la8again

Well today was my first visit with the surgen and half way through the apt they told me that my insurance plan had changed. So we called the insurance company back and they gave us 4 diffrent stories in 45 min on the phone with them. The final anwser is they now only cover a COE. So I have to start every thing over again with new docs at a diffrent hospital. I was in luck and they did have a seminar tonight. But my first apt with them isn't even untill Febuary 13th. I would have been about to have my surgery by them. I was just really settled with who I was going to use. The worst thing is right before we found out about insurance, they told me that my surgery would be done by the end of Febuary. I am so angry that my plan changed 3 weeks ago. I have called to verify every thing just last week, after the changes, and they quoted 07 plan instead of 08 plan! The only good thing that has come from all of this is that now instead of having to pay $2000 out of pocket I now only have to pay $500. Sorry, but I really just needed to vent for a min. So to all of you listening Thank you very much!

I also have Humana and I do not have to do the supervised diet. I have my first apt tomorrow, but I spoke with Humana and they told me on my plan they do not require the diet. I am lucky they also cover the $550 office fee for the after surgery diet class. I am so sorry to hear that they dont cover that on your plan, but I have read on here about people saying that the insurance and the doctor use your first weight not the after diet weight. I hope you can figure something else out. You could try to speak with humana and see which weight they will use. I know they have a seperate weight loss surgery department they will know more than anyone else. I hope I was some help!

Hi I'm In Knoxville, TN. I am using UT weight loss center with Dr. Scott and 2 Brothers Dr. Mancini. I have my fist apt. with them tomorrow.

The weight watchers scale is only 28 dollars at wal mart I looked at it tonight.

I am not banded yet, but I have had 4 prior surgerys in my belly (2 laperoscopys, a c section, and a tubal) I have had the gas pains with all of them, but it really wasn't unbearable pain. I know that some people have stated how terriable it was, but normally I think most people do ok with it after the first few hours. You can't really do anything before hand, but the best thing to do afterwards is walk, walk, walk! It will work it out. I hope this helps you! My friend was banded on 12/18/07 and she walked the hospital floors pretty much the whole time she was there. She said that by the time she got home it was all worked out.

Have you called you insurance company yet to ask them what the require you to do? I have Humana and they dont require any pre-op diet or anything else that is stupid. Just the requirments that the doctor has. So you may not be up against a fight. I just turned in my paper work to my surgon and I will more than likley have my surgery done by the end of Febuary. Good luck to you on getting the process completed quickly!!!!

I have to say that every doctor is diffrent with diffrent pre and post op diets. My doctors say that I should be on liquids for 1 week then mushies for 2 weeks then to add regular foods 1 at a time untill you regain a regular menu.

There is a post on here about drinking wine. It may be on page 4 or 5 by now but it was really helpful.

Help! I read the post about the phys evals. Some people had really easy phycs and others had 700 questions. Does anyone know of a good easy phyc in the Knoxville, Tn area. If so I would be really thankful!!!!

Well there are alot of doctors in my area that insurance covers. I am just looking for one that doesn't use the 400 or 700 question test. I would much rather sit down and talk to some one rather than sit in a room all alone for 2 hours. But thank you very much for the info on how to find a doc.

I also am a newbie. I can't believe that it has taken so long to get your process to this point. I guess some doctors are just slower that others. I went to my seminar about 2 months ago, but didnt decicde to do it untill 2 weeks ago. But my friend who went to the seminar with me had her surgery 12/18/07. I turned in my paper work today and my first apt is next Thursday. But I have been to my family doctor, had my blood work done and gotten a letter from my knee doctor. All I have left is my mental eval, my apt with the doctor, and my insurance approval witch normally takes 2-4 weeks with them. I am hoping to be banded by the end of Febuary. I hope everything goes well for you and the process speeds up.

After my seminar I had to fill out the pack of papers, go to my family doctor and have blood work and the referal done then take it to his office and drop it off. Once I turned that in they gave me an apt for next Thursday. They also want me to have my mental eval done in the next two weeks. After that is done then they will submit it to insurance. I hope that was some help.

Hi my name is Ashlee and I am a 22 year old wife and mother. I have struggled with weight my whole life and I am ready to end the challenge before it ends me. I am pre-band. I have been to the seminar, family doc, had my blood work done, and I am going for my first apt with my surgeon on Jan. 24th. I have chosen to use Tennessee weight loss and surgery center. Drs Mancini and Dr. Scott. They practice out of UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. I still have to have my mental eval done, hopefully in the next week. If you want to know anything else please feel free to ask! I am looking forward to getting to know you all better.