lindas0809

My insurance covers 100% of surgery and my pre op psych and nutritional appointments, but I got a referral from my PCP from them. Some programs do charge a "program fee" running anywhere from $500-$1500 dollars for various things. I had to make sure that my hospital didn't do that because, frankly I couldn't afford it. If it's an obstacle for you call around to other programs in your area. Good luck!

Well it does work well, but only while you're using it (if you're like me). I did a very strict Medifast program about ten years ago and lost about 60 pounds(all I had to lose at the time). It was one of those situations of while I was doing it and in the zone of eating hardly any food and losing I was fine, but the minute I got off the Medifast and was on real food 24/7 the weight I lost (and more) came flooding back. I am sure there are people who use it succesfully, but not me. It is not a long term solution if you really have food issues that's why after so many years of struggling I am turning to the band.

Hi Maren, I started this at about the same weight as you and just want to warn you to be prepared for your surgeon to push hard for you to do bypass because of your weight. If you really feel like the band is the way you want to go(like I did) then do your research and stand firm. If they are a good surgeon they will respect your decision. Good luck!

Crystal- Where is the plus size consignment shop in MD? Catherine- If you're looking to sell some privately- send me a PM. you're definitely smaller than me and I am going to need some transitional clothes for the summer (and have a tight budget). You're doing great - I read your blog all the time.

Hi Lisa, I live in MD in Howard County and go to Johns Hopkins Bayview. I don't think all gastro Dr.s do lap band, generally you want to find a hospital that has a bariatric program and see if the surgeons are in your network. I'm not sure if you're in MD,VA or DC. I know that in MD St Agnes, Sinai, GBMC, UMMS, Shady Grove and JHU all have programs, but they are all closer to Baltimore. I know I talked to another person on the site that was seeing a surgeon in Reston, VA. I would just google bariatric surgery + your state and see what you get. Also call your insurance and make sure bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Good luck!

Lisa - Go ahead and call. generally Aetna is quick, I called on a Thursday after mine was submitted Monday and was approved already. The letter took until the next week to come so I'm glad I called - I would have gone crazy! Good Luck!

I have have been on a two week binge - so I completely understand. I think I'm getting nervous because I'm meeting my new surgeon next week and will get my date. I've been beating myself up, but I try to remind myself this is why I'm getting help. Keep your chin up. :wink:

Good luck tomorrow! I didn't realize you were so close- I live in Maryland. I have a sister that lives in Herndon, so I'm out that way a lot. Have you looked into Shady Grove for surgery? - I know it's a big, reputable program in the DC area.

I am telling no one at work because, like you I work in a gossip crazy office. We have several people that have had RNY and are very open about and that's fine for them(plus it's hard to hide that much loss so quickly). I told my boss I'll probably need to have my gall bladder out soon(so I'm medical leave and don't use vacation). I've slowly been losing weight the past year so I don't think it will be questioned.

It sounds like it would fulfill it, but the one thing that my surgeons office stressed was that the visits needed to be specifically about your weight. It couldn't be a visit about your bad back where your weight may have come as a topic. If you feel the visits were documented as such then I say go for it!!

Happy- I was approved by Aetna HMO recently. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. It is a long road but sometimes you just have to sit back look out the requirements and work out a plan. Good Luck! Linda

I understand completely - I was approved in March, still have no date and won't know anything for 2 more weeks. It's frustrating when you finally decide to do something about your problem, but no one seems to have any urgency but you. Good Luck!!

Good question - I sure hope so!

Good Luck Lisa- I have Aetna too and was approved pretty quickly (3 days). I hope it goes as well for you. :drool:

laurieann- Good luck with submitting tomorrow! Let us know how it goes! The days will seem so long.....

Michelle- Welcome and good luck. I think that the timeline is very different for everyone. It really depends on what your insurance needs for approval (most of us have to do a six month supervised diet). I can tell you my process has taken a lot longer than I thought (I started last summer, got approved in March, we probably have surgery in June), but it is what it is. One thing I would tell you is to be prepared for the surgeon to push you toward RNY surgery instead of lapband since your BMI is over 50. I was at 49 when I went in and really had to fight for the band. Do your research and read a lot on this site(it will give you inspiration and realstic view).

Did you have to have a psych eval? If so, contact that Dr. even if they don't do sessions they could recommend someone to you how deals primarily with food issues. The Dr. that did mine was really great and I'm thinking of going to her after I get banded. Good Luck!

There is another thread going on right now discussing this: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/two-days-decide-92722/#post1207704 You should check it out

I agree that as tools go they will do the same thing based on how you use them. That being said, my surgeons group is switching over to Realize. The biggest difference being how they attach the port (with the Realize it's sutured on the muscle, less likely to flip). There is a realize band group on LBT with a lot discussion based on the differences- if I were you I would check it out. Good Luck!

SMS1964- Just curious where are having surgery in MD? I'm hopefully will be May or June at Hopkins. Good Luck!

Katie- Good luck this week. I hope to be in your position next month and I know I will be terrified about doing something I have fought so hard for. Keep thinking positive thoughts.

WDW- You don't need to get approved before you do your three month program. You are taking it upon yourself to fulfill the requirements Aetna has set to get precertification. If you are worried that you don't meet the weight requirements and have no comorbidities I would ask to get a sleep apnea test done anyway.From what I have heard I lot of people get the test done and find out they have apnea (and get a comorbidity). I know it's frustrating, but unless you are selfpay we've all been there. We are all jumping through hoops with no idea if they will approve us. Good Luck!

Laurie Ann- Sounds like you are doing well - like everyone said documentation is the key. From my personal experience and what I've read on the boards Aetna is quick at approving if you've got all your documentation in. Mine was sent in March 23rd and I was approved by the 27th. I called the Aetna precertification line several times first to make sure they got everything and then just to check the status. I figure the surgeons offices are good at sending things (most of the time), but ultimately it's our responsibilty and no one else is as invested in it we are. For me the approval process was easier than getting a date for surgery - I'm hoping for June. Spud mama- maybe our dates will be close. it would be great to talk to someone with similar weight loss goals and band dates. We'll keep our finger crossed for June(or May). Good luck to all us Aetna bandsters!!

Boo- Good luck with everything! We have a lot loose but we can do it. Let me know how things progress for you. Feel free to email me with any questions. Linda

I would definitely make sure because I have Aetna and was just approved on six month plan and it sounds like what you are doing. I only went to the Dr. monthly to discuss my diet & document my weight. My surgeon has a plan that covers the 3 month option and it is both exercise & diet( and extra money). I ask your Dr. if they have had other patients approved on the three month plan using the method they are doing. The last thing you want to do is submit and get denied because it's harder to get an appeal approved in the end. Good Luck!