Annie

Each time I called, I got a different answer. Eventually though, I was approved and had the surgery in June. I have UHC Choice. Each employers plan is written differently...but if you meet the National Institute of Healths guidelines, you should qualify. My BMI wasn't over 40, never has been, It has been over 35 though, and if it's over 35 and have a comorbidity you should qualify. I did sumbit my last 5 yrs worth of weights that was charted each time I'd go to the dr for a visit. Hope this helps. I know UHC can be frustrating, but have the surgeons office submitt the info to care coordination, and see how it goes.

There was an earlier question about having a sore throat...I too have had a sore throat this past week, and it isn't the normal sore throat feeling...it's more an irritation. It doesn't get any worse, or any better. Can someone explain what that may have to do with the earlier question in regard to dilation. Thanks!

Kathy, Yes, I called the number on the back, then asked for care coordination....

I have UHC, and was approved and banded earlier this month. I too was worried about what extra's they would need to approve. My BMI was 37 and I have high blood pressure, and a family hx of diabetes and heart disease. I got a copy of my weight history from my regular doctor, from all my previous visits for things....(they always weigh you, and take your bp when you go in) Anyway, by weight fluctuated from 200-235 throughout my history. (which was since 1998) My surgeons office submitted the paper work on a Tuesday, and told me it would probably be a few weeks till we heard anything, so I called UHC that Friday to see if they had recieved everything they needed and to check the status. They told me then I was approved, and had sent my approval letter that day. It was quick all in all. I didn't think it would be that easy, I was expecting a denial. Hope this helps anyone in waiting. Good luck to you all.

Anyone banded have any statistics, or experience with knowing whether or not where the surgeon places the port has anything to do with the port twisting? I'm curious to know if there is any benifit to having it placed in one place or the other? (near stomach, or lower and to the side?) Thanks for any advice.

I have a port question....do any of you find that there is a difference as to whether the port is placed nearly parallel with the stomach, or off to the side and lower? I wonder if there are more problems if it's placed in one place more so than the other??

Wash U's program is just starting a group for bandsters, most of them are bypass patients. I spoke with the surgeon (Dr Eagon) that is doing my surgery (insurance approving), and he said there are about 12-15 people that are starting to get the group together. I don't have the specifics on date and times yet, but I will let you know. Perhaps, if we can get enough interest, we all could meet out somewhere, and talk about our experiences.

Hi MSmom, I was hoping you could tell me more about your experience with UHC. I have UHC Choice plus, its a federal employees plan. I have started all the preop requirements, and have my consults next week. Then the surgeons office will submit to insurance. I worry they will find some reason to deny it. I too havent had a 5 yr hx of BMI over 40. It's been over 35 and I've had HBP too. So reading your thread has gotten me a little nervous. I'd like to hear how your experience was, and what all happened. thanks!

oops...I meant "WON'T object to my lower BMI." I will let you know. I haven't read many posts about them, mostly been New Start Patients. I actually almost went with them, but had already started the process with Wash U. I hope I'm making the right choice.

Hi Shawna. I'm just starting. I have all the pretesting like labs, and barium swallow done. I am meeting with the Surgeon, the nutritionist, and the physical therapy on Monday and Tuesday. I guess it's after that appointment that they will submit to insurance. I'm still a little worried that someone will deny me. My BMI is 37 and I have HBP and a fam hx of diabetes, and heart disease...so I'm hoping the insurance or the surgeon will object to my lower BMI.

I'm nearby. I haven't been banded yet, have my consults at the end of the month with Wash U's program. How are you doing so far?

I swear, you get a different answer every time you call UHC. I've called several times to make sure I have done everything I can to get this approved, and each time I've called, I get different answers. One time this representative I spoke to actually came out and said "I can't help you".....how can she not answer a simple question??!!! I have my consults with the psych, the nutrionist, and the surgeon at the end of the month, then they will be submitting to insurance for approval. I hope all goes well, but it's hard to keep from getting discouraged when you keep getting different answers.

I've started the program at Wash U. I have my consult/appointments with them on the 30th of April, and on the 1st of May. I've already submitted my pretesting results to them, and filled out some questionaires from them. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

You're right Travel girl...I tend to always think the worst! I'll try to think positively about the ins approval! Thanks everyone for your posts!

Good luck! Keep me posted, as we have similar situations, and I'd like to hear how it goes for you! Anne