LSF

I finally sent in an e-mail to the insurance company. They just replied that I am registered in the "I can Change Program" and that someone should have called me by now. They also gave me the phone number to call. At least I have that in writing from them. I'm going to call first thing on Monday.

That's what I'm going to do but I guess they have a "health coach" that is supposed to check in with me to see how I'm doing. No call yet.

I have Tufts which requires I wait the 6 months. I originally consulted with my PCP in January about starting the journey for lapband surgery, attended the seminar in January and met with the Surgeon in February. The surgon's office said that they send in the paperwork to Tufts and then Tufts will send me a letter stating that I am enrolled in the 6 month "I can change program". 3 weeks later, I'm still waiting! The surgeons office said that Tufts has approved it that I will be approved after the 6 month completion date of 9/12. I called Tufts to tell them that I never received instructions on what to do for the 6 months and they are saying that they gave the info to my PCP. I called the PCP's office to make ANOTHER appointment and they don't know why I need to see them again. This has been SO frustrating. I have a feeling that this program hasn't been activated yet and I'm tired of waiting when I have been ready for 3 months now to get this going.

I feel your pain! I have Tufts and they also require the 6 month weight loss program. I began this journey in late December and now, by the time all this is over, it could be as late as October/November.

I'm from Springfield. I have an appointment with Dr. Fiallo who was highly recommended by some doctor friends of our family as well as his other patients. His office participates with Tufts. I'm more disappointed about the thought of having to carry this weight around for another six months. If all the other diet plans haven't worked for me over the past 30 years, why would it now? That's why I would like to have the surgery. I've already met with the Nutritionist and had a stress test. I'm going back for a nuclear stress test this week - my blood pressure was fine but they spotted something on my EKG.

I guess I'm just getting impatient to get this started. Also, I need to look at what is a good time for me to be taking off work to get the surgery done. This is the time of year that if I need to take time off, it's now. Otherwise, if I have to wait 6 months, I have to wait until late August, early September.

Did you have to wait 6 months? Would you mind giving me the specifics as to how they worked?

jaylow - So you never had the surgery? It would be bad for me to gain 10 pounds for my doctor's appt because I have to wear a uniform to work and it would be too tight for me.

Does anyone have insurance with Tufts? If so, were there complicationns with them? I'm looking into the lapband but I'm worried that they will give me a hard time approving the surgery just from what I've read on their web-site.

I called the office and got an appointment with Dr. Fiallo in a couple of weeks. They have been so busy, they were behind in calling the people back. The only problem now is my insurance is going to require me to go through 6 months of an "I can change" program. I don't want to wait 6 months. Then, if I'm understanding what the web-site is saying, they won't approve it unless your BMI is over 40, mine is 39.5 or something. Unless, you have diabetes, hypertension or sleep apenea - none of which I have but my weight is causing me to have other problems. I'll find out more when I go for my appointment - it's just SO frustrating. I'm also from Springfield by the way.

ssnnggnn: How long did it take for them to call you after you attended the seminar?

I feel weird calling since they told us not to call but it's been 2 weeks

Did it take awhile for his office to contact you? I've been waiting a call now for almost 2 weeks since I attended the seminar.

Do you mind me asking what Insurance you have?

Wow!! Your messages were all so helpful!! I'm not much of a drinker but I do like to have a drink once in awhile. I'm just patiently waiting for my surgical consult.

I'm looking into getting the lapband. I'm curious, can you still eat out in restaurants and maybe have a drink with friends? I know you will not be able to eat much but I would like to hear stories from those that have the lapband.

I am in the same boat as you. I already went to my primary care, went to the seminar and am waiting for the surgeon to contact me for an appointment. I have an appointment next week with the dietician. I'm finding this web site to be VERY helpful and have enjoyed reading how everyone is dealing with different situations.

Dr. Fialo is the one I am looking to go to. How have you been doing since?

I'm looking into getting the lapband and was wondering if anyone has it done in Massachusetts. Where and with who?

I'm curious, how come your insurance would not cover it? I'm looking to get the lap-band and am waiting for the surgical consult.

Thank you. I've been reading everyone's stories on the web-site. I'm just waiting for the surgeons office to contact me for an appointment. I'm nervous when I read about the problems people have been having. How has it been for you?

Hi, my name is Lori. I am also looking into the lapband. I went to the seminar but am waiting for the surgeon to contact me for an appointment (they told us - do not call, we will call you). In the meantime, I began making the other appointments. The nutritionist is next week.