stl2atl07

Medicaid covers in Most States, Mickey. You will have to check with coverage in your area. Call your 1 800 number and just ask. That's the simplest way of finding out. Since getting you healthier, makes lifetime costs for them more affordable it makes sense. You shouldn't have any problems, just give them and call. After that you should be able to make an appointment with your Physician to get a referral to Lap Band Surgeon. Good Luck on your Journey!

\ Have fun in the Wisconsin Dells, I was close to there once, it looked like an amazing place! Enjoy the buffet, but don't make yourself sick thinking this is my last meal. You will still be able to eat, and eat foods you like. Just in healthy portions. We are gonna be GREAT!

I began this process over a year ago now, I went to my seminar December 5, 2009. Even before that I went to meet a Surgeon's office, and was horrific by the surroundings. I decided not to use him, and looked elsewhere. It has been quite a journey to this place where I am now. I got insurance approval I think back in June. I had to turn in my letter from a Psychologist saying he recommeded me for the Surgery, a Letter from my MD saying she thought I needed the surgery including all my cormorbidities(sp); I have cardiomyopathy, hypertension, diabetes, severe back pain, pickinwickin syndrome and reflux, You also had to send a 10 years history of dieting. My Bariartic Center requires a $600.00 program fee it includes your nutrtiion class, your visits with the Dietietian, and lifetime support groups. You have to pay this fee at the time of your nutrition class. I had all my pretesting done this month, My EGD, EKG, My Chest Xray, My Blood work., My Pulmonary function test. Everything has been completed. My Nutrition class has been postponed until the January 3rd at 8am. As soon as I finished up with that, I can schedule my appointed with my surgeon, and schedule my surgery. Hopefully I will still be getting a January Date. That's what I discussed with Eletha, the coordinator at the center. Everything is done but the nutrition class, and Im approved. I have to say Im glad to have one more New Years Eve to Celebrate, I just need to find something to do!

Like you I have done all the pretests the Center ask me to do. Yesterday I got caught in traffic on my way to my Nutrition class, though. It started at 8am, the usual cut off to get in is 8:30am but the Witch Head Dietitian decided yesterday it would be 8:15am. Now I had to reschedule for January 3rd. Its the only thing holding me from getting my band now. I was really angry yesterday. But all things happen for a reason. Maybe I needed a little more time. That's the way I'm going to look at it. Good luck moving things along, and if it doesn't happen immediately just consider maybe its not happening just yet for good reason.

Good luck on your lapband journey, what a wonderful early christmas gift of life!

Awesome Job, Way to go! Being diabetic myself this is something I'm really looking forward to. This gives me one more reason to get my band. Congratulations, again!

I havent start my pre-op diet yet but I'm going to use Cambridge Nutrition Shakes . They are similar to Opti Fast just much more afforable. 3 shakes a day given you get your total nutrition for the day. I've drank them before and I didn't experience any headaches or nausea while drinking them. Its the head hunger that you have to get over. That was biggest battle before, Im sure it will be my battle this time, too. Good luck on your journey.

Thank you, Everyone! Congratulations on All your Approvals! Always good to hear Some one else is joining the Band! Add me as a Friend and keep me updated. Take care~~~:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I want one, too! Congratulations! :thumbup:

This was a fear for me, too. But The Psychologist told me it really had nothing to do with rather or not I could be successful with WLS or not. He ask about my Dieting History, Struggles, How I was dealing now, and What I was prepared to do. That was what was important. Don't overthink it too much. Just be upfront and honest with your Psychogist. They are there to help you. Good Luck! :frown:

:frown: I am so excited! After waiting for months, I finally got approved. I still have 3 pretests, a EGD, a Pulmonary Function test, and Cardic Echo. I have a Nutrition Class, then my final consult with the Surgeon. In that time I have to get my 600 dollar Program fee payed up. It's still gonna be a little while. But I am on my way. Woooo hooooooo!

Karen, You should feel blessed you have that kind of funds instead of snapping at me because Im frustrated with my insurance. If I had money I would happily pay for this, no problem. Betty, Thank you for the thoughtful insight. I'm not unhappy with the results of the first Psych Evaluation. I was given what I expected to get. Yes, They did tell me at the Seminar about the Program Fee. At that time I had spoken to the Center several times. I had asked many questions regarding my insurance and what was required. No one told me about a Program Fee. So when I went to the Seminar, 3 months later It was like a slap in the face. I thought I had researched everything. I have asked about my insurance covering the fills, and the fluroscopy they require for their fills. No problem there. I even asked about my Insurance covering if my Band slips or erodes. They will even replace it. They just won't pay for Psychologic visits, nor testing. I guess I should really count my blessings. It was just tough to swallow, I thought I was just a few weeks away from getting my Date. Now, it may be next Fall. Pickles, I've already changed Surgeons once. I really feel as this is the Best Center for me. They are a little stricter in their policy but I don't think striving for the best is a bad thing. Thanks for the Support.

I met with my Surgeon On February 3, everything was on track to get insurance approval, I got my psych eval done, got the letter from my GP faxed in, and the Bariatic Center won't accept my Psych Eval without a MMPI included. It's gonna cost me $800.00 fior this test when I already have a Psych eval that clears me. I don't have $800.00 so it's going to be a few months or longer before I can get it done. That means I won't be getting my insurance approval for that much longer. I'm really feeling like every time I look up there is a stumbling block with this surgery. First thing was the $600 program fee. They said I can make payments with that but I still have to have it paid before my Surgery. Now Something else. Maybe I'm not supposed to do this at all. :smile:

Thank you Spartan for your insightful post, I actually didn't even have to go to my Doctor to get a Letter from him. He just wrote one for me. I do see him every month But Now I would really like to see a Therapist that specializes in Weight Loss Surgery so we can address my concerns. After reading so many of the others post I can see how they feel like the Evaluation was a waste of time I think I will ask the Doctor before I go if we will be truly address Weight Loss Surgery or just filling out paperwork. Thank you, Spartan.

Staying hydrated really does making you less hungry. Propel really fills me up, and keeps the hunger away. But its so expensive. I've switched to Crystal Light, too. :w00t:

Thanks, Everyone for your Replies! You have good points. My life is definetly worth more than 600 dollars for one thing. It's just going to slow my process down. I will get it, if I have to pay it $50.00 a month until its paid up. I'm a little depressed over the fact that this is going to slow me down and I can't get started like I wanted to. I'm still trying to get a Consult appointment so I can process my approval though. No reason not to get the ball moving, Hey I might Win the Lottery in the process! ( I might want to start playing though!:w00t:)

I went to my Lapband Seminar last night. I am really psyched about getting the Band. I want to go with this Particular Center, too. I have checked out all their Surgeons License, no complaints filed against them, no malpractice suits. They work out of a Top Hospital in the nation. The only thing holding me back is the $600.00 program fee that has to be paid before the first Nutrition Class. I can meet with the Surgeon before that, and get approved for the Surgery but before they will proceed I have to pay the Program Fee. I have already looked into the Centers in the Area, they either didn't take my insurance or the Surgeons that did had Malpractice Suits against them. So what do you think Banders? Is $600 too high for a Program Fee? :thumbup:

I just wanted to congratulate you on your decision to get healthy! You on your way now. This time will past before you know it. Come in the Chat room if you need some encourage there is almost always someone around, at different stages with the band. A really great bunch of people. I agree with the other bandsters, keep your eyes on the prize! You dont want your Surgeon to turn you away because your liver hasn't shrunk enough. Just remember this too will pass. You can do anything for 2 weeks. Take care, Holly :thumbup:

Congrats! You are on your way to get healthy! Good luck on your journey. They are lots of great people here for support. Come back often.

I have an AICD and Cardiomyopathy,too. I have been cleared for the surgery,too. I am getting a Lapband to get healthy, and take the strain off my heart,too. I am sure your cardiologist is very excited for you that you are being proactive about your health. I know mine is. Just know that they will be watching your heart closely,and keeping track of your pvcs. I will pray for you that all goes wells. add me as friend,and keep in touch. Holly

I'm looking forward to trying this recipe. Its been cold here in Georgia, too. Sounds good. Congrats on your Surgery Date!

What's in and out protein style?