Waiting for Approval for LapBand

[CreatingPspFun 0]

I have BCBS of Wyoming and I'm desparately hoping that I get approved. I have sleep apnea, my feet are always killing me and heart disease runs in my family and with sleep apnea that alone puts me at a 40% higher risk of getting heart disease. I'm really hoping and praying that I get approved. I've filled out all my paperwork. For those that have had the Lap Band and lost a good portion of weight. Is the excess skin just as much an issue for banders as opposed to gastric bypass patients? I'm nervous and excited and I just want to be healthier and lose the sleep apnea.Any info I can receive would be so appreciated.Renee

[Rangergirl 0]

Welcome CreatingPspFun, I also have sleep apnea and a strong family history of heart diease. I was worried sick about getting approval but I did, it took 6 wks. I have not had my surgery yet as it was put off due to needing a nuclear stress test but it was rescheduled for 5/1. Good luck and have patience as it will all work out.

[CreatingPspFun 0]

Thanks Rangegirl for the support. Yeah I am at that point of being worried sick that I won't get approved. I just know I need it to extend my life. I hate this sleep apnea and I hate using that machine. I don't want heart disease and I've tried everything I could. Your date is close. I hope when you feel up to it, if you don't mind we could keep in touch. I don't know how long it will take to get rejected or approved. I wish you thee best of luck and much success. Thanks for responding.Renee

[Rangergirl 0]

Ditto on the apnea machine. When we go rving I have to take it with me, my DH teases me by saying I look like an alien at night. You will be surprised at how fast the time will fly by trust me. I don't mind at all, it is nice to have someone who is doing the same thing to live a longer better life.

[CreatingPspFun 0]

My dh is pretty good about the cpap, however, I feel like a freak. I joke and say I look a scuba diver. I hide my head under my covers, and some times I just can't use it. I hope we are the lucky ones who can get rid of the cpap after losing weight. I hope I get approved, if not I look into financing it by another means. Hopefully I won't be too far behind you.

[Rangergirl 0]

I have tried to go without mine but I wake myself up snoring or snorting trying to catch my breath. I have used mine for so long that I can roll over several times during the night and flip the hose along with me. He says it is funny watching me sometimes. At lease he can't understand what I say when I talk in my sleep. :crying:

Have faith about the approval. I hate having to wait on other people to make a decision about my health and life. You will be right on my heels.

[CreatingPspFun 0]

Yeah, I can also flop around with the hose and I do okay. I just really have to force myself to use it. My husband would rather me wear it so I don't keep him awake, lol. I am impatiently waiting for a reply from this center and I know it's not always going to be an easy journey but I hope we can both be rid of our CPAP's at least half way through our journey.

[ReAnnah 0]

Hey there CreatingPSPfun. I also have BlueCross Blueshield of Wyoming, self pay. You will have to let me know how things go. I have an appointment in Casper on the 27th to meet with the surgeons manager to start process and then a seminar in Casper on May 6th. I haven't been tested for sleep apnea yet but I suspect I may have it.

Who are you looking at for your surgeon? Good luck with everything.

ReAnnah

[CreatingPspFun 0]

Hi ReAnnah, nice to meet someone from Wyoming. I sent all my stuff to them and still haven't heard. I'll be going to the one in Cheyenne, they say going to Casper takes longer for booking the operating room (go figure). Are you going through Cheyenne Regional Medical Center? Did you know they can send you the seminar on CD, so you don't have to spend the gas money to get to Casper, unless you actually live close enough. I'm to the point of calling them to see if they received my materials. It's been almost 3 weeks since I sent it and I still haven't heard anything. I even collected my own medical records. So good luck, it'll be cool to keep in touch with you.Renee

[ReAnnah 0]

Where in Wy are you? I am in Wheatland. Cheyenne would be closer to go but a doctor I see in Cheyenne suggested Dr. Mary McGuire in Casper.

You really should call and see what is going on. No point in waiting any longet than you have to.

Yes I was glad to find another person from WY too. We will have to keep each other informed.

[Babygirl_68 0]

I have BCBS of Wyoming and I'm desparately hoping that I get approved. I have sleep apnea, my feet are always killing me and heart disease runs in my family and with sleep apnea that alone puts me at a 40% higher risk of getting heart disease. I'm really hoping and praying that I get approved. I've filled out all my paperwork. For those that have had the Lap Band and lost a good portion of weight. Is the excess skin just as much an issue for banders as opposed to gastric bypass patients? I'm nervous and excited and I just want to be healthier and lose the sleep apnea.Any info I can receive would be so appreciated.Renee

Hello CreatingPspFun

Stay positive. The sleep apnea will help with the approval. The mask is a pain the the rear put it will help you. I just had surgery 4 day ago. All of the stuff that the insurence company put you though is worth it in the end. I just had to do the sleep study (didn't know I had sleep apnea). go to a seminar, family have history of heart problems is I had to see a heart doctor,nutritionist. but stay positive. Good luck