Jonna

Have you thought about having it in Milford? Dr. Brebbia does it at both locations. I do know that Milford has to acquire "Center of Excellence" before i have it done. I was told he is very close at getting that and shouldn't be a problem by April or May.

I am excited for you and I would love to be your buddy. I still havent heard anything yet. The way it was explained to me by a Coventry rep is that bariatric surgery is covered and that depends on your employer group whether they include it in your coverage. The bariatric coordinator had explained to me that I have a special situation, in which my insurance covers but the facility that I will have the surgery at has a contract with coventry at the delaware surgery center in dover but they may not include bariatric sx in that contract so she has to contact delaware sx center in dover and speak with the person who handles the insurance contracts and find out whether coventry covers procedures done there. Im biting my nails still. I need to do something about this weight. This is the largest I have ever been and its killing me. I am a RN so Im pretty much always on my feet, my feet and knee are killing me. Im just waiting (cant really say patiently) until I hear something back. I am glad you have gotten through this process. I cant wait to hear how everything goes for you.

I do the itching thing with certain pain meds, just a thought if you still happen to be taking any.

Elizabeth,

I see you just had surgery 2-days ago and wanted to see how you made out? Very excited for you, must be a huge relief to have it done.

My phych eval was probably the easiest thing I did. Good luck!!! It's pretty simple just be honest.

Thanks all! Yes, I did sign something that said results could be discussed by phone or left on my answering machine. Just so happens my sister-in-law works at this office and needless to say, I plan to say something when I go in. Just another minor thing to do until I have my final surgery date Whoo Hoo!

So I had my stress test done last week and the cardiologist that was in while doing the test said I passed and that my heart did everything it was suppose to do. Last night I had my physical done with my family doctor and she had the results and said everything looked great. So with having both of these doctors tell me that I passed and everything looked great, I decided to call my cardiologist and ask if we could do the consult over the phone. When I called I told the receptionist what both doctors had said and asked if there was anyway of doing a consult over the phone, her response was "NO, its violation of privacy act and if you don't like it call the Federal government". I was lot WHAT? You mean I have to come in and pay my $30 co-pay then the balance of whatever my insurance doesn't pay, which will be around another $100 for him to tell me I passed? I just can't believe this, no wonder why so many people can't pay their medical bills!! I can't wait till I go in for my appointment, because I will address this with the doctor!

Prayers coming your way!! Best of luck to everyone being banded soon! I can't wait till my turn!

Best of luck to you!! Yes it was easy. I was asked a lot of questions and had to take a multiple choice test that was over 160 questions. It went pretty fast though.

The rep for Coventry is the one that told me about the law that was past in Jul 2009. Again, that was for the state of Maryland. As far as I know, Delaware still does not cover the surgery. However, Coventry did tell me to keep checking back because they are always changing. Yes, Dr. Brebbia has been doing this for at least a couple years now, from what I'm told. Elsa is the ladies name that works with Dr. Brebbia and is always available for any questions. She is just wonderful and can help you with any questions you may have. She is in between the Milford and Dover offices, their number is 302-674-0600. She is very good at getting back to you within a couple days. I am going to add you as a friend so that we can keep up with each other. Let me know if you have any more questions. I can use a buddy through this process. Best of luck to you and I hope you can find all the answers you're looking for.

Thanks for the response. I am so anxious about this whole thing. I have found out that thru my plan from coventry my employer does cover bariatric surgery. I m just afraid that just my luck they will find some clause that keeps my surgery from getting approved. Are there any questions that I should possibly ask of the insurance co. Where did you find out the info about the law passed in 2009? I actually work in milford hospital. I didn't know Dr brebbia did bariatric surgery. How long did it take for them to approve your procedure and how did you find out that you had to complete a nutrition program. I wish you the best of luck. I would love to get an update on how you are doing post surgery. Thanks again

I agree with TMW41, I've been on the forum the past couple of weeks and am so inspired by the success stories I've seen. I'm due to have my surgery sometime in April, just need to get one last clearance at the end of March. Best of luck to you all!! I'm so excited for us all!

Congrats to all of you that were just banded! I can't wait, I'm suppose to be in April. Just have one more clearance then should be on my way!

Hi there! I have Coventry and have been approved for my surgery. I will tell you though, I found a loop hole luckily with mine. I live in Delaware, but work in Maryland. Delaware does not cover it unless your policy is different than mine. However, because I work in Maryland and there was a law past in July 09 that says all Maryland Ins companies MUST cover the surgery. That was my loop hole and I thank God when I found out. I've had to go through 6 months worth of Nutritional classes (the first visit was one on one with Nutritionist and the last one will count with the Surgeon) so basically you only go 4 months. I also have to get clearance from the Physc, Heart and Lung doctors. I only have the Lung doctor to go to on March 31st. I'm having my surgery done in Milford by Dr. Brebbia. Best of luck to you!

You're too close now to get down!! Just think what your life will be like in only 6 more days!! YOU can do it, get up and go out (as long as the weather is nice LOL) and enjoy it!! We have lived so long in these fat bodies and we're about to make the change of our life! You need to keep focused on something beside thinking about only having liquids, I agree with Honk start exercising and it will probably help increase your energy level. My surgery will be in April sometime, so I know I'm going to need all the "nudges" I can get from all of you!! YOU GO GET em' GIRL!!

Best of luck to you! Maybe the 6 month diet requirement was for the Nutritional class? I had to do 6 months, which was required by my insurance company.

I'm being banded in Milford, De sometime in April. Just wondering if there were anyone else having it done and lives in Delaware. Maybe we could support each other!

Hi Kimberly, wow it sounds like you have lots to look forward too. I can only imagine how excited you are, not only about surgery but starting Nursing School too! I can't help you about your question, but wish you luck with that. I'm supposed to have my surgery in April, just waiting for one last clearance from the Lung doctor. That appointment is March 31st, then I see my surgeon on April 6th. I'm so excited and can't wait to start my new life! Best of luck to you!

Don't have my actual date yet, but told it will be done in April! I only need one more clearance and that's with the Lung doctor. I've gone through the nutritional classes, heart doctor this week, stress test yesterday and Lung doctor on the 31st. I'm so excited to know that in another month, my life will be changing. Best of luck to everyone!

I just had a stress test done yesterday and a cardiologist was right in the room the entire time. At the end he said, you passed and you should have no problems unless I see issues when I review further. I have a follow up appointment on the 22nd for the final results. He said my heart muscles did everything they were suppose to do, so I'm sure you will be able to get your results before your surgery. Best of luck!!

I think I would have said "Well isn't it great that I can do something about my problem, its a shame they can't fix ugliness" LOL!! I think my husband thought the same thing until he's met several people that have had it done and has seen how they've changed. He is now as excited as I am about it because he knows its going to be a better and more enjoyable life for both of us!! Best of luck to you, and don't let anyone get you down!! This is not going to be easy, its life changing!!

I know how disappointed you are. I went through the same thing a couple of years ago, however I was told to keep checking back with the insurance company because they're always changing things. In September 2010, I called the insurance company again and heard the same thing that did not cover the Lapband because of a clause in our group medical insurance. I went to my employer and asked him if he could ask his contact at the insurance company about this the next time our insurance renewed. He gave me the contact person and I immediately contacted them. To my surprise, she said that in July 2009 the State of Maryland passed a law that all insurance companies have to include the Lapband as a benefit. I was so excited, but then they found out I lived in Delaware.....so I once again had my heart broken, then to my surprise the rep that I originally talked too said that doesn't matter since I work in the State of Maryland and my insurance guidelines are through that state. Needless to say, I was so over joyed and thanked God!! I have gone through all of my pre-surgery requirements and just need to get clearance from the Lung doctor. They are telling me my surgery will be sometime in April. I'm telling my story to show you not to give up, just keep pushing and trying and hopefully you can find a loophole as I did. Best of luck to you!!

Best of luck to you!!! You'll have to let us know how you do when you're up to it!