HI! New & need lots of advice!!

[Tampabrat22 0]

Hi everyone, I found this board and have been reading, reading, reading, but there is just so much info, it's overwhelming!! But it's a great place!

Here's my story...I'm 31 yrs old, was very slim (125-135 pds) until I had my first child at 20. I slowly started gaining weight that I could not lose no matter what I tried, finally found out I have thyroid issues. My 2nd child was born in 2002 and my 6 week check up after her birth was my last DR. visit (by this time I was around 240 pds). I have been without insur. since then and have not been able to see any Dr.'s.

My current weight is around 333 pds with a BMI of approx 55. I'm very interested in Lap Band. I will be getting married in January and he has Cigna HMO. We have been together 13 yrs but they will not allow me to be on his plan unless we are married, so it's time to do it! I want to get healthy for my kids.

I would love to know what I can start doing now to start this process? And would this even be an option for me since my last med. records are in 2002? Any advice?

[kris74745 0]

Hi everyone, I found this board and have been reading, reading, reading, but there is just so much info, it's overwhelming!! But it's a great place!

Here's my story...I'm 31 yrs old, was very slim (125-135 pds) until I had my first child at 20. I slowly started gaining weight that I could not lose no matter what I tried, finally found out I have thyroid issues. My 2nd child was born in 2002 and my 6 week check up after her birth was my last DR. visit (by this time I was around 240 pds). I have been without insur. since then and have not been able to see any Dr.'s.

My current weight is around 333 pds with a BMI of approx 55. I'm very interested in Lap Band. I will be getting married in January and he has Cigna HMO. We have been together 13 yrs but they will not allow me to be on his plan unless we are married, so it's time to do it! I want to get healthy for my kids.

I would love to know what I can start doing now to start this process? And would this even be an option for me since my last med. records are in 2002? Any advice?

Hi! I can relate to your weight gain. I weighed about the same as you did, and then had a few traumatic events in my life. I gained over 100 lbs. 60 lbs. due to anti-depressants. Anyway, I think it is different for every state and every insurance company. My insurance did not cover mine. My husband had it done, also. I would find out if there are any local seminars you can attend. That was the first step for me. Once that was over with, the process just rolled on! They have a pre-op diet of liquids: Slim-Fast, clear broths, and Protein shakes, and Vitamins. This is to shrink your liver. You will have to have a sleep study, so if you want to get that under way, go ahead. Some places require a note from a psychologist. If you see a psychologist, it wouldn't hurt to do that. You definitely can have the surgery, and I think you would be more than pleased with it! It takes time, but it is worth it! At first, it seems overwhelming, but take it one day at a time, and before you know it...you are banded! You should be able to call your insurance company and ask if they cover morbid obesity. Good luck to you and in whatever you decision you make!

Kristi:thumbup:

[IM_LORI 0]

Don't guess around with your insurance or ask others. CALL them and ask EXACTLY what is covered. Some plans have exclusions on weight loss surgeries. (mine) If it is covered, ask EXACTLY what information is needed for approval. Get it in writing, email, fax, etc....... Take that to your bariatric surgeon, and most offices are great at manipulating the data to meet insurance requirements. Your BMI is high enough where you should qualify if the surgery is an allowable benefit. Some people who are around 35-40 can get caught in the trap of not being fat enough.