MelindaH

Why not call BCBS and find out if they insure the CIS? I am assuming you mean Cental Intellgence? I would think about telling whoever you interview with about the surgery. I can't imagine that they wouldn't appreciate you being upfront with them, Could you take some annual between jobs? All the best, Melinda

Thank you for that information. I have been afraid that the benefits were going to be reduced. I have got to get mine done before the first of the year. I need to call the co-ordinator and see what it is going to take to accomplish this. All the best to you. I would call your program co-ordinator and visit with him or her. Melinda

Call your dr this morning and let us know what is going on.

hon, these are questions for your primary care doctor and/or rheumatologist to answer. I have fibromayalgia and was told it was not an obstacle for the surgery but every case is different. I know that one of the medications that they prescribe, Lyrica, works against you as far as weight gain goes. I am hoping that my dosage can be greatly reduced after my surgery. Consult with your PCP or bariatric clinic. Have you been to a free seminar? There is usually a MD at these. You might find it very helpful....All the best to you, Melinda

I am still preop so have not experienced what you are describing yet. But I would urge you to contac your bariatric clinis for assistance tomorrow. You need to know if your band is leaking. Melinda

Like Cindy and MLR, I have been getting pintos and cheese when my husband is dying for one of their 5 layer burritos. I am glad to get the info on it. I thought it might be a fairly decent choice because of the Protein. Don't beat yourself up......you are doing great.....I appreciate all of the posts you make. All the best, Melinda

I will not do anything other than the band. I do not want the malabsorption issues that can come with the sleeve or RNY. I would just continue to try to lose weight on the diet that I am on pre-op. But everyone has to decide for themselves. My doctor had the lap band surgery himself and lost between 70 and 80 pounds himself over a two year span, had many of the same issues you list and is off of most of his meds. I have many of the same issues you do with the exception of PCOS and I look forward to getting off most of the meds, if for no other reason than the cost involved. I would be thrilled to get rid of the CPAP machine that I have used for close to ten years although my sleep specialist said that I would probably have to keep it due to a small uvula; but did say it would be at a reduced pressure. That I can live with....It is important that you work with a PCP on the med issues. My surgeon said I must have an appt within two weeks of my surgery with her. All the best to you, Melinda

Hon, check in with your MD before the weekend. They should be able to help you. I hope you feel better real soon. Melinda

Hi there to all, I understand the frustration of waiting all too well. I started this journey the end of April, saw the surgeon on May 26th, did all the consults and lab work by the end of July. My ins (BCBS Fed) requires three months of nutritional counseling, which I know, is very generous when I read about all of you who have to do six months. I am losing weight slowly after a seven pound gain the first month, which devastated me. But I lost that and have lost five since. I have ten more pounds to lose before surgery will be scheduled. But the catch that got me when I went for my third visit on Tues is that I have five more pounds before I can be scheduled for "classes" which evidently take two months. So say I can lose that five pounds this month, which I think will be more like three but I am trying hard and am increasing exercise. It will probably be Oct and Nov for the classes and I think I will be very lucky to get it scheduled before the first of the year. They do not submit it for approval from BCBS until you have lost your pre-operative weight and begun the classes. I was really hoping to do it this fall as like you we have met our out of pocket for the year. What worries me, too, is that the contract with the government is currently being negotiated and with all the budget deficits, I would not be surprised if they pull the weight loss surgery benefit from the contract. My husband works for the postal service and as many of you probably know, it is about to implode. A huge announcement will be made this coming Thurs so we will know about the future of his job. He is about eighteen months away from retirement at 30 years of service; which he would like to complete. But what will be will be. If it doesn't happen till next yar, I am now ok with that after stewing about it for a couple of days this week. I was never told about the classes but that is ok. I have learned a lot and I can take that knowledge with me. If the benefit is cancelled, I will join WW again and also use the information I have gained these three months. I am doing a lot of behavior modification (learning to sip, learning to chew, put fork down etc) Working on the not eating with the tv or computer on or reading while you eat. It all takes time and it is all good. I am recognizing to stop eating before I get to that full feeling. This clinic does not want me using any Protein shakes yet, they want me to lose with real food. My BMI is between 35 and 40 and like you, I have several co-morbities. I hope that won't be a problem. I am limited to doing low impact exercise because of arthritis and a connective tissue disorder but I am doing it and also am walking and trying to increase my endurance. I did lose weight several years ago with walking and starvation; which I fully realize is not an acceptable way to live. Sorry to write a novel. Hang in there. Use the information you have learned from this website to your advantage. I thank all of you who have time to read this for listening and allowing me to write down some of my feelings. I wish everyone the very best on your journey to good health. Melinda

I would call back and ask to speak to a manager if they do not divulge information. Also, ask for a benefits book through your human resources. Another option might be to google it. Good luck and welcome to our forum, Melinda

I am using a center of excellence because that is all that is offered here locally. I also am very impressed with their service and quality of care. I wish you all the best in your journey to good health. Melinda

So sorry this happened but glad it was caught before surgery. You have the right attitude. Keep us posted, hon, and all the best to you. Melinda

Hon, you need to quit the pot altogether. They could easily pull a drug test on you. It was made very clear to me that if I smoked anything, I would not qualify or be accepted for surgery. all the best, Melinda

Hi and welcome. I do not know why they block it out but I have seen it before. I worked with medical insurace and biling for several years. Pacificare is a tough one but I think if you follow their rules to a T you should be good. be sure that they cover surgery for weight loss==not just consultations. Keep us posted on your progress. I would also encourage you to work with a Center of Excellence in your area if possible. All the best, Melinda

I live in Eugene. My suggestion would be to contact a center of excellence center. I am sure there are some in Portland, If not , call OHSU. All the best to you, Melinda

Hi, I worked in insurance for many years and am knowledgeable of my own plan. However, I am not an expert. My gut feeling is that they probably won't cover it since it is related to the lap band surgery but it is certainly worth a call directly to the insurance company and also to your benefits administrator. Please post what you find out! All the best to you! Melinda

Grider, Hi, do you have standard or basic? I was not aware that they can't send paperwork until 30 days after finishing nut counseling or am I reading something into your statement. Also, do you know anything about a copay for the band? Thanks much, Melinda

The best answer I can give you is to suggest that you call your insurance company and/or read your benefit book. Every insurance is so different. Lots of good luck and welcome to our forum. Melinda

Hon, I agree with everyone who has posted. FIND a new doctor. Try to find a center of excellence in your community or nearby. They are held to extremely high standards. My experience has been nothing like this. Please keep us posted. Welcome to our forum. Melinda

hi there and welcome to our forum. You will find a lot of knowledgeable, kind people here who offer tremendous insight and support. I wish you all the best in your surgery and recovery. Please drop in often and keep us posted on your progressl Melinda

I am not sure, but that should not make a difference. It wouldn't with mine. All the best and I hope you have a great school year. Melinda

Pammie Sue, How hard was it to get your surgery approved by BCBS Fed? Do you have the standard option? My BMI is around 38 but I have co-morbidities. I am nervous. I have jumped thru the hoops as far as I know. Just need to lose about five more pounds that the surgeon requires. Thank you. Melinda

Are you getting enough Water in? I know when I don't get my water in, my joints and fibromyalgia will really kick in worse than the norm? Just a thought.....could it be a virus? Here is hoping you are better real soon. Melinda

Hi, and welcome to our group. I am 54 and hoping for surgery sometime in October or November. I still have a few pounds to get down to my surgery pre-op weight but I have been successful in my high Protein. low carb diet that I was put on after my pre-op consult with the surgeon and dietician. I need one more nutrition visit and to lose the pounds before my case can go to my insurance for approval. I have several co-morbities so I am hoping that I won't have a hassle with that. If you have a choice, I recommend that you choose a center of excellence. Google it if it is unfamiliar. I do second all that sweetpea has said above. If you can conquer smaller portions. allowing more time to eat and learn to sip a lot of Water, I feel that you will do better. I can't answer your dating questions as I have been married for several years. But I can suggest that it is critical to have a good support network of family and friends available before your surgery. I have told a lot of my friends but I have not told my sisters who live in different states as I do not expect that I would have much support. They are the "gut it up and just do it" type. If I do ever get to see them again, I would like to surprise them. Some of the folks here do not tell many people pre-op but I feel that is a personal decision for all. If you can get some kind of exercise routine going, it would be beneficial. Start with trying to take stairs and park farther out in a parking lot. Try walking short distances and gradually working up. They say that walking is the best exercise and I believe it. My life can be very sedentary and walking is about the only outdoor thing I can safely do. I do have a membership at a gym and frequent it two to three times a week for low impact stuff. I have been riding a stationary bike for several years now due to bilateral knee replacements and I am gradually increasing the miles and resistance on it. I have begun walking on a treadmill for short distances. I wish you all the best and hope that you will drop in often. Keep us posted on your pre-op progress. Melinda I was a diet coke addict and gave it up about three years ago when it went over $4.99 a twelve pack. I went cold turkey and just started drinking lots of ice water. I did not have much of a headache which I know is not the norm. The carbonation will stretch your stomach, thus allowing you to eat more. Many report that they lose the taste for it post op. I do have the one cup of coffee and realize I need to give it up soon. I hear tea is better especially decaffienated ones. Perhaps you can use sugar substitutes and skim milk? Lots of good luck....it will be worth it!