JillianRN

Good Luck tomorrow, I think being in the healthcare field makes it so much more difficult. I will be praying for you tomorrow! My day is Friday...and I find myself in panic mode...then peaceful...really up and down! Looking forward to hearing about your success!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! thank you so much on your positive approach. I am 1 week out from having my surgery after fighting with good 'ol BC/BS, but finally it is winding down to "B" Day. Thanks again! Jill

Congratulations on your success...you are an inspiration!

Best of luck tomorrow, I will be praying for you!

Did you have any problems getting your insurance to approve?

Where are you having your surgery?. I am having mine in Concord..

Gran...we are Band Twins..I have mine on October 8th at 12:00 noon.....

Hi Fellow NC Mom!! I am having my surgery on October 8th! I live in Salisbury, sorta close to Charlotte...Looking forward to hearing about your success!

Hi Rose! I just found out today that my surgery date is October 8th! Very excited but nervous all the same. I look forward to getting to know you and look forward to reading about your success! Jill

I am schedule for October 8th...very exciting!

Congratulations I will be praying for you tomorrow...I cannot wait until I hear about your surgery and progress...

What kind of insurance do you have?

:mad: So I have already completed everything that I need to to have my Lap Band done. I assumed that I was awaiting approval by my insurance company as was my Surgeon's office. My paperwork has been submitted for 2 weeks now. I called my Insurance company which is BC/BS of Michigan, and asked for an update. They informed me that 'BCBSM does not pre-authorize bariatric surgery procedured." "As with any other covered medical service, we expect the physician to document in the clinical record indications for and medical appropriateness of the procedure." and then it went on to list the requirements. I meet each expectation. I called my Surgeon's office with the report. They were unaware that the procedure had changed for this insurance company.Being a nurse..I was not aware that a surgeon or a hospital would allow you to have a procedure without prior approval..Has this happened to anyone else? The Surgeon's office is checking into the matter today....:smile2: Any ideas?

You just may be an inspiration to all to go to the gym....LMBO

Just wondering if anyone has used BC/BS of MI..and what your experience was. Prior to my surgical consult my Insurance company was so helpful answering any question that I had. Now since my paperwork has been sent, it is as if you have nobody to talk to. I was told prior to that I could call and do a status update...now they are tight-lipped and I was told last week that it could take 45 business days before I received a pre-determination letter and I was quoted November 19 as the date that they had to send me and my Dr's office the letter in mail. They would not allow my surgeon's office to fax anything to them...only snail mail...I am so sorry to be venting like this...I am just a little impatient tonight...:crying::mad::biggrin::frown:

Funny that you say this...my best girlfriend from high school said the same thing is happening to her since she has began losing weight...I think that because this is on a powder room site you are free to say it...lol

Protein Max from GNC..chocolate is awesome! Isopure if you prefer non-milk based powders.

Was your MD able to fax your paperwork in or did Federal BC/BS make them send it in by mail

Be persistent and keep a copy of the letter that he sends. I have a great PCP but sometimes he is a little slow:)...A friendly status chack goes a long way..

Awesome testimony Dave..congratulations on your weight loss!

You have to wean off slowly because if not it is horrible if you do not. Try over a 2 week period and after that it is easy. You will get to the point where you really will not crave it. You have to replace it with something else though. I like any of the additives that you place in Water that is sugar free. Best of luck!

You crack me up...from one nurse to the other..I have the same thoughts...I have no answers though. I have tried several "experiments" in my kitchen, but unfortunately it went to our dog. My nutritionist suggested baked sweet potatoes oatmeal that has been properly thinned... They really focused on just the first 2 weeks with my first session which will be liquids only....One of my friends ate baby food...eeek! I gag when I think about it!

Congratulations! You are an inspiration to all of us in our weight loss journey,

Hi I am currently awaiting insurance approval for the Realize Band. My Brother Tony had Gastric Bypass 10 years ago. He had severe health issues including severe Diabetes. He did wonderful with the weight loss part. He lost 100 lbs in 6 months. I know that sounds like alot, but he was a bilateral amputee, having lost both legs below the knee from complications of Diabetes. He went on to lose 40 lbs more to complete his goal. One of the drawbacks for him was the side effects of malabsorption, dumping syndrome. He suffered with that aspect for the entire time. BUT Having th RNY changed his life. He was off of all prescription medications, went on to complete 2 college degrees and did live life to the fullest. I lost my brother Tony in June of this year. Although he had "kicked" being a diabetic, he had severe damage to both kidneys from the years of Diabetes being out of control. Before his death, he made me promise that I would not give up my dream of being healthy and I have not. He really wanted me to have the band because of the side effects he suffered with. I started researching the Realize Band last year, but waited until after my brother passed to pursue it. I wanted to be able to take care of him through his severe illness and death. Sorry for the unloading! The bottom line is that choices are just that...nobody can make them for you. You have to make an informed decision and totally be at peace with that decision...Best of luck to you in your weight loss journey!