Seeking advice and information

[misslofly 0]

Hi everyone!

I am fairly new to the lapband community. I've been interested in it because over the years, my weight has fluctuated and slowly increased to where it is now. I'm 5'4" and about 210lbs. That makes my BMI about 36. I know the lapband procedure is recommended for people with a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with other health issues. I'm not sure if I qualify because of this. I have yet to speak with my doctor about the possibility of WLS.

Over the last few years, I have struggled with depression but lately I have felt much better about that issue. But the depression and body-image issues are still major factors within my life.

I have insurance: PPO from Anthem Blue Cross of California. Has anyone had any experience with them concerning this surgery?

I have many questions about people's experiences with the surgery, before and after. I've heard of food getting stuck. I've heard of not being able to drink Water while eating. Any complications that have come up.

I'm very interested in every bit of information I can get ahold of. Please, don't be afraid to tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Thanks!

[danielle b 32]

I also have Anthem Blue Cross California. If I remember right they wanted a letter from your PCP indicating that the surgery is medically necessary. You will need at least 2 co-morbidities; such as joint pain, rash under your boobs (can't think of medical term for it), diabetes, high blood pressure or borderline, anything you can think of that is related to being overweight. My BMI was over 40, so it was medically necessary and I did not think that I had any co-morbidites until the doctor started asking me all these questions....I ended up having about 4 of them. Also, insurance approved me in less than 1 week.

Good luck to you!!!

As for the questions about the band.....keep reading everything you can on this forum, there is a lot of great information. :thumbup:

[misslofly 0]

Thank you for the information. I'm actually 10lb. more than I originally guessed in my last post. That makes me 220lb. It's been a few months since I weighed myself. I've decided the get the ball rolling today and call my insurance company. Hopefully they'll lead me in the right direction and not give me a run-around. It sounds like you've had a pretty good experience with them, so I'm hopeful.

It sounds like its going to be a long process, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

Thanks again!