Angels

It was covered in my federal government policy but they do give you the run around. They finally approved me and I had my surgery on April 4, 2006. In my coverage books it did state it was covered. Does your information clearly indicate that it is covered? If not, then no matter what documentation you gather and submit they will not cover it.

:clap2: :clap2: I am at work so excited about tomorrow. I know I won't be able to sleep tonight for the excitement I have! Advice on what I need to have ready before I go in tomorrow morning? Thanks to you all for your loving support!!!

I need some help in building a ticking factory. My surgery went very well on April 4, 2006, and I have not had any gas, vomitting or nausea. I just have absolutely no appetite and can hardly get all the protein in. Thanks for all the well wishes:)

Today seems like the real excitement is starting! April 4, 2006, is my big day at Shady Grove Hospital located in Rockville, MD. I have met with the staff and they all are so kind and caring, which really relieved me from being afraid to be put to sleep. I shared my concern with anesthologist about my fears and we have a game plan, which is he will sedate me prior to surgery so once I go into the OR I won't panic and/or get nervous. That is such a relief to know they care that much to make sure my comfort is their top priority! GOODLUCK to ALL and especially to the April bandsters. Pray for me as I will pray for you all! Peace and Blessings!

I was banded on April 4th and will return to work on April 10th. I have had a wonderful recovery i.e. no gas, no nausea, sleeping well just as long as I keep the pain meds in my system.

GOD is AWESOME!!! Keep up the great work and continue to give GOD all the praise!!

Your doctor could definately lose his license and I know he/she is not willing to do that. My doctor told me that specifically without even asking him to do such a thing. However, my Weight Watcher records were accepted since it was for more than 6 consecutive months.

That is the same requirement for my ins co MDIPA, United Healthcare. However, the good news is they accepted my Weight Watcher records of more than 6 consecutive months. Thank GOD, I did not have to wait until August 2006.

Thank you in advance for assisting me with building a ticker to track my progress to share with LBT.

No doubt, I would just have to wait a little longer if the insurance is paying. Use your money to do something else special or just save it. Having it done in the states also allows you to seek follow-up treatment that which is also paid by most insurance companies. If you have waited this long a little longer with alot of money in your pocket is definately worth it!

I never ever considered any type of WLS until I saw TV Commericals of the Lap Band. I feel 100% that this is the perfect selection for me considering my eating patters, I love water, I love to exercise but I just needed the added boost to help me lose and stay consistent with my weight.

Keep up the good work and never let that enthusiasm go away!

My surgery date is April 4, 2006, and I am so excited!! Best of Luck to you all!

Very same battle with M.D.IPA (United Healthcare), received different responses from several customer serv rep for the same question. I was so frustrated and could not sleep that I wrote a letter to the CEO, Mr. Thomas Barbera regarding this matter and how he needed to re-train his employees and how they should know each step to advise patients on all of their covered benefits. I had to remain a bull dog and call each day and finally the surgeon's office called me and informed me of the approval. You would think since I spoke with M.D.IPA just about everyday and they had it documented on their system, they would have called me but that is okay because what the LORD has intended for you no man on this earth can take it away!! Surgery date is April 4, 2006, please keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for you all.

There are lots of people with the same concerns but have much success with the band. My band date is April 4, 2006, and I am looking forward to nothing but positive results. Have you been approved for the band? If so, I say go for it and if by chance it did not work out always know that it is reversible unlike the other surgeries.

My big day is April 4th!!!Praise GOD whom all blessings flow.

Liquid diet day 3 and I have a headache. I have eaten a few roasted nuts to fight off the hunger pains. I can do this because with GOD all things are possible!!!

Liquid diet day 3 and I have a headache. I have eaten a few roasted nuts to fight off the hunger pains. I can do this because with GOD all things are possible!!!

United Health Care (MDIPA) has a 48 hour processing time for review and determination, which they met. However, just getting the customer service reps to provide complete and accurate information is a big problem. I have written to the CEO, Mr. Thomas Barbera regarding the fact that his employees need training and need to be fully aware of all covered benefits along with the entire process from start to finish. So that when speaking to the reps you get consistent accurate information. As a result of the misinformation it almost caused me to lose out on getting all the required documentation in within the 45 days. Because once you submit any correspondence it starts the clock ticking. Praise GOD with lots of hardwork, support of my PCP I got all required documentation in 3 days prior to March 6, 2006, expiration date and got APPROVED!! My surgery date is 4/4/06. I hope you get everything resolved and get a date but be persistent like I was because this is your destiny and those customer service reps have no compassion at all!!

Here in Maryland the entire cost for the procedure self pay is $14,000 and the surgeon only receives $5,000. What is the total cost and how much specifically does the surgeon get? Just curious. Thanks

Here in Maryland the entire cost for the procedure self pay is $14,000 and the surgeon only receives $5,000. What is the total cost and how much specifically does the surgeon get? Just curious. Thanks

I'm on the liquid journey as well and it is very hard at night when I cook for my family. I did cheat a little yesterday, I had 2 Alaskan Crab Legs plain. I don't think that will kill me. I have until April 4, 2006, to continue with this process. My pre-op appt is Thursday, March 16, 2006. I wish all the liquid dieters the best until, during and after surgery.

In the beginning of the process he saw me go through so much with my ins carrier he probably did not think it would go through and get approved because MDIPA gave me the run around like you would not believe. But now that it is approved he is supportive but makes remarks like "you are going to leave me" Now that I know the process with my eyes closed I am going to help him so he can get banded as well. My surgery date is April 4, 2006.

In the beginning of the process he saw me go through so much with my ins carrier he probably did not think it would go through. But know that it is approved he is supportive but makes remarks like "you are going to leave me know" Now that I know the process with my eyes closed I am going to help him so he can get banded as well. My surgery date is April 4, 2006.

My doctor has me on complete liquids until surgery which is April 4, 2006, consisting of 3 protein shakes starting today 3/13/06. This is going to take some getting use to and after surgery it's liquids again for 1 complete month again consisting of 3 protein shakes. How soon can you start eating it seems rather soon? Help!!!