New to forum in Redding, CA

[beeblers 6]

Hi everyone,

I have lurked around this board while researching the band. Now I finally have a surgery date...10/26/07. Hope everything goes OK. Looking forward to everyones helpful suggestions and experiences!

Thanks for all of them so far. I am going to look up how to put the ticker on my profile.

[georgia girl 35]

Welcome!

Congratulations on your surgery coming up. I've been banded for about 4 weeks and everything is going great. I pretty much feel normal now so I'm excited to get my fill on Nov. 1st. Good luck and keep us posted.

Pamela

Banded 9-20-07

[Arin 0]

Congrats on your surgery date!! Are you being banded in Redding as well? I would love to hear about the program up there if you are. I am in the Chico area now, but have lived in Redding my entire life. Good luck on your journey, feel free to contact me if you want to chat!!

[juliegeraci 7]

Good luck with your surgery. I live in Gilroy, CA. I love being banded.

[beeblers 6]

Congrats on your surgery date!! Are you being banded in Redding as well? I would love to hear about the program up there if you are. I am in the Chico area now, but have lived in Redding my entire life. Good luck on your journey, feel free to contact me if you want to chat!!

Thanks,

They are starting up a new lapband program in Redding, CA. at Shasta Regional Medical Center. They have done GB for 5 years now, and are a center of excellence (which Blue Cross required). I will be the first or second patient my docter has banded. I am not afraid, it is Mark Nichols and he is a most excellent surgeon. He performs lots and lots of lap surgeries..some of the hardest, plus the proctor has done hundreds and will be there also every step of the way. It's like getting two doctors for the price of one! Dr. Nichols is one of our best trauma surgeons. ( I happen to work for the "other" hospital, but they don't do bariatrics there). So I will let you guys know what happens!

[Arin 0]

Wow! Thank you for the info. I know of the Dr., so that is good:) I requested some info, but have not received it as of yet. I have the option of going to either Redding or Davis, because I am right in the middle. It does worry me that he has done so few bands...I see your point about what a great surgeon he is though. Thank you for the update! I will be anxious to hear what you have to say along this journey, as I may be following right behind you!! Thank you for posting! I appreciate it more than you know!!

[Arin 0]

Hi, its me yet again:) I would have emailed you privately, but could not figure out how...I was just wondering how it was dealing with the insurance for the band? I too have blue cross, but I have a lower BMI than I think they like, but also have diabetes, and high cholesterol...Just curious about your insurance experience. Thanks again Brenda, I truly appreciate your posts!

[cindymom 0]

hi and good luck, I am also interested in your journey thru the insurance jungle, bcbs fed myself, wondering the ins and outs., good luck and love to hear your story along the way. cindy

[beeblers 6]

I would have to say I haven't had much of any experience with the insurance co. I called to see what was required back in May 07 and they said they covered lapband but had to be done at a center of excellence, they required a psych consult and nutrition consult. I didn't think to ask them about the BMI since mine is well within and I have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and asthma. (they probably HATE insuring me). Heck they would have don GB on me in a heartbeat. The program at SRMC did the insurance paperwork for me. I have not heard a peep. I still have my surgery date, and they just called yesterday to confirm the date and tell me they were sending the preop diet and prep instructions in the mail. I guess I am approved??? I have dual coverage (thru my hubby) it is BC also. All BC's are not created the same...for instance mine (primary) won't cover out of network AT ALL. Wheras, hubby's will at the "usual and customary" fee. So it all depends on your plan. Call em, find out, get a plan summary book. I may be jinxing myself but I haven't heard peep one from them.:zip: