Hi! This is my first post even though I have been lurking for a while. A friend in Texas had the surgery a couple of months ago and is the one that introduced me to lap band. I contacted my insurance (BCBS of GA) and they said they would cover only until the end of this year! All bariatric surgeries would be dropped after that. Of course, that is only 2 mos. from now. I called Dr. Bauman's ofc. and the first appt. available was 12/13. IF I get everything needed between now and then- does anyone think there is even a slight chance of having the surgery this year?

I've tried not to be down about this, telling myself what is meant to be, will be. But I really want and need this!!!!!

Thank you for allowing me to be here!

Yes, it is possible...depending on the requirements of your insurance company, and what kind of proof you already have that you have attempted and followed dr. prescriped and supervised weight loss programs in the past (if they require that). In my case with my insurance (all situations are different) I started the process in late June, and had my surgery July 22, so it only took about a month to get it set up. I already had the dr supervised diet thing documented. It is possible, so get started! Good luck! Cindy

Go get 'em, girl!!! You have to try or you will always wonder if you could have, ya know? As long as you try you will have fewer regrets. If it all goes through and you are ready to go, you can STILL back out but it was YOUR choice, not some bad timing deal-io that made your decision. Move!!! Let us know how it goes.

Ok, You really need to get on the ball and let Dr. Bauman's office know about your insurance and I am sure they will work with you on this. I went through them and they are awesome. They have a bunch of prep work for you to do in order to get this done. The only thing that held me behind was the psychologist. They took forever. But you need to let them know as well and have them write the report up quickly. Have it done on the 31st of Dec. Tell them to schedule it for then. I am sure you can do it if you push them hard to make it happen! Stay on top of them. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Angie

Welcome Magic! I hope everything works out for you. I'm still in process myself, and like you, I really need/want this. Go get 'um! Feel free to come vent anytime you want. Everyone here has been really nice, even when they're brutally honest.

Are you joining us for lunch on Saturday?

I would call around - are there other offices in your network?

Find out the requirements from your ins. company and see if you qualify up front.

I did not qualify b/c my BMI was too low... but I also found out that they required a 6 month physician supervised diet plan with exercise profile prior to surgery. If you have a crazy requirement like that - it won't matter.

Thank you so much for the invite but my daughter-in-law's baby shower is that day.

Maybe it will work that I can come to the next one.

Bondgirl- I took the appt. at Dr. B's office but the girl who scheduled it didn't sound very positive. Is there anyone else there that I could talk to that may be a little more sympathetic?

You guys are great for responding so quickly.

I called Dr. B's office again and asked them to please call me if they have any cancellations. Also I have an appt. with my internist tomorrow to see if he will jump in and help.

I have decided I'd rather know I tried. Wish me luck.

Anything is possible when there is a will there is a way..get all of your ducks in a row and be ready so when the 13th of December comes you are prepared. Best of luck to you and welcome to LBT :mad:

You may want to call Dr. Voellenger. He is staying at Presbyterian Hospital but leaving Charlotte Surgical. You may be able to get in alot sooner due to the fact he has been on hold with the switch. He is a wonderful Dr. I am thrilled with him.

Email me if you want more info about him.

Good luck.

Welcome to the group.

I've worked with Dr. Bauman and Dr. V...both seem to be good doctors. I kinda got caught up in the red tape of Dr. V leaving so I had to switch doctors. We will all hope you get an earlier date due to a cancelation. What if you get insurance approval before the end of the year ....does the surgery have to be performed by then? I would make sure you get all the appointments scheduled and out of the asap. Don't want someone dragging their feet to screw it up in the last minutes. I would also go ahead and check into getting the upper endoscopy done. You want to get checked for h pylori and ulcers really soon so there is time to get it treated.

Good Luck....I had all my paper work, insurance approval and, labs when I transferred to Dr. Bauman done. So my surgery was scheduled pretty quickly.

Melissa

Dr. B's office called with a cancellation!!! WOOOHOOOO! So instead of going 12/13, I go 11/21!!!!! Maybe there is a chance!!

I am thrilled!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay! This is for your consultation, right? Do you have everything else done? Do you know what else is needed? Get it scheduled! You can do this!!

How exciting! I hope it works our for you!

Yeah, just make sure you got everything back before the appointment. Good luck. I know that dr. Bauman waits until the appointment to schedule the upper endoscopy...maybe you can go through your primary care doctor and get refered for the test and have it done before you see dr. Bauman.

Melissa

That is exciting...good luck and keep us posted!!!! We are all pulling for you.