ladyT

Well, the saying, "Good Things Comes To Those Who Wait", has proven to be true in your case. I too have been turned down and became pretty discouraged, as I felt that perhaps I was not cut out to have this surgery. I started gaining weight, but later initiated the program again and was recently approved. I am scheduled for banding the end of May, 2009. Although it is an exciting venture, I am still very nervous and a bit freightened, as this is my first surgery. Nevertheless, I am so waiting to begin my journery with the new me.:thumbdown:

Much luck -- I am scheduled to be banded on May 25, 2009 granted the surgeon will be available. This is my first surgery, so I am nerveous and excited all at the same time. Can't wait to start the new me. I have a support group meeting this evening and can't wait to let them know that I have been approved and on my way to the new me!!!!!!

:thumbup:Hello Everyone, I really enjoyed reading your exciting postings. I too am scheduled for lapband surgery (tentatively) for May 25, 2009. Just waiting for confirmation from the nurse to see if the surgeon will be available to perform the surgery. My feelings about the big date is mixed, as I am both excited to beginning a healthier new me, but I am also nervous. Good luck to those who are awaiting surgery prior to my date and to those who have already had their surgeries. :-)

Penni, Why were you disbanded? Where there severe complications? Do you plan to get the band back? This really scares me now -- I am having second thoughts.

I have Uni-Care PPO -- had my first appointment with the dietician and psychologist. My next appointment is the Lap band & Gastric Bypass education program followed by MMPI lab work the following week and an appointment with the dietician again and the surgeon. I also have a mild case of sleep apnea and sleep with the CPAP every night. I have also been diagnosed with arthritis in both knees. My biggest concern is that I have been asked to lose at least 2 pounds between each session with will take me closer to the minimum acceptable weight for which insurances approve patients for the lap-band surgery. I do not want to go beneath it. Right now my BMI is 40.7 at 5 ft. with the medical conditions I mentioned. I am also awaiting approval from my insurance, as according to my insurance policy, there may not be a waiting time for requried weight management -- I will keep my fingers crossed that I am approved.

Is this the same problem if self-paying? Is it necessary to prove that I have been on a weight loss plan with my doctor when paying cash for the procedure?

Oh, my stars -- I have tried to sleep using the machine, but I simply can't do it! Immediately upon putting the mask on my face to breathe, I suddenly begin to panic (rapid heart beats and fear that I will not wake up). I am going to continue trying to sleep with the mask on my face, as I know that it is there to help me while sleeping -- I just don't care for it. My son heard me snoring so loud and then noticed a long delay before snoring again. He stated that he shook me to wake up and insisted that I wear the mask -- but again, stubborn old me -- I put it on and took it right off. I have been diagnosed with the advanced stages of sleep apnea as a result of visiting the sleep center twice. I know that I am a good candidate for the surgery -- at least I think I am with a BMI of 39 at 5' 0", sleep apnea, and severe arthritis. However, I am no longer working -- do not have insurance at this time, but plan to pay cash for the procedure, as it is well needed. Perhaps I will wait until I have landed another job and then try going through my insurance. Thoughts?

Wonderful news!!! I tried with my insurance -- gone through all the steps and was not approved with a BMI of 38. My BMI is now 39 and I am suffering from sleep apnea with arthritis, which is worsening every pound added to my current weight. I plan to pay cash, but was wondering if I needed to go through the same process. Thoughts?

Any responses to my previous inquiry -- any and all will be most helpful.

Carol, Glad that you cleared this up with your doctor's office. I certainly do not blame you for letting them know the effect that their error has brought up on you. Another reason for taking this bill to your next doctor's appointment is for a verbal confirmation that you owe a $0 balance. A written apology letter and/or confirmation from the doctor's office that you have paid your doctor's bill in full wouldn't heart either, as it will be good for your records as well.

Wow, I am also considering self pay for the procedure. However, I am just initiating the process and know that there are several steps to be completed prior to the surgery itself. I have a BMI of 39 and suffer from sleep apnea. I was told that I am a good candidate for the surgery. What exactly are the procedures that leads the way to the surgery?