GaryB

Lanikila - I just realized that my tailgate menu will be reduced to soft and mushies...:thumbup: Can't wait...

Hi August All Stars... My Band Date : Aug 15th. Just had my pre-op tests this morning. I'm happily married almost 24 years. Two sons, age 19 in college and 14 starting HS. I have a great extended family and friend that are close. I'm keeping my band a secret, except to my wife of course, I don't want to worry others close to me on a procedure that many are unfamiliar with. I play golf, go to NY Giants football games and coach my sons basketball team. I have had a tough battle losing weight for most of my life. I love to eat, drink and be merry. I look forward to my journey.....living with moderation...

My advice to you, is that before you decide to pay on your own, double and triple check with Aetna. Try to call and speak to a case supervisor at Aetna to get more information about Weight Loss Surgery approval process. My surgeon sent the request to my Insurance Company, not me. Maybe your surgeon can help you... Don't give up, keep researching and fighting..... :thumbup:

My band date is Aug 15th..... I always thought I could lose the weight by myself. As got older, it got alot harder. The same efforts have been way less successful. Now that I'm 48, happily married 23 yrs and two great teenage boys, I've started to hate myself for not having the discipline to lose weight & keep it off. The experts say we need a eating lifestyle change...yea right... I am sure the band will limit my consumption. You all know that after a month or 2 of successful dieting, we get lazy. When we break the diet we go crazy and gain it all back plus some. That has been my MO over the past 10 years. With the band, I will get a fill and continue to lose...The band will be a great tool to help us continue to reduce overeating. :biggrin:

Good Luck !!! Please tell us how you feel. I am 3 weeks away from my band date and starting to get anxious.

I'm on cholesterol meds for about 2 yrs, but having a BMI of 40+ should qualify you with UHC. I have no other co morbids and want to keep it that way... keep us posted.

Hi - My band date is Aug 15th. 23 days to go. I feel, no I know I am doing the right thing to help myself by getting the band.... but sometime I get real angry with myself because I have not been successful with losing weight the natural way. I also have tried many many times. I am realizing that this is a disease and the band will be a tool to help me succeed. Go for it !!!! :thumbup:

Hi - I also have United Health Care (UHC) PPO in NJ. They were great. My band date is Aug. 15th. My Family doctor had to write a letter to UHC explaining that I tried many diets over the past 5 years without success and my BMI was 44. UHC approved within two weeks... good luck.

Micochan - I am not a Benefits Expert but I have worked in HR for many years. I recommend that you call Blue Cross and speak directly to a rep about pre existing conditions. My thoughts are even though you changed insurance, the fills should be covered but possibly out of network... which could cost you a bit more... but not $500. Call Blue Cross...Good Luck.

Mike - best wishes in the 31st. My date is Aug. 15th and I'm really getting ready to moving forward with the rest of my life.... I'm from up the NJ Turnpike.... RU an Eagles Fan?

OK to ad me to the August List. Band Date Aug. 15th

Hey Auggies, I'm jumping in...today is my first day posting. My band date is Aug. 15th. Pre op testing is July 28th. Getting nervous but really excited to start my journey. Thanks Lanakila for starting this thread. This site has been great. Personal: married to a very supportive and loving woman almost 24 yrs. 2 teenage boys, one in college. I look forward to sharing with you.

My band date is Aug 15th. This is my first post. My wife is very supportive of my decision. I only told one other close friend about my band. His advise was to tell others when and if I'm comfotable. I will just tell my family and friends to please support me with my weight loss and new eating habits without revealing... after I'm banded. I have two teenage boys who I am not telling in the beginning. After I lose significant weight , they will figure it out... "It's been a long strange trip" and I truly look forward to my journey post op.....