The Whole Process

Jigboy · February 4, 2008

What is the whole process for banding? I first was told to go to a seminar and I did that. I also went and met my doctor and had a physical and got my files from him for the past 18 months which really wasn't much. I filled out all the paperwork from the seminar and mailed it in and then didn't hear anything for awhile. I finally got something in the mail asking for more medical records since I really didn't have much. I am very large but to be honest, I haven't got sick that often and hardly ever go to the doctor. I just know it is coming with a father who is 65 and in and out of the hospital because of his weight issues. Anyway, the lady who handles the insurance also told me I had to have six months of diet under a doctors supervision. I informed her she was wrong because I had already checked into that twice. It was a rule but that was in 2006, not 2007 or 2008. She said she would turn my stuff into Humana and if it was bad news I would hear something within a week. Within two days I got a call and started the slow process. I met with the psycologist, dietician and nurse. I was then sent for a sleep test, which of course I failed, so now I have this beautiful mask I sleep with. I do sleep got now though, and my wife loves the no snoring now. Last week I got my call to meet my surgeon. My appointment isn't until late February, but at least I have that appointment. What is next after that normally? I guess what makes me nervous is all the talk about people being rejected by their insurance late in the process. I thought I was clear to go, but I guess I still have to be cleared for surgury. After all this stuff and all the upfront cash I have had to put up, along with my time, I would just die if I got turned down. I guess I just panicked some after reading some other post especially since I don't have heart problems or problems yet like others.

jaunderwood · February 4, 2008

Hello Jigboy,

I too have Humana isurance. I had to have the 6mo. of supervised diets. The time will pass ,but I know it seems such a slow process. I started this journey last January with a few twists and turns I'm finally scheduled for surgery on Feb.26th!! Hooray!! Hang in there. It will be worth it in the end.

jaunderwood from Ky.

Jigboy · February 4, 2008

I don't understand the six month diet deal because I first heard about it back at the seminar and imediately called Humana and they said no, that they got rid of that in 2006 for my plan. I then heard from the doctor's office and they said I would have to have it. I again called Humana and they told me the exact same thing they had told me before. Maybe it is different for different plans. My wife and I are both government employees so are insurance is very cheap, so we have the very best plan you could get. I hope I don't have any insurance problems but I will deal with them as they come. One good thing is the Dr. I am using is an old high school friend and we played football together. Maybe he will try to help a little more but who knows.

AlisaH · February 4, 2008

Congrats on deciding to begin this journey! I am just over 3 weeks out from my surgery and feeling great, it is so worth it, even if it takes a while to get there! As for the insurance, just keep checking and also work with the surgeon's office is you can, they are experts on what needs to be approved in advance and should be able to help with that too. As for all of the approvals, yes there are several, I had to first have a referral from my primary care physician, then an approval to meet with the surgeon, then another approval to have all of the dietician, etc.. meetings, and then the approval for the surgery itself and then just last week, the approval for the band adjusts. Your insurance should send you something each time the approvals go though and your surgeon's office would initiate those requests. Now, I do have a different insurance, Anthem, also with a gov't agency, so be sure to do your homework, but if you meet the NIH standards for bariatric surgery then you should be approved, even if you have to go through the doc supervised diet.

Hang in there! As long as it may take, it is SO worth it!