BarbaraC

:clap2: :clap2::clap2: Just finished my physical and have my referrals to the sleep specialist and cardiologist. I made an appointment to see the sleep specialist on Thursday. The only problem I am having is getting my records from my original PCP.

I like to wish everybody good luck. I too have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow at 10 AM. Need to get my physical and referrals for sleep test etc. Keep on Marching. ANY A BIG GOOD LUCK FOR KAREN. I am saying a big prayer for you and hope KP does not give you the run around. :dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:

:puke: I am an IT Auditor with the Federal Government. Most of the time I am sitting in front of my computer when I am not traveling to a job site.

GEHA also approves lab band.

Any news on our next meeting time and place. Just wondering!! We have so much good news to share. Barbara:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I would feel the same way as you esp with the payments. I am not yet banded so I can not give you any advice but I do feel you you. :cry

Connie Sorry, :omg: I can't believe that I miss this yesterday. I am so glad for you. Where is your surgery going to be? Looks like you are the first since we formed the Lap Band group!! BarbaraC

I agree with all of you and I HATE that commerical. I was a size 12 for a day when I was 18 Went from what I then called a fat 16 to a 12 the next week I was an 18. I am now a size 30 and wait for my la band. At 53 I have also tried everythign out there. Lost 50# and gain 100# Now I just wish I was that size 16 again.

I am very excited. I just found out that someone with the Ins that I have was approved the Lap Band in ONE day after her paper work was submitted. She did do the 6 month diet. I am work on mine now and hope to have this surgery sometime in July.

Hey Connie How did it go today?

Good Luck Connie, Hope all goes well. Maybe we are all moving forward. Barbara:clap2:

I went to the seminar today. It was very informative. Dr Singh was a hoot. I will be going to the support group that is on Wednesday night. See what happens. Anybody out there used Dr. Singh for Lab Band.

:clap2: Hope you can find your fill. Barbara

:clap2: Thanks I will have to check them out. Barbara

Yea me too! I have been been on diets for the past 30 years but never with a dr. I just started my 6 months diet and worst part of it all this company did not have that requirtment last year so I did not worry about it. I also have to do a supervised exercise program. Good Luck

Arnie, the emails stated the following: Bariatric surgery is covered if medically necessary. We would need your physician to send us medical records including BMI, history and physical, diagnostic x-ray, lab results, documentation of physical problems exacerbated by the obesity and documentation of 3 years dieting by normal standards without results for review. This does include either bariatric procedure, gastric bypass or lap band if medically necessary. Have you checked that Federal brochure for 2006. IT states: • Surgical treatment of obesity (bariatric surgery) is covered only if: − eligible enrollee is 18 or over, − clinical records support a body mass index of 40 or greater (or 35-40 when there is a co-morbid condition such as life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems or severe diabetes mellitus) for a period of six months, − documentation of failure to lower the body mass index by a medically supervised program of diet and exercise of at least six months duration. I think you will be OK. Hope this helps. Barbara

I emailed GEHA and was told that I needed a 6 month diet and exercise program supervised by a Dr. I had a 4 month start but it was by a Nutritionist but then could not get another appt. She was always busy. Don't know it that would have counted. I started with a new Dr. yesterday. I will get banded some time this year.

Hello Annie, Are you the fed employee that had BCBS? Juat wondering? I just changed this week have GEHA and will get the band after my 6 month diet. I have a consult set up with Dr S at John Hopkins the end of Feb. Good Luck Barbara

I have talked to Dr. von Rueden office and will be going to the seminar wed the 25. They claim that they are scheduling surgeries for March right now so that is not too bad. Just need to get some history on this Dr now.

The 6 month diet is required by my insurance carrier not Dr. Schweitzer.

I have an consultation set up with Dr. Schweitzer, MD. I emailed them back in September, they returned my call in October, and now I have the consult set up for the end of February. If you are looking for someone that can see you fast this is not the Dr. for you. I have to do a 6 month diet so he works for me. I am also checking out other Drs in the area. Hope this helps.

Has anyone come up with a place to meet next Sunday? I am going to be very busy the next couple of days but if you want to get together up here in Anne Arundel Co we could meet at G&M's that is on the South side of I695 and close to I295. Any other idea? :Bunny

Hello everybody, At the last meeting I told a few I would put out the name of the Doctor in Baltimore that also does Lab Band at St.AgnesHospital, He is Andrew Averbach, M.D. There are a few that have had the surgey and put their comments on the OH Board. Can't wait to see everyone next meeting.

Remember each year the policies change. I know of one insurance company that did not require a 6 month diet last year but is requiring it in 2006.

Open Season GEHA covers the lap band with 6 months diet and exercise plan. You and email them and get the info.