Hello I'm some what new to the boards and I have a question has anyone had doctor Ali or doctor fuller from the UC Davis Medical Center. If so how are they I have Helthnet HMO and my pcp said I had to see them to get it coverd they approved my fist visit to see them know I am waiting for them to send me my packet to fill out.I hope I get approved for the lap band.

Thanks

Stacie

Hi Stacie,

I just went to my first appt. with UC Davis Center on Friday, Sept 21st. I went to the orientation more than 2 weeks earlier. Dr. Fuller said I wouldn't qualify for gastric bypass but I was a candidate for lap band. He said he hasn't done as many lapbands because they are strong believers that GB is the best way for permanent weightloss based on studies. I was sooooo glad that he said he wanted to do the lapband because I that's what I wanted. I was trying to figure out how I was going to have to convince them that I only wanted lap band.

I started this process back in July with a referral from my primary care doc. Filled out the paperwork really quick, got my EKG and chest xray and took it with me to the first appointment. Also I had my regular obgyn check up earlier this year with pap, breast exam and mammogram. I am really glad because that is one of their requirements. As soon as I got home I called every doctor's office to get my records faxed to UCD. I still have one record left to get faxed. They want me to get a colonoscopy and upper GI because I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome about 7 years ago. Not going to be fun but if that's what it takes I will do it, PLUS I will find out if all is well.

From what I experienced it seems like they won't even make you an appt. unless they will take your insurance. I heard 2 people at orientation and met one at my appt. that went through everything with another clinic just to find out that their insurance turned them down.

Another thing they will make you do is lose 10% of your current weight and start keeping a food diary to show them you can do it. I have been going through an insurance approved weight loss management class for 2 weeks and I have lost 16 lbs. so far and UCD is counting that towards my 10%. I have been keeping a food diary, Water intake, pedometer count and exercise journal. All this is what they want us to do after surgery. I am excited!

Sounds like we are going through all this about the same time. Hope you get your appointment soon! They put me on a 6 month or sooner surgery date, tentative for March 10, 2008. They said I don't have but 3 tests to do and that I will probably get the date moved up much sooner. I hope so! It all depends on when I can get these GI's -yuk! Not looking forward to those.

You can email me personally at dicrostudio@yahoo. com - just removed the space after the dot.

Marebeth

Marebeth,

Thank you for all of the info I received my packet in the mail on Thursday and filled it out the same day. as for the insurance it will cover that is why I have to go to UCD my PCP called them to find out were I would have to go so they did not send me to the wrong place.They have approved the first visit know I have to wait also my PCP did most of the test they need so I hope they will approve me for the lap band like you that is what I want.

Thanks again

Stacie