0]

hay every one it is nice to have others to be suportive, first off dr malley is not out of biz, he has an office in kansas city kansas at 5820 lamar ave ste 200 mission ks 66202 phone 913-492-2530 and dose surgery at menorah medical center 5701 w 119 th st overland park ks as far as after care he dose work with any one but he puts his patiants first because i was going to go to mexico not now i will be banded in two days by dr malley at menorah hope this info helps and i have herd nothing but good things about dr mally hope every things kool like i said in two days its my turn kind of nurvous and happy at the same time take care every one :biggrin1:

[nick1030 0]

Dr. Lopez phone # is 913-647-3999

[theboogansgirl 0]

Dr. Lopez did my band in January '06 and I haven't been sorry for a day! (Minutes when I want to binge yes..lol..but not a whole day!) We had a major suprise...after 12 years of 'no more children' we got pregnant in May! I'm happy to report that I'm still losing even being pregnant and the baby is doing awesome! (Due January 29th......just after my bandiversary!)

Anyway..any Misourians who are interested please feel free to buzz me here or on yahoo messenger at this same username and I'd love to visit w/ you about it!!!!!!!

Did I mention that Dr. Lopez is AWESOME??????????!!!!!!!!!!!???????????? Get to know him and his staff, you will be forever greatful as I am!

[jumbojet 0]

well felow missouri banders tomorow is d-day in around 12 hours i will join the banded its kool when other people get worked on but this time its me its been a long 3 years trying to get to this point so ill see you on the banded side 9/28/06

[ChristineW 0]

I am having trouble finding a Dr. in the St. Louis Area, Dr Darin Minkin has done the procedures of a few people I know and they are very Pleased. He is now out of network for UHC - EPO Insurance.

I have attended the seminar at NEW START, who claims I am not covered, calling UHC, they state that I am, . THe people that I know who had the surgery with DR. MINKIN ( before he went out of network a few months ago) have the same insurance I do with the same Company. I am not sure where to turn...

Any one know anyone doing the surgery in St. Louis not associated with NEW START, or that accepts UHC-EPO insurance, as it is a covered surgery.:faint:

Please tell where to turn.

Thanks

[Chris61 0]

Christine W:

Have you talked to the people at Depaul Hospital to see if you are coverd?

Have you talked to doctor Milkin and try to work out a deal for payment etc. since you are out of network? You never know what they might be willing to do for you. Also there is some financing options. Also take into consideration that you could take it off you taxes in regards to what insurance does not pay for.

If you have any questions e-mail me at vcw61@excite.com or on this site.

Chris in St. Louis

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