Hi there everyone. Just a little note to say hello and I got my chol results which were 310 and pre diabetes and a BMI of 40, so my doctor said that gastric surgery might be an option for me. Only problem is that my Ins may give me a problem(Pacificare HMO) Wish me luck!!:nervous

Janiee:)

Hi Janiee, welcome to LBT! Unfortunately, insurance not covering this surgery is a common problem. Mine didn't either, and we ended up refinancing our home to pay for the surgery because it was worth it to us.

As you are deciding what to do, don't be afraid to ask questions. I, and the other members, are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Best of luck to you!

Welcome to LBT! Insurance didn't cover mine either, I took out a low interest credit card. I always say "where there's a will, there's a way", good luck!

Thank you both for the welcome:) and the words of encouragement. I have been thinking about this surgery for about three years now and finally got the nerve to ask my doctor. But you are right, if Ins will not pay, I will find a way. I'll beg steal or borrow...anything to be able to be healthy again. There are alot of amazing people on this forum and the info is priceless. Thank goodness I found you guys:)

Hey, I have PacificCare HMO and they covered me for both Lapband or Gystro. I chose the Lapband because it was less invasive,quicker recovery and mostly I like being in control.. Our insurance definitely covers the sugury so you shouldn't need to take out credit card or any other loans. Hope this helps. Since my surgury, i've lost about another 15 pounds. I think I have a total of between 35-37 pounds. i go get weighed on next Wednesday 11/08. Good Luck!

Wow!! Ms Khris, you sound like you are on your way!! Congradulations:clap2:

And thank you for the positive news about Pacificare. I am expecting that they will want me to go on a 6 month supervised diet plan called "Healthy Roads". I will try that first...but I know in my heart, the band is exactally what I need. Thanks for the reply:)

Hope you are able to have the procedure. Take care and good luck.

Self pay here too...and worth every dime to get my life back

Thank You Chrissy "O" and FullofGrace. That's just what I want also. To get my life back and start living again. You gals and few guys are a real inspiration and I am so happy for all of you

I went back to my PCP today. I found out that he didn't even put my referral through to the Ins:( . He put me on Vytorin to help lower my cholesterol and when I was leaving I had to explaine to the medical assistant what a lap band is so she could better understand what to do as far as sending out a referral. The front office staff looked at me like I was from Mars when I told them about the Lap Band. So..I am guessing that this will be a new experience for them as well as me.

I wonder how long it will take until I hear anything.

It took 8 months!! My surgery date is 7-19-07!!!:clap2:

AWESOME JANIEE,

I'M HAPPY FOR YA. BEST OF LUCK TO YA....

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