Mrs Sabre

I'm just getting started. I've done my research. My PCP has sent a predetermination letter to my insurance. I see a weight loss specialist on Thursday. (PCP thought it would make a better paper trail.) What are your thoughts on doctors in the Charlotte area? I've heard Dr. V is quite slow? Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Timothy Kuwada? If so, what did you think? Other Recommendation?

Hi! I'm new here too. I'm just starting the process, and hope to be banded in early 2006 (if not sooner).

Thank you all for the input. My coverage is through Wachovia Bank, and I have already confirmed that they cover WLS. I just wasn't sure about coverage for lower BMI's & boarderline co-morbidities. I saw my PCP on Wed., 8/31/05, and he mailed my predetermination letter on Fri., 9/2/05. To extend the paper trail and increase my chances, I see a weight loss/bariatric specialist on Thurs., 9/8/05. The ball is rolling; I just pray UHC agrees!

I have United Health Care thru my employer.

Let me first say that I love this site so far! I've already found a ton of useful and interesting information. After reading everything I could find on Lap-Band surgery, I went to my internist to see if he would recommend it for me. He's completely supportive and is willing to fight with my insurance if need be to have it covered. (It is covered under my health care plan.) My BMI is 37; I'm 5'6" and 230 lbs. My co-morbidities are all boarderline, i.e. boarderline high blood pressure, chronic heart burn (maybe unconfirmed GERD), insuline resistance, sleep disorder (restless leg syndrome w/ periodic limb movement disorder) with snoring, and chronic depression. I'm also hypothyroid, status post radioactive iodine treatment for Grave's disease. From your experiences, does it sound probable that I'll be covered by my insurance?