Hi Everyone,

A little bird told me this was a very good site to find information and support for the banding procedure!

I'm 36, married with one dear daughter and am just starting the process towards having WLS. I should be scheduling an appointment with Dr. Chua in April and will be hoping that my insurance isn't one that considers the Lap Band experimental as I really can't imagine doing the RNY.

I've been overweight most of my life and am so hoping to be able to join the banded ranks so that I can have a tool that will not only help me lose but also keep the weight off. There is so much of life that I am missing.

Heading for Health

Darcy

Good Luck! I hope everything goes great for you! What kind of insurance do you have?

Angela

Hi Angela,

Thanks so much for the Welcome!

As of April 1st I will have Humana Choicecare. They do cover WLS if it is medically necessary and if one is Morbidly obese but I am not sure what their stand is on the Lap Band. They do have a clause that states they don't cover experimental procedures and I don't know if they consider the banding such a procedure.

I'll be contacting them with specific questions once we are officially covered... they do not have pre-existing condition exceptions so I have started the process and will have my MD send off the referral for the surgical consult and the psych eval.

I am hoping that everything will go along at a dream speed but am also prepared to wait if things do not go as planned.

I'd love to hear how the Banding has worked for you if you feel like sharing...

Darcy

Hey Darcy,

i would love to share my story with you, but i will warn you it might be boring!!!

I weighed in at 284 the day of surgery, Nov 5,2002. I was my dr's 10th patient and did have to stay over night in the hospital but thankfully everything went great. i do believe that alot of surgeries are done out patient now. the only problems that I have had are my own battles with snacking and my BIG HUGE sweet tooth. Another thing is that I would lose a good amount of weight and then plateau for a few weeks, that sometimes gets me down, but usually getting a fill will get me back on track. The important thing to remember is that the band is just a tool and it does take work. That is why it makes me sooooo mad to hear people say that WLS is just the easy way out!!!

I unfortunately do not know much about your insurance but hopefully they will approve it because it is a blessing! Be sure to keep us all informed on your progress!!

Thanks,

Angela

Hi Darcy!

I just wanted to say hello and welcome! This is a great place to be; lots of info and support!

Hi again Angela... thanks for sharing more information... I didn't even yawn once! It sounds like you have done a great job with your banding tool in spite of that naughty sweet tooth! I hope I can leave my yen for icecream behind once I am banded... hopefully out of site... out of mind!

Hi Debra... Thanks so much for the warm welcome and well wishes! Everyone here has been very helpful!

Darcy

Hi Darcy, welcome!! I've heard encouraging things about Humana and I'll bet you won't have any problems as long as you qualify for WLS. Good luck with your appointment!

I can tell you that my yen for ice cream hasn't diminished one iota. I love the stuff! :eek: Now there's room in my "diet" for a reasonable amount once in a while whereas before it would just be adding insult to injury.

A world without ice cream is not one I want to live in.

Hi Alexandra,

I sure hope you are right about the insurance! I have an appointment with my primary care MD this Friday and will be asking him to fax my referral to Dr. Chua's office so that I can at least get my surgical consult scheduled. I plan on being very persistant ... I'm terrible at waiting once I make up my mind.:Bunny

You are soooooooooo right about icecream... I'll just have to make sure we don't keep it in the house and save it for special treats... yuuuummmmmy.

Take Care

Darcy