Hi all-

I am in Beaumont and, have been away a while, due to Hurricane Rita.

My family doctor wrote out a paper today, saying that I have been working on weight loss for 8 years (to satisfy the 5 year requirement by BC/BS). My wife called Dr. Spiegel for me, but they said that he no longer accepts BC/BS.

Is there a Lap Band Doctor in SE Texas that will accept my teacher's BC/BS ActiveCare?

Thanks

PS. I missed work today because my blood pressure is running wild. My doctor says I am knocking on the door of congestive heart failure. I am 37 years old.

While I don't have an answer for you, I do wish all the best in getting this situation resolved, so you can be on the road to health. There are a lot of Texans on this board, so I am sure someone will be able to help you out. I live in the DFW metroplex and I don't know any dr directly in your area.

Affy,

Im in the same boat as you. We have BCBS/FED - new to the plan actually.

Dr Spiegel did my surgery in July of 04 when we were on another plan.

Now that weve changed insurances, I need to find a new doctor that will accept this plan (Ha! easier said then done)

Have you tried any of the Houston doctors?

Just curious though... are you sure that your BCBS plan pays for Gastric banding(lap band)? Ive heard of alot of the BCBS plans have excluded this particular weightloss surgery.

Try Dr John Schmidt in nederland, TX

I was banded October 26, 2005. Our Insurance is changin over to Blue Cross Blue shield of Georgia, January 1st......I used Dr Spiegel. His office says they will convert me to a cash pay for the fills..........Any thoughts on this it is freaking me out now

You may be able to be self pay for fills, but God forbid, what happens if complications arise?

Thanks, all! I have an appointment set up with the Surgilean group. I don't know who the Dr. will be yet. The lady on the phone told my wife that they accept BCBS, but that BCBS are "very strict on requiring documentation of a one year physician-monitored weight loss program." She said that many folks will simply wait a year to have it done. I may have to wait if the documentation does not satisfy.

Affy, I was banded yesterday (11/17/05) by Dr Matthew St Laurent from Obesity Surgery Specialist. He was wonderful. My appetite has changed already. Anyway, I have BCBS UT Select but they do take most BCBS insurances at their office. My mom came from Beaumont here to Houston to be with me. Actually, she is asleep on my sofa now. Dr St Laurent is in Houston but it is worth the trip. If you want info email me.

I wish you the best,

Heaven

Banded 11/17/05

Dr St Laurent