oklafarmgal

I contacted them. It is covered if your BMI of over 40 (which I am) or over 35 with comorbidities. I am just nervous that something is going to happen. Sorry, I'm just always "Nervous Nellie"....

That's where you talk with the bariatric surgeons office and let them tell you if you qualify.
My ppl told me, no problem.
Best Wishes!

In My experience, the insurance would not even take the paperwork for consideration of the surgery until all of the pre-op stuff was complete. Those tests, etc is what they base their decision off of. I went through 3 insurance companies before I got approved...let me tell you, it was an emotional process!

That's what I did. I contacted my insurance company and they sent me the criteria for what my weight, health issues and testing I had to do. My Bariatric office also got that from my insurance company. So insurance Company approved my going forward and then all the paperwork was sent in for final approval and my insurance company paid for all the testing.

Very happy for you! How great to be so young and to make this change now!

Hi All
I haven't been on for a long time. Not sure how long, few years I think. My journey was going well until September 2011. I was down to 82kg from a starting weight of 118kg before surgery in 2010. I am now back to 102kg. I lost my Dad and Nana both from lung cancer only 6 months apart. My Dad in September 2011 and my Nana in March 2012. I found myself eating a lot of junk after this (as I usually do when I'm upset) but I think that I am slowly getting back on track. Hopeing to be online a bit more often.
Well thanks for reading and hope everyone has good luck on their own journeys
Amy

Can you locate any records from 6 years ago or prior? Whilst you may be missing year 5, if you can demonstrate weight has been a struggle for a long term this is what the insurance company is after.

Good luck, I hope that yoru surgeon is very persuasive! Karen

Congrats on getting closer to getting healthy...
All I needed was a 6 month pre learning to eat healthy (which i already knew...couldnt control the portions)
My dr just reported all the diets I had succeded at and all I had gained back...
GOOD LUCK !

I just got a call from my surgeons office. They told me that they had been in touch with my insurance and that I had coverage for lap band. They also told them what my out of pocket would be after my deductible. The only requirement they had was 5 years of my weight records. I have 4 years, but not 5. The fifth year, I only went to my obgyn and he has since passed away and I don't know where the records are. The surgeon said he would probably be able to get past the insurance because of not knowing where the records are. Has anyone had anything like this happen to them? Did you have luck with insurance, or was it a tug of war? I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. I am so ready for a change in my life. Thanks......

It's gonna be okay. I've lost 170 in less than 3 years and during that time gained 5 lbs like 15 times. Just get back to what you know works. Be kind and loving to yourself. The big changes come once you decide to really like who you are and stop listening to the shameful voices.
Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Okay so I went to the gas station this morning, I see this guy who is obvisouly works, in Law Enforcement (Detective)!! He Always Speaks, But I guess he Noticed that I also work in the Law Enforcement Field Also!! (One Always Notices Another!)
So He Looks at Me and Asks, May I take You out to dinner you look Great!! I said Maybe!!! He then stated DO YOU KNOW HOW ATTRACTIVE YOU ARE??
I THEN LOOKED IN THE SIDE MIRROR OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT, I EVEN ATTRACT ME!!!!
80 Punds Lighter!!! I Look so Good!!!!! Tomorrow is my Birthday,and I have so many invitations for dinner!!! THIS IS A FIRST!!!!!
God is Good All The Time!!!

The surgery was not bad at all! Because I had some issues with my IV, I wasn't able to receive pain or anti nausea medications for 30 minutes after surgery, and that was the worse part for me. I had no problem with getting my liquids down, or moving around. The majority of the pain I experienced came from the carbon dioxide they put into my abdominal cavity for the procedure. It took about 5 days for that to completely dissipate, and it was just so uncomfortable (not round the clock, but in certain positions.) I was banded on November 8th, and was feeling back to normal on day 8 post op. Adjusting to the foods that are permitted at each stage hasn't been too difficult. There is a brief moment each day when I just wish I could indulge in whatever I want, but those moments are fleeting, and I remember why I made the decision to have the surgery. I have lost 18lbs and have many more to go, but with each pound lost, is a lot more gained! I feel better and better each day - sleeping better, breathing better, more comfortable head to toe, and excited for the future. The best advice I can give at this point is follow the doctor's orders at all times. From Water intake, to Vitamins, and especially advancing to different food stages as directed. You will be fine, and so happy to take this journey once it begins for you. It is like being on a permanent diet, but making the right choices is so much easier with a tool such as the band. Good luck to you!

There will always be negative people. I put off surgery a year because I let people get to me. My nutritionist told me I could get sick being over weight or make a change to try and improve my health. I was banded 2/1/12 and have lost 90lbs. I'm not going to lie and say its a breeze. But I feel so much better now. I'm off all my medications and can actually run. Lol huge personal accomplishment

Congrats!! I will be glad when I say the same...

I just got to my room, the surgery was a little more than 2 hours. I had a hernia they had to repair. The gas pain is unreal. The best way I can describe is feeling like I stuffed myself with an excess amount of food and its putting so much pressure on my chest. I have left shoulder pain that's awful!! I'm ok, but I can't wait to feel better.

On my way!!!! I am hoping for the best.

Well it's finally here! I got the call today to tell me that I'm scheduled for surgery at 12:30 tomorrow. I've lost 12 pounds on my two weeks of shakes! And of course tonight I'm starving to death! I'm drinking herbal tea and trying to trick myself but its not working. I'm nervous about tomorrow but excited in the right.

We had family pictures made last night and I keep looking at them thinking, I don't recognize that girl.
The last pics we had made were almost 2 years ago. I had just gotten banded. My face was full and rounded. Now it's thin looking and I have lines where I did have fat. It's a total difference. This girl looks happy, thin, and put together. Totally different then 2 years ago.
Top is before, bottom is after.


Not sure if you guys can see the difference but I can. At first I was like, wait, what are those lines, then I realized they are normal and are just there because my face isn't so full and chunky anymore:)

Yay, I had my surgery today! I was so scared my doctor wasn't gonna be able to do it because my liver didn't shrink enough but boy was I wrong, actually I lost 14 lbs!!!!!! I wasn't able to do the liquid diet due to other health issues so he told me to do the low Carb high Protein diet, and it payed off! He told me my liver was perfect! Yay me!!!! Now the journey began and I am super excited!!!!!

You could always call the office and ask the office what that visit is for. I am sure you are not the first, nor the last, that would do so. It may help set your mind at ease.

Your insurance may require monthly appointments with your surgeon. Mine experience was similar in that I met with him in August and then went back in September a few weeks later to check-in even though I had all the other appointments to complete (endo, psych, sleep study, nutrition). Surgery is December 12!

Thanks.....I just feel like I am in limbo. I want things to be happening. I'm impatient.....Lol..

For the past three years I have readied myself with holiday cheer and a half-ass attempt at mapping out the 'perfect' plan for losing weight in the new year.
By March I would feel defeated and begin to fear the coming of Spring, which would then lead to Summer … my least favorite time of year (even as a teacher!) because of my weight.
This year … right now … today … I am smiling!
Yes, I am nearly 100 pounds over weight, but 2013 will prove to be THE year …
The year I buy a size 10 jeans.
The year I embrace Spring with bright colors in my wardrobe!
The year I am eager for summer to arrive so I can wear SHORTS!
The year I go to the beach with my children and don't feel as if I need to hide under a black 'cover-up'!
The year I leave the lights on … if you know what I mean! :wub:
My approval letter arrived last week and I am scheduled for banding on the 18th of December … pre-op diet starts on Monday … it's not going to be easy … but neither is lugging 100 pounds around for another year.
Bring it on 2013 … !!!!!