New with tons of questions!

[Biker Deb 0]

Hello! I am a new member of the forum but have been reading posts for a couple months now. I can honestly say that some of the things I have read on here helped me to make the decision to go forward. Initially I was embarrassed that I needed it and now I know that everyone is different and this is not the easy road.

I am hoping to have surgery in January or February. So far I have started the process with my insurance company and have been on their program for a little over a month. With the diet my doctor put me on I lost 7 pounds already but the blood pressure medicine she put me on is giving me bad headaches so I want to get off of it but I'm affraid that will disqualify me for surgery.

The insurance company is making it difficult, but I'm determined to get this and have it covered by them. They told me at first, in not so many words, that even though I'm morbidly obese I'm not sick enough to qualify. I'm having a hard time finding a surgeon they will cover that isn't a total jerk and I am also wondering how much fills costs and if the insurance typically covers them or not.

I think it comes down to the fact that I want and need this and I feel like they are working against me. I would appreciate any advice. I am with Pres in New Mexico.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hello Deb welcome to LBT!

Congrats on you choice to be banded. J I’m sure you will do really well. Just keep in mind the bandster rules and you will get really far!

All insurances are different, but if you have Blue Cross/Blue Shield, I do know that they only require a 15 dollar co-payment for fills.

[happy2lose 0]

I sincerely hope everything works out well for you with your insurance coverage. Insurance requirements can be overwhelming.

Donna

[thebandedgirl 0]

the blood pressure medicine she put me on is giving me bad headaches so I want to get off of it...

Check with your doctor. There are many kinds of blood pressure medicine--it might take some time playing around with different meds and doses to find one that works well for you.

[Makulafamy 55]

Hello! I am a new member of the forum but have been reading posts for a couple months now. I can honestly say that some of the things I have read on here helped me to make the decision to go forward. Initially I was embarrassed that I needed it and now I know that everyone is different and this is not the easy road.

I am hoping to have surgery in January or February. So far I have started the process with my insurance company and have been on their program for a little over a month. With the diet my doctor put me on I lost 7 pounds already but the blood pressure medicine she put me on is giving me bad headaches so I want to get off of it but I'm affraid that will disqualify me for surgery.

The insurance company is making it difficult, but I'm determined to get this and have it covered by them. They told me at first, in not so many words, that even though I'm morbidly obese I'm not sick enough to qualify. I'm having a hard time finding a surgeon they will cover that isn't a total jerk and I am also wondering how much fills costs and if the insurance typically covers them or not.

I think it comes down to the fact that I want and need this and I feel like they are working against me. I would appreciate any advice. I am with Pres in New Mexico.

hey deb, you are fighting the good fight...one which I see lots of people win when they really stick to it. Just like everyone else said, it differs from place to place and from insurance company to insurance company. I have BCBS as well, and I just pay my standard copay when I get a fill, which is $35 for me. But with my doc, my fills are free, no charge for the copay, for the first 3 months. That was nice! Holler if you have any questions--Amy

[Susi85 0]

HI i am new to, my date is Nov 25,I know day before Thanksgiving. I have been overweight most of my life and diets just dont work anymore. I am also scared as I have a large umbilical hernia that also need repaired. So we start pretty much together. Sorry this is so long.:confused:

[Biker Deb 0]

Thank you for all of the supportive words. I'm still trying to figure out if the insurance will approve me or not. If they do I'm hoping for either a late January or early February date. I wish I could get it done tomorrow though and start my new life. Thanks again everyone and good luck!

[Amaris 0]

Hey Deb! I'm also hoping for a February date. Insurance can be rough from what I've heard, so just hang in there and do whatever they ask you to do. Jumping through hoops can be frustrating, but sometimes it's the only thing you can do. Good luck with your process!