Bugaboo77

I am also new to all of this. I, too, am a nurse. My current BMI is 41 or 42? I was at 40 for a while until I had gotten really bad with drinking pop again lately. Uggghhh... I had my first appt with the surgeon and dietician on 3/30/10. I will have my second appt with the surgeon and dietician on 4/20/10. I also have my psych eval (MMPI) on 4/20. I was instructed to have my primary MD send documentation of health care records showing any co-morbidities. I had gestational diabetes with both of my pregancies (2004 and 2007). I've had my gallbladder out already. WHen they did an EGD prior to getting my galbladder out, they found a litle bit of reflux, etc. THey say 6 months of seeing the dietician, but the nurses told me that some insurance agencies approve after only 3 months. So, I got on the stick right away and get all of this stuff done and maybe they'll approve me sooner! I am the type that needs support and know that I am not in this alone. That's why I love this site...to be able to talk to people in the same situation as I am to bounce things off of. If anyone wants to be my buddy, I'd love to be part of a buddy group! :thumbdown:

I have just started this whole process. My insurance is BCBS of MN. The criteria is BMI of >40 without co-morbitities or >35 with co-morbidities, 6 months of seeing a dietician, a psych eval, healthcare provider letter of recommendation, etc. I first saw the surgeon and dietician on March 30. I will see the dietician monthly. I have contacted my local MD to have them send copies of vitals including weights from the past 5 years, documentation of the gestational diabetes, my EGD results prior to my gallbladder surgery, etc along with a letter of recommendation. I will see the dietician, the surgeon and also the psychologist for my MMPI test on April 20. They made it sound like some insurance providers approve the surgery after 3 months of seeing the dietician. Otherwise, it is still 6 months for alot of them. I am trying to implement some changes in my diet currently. It's hard to break old habits, which is why I'm working on it now.

Hi, Hannah. I am also new. I am 32 years old and 250lbs. My BMI is 40. I am TOTALLY with you. I have been struggling with my weight for a while now and Really want to do the banding. My wonderful husband of 6 years is totally supportive, but a little hesitant in this crazy idea that I have. =) I am just getting started in this process. He is going to a seminar with me this week put on by a surgeon in my area. Baby steps... :thumbup: I, too, would love some info from anyone regarding their life and experiences. I heard a saying that TOTALLY speaks true to weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is like a hammer. It's a tool to help you reach your goal. You can't build a house with a hammer...it's a tool to help you build it. Just like with weight loss, your weight loss surgery will not make you lose weight. It is a tool to help you lose weight. Good luck to you!