TSB

I have been smoke free for 1 week today. My PCP told me in Jan. when she made the referral that the surgeon would not do the surgery if I was still smoking. So I am using Chantix. It is still not easy even with the assistance of the drug. Some days I feel like I lost my best friend. Silly I know, but cigarettes have been a crutch for me since I was 24 yrs old. Giving up any 15 year "relationship" is bound to be a challenge. I meet w/ the surgeon and/or his staff on March 13th.

Greetings all. I am trying to get a handle on the approval & scheduling aspects of the LBS process. This is where I am at: went for my yearly physical w/ my pcp, who made a referral to Dr. Loggins at Central Maine Medical Center. His office set up an appt. for me on March 13, sent me a bunch of paperwork to fill out and advised that I could expect the appt. on the 13th to take 2 hours. The paperwork they sent to me pertained primarily to my physical and mental health history. I've read a lot of posts indicating that a lot of folks attended a seminar, or a number of seminars, before ever actually seeing the surgeon. I'm wondering if anyone skipped over the seminars and just started dealing with the surgeon and his staff? I am assuming that I will not actually meet with the surgeon during that 1st meeting. His practice has a social worker & nutritionist right on staff as he focuses exclusively on bariatric surgery. Did anyone's initial steps in this process start as mine is starting? Also, I am fairly certain that my health insurance plan is pretty good about approving LBS, as I know of at least 2 dozen people who work for the same employer who have had this procedure done. My insurance is Anthem/BCBS for State of Maine employees. Would love to hear from anyone who might have some familiarity w/ the approval process of this particular insurance. Hope I did not ramble too much or ask dumb questions! TSB

Greetings everyone. I have been lurking here for a week or so. I've struggled with my weight since I was a child (joined weight watchers for the 1st time @ 12). I can't count the number of times I have joined that program since then. I always seem to loose 20 or 30 lbs and then stall out completely. I did once go from 210 to 150 in a 6 month period of time after a very bad end to a long term relationship. LOL, that was the first time in my life I just could not eat! It was not the healthy way to do it, though! I have known several co-workers who had lap band procedure done and had great success. I was never sure if I would qualify or not, though. When I went for my yearly physical in Jan. my PCP noted that I had gained some significant weight over the last year. She asked if I had ever consisdered bariatric surgery (she had gastric bypass done herself about 6 years ago). I told her I did not know if I would qualify or not as I do not have any major health issues. She suggested doing a referral to the surgeon in my area who does this type of procedure and to discuss with him whether I meet the qualifications or not and whether gastric bypass or the lap band would be best for me. I am leaning toward the lap band. I am 5' 2.75" and am between 220 & 230 # at the moment (I don't weigh myself). At any rate, my pcp made the referral to Dr. Jamie Loggins. I have my first appointment on March 13. I received a big packet of paperwork that I have already filled out. The person who called to set up the appointment advised I should expect to be there for 2 hours. Any idea what I can expect during those two hours? I am assuming since I have seen a number of co-workers go through this process, that my health insurance is fairly good about approving it. I have Anthem as insurance. Anyone have experience w/ this company? Look forward to learning lots here and getting to know you all! TSB