Newbie here from Philly..hi everybody!

[juliansmom2003 3]

I must say that I am thrilled that I found this group! It's been great researching the surgery and all the details from an informational standpoint, but I think I need to hear about 'real' people's experiences, since this is such a big step in my life.

That said, I want to introduce myself. I'm Karen, 35 (will be 36 soon) from Philadelphia, married with 2 kiddies (ages 5 and 3). I have been on a serious weight loss/gain rollercoaster practically my whole life and have been researching Lap Band for about 2 months now. I saw my primary physician on Friday and she is very supportive of my decision to have the surgery and has agreed to write the letter of medical necessity so my insurance will cover the procedure. I go for my seminar on July 2 and from there, I am able to make my initial appointment with the surgeon. I am 5'1 and 230 (BMI of 43.5).

I have been reading through these posts and I must say how thrilled I am at how supportive everyone is. I feel like I've found a great place here!!

I have so many questions, so I'm just steady writing them down for the surgeon, as I can see from reading these posts that doctors can be really different.

I do have a question that I was hoping someone could answer about insurance-paid procedures. Are the fills also covered or are these out of pocket expenses? I currently have my benefits manager looking into it, but just wanted to see what the consensus is here.

I'm really looking forward to this amazing journey and getting to know everyone better! Lots of luck to everyone pre-op, post-op or even if you're just considering getting banded!

Karen

[stellaabbey 0]

Welcome. Nice to see someone else from my area. I live in Delaware so we're neighbors.

I can't answer the question about the fills. I had to self pay since Aetna denied me due to the fact that I did not have a bmi of over 40 for 2 years. From reading other posts, however, they are covered, probably with some sort of co pay. Check your insurance, they are the final answer.

Good luck with your journey. Sometimes, it seems like it will never happen......But I'm now 2 weeks post op.