I finally got the nerve up to call back the people from the WLSC... I had signed up for a seminar, taken an online survey, and asked for more info.. several times, but always chickened out when they called me.....

Well yesterday I called them back and tomorrow I have a consult appointment, they faxed a boatload of paperwork to me to fill out and have ready.

I will then have the road to insurance approval. Even if I don't have insurance approval, they offer a self pay price of 17,500 for EVERYTHING including the consult and a year of unlimited fills.........

I am nervous about having foreign objects in my body, but I don't want to go the gastric bypass route. I have 2 close friends that went that route and both have done wonderful, but I know it is not for me...... They both say it is the best thing they ever did.... one is about 4 years post op and the other one is 2 years post op.. both started out well over 300lbs and both lost well over 100 lbs.......

Anyway.. I just wanted to post an intro, and thank everyone for all the info.:girl_hug:

I hope to be a bandster in 2007!

Tracy

263.8/263.8/149;)

Go Get'em Tracy ......best of luck and let us know how it goes!! Nicole

Tracy,

What did you think of the seminar on Saturday? I think I saw you sitting up front but I wasn't sure if that was you. I was pretty far in the back of the room. At first, Dr. Malley seemed kind of droll, like he wasn't thrilled to be there. But then his sense of humor started coming through and I warmed up to him a little more.

I have a consultation later this month so I'm hoping to find out a little more. I will be a self-pay and he said that self-pays could be scheduled 2 - 3 weeks after the consultation so I need to make a decision soon.

I pray I make the right decision and I hope you do too.

Sharon

Yeah... I was sitting in the second row and I asked about the port placement and then the fill amounts....

I Liked the seminar and yes it was better when his sense of humor came out... the appointment was the same way.... he warmed up as it went on... I had him laughing by the end and he said that he looked forward to working to gether and it sounds like it will be in the very near future..

(I peeked into his office and was suprised to see the LIFE SIZE Cardboard Cutouts of the Band KISS!!!!) I was ROFLMAO.. because I can see him being a KU student Rocking out.

He said he's done 550 bands now...... He said he'd dictate my letter and Rachel said she will try to get it all faxed today. She is going to call me and let me know, because I told her I would only give BCBS a few days before I started following up... She laughed and said....... Well OK THEN.

Good News and OK news….

My docs office was on hold with my insurance for 45 minutes!!!!!!

I do have to do 2 things…..

1) Phyc Eval with a Shrink

2) Nutritional Eval with a Nutritionist

The doctors office gave me the name of the Nutritionist that they always use, I called and left a message for her.

I called my company EAP to see if I could get a session with one of the Shrinks on the panel for this…. (THIS WOULD MEAN IT IS FREE)

I need a letter from the dr. (shrink) going over my mental health history, saying that I am stable, and am able to make my own health decisions.

She said once all this is done, they will submit to the insurance and get the approval letter………. I should be able to schedule surgery for about 7 weeks out.

THE GOOD NEWS IS: NO 6 MONTH DIET!!!!!!!!

Hey Tracy, I went to a shrink too. My insurance didn't require it, by my doc did. They just want to make sure you can handle the changes, that you are not acting drastically to some decission, your not doing this because "voices in your head" tell you to. You know, that your not crazy. lol.

I really enjoyed my shrink. I plan on going back to her after my 6 mos check up. She wants to go over any changes your feeling, etc.

Hi Tracy,

I have to congratulate you on your spunk! You are really armed and ready to deal with the insurance company...congratulations. We really have to stick up for ourselves when it comes to them.

I have enjoyed reading your posts!

I have my first consult coming next week. Your preserverence is an inspiration! I do the same thing when I am on a roll....so I can relate.

Sounds like a cliche but knowledge really is power...especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies..I know..I worked for them for 5 years..if they can find a loophole they certainly will. YOu have to be one step ahead of them is possible.

Good luck Tracy!

OKKKKKKKKK

Pysc Eval scheduled for NEXT Wednesday 1/17/06, I had to make several calls to places on my insurance network... one place totally ticked me off.. they were all high and mighty said I needed a minimum of 3 sessions, tried to tell ME what my insurance would want. I told them they were mistaken and that I would call my next provider on my list.........

So the doc I did find, it is a one session 2 part meeting.. 1st in an interview and second is a pencil test. Said he should have results and letter to me by the 25th.......... cost of this is $200.00 but they are bcbs.

Just waiting for the nutritionist to get back to me!

Hi all, I'm very new and having difficulty figuring out how to post to introductions to the sight. I hope this is correct. I have questions about the procudure. Is this where I post. HELP!

On the main INTRO thread, click on NEW Thread and then it will be all you!

Hi,

I've never done a chat room before so I'm not sure on how to do this. I guess I'm logged on now but I'm sorry I don't see the "Main Intro Thread" New Thread that you refer to.

I am trying to get into Introductions so I can introduce myself and say "hi" to everyone and maybe to ask some questions. How do I do this?

:help:

Am I replying to myself now? Sorry, I'm not a computer geek and I need the basics on this like step #1. do this, step #2, do this. I'm confused.

Maybe another email to my web address would be in order.

sendit2lorraine@yahoo.com

OK... on THIS PAGE look up at the top for the underlined word: introductions Click on it.

then look for a box that reads "start new thread" Click on it.

Write a little about yourself in the text box... (like you do here) and then click on "Post new thread"

I hope this helps

Hi Tracy! It took me 5 months to get all the required tests and procedures and appointments out of the way.The other day, I received my phone call from the surgeon's office.I have a date to be banded-January 30.I am a excited and nervous at the same time.I wish you lots of luck. Gigi

gigi8... I know I must be sounding impatient, but dang it.. I'm ready now.. Congrats on your January 30 date! Keep us posted