*slim*

Hi everyone. I am an AT&T(formerly BellSouth) employee in TN. We have BCBSIL PPO. This is the first year that lap band has been offered as WLS. Previously we were only offered gastric bypass (under BCBSAL). I had to have 5 year history or obesity, co-morbidities(sp?), and a 6 month supervised diet plan. It only took 6 days from the time my paperwork was submitted to get it approved. It's funny that we all work for the same company but have such different insurance policies and coverages. Good luck to all of you!

I got my surgery date! Yes, 10/02/08!:w00t:

That is awesome!!! And that was really quick! :thumbup: Congrats!!

I hope mine is that quick and that I get some good news. I decided to call yesterday but it hadn't been reviewed and they told me that it usually takes 7-10 days. I'll letcha know what I hear, but best of luck with your surgery!!

I called everyday. I think they finally got tired of hearing from me. I got my surgery date today!

Good luck to you too. I hope you hear something soon!

Yea!! Got my surgery date today.

I am so excited! My date is Sept 16 and I have my pre-op appoint on Sept 5. I am on the road to a healthier me! :smile2:

Yay for you!:tt1:

I have read so many different opinions on this one. My surgeon requires a 2 week liquid only diet prior to surgery to shrink the liver. Of course, I have been chowing down with a vengence waiting on approval from insurance. I guess it is time to wind down my out of control eating.

I hope this helps somewhat.

My process was opposite also. I went to a seminar (required before I could make an appointment with the surgeon) and consult first. Then after the consult, the insurance person at the surgeon's office gathered the information about what was going to be required from my insurance before they would approve (6 month diet, 5 year history of obesity, psychiatric evaluation, nutrition visit, etc) to be sent in for predetermination. I just got word that I am approved today:biggrin2:, but I have been in the process since 07/08/08.

Wait just a daggone second here.

You have to quit sodas when you have a lap band??? :w00t::confused2::tt1::smile2:

That seems to depend on your surgeon. My surgeon said no more soda ever, but I read where other people's surgeons said none the first year. I was told no soda because the carbination can stretch the pouch. I would follow whatever your surgeon says.

Congratulations!!!! That is VERY exciting!

Since I have BCBSIL I have some questions:

Did you do the 6 month weightloss with your PCP?

How long was your 6 months....6 visits or 6 FULL months?

I have my last visit with my PCP next Tuesday and then I am hoping for a QUICK approval too!!! Congrats again!

Amy

I had 6 visits over a 6 month period back in 2006 that we just happened to discuss my weight. My pcp used that information for my weightloss visits since I did actually lose weight during that time and we did actually discuss my weight. It wasn't exactly a month between each visit, just 1 visit somewhere during the month.

I hope that you get a quick appoval too!:biggrin2:

I got approved thru BCBS of Illinois!!!:smile2::thumbup:

No denials! No appeals! Yes! WooHoo!

I am so doing a happy dance !

I got approved!!!!!!!:smile2::thumbup::thumbup:

I am also having my surgery tomorrow!! Good Luck, I will say a prayer for both of us. Celeste.

Way to go!:smile2:

This is the tattoo that I got a couple of months after my surgery.

It's all about direction.....choosing the right one and then staying the course.

I love that! Would you be terribly upset if I "borrow" that design?

Yes 10 days before, Liquid broth, juice, Jello for the first 5 days, then I could add Milk, pudding, Ice Cream & Strained Soup. It was so nice when I could add MILK!!! YUM...I get banded tomorrow! I can't wait to get on this journey. Good Luck to anyone else being banded tomorrow or beyond!

Congrats! I will keep you and everyone else having their surgery tomorrow in my thoughts! You will do so awesome!

I ordered mine from www.supplements.net. See link below:

New Whey liquid Protein 42g - 12 Vials by IDS Sports, supplements.Net

Other stores may carry them. I think The Vitamin Shoppe does. But, I found the best price at supplements.net.

I hope this helps!

You are right about that price! That is much cheaper than what I have seen elsewhere.

Hi auntlucy. Who makes the bullets and where do you get them. I've never heard of them and I'm making a list of post-op hints. Thanks!!

Hi. Of course, I am not not auntlucy, but I saw them on the vitaminshoppe website. Here is the link:

Vitamins, Nutritional Health supplements & Herbal Remedies - VitaminShoppe.com It's by IDS sports. You can do a search for that brand and it comes right up. I haven't tried them but every forum that I have been on says that they are great.

Hi. first congrats on your surgery! I am not banded, but I have read several threads about headaches. I don't know if they go away, but it seems to be a common complaint. I wonder if it has anything to do with withdrawal symptons from maybe carbs? I am not completely sure, but it does appear to be common post op.

My doctor gave me a liquid diet to follow 2 weeks prior to surgery. I am to drink to 6 Glucerna weight loss drinks a day plus all of the no calorie liquid I want (i.e. Water, diet soda, broth... you get the picture:sad:). I haven't been approved yet, but I was given the diet paper before I left the office so that I am prepared.

I read somewhere else that your doctor can write you a RX for aniti-vomitting medicine just in case or as soon as you come down with it. Every thing I have read says vomitting is not good for bandsters (especially when first banded). That being said, I have also read that some doctors say its no big deal. Which is true? I don't know, but my gut says too much stomach heaving can't be good for a bandster. Since you know you get the bugs, be your own advocate and get a doctor to prescribe something to have on hand. That's what I plan to do.

Way to go! Keep us posted on what they taste like. I haven't started trying any just in case I am not approved by insurance.

I'm not banded yet so I don't know this from experience. My doctor said that with PCOS that after weight loss, your hormones that haven't been being produced the way that they should be can start with a vengence. Since you are taking BC and have lost weight, your body may actually have too much estrogen due to increased production with the weight loss. Your doctor can, of course, be able to tell for sure. I would definitely ask for a hormone level check. I hope this helps.

Don't live in Chattanooga put I am really close to Chatt-town. I live about 30 miles from Chattanooga. I live in Jasper, Tn.

I noticed in one of your other posts that you lived very close to me. Maybe if I actually get approved by insurance, you and I can provide support for each other. I know I am going to need it. Let me know.

$250 up front program fee

$95 nutrionist & psych evaluation

$1000 admin fee 7 days prior to surgery (not billed to insurance)

+10% of whatever the doctor charges (insur pays 90%)

insurance pays 100% of hospital, pre-testing, etc

It is funny what some companies will pay for. Previously, the company I worked for had BCBS of Alabama. They would pay for gastric bypass (more risk) but would not cover lap band. Now we have BCBS of Illinois and they cover both, BUT my understanding is they make it so VERY hard to get approved. IF they approve me, I have care credit to handle my out of pocket costs. Good luck to everyone!

I have a lower back tattoo and it has changed shape since I lost weight, it used to be more like this ////// and now it is not as wide but it is taller? Still looks good though :smile:

Thanks for the info. I can only hope that I will be so lucky with my tattoo.:biggrin:

It is obesitylaw.com. Just go on and you can either email or give them a call.

Good -Luck!

Thanks for the info. I can only hope that I never actually have to use it.