kathystrick

Generally, from what I have read here, the surgeon uses your original weight at the time you first came in when they submit to the insurance company. I would check with your surgeon's office about their policy first, then decide how to handle my 6 month diet from there. It's funny, this same issue is being discussed on another thread here. I asked the ladies there just yesterday what they are doing about the food journals they are required to keep if they aren't really dieting because they fear going below that magic "40". The consensus are fudging. Good luck and please do stay in touch.

I assumed by your first post that you are pre-op, and am now assuming your wife is post-op. Is that right? I would definitely give their whole program 2 thumbs up.

How cool would THAT be???

Well that was cool that they were willing to work with you to accomodate your diet! And that the chef was willing to prepare an entirely separate meal for you was great! That wouldn't be the case in a lot of places.

Aw Linda and Ready! {{{{hugs}}}} I'm sorry this process is so stressful for you. When I started, the insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office told me my insurance was one of the hardest to get approval from. I almost walked out. I felt so defeated, like no one understood what it takes just to make the decision that surgery is what you need. DH wouldn't hear of it. He told me that if that was what I wanted, I was going to stick with it and see it through, no matter how many hurdles I had to jump for the insurance company. As it turned out, it wasn't nearly as bad as she said it would be and I have approval now. But even without the 6 month pre-op diet requirement, guess what? It still took 4 months to go through all of my pre-submittal stuff and get approval! There IS light at the end of the tunnel. Just be patient and hang in there. And remember, when it feels like it's getting to be too much, there are a lot of people here who have been through the same things and are willing to listen and lend you support. Good luck and keep us posted!

So you are just waiting on approval?? Woo hoo!!!:wink2: You will have it before you know it! The wait now won't be nearly as long as it has been. Keep us posted!

Hi! I am using Dr. Tribble too! My surgery is June 18th. There are quite a few people here who are on Tricare. Check the Insurance and Financing thread. Keep in touch and let me know how you are progressing. Good luck!

All plans are different and just because they offer coverage doesn't mean your employer won't have an exclusion for it in their policy. The best way to find out is to contact your HR and see if they have a copy of the new policy and if not, call BCBS. Good luck!

Not a stupid question at all! It gets asked often enough to be in the FAQ section.LOL Here is the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/

This site is pretty user friendly if you aren't one to be afraid to click and see what happens.LOL And the amount of knowledge and support you can get is just overwhelming! Usually, it's the insurance part that causes the most waiting. They have the hoops they want you to jump through, then they want to take their time getting back to you with approval! Just hang in there and it will all be over before you know it! Good luck and look forward to sharing your journey.

How are all of you doing on your food diaries? If one is actually supposed to be dieting but isn't, I am assuming one would have to lie about what they are eating? Hey, whatever it takes to get approval is what I say!!

The list keeps growing! Am I going to be the lone bander on the 18th??

Thankg, Huggie Bear! I am so excited! Finally got to add a countdown ticker to my signature! :wink2:

You don't have to leave the site. If you are in the process of having WLS, that would be a mistake because you would lose out on a lot of valuable information and support. If you read something you don't like here, just leave the thread and let it be.

Catching up on this thread again and wanted to tell you I am still thinking about you BBK and hoping everything works out for the best for you! Thanks for keeping us updated. You look amazing!!

Congratulations on taking that first step towards better health. There is a load of information here, look around and learn all you can. If you have nay questions you can't find the answer to, please feel free to post them! Your possible weight loss between now and September would depend on a lot of factors such as pre-op diet requirements, exercise program, and your body's natural rate of weight loss.

Congratulations!! I know you are thrilled. Please keep us posted on your progress and good luck!

I'm going along with IndioGirl on this one - I think in this one of those cases where PC comes into play. The men may simply be afraid of how you (or others) would take it if they were overheard saying something. Some people are very sensitive about possible sexual harassment issues and there are women in this great PC society of ours who would find any such comment offensive. Personally, I will eat up ANY compliment, from men or women. NOTICE ME!!!! TELL ME I'M LOSING WEIGHT AND LOOKING GOOD!!!! :biggrin: :wink2:

Hi JimmyJames! What a great attitude you have! How did things go with the doctor today?

Sorry you are having to go through this struggle. Let us know how things turn out.

My doctor is Benjamin Tribble of the Weight Management Center through Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital. If you need the address and all, let me know and I'll PM you. I also have the contact info for the Behavioral Care Nurse Coordinator who runs their support groups if you would like that too.

I have BCBS of Georgia and had no 6 month diet requirement. I don't see why you couldn't go ahead and start it though. The only way it might not be advisable is if you are so close on the BMI range that you could possibly go below 40 (if you have no comorbidities) before seeing your surgeon.

Check with your doctor's office and see what weight they use. Your worry could be alleviated with one simple phone call. Good luck!

Hi Jason! How did the stress test go today? Hope everything moves through quickly and easily for you, with no complications. Keep us posted and good luck!

Good for you! How is the weight loss going so far?