Getting Started

[mark! 449]

Hey everyone, Mark here from Texas. I'm 27, 370 pounds and just started realizing that I can't do this alone. I've gone from 424 to 370 over the past 5 years, up and down, back and forth and haven't been able to maintain weight loss and progress. My first seminar is later tonight, so hopefully all will go well. I'm excited/anxious/nervous at the whole process.

I have a few questions though if anyone would be able to help me out. Well, really one question right now. I'm pretty sure I'll have to do the 6 month monitored weight loss program. If during that time I have moderate success, does the insurance company say ok, just keep doing that and go from there and deny the surgery?

[kbliss78 123]

I hope the seminar went well for you last night. I think as long as you the minimum requirements for the surgery it will still be covered. When I was trying to get insurance to cover it, as long as I didnt lose below 40 BMI and still had a comoriblity, how much I lost during the 6 month thing wouldnt matter. I was in no risk of going under 40 at that time.

However, I ended up not having to do the 6 month diet b/c I went self pay. Insurance continued to deny.

Best of luck on your journey. I am 2 months post op and very very happy. I have lost 25 - 30 lbs (depends on which scale). It is not as much as others but I am very happy.

[mark! 449]

I checked my BMI after posting this, there's no way I'd be able to get under 40 BMI in 6 months. If you don't mind me asking, why did the insurance turn you down? I'm worried about the whole insurance thing, hopefully it won't be a nightmare like others have described.

[JustDoIt130 369]

Hi Mark- I too had to do the 6 month thing- and I do believe they took my starting weight and my 2 year weight history (not pretty, LOL).

My insurance turned out to be pretty easy- but I was very on top of it. For the 6 month thing, make your appointments around the same day each month and DO NOT SKIP a month or they'll start you over!!! And see the same person each time.

I had a high bmi- just over 50- and only lost a few lbs during my 6 months- not really trying, not really not trying, if you know what I mean. I was banded on 1/26/12 and have lost 61 lbs so far. I follow the "rules," for the most part (really have to eat slower though, that's a struggle), and I am a dedicated exerciser now.

It is the best thing I've ever done, I feel that I will be successful this time, not only losing but in actually keeping it off!!!

[radarluv 59]

not every insurance makes you diet. mine did not. it is an agreement with my company and uhc. some only do 3 as well.

[mark! 449]

I too have UHC, we'll just have to see how my company has things set up. My seminar was scheduled for today, but as we were sitting there a nurse came in and said the Dr got tied up, so instead they're going to do one and one consultations for us each, so I'm happy with that. It'll likely be next week before that will take place though.

[TexasJeff 179]

I have UHC and the 6 months was waived. No diet plan either.

[Annette 9/2012 15]

Hey Jeff,

Welcome to our support network of "bandsters" you will find out so much information if you search the entire website. All of us are here for the same reason "weight loss and get healthy" so that we can lead a long "active" lifestyle. Also, you might want to check out "youtube" many people record live about their weight loss journey of all kinds of things related to food choices or exercise hints or just to vent out their fustrations. One thing you will find out that this surgery is "not" a cure all for our obesity and you will have to WORK at it and follow the rules to be successful. 1) start on your healthy eating 2) get into a exercise plan. 3) Have your family in the household "on the same track" which means they are there to support you!

I have been on my 6th month preop for insurance purposes for my lapband in September. In January, I have started with my "new lifestyle and mindset" to get ready for this procedure. I understand that once this lapband get's placed-I am responsible how sucessful my weight loss will be! You can view my profile for my journey. My doctor wanted me to lose 10 pounds before surgery and I have done that to date.

I wish you the best in your weight loss journey.

Annette

[mark! 449]

I just called my insurance company and everything appears to be going well. I have 2 consultations set up, one will be free since the seminar was cancelled, and I'm also setting one up with Dr. Kim since he's got a very good reputation. I'll have to complete the 6 month diet. What did everyone here use for that? Did ya'll just go to a nutritionalist and work on a diet plan there? I'm working with a certified nutritionalists, and have been for a month now. Do you reckon they would allow that time to be added in to my 6 month requirement?

[mss924 8]

Hi Mark, I ended up having to do the 6 month diet for insurance and had no prob. I was surprised on how quickly the insurance came back with an approval. I heard back within two or three hours after the dr office summited it on line. I have BCBS. Had surg on 3/15/12! Good luck and keep your head up!

[mark! 449]

I've heard BCBS has great insurance, I'm hoping that what the nurses say at one of the Dr's I'm looking at are right, and that they get quick approval from UHC. In two weeks I'm gonna be busy, seeing 3 different doctors, will see which I like the best and move forward with them.