Lu Ann

Missy, We are wondering who did you surgery? Thanks,

My date is July 20th. Can hardly weight.. Good luck to all of us..July bandsters!

We have Anthem BC/BS here at work, and my friend just got approved because her BMI was at least 40. She had no other problems. However, I have to be a self-pay because mine was not 40, ;-( Close, but no cigar! I feel like it would be worth your $85.00 to go and find out. Chances are good you will be approved.

Hi Pam, How exciting....I was scheduled with Dr. Spivak on the 28th also, but didn't get my 401K check in time. So, I am ALSO rescheduled for 7/20th. So we will be there the same day. I live in Silsbee, TX. My husband and I are going to drive up the 19th and spend the night close to the sugery center. Where are you from, and what are your stats? I am so glad you are going through it too!

I happen to work in Evadale....the only place there to work..lol. So you are happy with Dr. Spivak? So far, he and his staff have been awesome. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Cindy, Yes, I had to have one. I got the name of one from website of my surgeon. She arranged our appointment over the telephone. It cost $175.00 and lasted about 45 min. She was really nice, and had the lap band sugery herself. Basically, we talked about food, weight, diets I have tried...etc. Nothing really deep, like if we hated our parents.. She is in the Houston area. Hope this helps,

Lorie, I think it would depend if you are going to try insurance, or if you are a self pay. I my case I am a self pay, and once I had a consulation, I could have scheduled it the next week. However, I got the money from my savings, and have to wait on the check. Insurance will take a little longer, depending on your type. I know you will get more replys, as I am fairly new hear, and my band date is July 20th. Cannot wait!! Good luck, and keep reading, these folks are loaded with knowledge, and wisdom.

Where do I go for the pictures? Thanks!

Kellymoos, This is great to know. I live in Silsbee, and am scheduled for my lap band on 7/20, with Dr. Spivak in Houston. Any info. is greatly appreciated. This forum and been a huge help with research and questions, but a face to face meeting would be awesome. Thanks!

I agree, you should call your doctor immediately. I struggled and dealt with GERD for more than two years until I finally found something that worked. My bed was elevated 5" , and I tried every medication know to man. But, with the help from a Gastro. in Houston, I am on Nexium, and Robinul...once a day. And, I feel soooo much better. I did have to have my gall bladder removed. My band date is July 20, and I was told by two doctors' that do the surgery, that the lab band will "fix" any reflux I have. I pray that is the truth, it would be nice not to have to be on pills for life.

"I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could." Me too! Where men are men, and women are glad of it! Dr. Spivak is my surgeon too. I am hoping for June 18th...good to meet you.

MZBAB50, I am tentatively scheduled for June 28th also. I will be going to Houston. Cannot wait!!

I sent you an email, but maybe you didn't get it...? My son is the Asst. Police Chief at League City, and his wife is a school teacher. Very nice upsale city, with lots of shopping, and 30 min, from Galveston Beach. Traffic is hectic as in most larger cities. But, all in all, you will love it. As far as lap band...I am using Dr. Spivak...www.bandmd.com He comes highly recommended, and several on the Forum have used him. Very compassionate person, and staff is awesome. Feel free to ask any questions about the area.... Lu Ann

They are still going to submit it, but she was 100% sure they would deny it. "All things are possible"...so I will keep praying. Thanks for your words,

Hi all, I just got back from Houston, with my consult with Dr. Spivak...The nurse and insurance person there were absolutely positive that BC/BS would NOT pay for my band. :cry My BMI is 34, and I both of my knees have been paritally replaced. I even had my orthopedic surgeon write a letter that if I lost 65#, which would put me at 150, it would be very benifical to my osteoarthritis. I take two medications for GERD, high chol. high tri. etc...but none of these, I was told, were considered life threatening. I don't have asthma, or sleep apnea, etc. I know, I know, I should be counting my blessings that I don't have these things, and I do...but I have had my heart set on this procedure....already paid for the psy. and nutrition eval..for nothing..$275.00) So, I will have to be a self pay....and I don't know if I can put this kind of money on myself...I am afraid it would be a burden on my family. But, very good friend, Kim, who went with me, and is having the band done also...told me to pray about it. If God says it is OK, then nothing can go wrong. That I will find the $ somewhere. I don't mean to whine....really... just a little bummed out today. By the way, the office staff, and Dr. Spivak are awesome! Very pleasant and caring people. Praise God for that. Ya'll keep up the good work, I am proud of all of you!

You're so right Elizabeth..we all need to count our blessings. This sweet lady just wanted what we all want, and she got a nightmare, instead. This keep her and her family in our prayers, and keep following her progress as well. Still waiting for my band....

Do not worry! You will sleep right through it...LOVE THAT VERSED! The wonder drug.

This is a little scary....I was told by the doctor who conducted the lap band seminar, that I could have it done on Thursday, and go back to work on Monday. Do ya'll think that will be possible? Remember now...I am 54...but sit at a computer all day...

:paranoid I have my first consult with Dr. Spivak this Thursday. Does anyone know how long it take generally, for insurance to make a decision if you are approved or not, after all the paperwork is submitted? I am still shooting (and praying) for June surgery date, but not sure if it is possible. Thanks a bunch!

Cathy, I am in Texas, but have Anthem BC/BS, PPO. I called them about this procedure a couple of weeks ago. "Jenny" told me that it is covered if you send the following; She called it criteria for pre-determination. 1. Recent physical with office notes 2. Therapy progress (previous attempts at losing weight, programs you have tried, diets tried, and meds taken for weight loss. 3. Letter of medical necessity 4. Nutritional evaluation 5. Psychological evaluation I got the names of the nutritionalist and psycholigist from the doctor's office where my appointment is (Dr. Spivak) in Houston. The way I understand it, if all these things are faxed to them, you will be approved. Praying for you! I see you sent your letters in March, could it have changed since then?

Cherie, I understand completely! When I hit 200#, it seemed no matter what I tried, it wouldn't come off. My goal is also 150#. Going to my consult this Thurs. the 9th...cannot wait! Still waiting on insurance approval too.

ohhhhhhhhhh...TMI

Margo, I know exactly how you feel. I am right there with ya' kiddo. I cannot wait, and am very impatient. But, I know, and you know, it will be so worth the wait. Hang in there, you are gonna love it. At least that is what all the bandsters are telling us!

Well, WE are all proud of you! And, for your husband...most men don't have a clue how hard it is of some of us, they can cut down to 3 meals a day, and lose weight. Pat yourself on the back, and keep your chin up!! You are doing great.

Said a pray...keep us posted.