I Am Devastated...

[aimzee 1]

In 2005 I had a lap-band placed. Lost about 100 pounds, had a baby and a bad slip. 2009, new lap-band placed I have never had restriction in this 14cc band that is filled to 13.5 cc. Gained almost all weight back. I was just denied a revision to the sleeve but if I do a 12 month supervised diet they will look it over again and maybe approve the surgery. I have BCBS Cova care. I am so upset about this and cannot even imagine having to do another 12 month diet like i did when i was first banded....

[COnative 192]

Bummer. That sucks. Sorry this is happening to you! I didn't have insurance so I ran south of the border and did it there. I really hope you can get this done sooner rather than later. Hang in there.

[aimzee 1]

Thank you so much! I am giving myself today to mope and them I am going to do what it takes to get this done. I find it so unfair being that my lap band failed!

[Pookeyism 1,143]

Do the diet, do your best. Use the search engine here and the information from your medical provider to begin to understand what will be expected of you as far as information (history) to have. Get every little duck in a row that you can.

Now - this is financial advise and I am in no way an expert, nor do I know you - it is just a suggestion.

Do not start putting away for a college fund, bo not buy the new car - cut every corner you can and literally put it all away - check with yoru 401k and see if you can take a loan againt it, etc...

If in a year you are still denied or it looks like you are going to still be a long ways away from getting approved, you will be that much closer to being able to afford it on your own without the insurance. For every dime you can put away in advance, you are going to save about 1/3 to 1/4 that much again trying for a medical loan or putting it on cards, etc.

Sometimes the feeling of making an effort, other than just the diet and "jumping through the hoops" seems to have gone along way twords making people feel less depressed during a long medical insurance battle - it isn't a statistic, it is what I have gleamed from people via blogs, posts, and conversations.

Good luck.

[aimzee 1]

Thanks I really appreciate the advice. I actually have been saving for a new car and i said well I guess i can drive the one i have for a few more years!

[Patienlywtng on my Curves 73]

Aimzee, sorry to hear about the delay, but do the very best you can in making progress and watch how swiftly things happen.

That is great advice given, Pookey!

[Justsleevin49 12]

I never was banded, but insurance required Physician guided diet for 1 year. I nearly gave up even trying that, but hubby and I went together. Made it through 9 months, lost only 30 lbs, and gained all back within 6 months. Called insurance again. They gave me all the information my primary care physician should include in a letter to them. I told insurance rep. that I only did 9 months on diet, she said "I'm telling you, SUBMIT it anyway and write your own letter about everything you've tried". I did, they approved. Don't give up and a year will fly by. Think of the experience you already have on how to get it done, not as another ordeal to get through.

[FDclerical 318]

awww im so sorry!can you appeal????

[aimzee 1]

Thank you all so much. I just got off the phone to start my 12 month diet and i will do that while I appeal I hope I can get rid of the 12 month thing or at least shorten it. I really need to move on from this lap band that does not work.... I am just so bummed... sigh!!!

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

My insurance excludes WLS and I cannot afford to self pay here in the States. I'm going South of the border to Mexico...

Amanda Rae