airsangel

AZteacher - it all depends on the surgeon. I have Triwest also & even though they pay 100% for the surgery, they do not cover the dietician or the psych evaluation. The surgeon I'm using has a one time fee of $450 that covers 3 visits with a dietician & 1 with the psychiatrist. It also is supposed to cover things like, support group, the seminar, etc... I have not been approved by Triwest yet but I have to pay the $450 in advance & it is non-refundable. The good thing about Triwest is that when you are approved, they do pay for 12 fills!!

I have finally started the process & so far it has been an emotional one. 10/16/2010 - Attended seminar @ Lovelace Bariatrics, completed all the patient paperwork for my consultation appointment. Weight: 236.4 11/02/2010 - I received a call from the surgeon's office that they will no longer be accepting Tricare & they were cancelling my appointment. I cried like a baby all night, just really stressed about the whole situation. In NM, Dr. Smith is the only Lap-Band® surgeon in the state. So...needless to say, I was online for hours trying to figure out how exactly I was going to be able to get to TX or AZ to have the procedure done & then what about the fills???? 11/03/2010 - Dr. Smith's office called me again to tell me that the doctor wanted to see me anyway & they were working it out with Tricare. I was sooooo excited!! So, I went to my appointment, weighed in at 238 :cursing:, BP was 148/93 (with bp meds). I met with Dr. Smith, he explained the band & how it works, felt around for my liver to see if it was fatty - it's not :thumbup: - then sent me on my way to talk with the insurance lady about what happens next. Apparantly, the hospital here in NM that he uses for surgery does not want to accept Tricare anymore so when it comes time to have my actual surgery, I will have to travel 10 hours to Fort Worth, TX to have it done. But I guess we have to do what we have to do. The pre-op diet is for 2 weeks & consists of the 1st week replacing one meal with a protein shake & the 2nd week is an all liquid diet. Not too bad! I have my first dietician appointment on 12/01/2010. I am only required by insurance to have just this one but will see her again at least once before the surgery. As it looks now, I will be banded in January or February 2011. I am so excited to have this tool to help me accomplish my goals!!

I don't think you will have any problem getting your insurance to cover the surgery. Based on the numbers you provided, you are morbidly obese - at least on paper & that is all the insurance company will look at. I wish you the best of luck on this crazy, exciting journey. I have just started mine & am looking to be banded in January 2011.

I will hopefully be banded in January 2011. I have just started my journey. I attended the seminar this past weekend 10/16/10 & even though my insurance does not require a 3/6 month medically supervised diet - my surgeon requires at least 3 months. I was really bummed to hear that but I'm sure it is for the best. Good luck to you!!

OK - you might not like the hair...I think it is adorable & you are looking fabulous!!

I am new here also & have been using this site for research as well. I have this to be an excellent place to get some of my questions answered. I am just starting the process & will be attending a seminar on the 16th. I have my consultation on 11/10/10. I am so excited & can't wait!