Question about diabetics and insurance

Cpudoc6 · October 12, 2007

Greetings all,

and certainly congrat's on the great stories. I have a couple of questions, I have diabettes (type 2) and am on an insulin pump, my BG's have been averageing 130 in a 30 day period. I would like to know how the band and weight loss may affect my diabettes, obviously it will lower my insulin use, but I am looking to hear some real world experiance.

Second, I have read that some insurance companies make you diet before they approve the surgery. Is this correct? and if so, doesnt this just promote "yo yo" dieting that we all have experianced through out our lives? Is this a standard policy among insurer's? I know my Doctor is making me attend a seminar on the lapband, before he will even see me. What is the average time frame from begining to surgery?

Thanks, I know I have asked a lot, but need to get info.

Ron B

Lorsbander · October 12, 2007

Hi Ron- Some insurance companies require several months of a doctor supervised diet before they will approve you for the band. I guess they want to see medical documentation that you really tried to lose weight. My insurance did not require it, though I was doing it anyway.

I also attended a seminar before I could get a consultation with my doctor. The time frame before surgery usually depends on how long your insurance takes to approve you, as well as how busy your doc is. You will probably have a lot of pre-op testing to do, too.

As far as your diabetes goes. I was not diabetic yet, but was considered glucose intolerant. I had gestational diabetes a few years ago and knew I was heading for the real thing. That was one reason I wanted the band. I was on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery and I lost a lot of weight from that. My blood sugar is already normal! It was normal within a few weeks of surgery! Also, I am off my Lipitor. My heart problems are already gone, too. So, now I am 2 months out, down 46 pounds and loving life!

Best of luck to you!

EricCharbonneau · October 12, 2007

Ron, I am also a type 2 diabetic and I could not control my blood sugar levels with Glyburide and Metformin (oral meds).

My initial consultation was 6/26, my surgery date (insurance covered) is scheduled for 10/26 so for me it is exactly 4 months from initial consultation to surgery.

If you are making the commitment to using the band to control your weight, I see no reason for you not to diet prior to surgery. Your blood sugar control will only improve with dieting and exercise.

I have been doing that to get ready for surgery. I am off of all of my diabetes medication and have had my blood sugar between 90 - 120 mg/dl for the last three months.

Look, the band is just a tool. Your diabetes is going to get significantly better with diet, exercise and weight loss. We will always be type 2 diabetics, but we can keep our blood sugars within normal ranges.

Just keep in mind that the fix isn't the band, it's on you. Start living like you have the band today - diet, Portion Control, exercise - add the band at some point in the journey. The transition from sick to healthy is a process that YOU have to control. The band is just there to make it possible.

I've lost 52 lbs in the last 15 weeks getting ready for my surgery - and all I did was to start walking EVERY DAY (working up to 60+ minutes a day) and I ate a Protein first, portion controlled diet.

Be the CEO of your weight loss. Take personal accountability, demand results of yourself and your support team. Prioritize your health above everything but your loved ones. Track your progress - set milestones and achieve them.

Good luck - remember what matters is that we lose weight and keep it off and reap the benefits of improved health.

Cpudoc6 · October 12, 2007

Eric,

I congradulate you on your success!! I have one issue, if you can do so well with diet and exercise, is the band imperitive? Do you feel that the band will be a safeguard to the "yo yo" effect that we all have experianced?

It really sounds like you are on the proper track and have a great attitude!! Keep up the GREAT work!

Thanks for the reply

Ron B

EricCharbonneau · October 12, 2007

Ron, yes you've got it. I'm 49 now and previously lost significant weight with Phen-Fen (gained that all back + more) and then later lost 63 lbs on Atkins (gained that all back + more). The weight loss is all on us - the band makes absolutely sure that all of this effort pays off now and in the future. I don't want that weight back and anyway the second 50 lbs are the hardest to lose.

You should schedule your initial consultation ASAP. Many insurance companies use your bariatric intake weight while evaluating the insurance submission. You may also need additional testing, which can help support your insurance submission.

I needed to do a sleep study that confirmed sleep apnea (a co-morbidity. My surgeon required a psychological test - which I found helpful - because it helped me better understand the way I feel about food.

The whole insurance process can be a hassle. If you just start living like you already have band before you're banded, I just feel that you optimize your physical condition for surgery and you'll probably have better results.

My sister is banded and she has had great results as well. If you need to lose 100+ pounds and your weight is making you sick today, then it's time to take action, not keep doing what you're doing and expect different results.

Good luck, I already know that I'll be exercising for the rest of my life - otherwise, I'll just be that same old fat guy I was 4 months ago. I'm NEVER going back....