bluekygirl

Jayme,if this is something that you really want, and your insurance company turns you down, you have the option of self-pay. You may find a doctor that has no problems doing the surgery with a BMI of 33, if insurance is not involved.

staindgal, sometimes I think I'm the only one in the world that feels this way, and then you go and type my exact thoughts. Your post got to me because it was like I was reading my own words. The only difference is that I already have a child. A 10 month old beautiful little girl who I want to stay around to see grow up. And teach her healthy habits through my own actions. And I want to get in control of myself before she's old enough to know her mommy is FAT. You are certainly not alone. I am not banded yet either. I hope to be in the next month or so. I feel like my whole life is on hold until I get this band and that I can take control after that. I always wondered how an intelligent person, who knows exactly what it takes to lose weight, can continue on a path of self-destruction for so long while wanting so badly to just be normal. So, just know that there are people who feel your pain. I wish you much success in your journey. Apparently, there is a whole network of people here who just want to help each other and share experiences. I'm glad we found this place. Good luck...you can do it.

Thin4Anisha, bsmith56 is right...you can try to find something in the policy that allows you to switch from your parents' plan to your company's insurance plan. There are many reasons you can do so. I don't know them all, but I'm sure you could find out. For example (not suggesting you do any of these), change in marriage status, new baby, new job, increase in price of your current policy, etc. And as mentioned before, since you are 24, you may be at the end of the line for your parents being able to cover you anyway. I believe my dad's BC/BS policy would not cover me and my siblings once we turned 24, regardless of student status. (of course there are exclusions if you are a disabled adult child or something of that nature) There is a possibility that your current insurance policy just hasn't realized your age yet. If you bring it to their attention, perhaps you'll be able to switch to the better insurance - you wouldn't have to wait for open enrollment in Jan 2009 since it would be like a "hardship transfer". Hope that helps! Let me know what you find out.

I am not banded yet...hoping to be in March. But I have found myself already telling some people of my intentions. I kind of wish I hadn't though, because there are some people that I don't really want to tell because of them being judgemental and critical of my decision. Especially my in-laws. However, since I've already told some people, word will probably get around to those who don't know. So, I guess that means I have to be truthful with everyone now, because I would hate to get caught in a lie. But I agree with some of the other comments - I really shouldn't care what people think about it. I will be doing it for me and my husband and child, and I guess I'll just have to get some thicker skin regarding anyone else's opinion.

Hello Jacobsmomma, I am from Ky too. I also have not been banded yet, but am hoping to sometime in March. I will be self-pay, so hopefully the process will go by a little quicker than some of the horror stories I've heard about the waiting game. Like me, hope you have a great journey and that it starts soon!

I am not banded yet, but planning to be in March. I already have a 10 month old daughter, so fertility isn't a problem for me. However, I just want to have a healthier pregnancy. I was 226 lbs when I got preggers and was 280 when I delivered. A lot of the weight I gained in the last 2 months was actually water weight from being soooo swollen. I was fine until my last 2 months, and then I was miserable. I'm hoping to get pregnant again as soon as possible, but I want to weigh no more than 180 when I do so. I am also hoping that the band will aid me in not gaining too much weight again during pregnancy. So, however long it takes me to lose 60 lbs, is when I'm going to start trying again!

I've never really verbalized it, but after reading your post, yes, I too am a self-sabotager. I have not had the surgery yet, but in other things in life I have sabotaged myself just when things were going great. I was actually hoping the surgery would be a tool against self-sabotage. Looks like it won't be the only tool I need, huh? Setting small goals that are more easily obtainable usually works best for me. As G.I. Joe says, "Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!" Was that way too corny????

I was told exactly the same thing. I was also told that if your stomach already hangs over a little, then you can count on having the loose skin and needing a tummy tuck.

Actually, this IS the new insurance. The last insurance covered the surgery, but became too expensive for my husband's company to keep. I guess that's what I get for waiting. Also, my husband may be getting a new job and I've even looked into the insurance plan at that place - again, no coverage. A direct exclusion. Looks like every path leads to me paying out of pocket. Although my husband is having a cow about the cost, I don't really see it like that. If it means a better future, then it's all worth it. I'd love to get healthier and lose a bunch of weight before my daughter realizes her mommy is FAT.

I only wish I had the experiences with UHC as most of you guys. There is a direct clause in my policy that states they will not cover any surgery for obesity. So I guess I'm cash pay, although I wish there were another way.