Shelia

They aren't asking for what I am doing now, they want to know what I have done in the past to try to lose weight. I have tried everything, but I don't remember dates andI didn't keep receipts... I'm just not sure how detailed it has to be and I was wondering if anyone else had to do this and what their experience was.:crying:

My PCP has told me that I need to make a history of my dieting attempts in a journal style before he can get me a referral to a bariatric surgeon. Has anyone else done this? Do you have an example of one that was accepted? I would like to do this right the 1st time so that I only have to do it once. Any input is appreciated. Shelia

That is a great story - funny that you were so positive while still drugged up. This is the first I have heard of the gas, do most people get that? Is there anything you can do to prevent it or decrease it? Does it hurt bad? or just annoying? Thanks for sharing, it is so great to have this board!

All surgeons had to do their first band once. If you decide against it, can I take your place? I wonder if they would video tape it and let you see it afterward, then you would know how well it went. Good luck - keep us posted.

Thanks for the posts here. First off, let me say to longnecks that I am so sorry about your step mom, that is just awful. Stay strong. Destined, it sounds like BC is moving pretty fast for you I am the same age and BMI as you, did you have any other medical problems attributed to being overweight to help you qualify? I am really excited for you - good luck and I can't wait to hear more. Would you mind telling me who your doctors are and what process you followed to get approved so quickly? You can PM me if that is better. I ended up with Kaiser and I am just nervous about approaching my PCP about the surgery. My husband is starting a new job and I may have a new set of insurance choices very soon, so I would love to know more about your doctors and your specific situation. I live in Claremont which is about 15 mins from the north end of OC, anywhere in OC would be a reasonable drive for me. Mindy, thanks for mentioing the group v. individual plans. I had the unfortunate opportunity to have already learned that lesson, when I tried to get individual insurance they denied me because of my weight. However, I have an employee and she doesn't need insurance because she is covered by her husband, so I can sign up as a group of 2 and then she can opt out and I still get the benefits of being a group. I had a great agent make all this work for me and now that I finally got it figured out aan am ready to roll the dice with Kaiser, my husband finally lands a job with benefits. So now I have to really think about this. I am hearing that Kaiser Long Beach is doing the band, but that story about BC in OC was so promising - only 2 months to banding - WOW! I really appreciate all the input and I wish you all the best in your banding experience. Please keep the advice coming. Shelia

Drop out, how is it going? And who is your Primary physician? Mine is in Claremont and I just finally got assigned to her. I am going to approach her about Bariatric next visit... any advice?

Thanks Vicki. I am so eager and I have this fear that I will do something "wrong" and the insurance will deny me. I may have watched too much "Big Medicine" THanks again, Shelia

Hi, I have been reading your thread and I want to know how hard was it to get approved by Kaiser and how long did it take? I just got Kaiser insurance in So Cal and I am not sure what the first step is. What type of Dr do I see first and what mistakes do I have to be careful not to make? I am 260 and 5'6" and my BMI is 42. Please give me the wisdom of your experience. Thanks, Shelia

oh and Good Luck!! I will be watcing for your after surgery posts!

Which plan do you have? PPO, HMO, Saver HMO etc? I am in CA too, can you tell me who your Dr is? I noticed that you didn't post your weight, but can I ask if you are more than 100 lbs overweight? I am so motivated by hearing good things about BC of CA! :clap2:

<p>Thanks for the reply, do you mind if I ask which plan you have , HMO, PPO etc.?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks again,</p> <p> </p> <p></p>

I am just starting my quest toward surgery. I live in southern CA and own my own business. I am shopping for a group plan for me and my employee and would like to know if anyone in my area has good sucess with a particular carrier. I appreciate any info I can get. Shelia