lilaz602

You have to do what's right for you. Just be careful! No matter what size we are sometimes the guys that approach us are not worthy. Have fun and take it slow.

The first doctor I saw wanted a $1000.00 program fee. I look around found maybe 2 out of 5 charge a fee the most I was quoted was $1500.00. I am going with True Results that doesn't charge a fee and everything covered by insurance. I would really check around before I paid a program fee. You can check on BBB and see if the doctor has any complaints, also there is a attached link to see if the doctor has any actions pending with the medical board. If your insurance is covering the LAP-BAND® surgery there is set prices that the doctor can charge. Some doctors are charging a program fee for a book and consultation with nutritionist. My insurance also cover the first doctor visit and all of True Results visits. I think if you decide to change your insurance will cover a new doctor. I think these fees are unnecessary, but that is my opinion. Good luck!

I only told my sister. It’s a medical procedure and it’s a personal choice how much you let people know about your health. I figure I’ve always been able to lose weight, so people will just expect me to eventually gain it back. I have already on day 3 of my pre-op diet and cut out soda a week before that. I have a personal trainer and still have 6 months left on my contract. So, after I am band I will tell anyone who asks, I am watching what I eat and working out. I know people who have a pace maker or mesh screen from a hernia repair that don’t tell just anyone. I am viewing my lap band as a medical tool that will help me lose weight and keep it off. I don’t feel the need to explain any part of my health to anyone else. I think whatever you decide will be the right decision for you!

I have United Health care too and have the exact same requirements. I switch doctor's otherwise it would of been 4 weeks. I am lucky from start to finish it will be about 6 weeks. Good Luck!

I have United Health care. My doctor patient coordinator told me it normally takes 10 days. Good luck!

I have been dieting for 15 years. I thought having surgery was the easy way out and I wasn't going to do that. I tried every diet you can think of and hired two different personal trainers. I can always lose a few pounds 25 to 30 and than nothing. I decided that I am not spending the next 15 years trying to diet and figure out why I can't lose enough weight to no other be consider obese.

I have been dieting for 15 years. I thought having surgery was the easy way out and I wasn't going to do that. I tried every diet you can think of and hired two different personal trainers. I can always lose a few pounds 25 to 30 and than nothing. I decided that I am not spending the next 15 years trying to diet and figure out why I can't lose enough weight to no other be consider obese.

Wow, we have the same pre-op diet and surgery date I started my pre-op diet on Friday. I am struggle but I will make it through. Good Luck!

My insurance requires me to stay overnight. I would prefer to go home but that will not be an option for me. Good Luck!

Yes, I was having the same issues. So, I started asking questions but what time does she work, etc. I also got her email address and starting sending emails. Instead of phone calls. After about a week, I got everything submitted to insurance and got my tentative surgery date today. I know my coordinator was out a couple days sick and I was trying to give them a break. I didn't want to piss them off. I think people respond quicker to emails too. I saw a different surgeon first. Their respond time was ridiculous in additional they charge a $1000 program fee. I still yet to hear back from them. True Results was definitely the best choice for me. Good Luck! 10/19/2009 - Surgical Consult & EKG 10/26/2009 - Lap work completed & Faxed Medical Records to Dr. 11/03/2009 - Dr. Office sent to Insurance for approval 11/06/2009 – Start Pre-Op Diet 11/10/2009 - Pre-Admission Testing 11/16/2009 - EGD 11/20/2009 – Tentative LAP-BAND Surgery Date

Hello All, I got my tentative surgery date today, November 20th and I'm sooo excited. :cursing: Nice to meet all of you November Bandsters!!!! __________________ :thumbup: 10/19/2009 - Surgical Consult & EKG 10/26/2009 - Lap work completed & Faxed Medical Records to Dr. 11/03/2009 - Dr. Office sent to Insurance for approval 11/06/2009 – Start Pre-Op Diet 11/10/2009 - Pre-Admission Testing 11/16/2009 - EGD 11/20/2009 – Tentative LAP-BAND Surgery Date

I am losing my patience too. I haven’t been waiting a long time, but I’ve been extremely proactive. I got my last 5 years medical records; I had my PCP order ultra sound to make sure I am not having issues with my gall bladder or have hernia. I have been waiting for 2 weeks for the coordinator to schedule one more test and 1 week for the coordinator to submit to my insurance. I don’t understand what is taking so long. My biggest issue not returning my calls. I think 48 hours should be enough time to return a call. I understand people get busy but this is the office that performing my lap band surgery AND I did all the work to get everything to submit to my insurance. I am going to give my doctor until Thursday than I am going into the office for answers.

I am not sure if Lapland solutions is handling the insurance for True Results in AZ. I have United Health Care for my plan they require an BMI 40 for the last 5 years, 5 years of Medical records and a letter of medical necessity. I really hope everything was submitted to my insurance this week. It's hard waiting, but I hate not knowing what I am waiting on. I know the coordinator been out sick two days so I am trying to be patient. I wish I would get a return call so I can know.

I am going through True Results too. My lady that handles insurance has been out sick this week. I hope she feels better soon. I really want my paperwork sent to the insurance for approval. I would love to be banded in November.

Good Luck! I can't wait to get my surgery date.

Congrats! I am having my lab work done and I am faxing my 5 years medical history on Monday. My doctors office will submitt to my insurance for approval on Monday! I am praying for approval to have my surgery before the end of the year. I am want to start the New Year with a new tool that will help me reach my goals.

Obviously it is our body. When I say shop around I was referring to the program fee. I did mention to make sure the doctor doesn’t have any issues with the medical board which is easy to check. If your insurance is covering the lap band surgery there is set prices that the doctor can charge. Some doctors are charging a program fee for a book and consultation with nutritionist. I think these fees are unnecessary, but that is my opinion. I am not trying to insult anyone else opinions. Good luck!

The first doctor I saw wanted a $1000.00 program fee. I look around found maybe 2 out of 5 charge a fee. I am going with True Results that doesn't charge a fee and everything covered by insurance. I would really shop around before I paid a program fee. You can check on BBB and see if the doctor has any complaints, also there is a attached link to see if the doctor has any actions pending with the medical board. Good Luck!

I only told my sister. I have a large family and really don't want to hear everyone opinions. I am not telling any of my friends either. I have always been able to lose weight but it always comes back. So everyone will just be waiting for me to put it back once I start dropping it off. I really don't want to be judge anymore.

I have to get lab work and I request to get an upper GI. I want to know ahead of time if there are going to be any issues. My doctor told me my insurance only requires a 5 year medical insurance showing a BMI over 40. I am extremely lucking. I will have to go on a 3 week pre op diet. I am hoping to have all my paper submitted to my insurance on Friday. My doctor office thinks I can get my surgery done by the end of the year! :cursing: The only think I am not happy about is I will have to stay in over night, my insurance requires it. I am so excited! I know it can take up to 30 days for my insurance to approve so wish me luck!

I am going in for my second consult tomorrow. I plan on starting on low carb or liquid diet at least two weeks before my surgery!

I would check around. My original choice charged a $1000 program before submitting paper work to insurance for approval. I am now going with True Results and there is no program fee. I would not recommend paying anything out of pocket for a program fee. I understand some Doctor require a liquid diet prior to surgery and you have to pay for the potein shakes. Each insurance plan is different. I have United Health Care and they cover my insurance but not all United Health Care plans cover it. Good Luck!

Can anyone recommend a Lap Band Doctor in Arizona? I have picked out a doctor but I am not 100% sure. I have insurance that will pay with the standard 5 year medical history and letter from my pcp. Thanks:smile2:

Is it common for lap band doctors to charge a program fee? My doctor doesn't submit anything to the insurance for approval until fee is pay upfront. I am a little nervous if the insurance doesn't approve the surgery I will lose have a portion of my money.