Helloooooooooooo from Cincinnati!!

[Endora 0]

Hello there, Guys and Gals!

Two weeks ago I started researching everything online about having lap band surgery. In the back of my mind I kept saying, "Could this be it? Could this really be my shot of achieving my life-long dream of wanting to be thin?"

After much contemplation and research, I've concluded that it could be.

I've always been fat. All of my life. I won't linger on the trite details, but suffice it to say that I've never been thin. Ever. All of my siblings and my parents are thin. But not me.

Anyhow........I finally got up enough gumption to call my insurance company yesterday about coverage, and was devasted to find that they don't cover the procedure at all.

But I wasn't deterred.......much.

I went home and told the hubby that my insurance won't cover it because our group is too small. I have United Health Care. And, from everything I've read on various forums online, I got the impression that UHC is about the only insurance that WILL cover it.

But not mine. So, I told the hubby of my disappointment. He said, "Wait. Hold on a minute." Long story short, he got hired on his new job in August, and he now has United Health Care, and his company employs thousands of people, so it's a large group. With crossed fingers, I called his UHC customer service center last night and -- VOILA!!! -- they DO cover lap band surgery if you meet the BMI criteria of 35 or over. I'm at 39.9.

I'm not on his plan, however. So, hubby spent all morning enrolling me -- since it's open enrollment for him -- and I'm enrolled and effective as of 01-01-07.

I am so excited. It's like everything is falling into place. I've already chosen Dr. Brad Osborne at the Cincinnati Weight Loss Center and go for a free seminar on 11-16-06. I called their office this afternoon and found that he is NOT in network, however. The Cinti WLC is not in anyone's network. So, I called UHC again and asked what they cover for non-network doctors. They cover 70%, and my max payout is $2,400, so the most I would hafta pay is $2,400.

I can do that.

So, folks...........cheer me on. Clap for me. It's finally MY turn to be the thin person I know is inside of me under this fat. I'll post updates as I get them. I know that there will be setbacks, and I'm hoping to count on you good folks to help me along.

'Til then, I remain,

Hopeful in Cincinnati

[girlinnyc 0]

good luck hopeful! wishing you the best. i also have an upcoming appt (tomorrow) with the nutritionist and nurse at the surgeon's office. i called my insurance today--also UHC--and they said i have to send a few bits of information, and should get an answer about coverage within 30 days. in any case, i believe they pay for the hospital part--so if i have to pay the surgeon's fee myself--i can do that.

when's your first appt??

best wishes,

girlin

nyc

[FullofGRACE 0]

I think, but am not positive, so I wanted to share this. I'm in Dayton Ohio I had scheduled with the Cinci Weight Loss Center too in Union Center. Once I started reading testimonials on the website I noticed all the testimonials were from Washington. So I called back and asked and a new guy would be doing my surgery not the guy who has done most for this program. Do you know how many surgeries this guy has done. In this particular procedure, I understand that experience is essential to a successful outcome...most of the mortalities from the surgery is linked to surgeons who have low numbers. I am having Dr. Trace Curry www.thebanddoctor.com do mine and he has done the most of these east of the Misssisippi...just thought for such a big thing you might want to check him out as well as he is in your area.

[HarleyNana 10]

I'm not sure how many lapbands a doctor has done is as important as if he's qualified. I was my doctor's first lapband patient almost two years ago, no problems to date.

[tommygirl 0]

Hi,

I, too, was one of the first for my dr. I was nervous, but he is experienced as a surgeon, especially laproscopic surgery. All lapband doctors who are endorsed by Inamed (the maker of the band) have to be proctored (assisted) by an experienced lapband dr for the first few surgeries to make sure they have the procedure down. I don't think there are very many mortalities at all, I think it is less than a half a percent. Best of luck, I hope it all works out for you!

[FullofGRACE 0]

When I read the FDA reports and statistics and the new study that is set to come out that was provided to me by Dr. Simpson in AZ all deaths related to surgery were due to doctors who had done 20 or less...that speaks to experience to me.

[beversman 0]

Much applause... and congratulations!! :-)

I am in your same exact spot. Only I will be self paying.

I also am with Dr. Trace Curry (Deaconess hospital). He is by far the most experienced Dr. in Cincinnati and this region, and his office is connected to the hospital. Nothing is done in a "clinic." It is all done through the hospital.

www.thebanddoctor.com

He is a great doctor to talk to for a second opinion. He does not pressure you to do anything. He completely explains things and leaves the decisions up to you.

He is very informative, and in fact, he is Dr. C on THIS forum (website). He actually comes here to give all of the people advice and help. I don't see many other doctors taking time from their busy schedules to do that.

He really cares about the "person" not just the "patient." That makes a huge difference when undertaking a procedure like this where you will be making frequent trips to the doctor and will only have more questions as time passes.

Again, Trace Curry. Check him out. Experience is key.

Good luck to you!

[fnrthngsnlif 0]

Hi Beversman,

When are you scheduled for the procedure? I am in Springboro and I'm really considering going to Dr. C. I've gone to the free seminar at Southview but I do feel more comfortable with him after reading how many procedures he's done. He also trains other doctors from my understanding.

[oobiebus 0]

Hi all,My name is Trish,I too have had enough of this extra person i seem to have carried with me for more than 30 yrs,I have keystone health plan east,I hear from my family doc that if they deem it medically needed it will be covered,I also hear that they cover the extra skin surgery afterwards,oh wont that be great,GOOD NEWS ON THE 5 POUNDS<<WAY TO GO!!!! Anyone else have keystone insurance let me know,Have a great evening all,Trish