BandLady

Oh Yeah, I'v had that experience. My BMI is 36, I am 5'6" and I weight 224 lbs. The select few I've opted to tell always say "you're not big enough to have surgery". I decided to keep my upcoming surgery date low, low key.

Hi, I was just wondering what your experiences have been as far as when you told people about your upcoming surgery. I feel like if my BMI was in the 50's it would be easier for people to understand and or be supportive of wanting to get this done.

My BMI is 39 as of today and I finally had the nerve to tell my best friend and she was totally not supportive and basically blew it off and said, "just join weight watchers, your not that big to have to go get a surgery". A friend at work told me basically the same thing too, "oh you aren't fat ha ha ha your so funny". But to me I am fat.......... obese......... whatever you want to call it. Just to name a few things, my knees and back hurt, I have no energy and this is so embarrassing to say but if I sit on the toilet to long my legs and feet fall asleep and I know that's from all this weight (242) I am carrying around. If weight watchers would work I would do it but obviously it dosen't nor does/did all the other 20 diets I have tried . I just feel like I have to really explain myself like when I was telling her I kept saying but I'm so unhealthy, if I wasn't unhealthy then I wouldn't do this, my Dr. thinks it's for the best, etc......

UGH, why can't people think this is great, be supportive, and be happy for me?

Just stay focused on your goal. I know there are so many variables with so many people having an influence on the speed of this process. Have you reviewed the requirements for bariatric surgey established by your insurance company? Do you meet the criteria? Some plans require a six months physician supervised diet prior to approval.

Hi- I have had the worst luck getting my pcp to forward a referral to the surgeon for my first consult appointment. It has been 2 months since seminar, and 1 month and 3 weeks since referral was supposed to be sent to bariatric center from my Dr. Today I called Bariatrics, and they finally got my referral (to the correct dr this time). They said for my first consult with the surgeon, their first available slot was in May!!! She then told me to hold the line- the other secretary was on the phone with someone cancelling their appointment for this Friday!! They asked me if I wanted it... No DUh!!! So, I am going this friday for the consult... I should be BANDED by May...when that was when my first consult was going to be.. I'm just glad this is finally moving on- I hope there arent' too many more glitches in the road- I just jinxed myself- I just know it...

Take care!!

I know it is very hard to wait! Keep the follow up calls going. I started my Journey Jan 2007,went through the six month diet, the paper work and all the other things insurance wanted me to do. I expected to get my band July-Sept 2007. Seems I was a big paper work shuffle! It was a YEAR later Jan. 2008 but I FINALLY got my band! Good-Luck to you!

~Laurinda~

Yeah, tedious and time-consuming process to obtain insurance approval. But hang in there, it will all be worth it in the end.

I was banded a couple of weeks ago and I have been shocked by how many people, intelligent people who I consider my friends, have said to me something to the affect of, "You're going to be so pretty after you lose all that weight."

Like, you are ass ugly now with all that fat hanging off you, but once that's gone you will look good.

Anybody else come across this compliment? Do you feel the same as me, or do you take it as a true compliment?

I try to take it as a compliment as I know it is intended, but I cannot help but feel like it is such an insult.

Of course, they should use better word choices to compliment you. Your friends and associates are probably just excited about your potential weight loss. Your dramatic weight loss will have a major impact on you physically and emotionally. Stay motivated.:girl_hug:

Hey ladies! I wanted to introduce myself. I am a AA hoping to be banded in early March.

I am scheduled to be banded on Feb. 7th. Excited and nervous all together!:girl_hug:

Hey

you cannot even see my scars anymore my stretch marks are worst than any scar lol , as far as hair loss so far so good I have non , but girl if I do I will slap some weave in my head lol

I hear ya girlfriend:tongue:

Opted not to response also. Surprised myself tho!

You Go Girl, 100 lbs:lol:. Now, the times you had to be unfill, was all the Fluid taken from your band? Since the actual band remained in place, did you feel any restriction? I'm surprised you were able to gain 30 lbs in such a short time.

Outstanding weight loss! Do you battle hunger?

Hopefully you have gotten approval.

Good luck! I am scheduled for banding on Feb. 7th.

Yes, my informational packet provided a sample letter for my PCP to draft and sign. The sample letter normally covers essentials points requred for insurance approval.

Scheduled to be banded on February 7th by Dr. Sherman at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. So excited!!!!!:smile:

Outstanding girl!

I like you eating plan.

I live in Missouri City. I recently received approval form Cigna and I will be banded by Dr. Sherman.

Usually, a BMI of 40 or above meets most insurance company's criteria for bariatric surgery. Alot of company now require a 6 month physician supervised diet prior to approval for surgery. For patients with a BMI less than 30, a comorbidity must exist e.g. unamanageable blood presure, sleep apnea, diabetes.

Keep up the good work!

Hahahahahahhaha! You're right.

Good luck to you!

My answer: A well-balanced diet, strictly adhering to Portion Control.< /p>

I am enrolled in Cigna PPO. My insurance documentation indicates a six (6) month physician supervised diet is required for the lap band preocedure

Good investment!

Good thinking soldier!

My initial pre-certification was immediately denied by my carrier. When I spoke with my assigned caseworker she indicated it was denied based on a set of criteria (which my company is exempted from). Nevertheless, the denial would stand and only be reconsidered with additional documentation from PCP. Since I was discouraged, I procrastinated in making another doctor's appt. In the meantime, an approval letter showed up. Yippee!!:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: