PrincessErin

I'm right there with braaaaaaaaains. I called my insurance company and they cover it (with an over 40 BMI). I can't attend a seminar because I coach cheerleading and the seminars are on practice nights. I just called the facility I want to use and made an appointment with them. Right now, before they'll even schedule an appointment, I have to fax them my insurance cards and fill out some forms. Then, I'll get the appointment. Hopefully, it will be pretty painless and easy. We'll see.

I'm totally gonna check out your blog!! Thanks for the encouragement! The beginning stages are filled with nervousness!! Here is my blog: erinswiger.blogspot.com

Wannab - I'll definitely keep everyone updated! I'm very encouraged by this site and I can't imagine having any issues with my insurance company. Thanks to EVERYONE for the replies. As far as the "Cheater" business goes - I'm just taking the attitude of "we are friends no matter what my size" so basically HOW I lose the weight is my business, if they don't agree - that's really not my issue!

Thanks for your replies!! I feel a lot clearer on my issues. I thought of more questions last night but I'm going to wait for my first appointment and see how that goes. Right now I'm waiting for my first DR appointment!

Awww!! No one has any info on this?! ;c)

My insurance company (UHC Choice Plus) covers my surgery - are fills covered, too? If not, what is the average cost?

First of all, I would like to say how much I like this forum! Everyone is so helpful and friendly! I'm reading a few blogs from this site - and wow! I'm totally a blog addict, now! (Thanks Catherine55 and Mary, I've read your blogs from start to finish!) I am at the very beginning of my banding process! My PCP appointment is at the end of August, he will write a letter of necessity to the surgeon I have selected and we will go from there with my insurance company (UHC). My questions stem from all the blogs I've been reading as well as from posts here! Hopefully, you guys can help me out! 1. What EXACTLY is a PB? Is it vomiting? 2. Bandster Hell - how long will I be on liquids/mushies before the 'hell' part kicks in? 3. Please explain "slider" foods? 4. No Diet Coke ever again!? (I'm an addict) 5. Caffeine? Out of the question? My other addiction, aside from Diet Coke is Iced coffee. I'm not even kidding a little bit about this one. 6. I work with a person who has had gastric bypass. She's trying her hardest to talk me into the bypass instead of the band. I don't want a bypass, I want the band. I just have no actual reason for it, other than a personal idea that the band is better for ME (not necessarily for everyone - just me) Any reasons why the band is better than the bypass? 7. I have friends. LOL. A few of them are skinny but most of them are also heavy. When I told them at practice (we coach cheerleading) the other day that I was seriously considering the band - they gave me the "cheater" look... Ugh. I LOVE my friends but I really wonder - why do people consider this cheating? WHO am I cheating? Me? Them? I just wondered if anyone had any insight on this situation. That's all for now!! Thanks in advance!~ :mad:

So how did it go? I am going to be using Dr. Marema as long as my insurance approves me. Was your experience a positive one?

Since I'm right at the beginning of this process, I'm thoroughly fascinated and CONFUSED by this!? I was just reading a really fabulous blog by Catherine55 and several times throughout the blog she mentions that her band felt "loose" or "tight" yet she was at her "sweet spot" - so does the band, on it's own, for no reason whatsoever, just tighten and/or loosen? I am so confused! (but still excited!)

Congrats!! That's so exciting!!! I can't wait to hear more about how it goes for you!

I really love those answers!!! I just decided to let it go. If I want someone to know, I'll tell them. Everyone has an opinion but *I* know me well enough to know what is good for me. OH well to the naysayers! <3

Thanks for the welcomes!! I look forward to seeing how our journeys play out!! As far as insurance coverage - I've had conflicting reports. MY insurance company says that no 6 month diet is required and I don't have to prove a 5 year history. The bariatric center that I want to go through says that insurance companies will say that but when the Dr sends in the Letter of Medical Necessity, they say that they require all these other things. I don't want to wait 6 months and I'm not sure what I can prove for my 5 year history. I can prove an overweight or obese status for many, many years. Hopefully it all works out!

I got off track! My whole point was that I will be selective in who I tell until I start losing weight. At that point, I won't care who knows what.

I'm very new and at the very beginning of this process. In fact, I'm really still not sure if there will get to be a process. Up until about 2 hours ago, I was totally full of excitement and ready to tell anyone that I was considering Lap Band as my final attempt to lose weight. I mistakingly posted a status on Facebook looking for info or input from friends who know of or had the surgery themselves. Well, BIG mistake. I was told that I was taking the easy way out, that I didn't need it, that I should come to Weight Watchers meetings, that I should take phentermine and that I should hit the gym. I have 9 years of recorded attempts using ALL those methods. If I thought any of those things were the answer, why would I be considering Lap Band? I've tried phentermine 4 times, Meredia once, Weight Watchers 4 times, Alli twice, Metabolic Research Center twice, the Curves Diet, the Atkins Diet, I've gone vegetarian and I've worked out 10-12 hours a week. Yes, I've lost on ALL those programs. In fact, I actively coach a swim team (season is over now) and a Pop Warner cheer squad (17 teenage girls!) I'm NOT sedentary! I also work full time at a YMCA! Before I worked there, it was much easier to work-out. Now, it's all work, all the time, regardless of what machine I'm trying to work out on. Guess what? I gain it all back plus some. I don't know why it has to be such a snap judgement and considered the EASY way when I mention surgery. It doesn't feel easy and it doesn't feel like I haven't tried very hard.

Jem, You've seriously given me hope, too! I'm so nervous that I won't be approved. I think because I want it SO badly, that I'm pinning a lot of hopes and dreams on it. Anyway, I have UHC Choice Plus, too. The procedure is definitely covered but my last 5-7 years of medical history/weights are definitely spotty and span over about 4 different doctors. I wasn't morbidly obese for the entire time, either. I've tried SO many times to lose weight and some of those times have been successful - for a few months. Anyway, my BMI has definitely been over 40 (like 41) at different times throughout the years and it's definitely been as low as 32.2 (but I was exercising 10 hours a week and practically starving myself and I gained it all back plus some). I'm scared that UHC will say NO because I have not had a BMI of 40 for 5 years, so I'm hoping I get the same experience as you!! Did UHC require the 6 month supervised diet before surgery? If so, do you get disqualified if you lose weight and go under the 40 BMI?

I have a question about this - if I lose weight during the 6 month medically supervised diet, will my insurance exclude me for not having a high enough BMI? I apologize in advance if there is a proper place to post this question

Hi! My name is Erin! I'm a 32 year old woman who has the pleasure of living in sunny Florida. I am lucky enough to live a busy life with great friends, a wonderful family and a job I absolutely love!! Unfortunately, I hate my weight. I'm embarrassed about my body image and even though I've tried for what feels like MILLIONS of times to lose weight - I always end up gaining more. I never really thought I'd be one to consider surgery but at this point, I feel like it's the only option that will actually work. I'm ready for my body to be able to keep up with the rest of me! I look forward to getting to know the people of this forum. I'm so nervous right now because I am at the very beginning stages and I have no idea if my insurance is going to cover my surgery. It -is- a covered benefit, but who knows if that means it will be covered for me! Wish me luck!