Wisdom2KnowTheDifference

Wow, I have a huge update. So, I'm doing it. I'm doing it!! Its going to have to be self pay, but its happening. My parents have agreed to pay for half, and my husband and I can cover the rest. The patient care consultant said that I should be able to have the surgery within 4-6 weeks if all the testing comes back okay. I have already scheduled my nutritional consult. I tried to schedule the psychological but the first person I called didn't take my health insurance and it was going to cost almost $500! Of course, thats a drop in the bucket compared with the whole procedure... lol. but I think I can get it covered so we'll see. Stoked!!

Good morning! I have my first consult this morning and I am getting nervous. I am worried they are going to tell me its not even worth it to submit to my insurance (my policy says they don't cover WLS, though the insurance company does in general - UHC). Not sure hubby is going to be on board with self pay... he is worried about long term expenses, possible complications, not being covered. I guess we will just have to wait and see what they say!! Any advice would be appreciated.

Welcome!!

Well, like the title says, I got a new scale! It is a Weight Watchers brand scale that is digital and calculates all kinds of things like weight (of course), body fat percentage, water percentage, bone mass, and BMI. It even lets you store up to 4 "users" with your height, age, and gender. Not sure how precise all the percentages are for under $30 but I think its pretty cool. And, I had a 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupon The scale is kinda a big deal because prior to starting my lap-band adventure I had a non-digital scale that was easy for me to fool myself with. "what does that say? I'll just round down..." haha. Anyone else have any new weight-loss related purchases?

Excited. I go in at 8:30 am, hubby is coming with me. Tonight I will be working on my list of questions and my initial paperwork. I feel like I'm getting ready for the first day of school, or a test?! Anyone have any questions I should ask, that maybe I wouldn't think of? Or something you wish you would have asked?

boy, can I relate. a big part of the reason I am exploring this option (first consult is tomorrow) is so we can have a healthy pregnancy. when you've got babies on the brain it really does seem like EVERYONE is pregnant!! you are right to stay positive. everything you are going through will be worth it in the long run once you (a healthy you) hold that beautiful baby in your arms. sending good vibes your way *hugs*

sorry, i laughed out loud @ "toddle in". but yes, i totally understand what you're saying. I am at the beginning of this process too and jumping through a lot of hoops (probably many more to come) and I do get a little jealous when some people seem to get through everything so easily. definitely happy for them though! best wishes to you.

Good evening bandsters, Just wondering who here has had band related complications and did your insurance cover it? whether you were covered for the procedure or not. Thanks!

not banded yet but congrats on your weight loss!

I am dealing with this issue *as we speak*. so upset. hubby seemed totally on board, when at the info session, etc. now, a week later, I am getting ready to have my initial consultation and he is against it. i can't figure out if it is about the money or what. i asked him if he wanted to go to the consult and he said yes, but now i don't know if I really want him to come, knowing that he may not truly be "on board." I just want to be surrounded by only supportive people right now, you know? I feel like if he came and he asked some doubting question we might get in a fight right there at the office! Its hard when your husband, significant other, etc is not obese and has never had a weight problem. i don't think there is a way he will ever really "get" it. He told me tonight that he senses "desperation" in me, in that I would be so quickly making such a big decision. Damn right, i'm desperate. I'm fighting for my life here.

Hey all, Just so frustrated with hubby right now and I need to vent. My insurance (United Healthcare) told me that my policy doesn't cover WLS. I looked up general UHC requirements anyway and they say 40+ bmi or 30-40 with comorbidities (I have 36 bmi and no comorbidities that they list, though I do have some relatively minor health issues related to my weight). My frustration is, he (husband) was initially completely "on board" with this but now says he still wants me to go through process of submitting to insurance. This irritates the hell out of me because we are fortunate enough to have the resources to self-pay regardless... Ugh!!! I guess I just feel pretty darn sure I will be denied by insurance, and all this is just going to delay getting my surgery date. I understand that it is a lot of money but I feel like this is my health we're talking about here?! And, I hate to take it here, but, I'm the breadwinner in this family.. Perspectives? Thoughts? Am I being a brat?? Please be honest Thanks!

thanks for the feedback. I do tend to rush things, once I get excited about something sigh!

I know this is a really personal question, but I would like to know what comorbidities people have submitted to insurance to have procedure approved. I have BMI 36 and comorbidities are relatively minor compared to some (shortness of breath, thermoregulation issues, depression, varicose veins/venous insufficiency). Oh, and my insurance company says they don't cover WLS. So I am trying to figure out what kind of a shot I have submitting my doctor's letter. Thanks!

Congrats!!

Wow! Congrats on your 100 lb weight loss and best wishes with the rest

Okay so this is the update. I have my consult scheduled for FRIDAY! Excited. Like I mentioned in previous thread post, I found out that my United Healthcare policy does not cover WLS of any kind. But with my employer, not at all surprised. Sigh... Anyway, I will be talking to the case manager on Friday about self-pay options, but I still plan on getting my doctor to write a preauthorization letter just to see what happens. For anyone interested, I have 36 BMI and relatively minor comorbidities (compared to some) including shortness of breath, thermoregulation issues, varicose veins, and depression. I would be interested to hear from anyone with similar "stats" that were able to get the procedure covered under insurance (especially if your insurance told you upfront that WLS was not covered). I guess my main concern at this point is, I think I can do this financially if I have to self pay and be okay, but what if I have complications post op? If my insurance doesn't cover WLS then certainly they won't cover WLS related complications, right? This is one of the main reasons I want to push for insurance coverage. Just trying to stay positive repeat...

we're in about the same boat. i have my initial consult scheduled friday, that might be your next step? GOOD LUCK!

so stoked. even though it looks like i will be self pay... i am still looking forward to getting this ball rolling!!!!

My understanding is they talk about payment, and all the testing/evaluations you will receive

good luck to all of you. sending good vibes!

lol... gotta work that merengue! i <3 zumba but it is just so FAST!!! and everytime i bust a move, i feel like i almost bust the person next to me

Hey everyone! My name is Meredith and I am at the beginning of this journey. So far I have attended the info session and thats about it, lol! Well, I also submitted my insurance information (United Healthcare) to my surgeon's office so hopefully they will be calling me soon to set up my initial consultation. When I called my insurance company the other day they told me that weight loss surgery is not covered under my plan, but that my doctor could submit a preauthorization letter. I am trying not to be too discouraged by this information as at this point I am hopeful and determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen. My doctor also feels that I am an excellent candidate for this procedure, which is encouraging. I have tried pretty much every non-surgical program out there and failed. Programs I have tried include Nutrisystem (twice), Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers (can't even count how many times), Atkins, South Beach, Xenadrine, Alli, Healthy Trim, HCG drops, and two medically supervised programs: Medi Weight Loss and Optifast (twice). On each of these programs I had some success, but short term, and I eventually gained back all the weight and more. I'm sure many, if not all of you, can relate. I am happy to have found this community and look forward to learning and sharing more about this experience <3

sometimes people have Plus Size yardsales in my area. its a place that people can go to get good clothes in their size. of course, you would only be getting a fraction of the money you paid... but at least it would be something. or you could try consigning or selling them on craigslist/ebay?

love your attitude!!!