isabelle290

You can call your insurance and they have to send you a copy at your request. Basically, it they exclude the proceedure, there is not much you can do but appeal. I had an exclusion, and got sick of fighting, so I am going to Mexico to have it done. Do you have a 401K or 403B? If you do, you can borrow the money from the account and pay it back. That is what I am doing. Don't give up on the insurance yet. Look into it and ask them to send you in writing a letter why they aren't going to cover you. That will give you grounds to start an appeal.

Just a curious question, after the band, do you have to keep the incision area dry? How long do you have to wait to take a bath or swim. Just wondering!

I feel for you. I started having weight problems at five years old. Lost, gained, lost, gained. Then after having kids, got up to 286 and can't lose any of it. I am an emotional eater, too. My surgery is tentatively set for July 5. I know it will be hard not to be able to eat at times, but it is harder carrying around this weight. I know the few times I lost all of the weight, I felt incredible and I am so looking forward to that day again. Hang in there! Think of how much better life will be!

You should get the band for yourself and not for him. He needs to be patient and understand that, or maybe you need to find someone who will value you for who you really are- I hope all goes well with your band in the future!

I wish the best for you and hope you get better. I agree about the eating like you have the band being a RIDICULOUS comment. If it were only that easy!

Congrats! I hope I am as successful as you!

Get this- I went through the 6 mo. med. suppervised diet and they STILL denied me! Cigna does not want to pay for this surgery and they do everything they can to get out of it. I am fed up and am going to Mexico. It makes no sense, especially with all the reports out there about obesity in America. You would think the government would do something to stop these insurance companies for taking our money and not covering us in our time of need! I guess I am doing what they want though-giving up and going somewhere else.

I am getting banded in Montery, MX. That is such a great idea to rush the passport. I am working on my application now. Which doctor are you using? I think I will be banded towards the end of June. Good Luck-

I am planning my surgery in Mexico too w/ Dr. Arturo Rodriguez after my insurance denied me. The main thing they told me is to get my passport application going now b/c it can take six weeks to get it. I am working on the rest of the scheduling now for sometime in July. Hope this helps!

I think you know you are ready for the surgery when you can't stand another day being the weight that you are. I know when I get my band this summer it will be lots of work, but I feel like it is way more work to carry around 100 plus extra pounds.

I would get a second opinion. Don't let one person stop you!

Search on the Web for Fill Centers USA. They fill most bands for surgeons in Mexico and are lots of places in the US.

I know how you feel. I am close to 300 pounds and I have lost and gained the weight many times. I have people in my family that tell me to just stop eating so much and exercise. They just don't understand. My favorite is the stick thin coworkers I have that tell me to just eat salads. You have to do what is right for you. I am trying to get my band approved. Have you gone to a seminar or lap band doctor to talk to them? I have found they are more understanding and helpful than PCP. They have seen so many success stories with the band and will support you more! Keep visiting the forum- It always cheers me up as I wait for my surgery date!

I watched a little of that. I haven't had my surgery yet, but it seems to me like that girl didn't have any interest whatsoever in having her band work. I'm sure her gastric by pass will fail for her, too. Seems like the doctor making the video wants to promote his proceedure.

Just look into your policy. Some cover BMI 35 with other health conditions. Although most only cover a BMI of 40. The insurance is going to want proof that you have been that weight for five years or more, too.

I know how you feel. My insurance is taking there time. I guess they think we will just go away if they take forever. Hang in there!

Congrats! You are so lucky to have your weight managed now, instead of letting it get worse and worse. Good for you!!!:clap2:

I have concidered Mexico too b/c of the hassle my insurance has been giving me b/c I don't have other problems like high blood pressure, etc. I have found the yahoo group about surgery in Mexico to be very resourceful when researching a Doctor there.

Just a question for some who is in the process of approval- Did you lose weight with your band? Was it worth it? I would like to hear both sides of the story. I wish you luck!

Good advice about losing weight before you get pregnant. I was morbidly obese with all my pregnancies and had gestational diabetes w/ all three. My first was born very sick b/c of my high blood sugar.

Congrats! Let us know how it goes. I will be going to Mexico if my isurance denies me. I would love feedback on good doctors there. I wish you the best!!!

I hear ya. I have been dealing with gaining a loosing all my life. Let's face it, if you are looking on this forum (like me), there is something telling you it's time to do something about your weight problems. I just came to a point where I knew it was time to turn things around. No matter what anyone says, your weight effects how you feel and live your life. I think you will just know when it is time to pursue help! Good Luck!

Who is banding you? If my insurance denies me, I want to have it done in Mexico. I am researching doctors now, just in case. I welcome any suggestions!

I know how you feel, too. I have been overweight or obese since I was five. I have lost as much as 80 pounds and then gained it all back plus some. It is funny how people tell you not to have the surgery. Almost everyone I tell just looks at me like I'm crazy. One very skinny person I work with said, well just quit eating. Have you tried working out or eating only salads? They just don't get it! I have decided to get surgery. I am the approval phase now. There is just something inside of you that tells you it's time. Life is too short to stay unhappy!

Thanks for the info! I can't wait to join you guys!