Hi, i've been enjoying this site for several months. I am waiting on insurance approval. I am going to Mercy Center for Weight Reduction. My surgeon is Dr. Smolik. They've been doing lapbands for about 1-1/2 years. Is there anyone out there from this facility or who had this surgeon? I'm excited and anxious to get insurance approval and hoping they won't require a supervised diet or anything.

I am in Des Moines also and waiting for approval from the Methodist bariatric center. My Mercy doctor recommended your center. I hope all goes well for you. My information was submitted to the insurance company today.

Carol

Good luck Carol. My information probably hasn't even been sent to ins. company yet. I'm still waiting on my pcp and a neurologist I go to to submit letters on my behalf. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Linda

LJV & Carol...I am also from DSM and am awaiting approval from Des Moines Bariatrics (Methodist). This waiting is killing me. I plan to call tomorrow to see if they have everything ready to send in to my ins. I am such an impatient person. Carol, have you gone to the support group yet? I went last month and really liked it. I have to miss the one this Saturday unfortunately.

Good news, once everything was sent into my insurance we got the response in just one day. I am seeing the cardiologist today and then can go back in and schedule my surgery. You can reach me at carcol54@yahoo.com if you would like to chat off of this site. I have gone to the support group 2 months ago, I took a friend and was a little intimidated by all of the people. I hope everything goes well for you.

Carol

Great news Carol, congratulations! Are you in Des Moines area? I am hoping to get my approval soon. Not sure how long it will take. I am nervous about it because one of the "requirements" listed is a 6 month supervised diet. I'm hoping they'll accept my history of dieting that I submitted instead. Keep me posted on how you're doing.

Just thought I'd introduce myself...I went to the Des Moines Bariatric seminar last week. (The ones that go to Methodist) And have my consultation visit with Dr. LaMasters on July 28th. I haven't gone to a support group meeting yet.

I also have COPD and fibromyalgia, so I'm on disability and have Medicaid. They will pay for it, but require a 6 month doctor supervised diet:frown:

I'd lost #80 between 4-5 years ago...then between the steroids, quitting smoking, fibro...I've gained it all back! My pcp think the surgery would help me immensely. It would make my back and knees hurt less anyway.

Anyway, just wanted to say Hi.

Nancy

Hi Nancy,

Welcome to this board. I have read a lot of good info here. I am still undecided as to Lapband or RNY. I have another w/Dr. Eibes tomorrow. I need to decide so they can submit my paperwork to my insurance.

Hopefully your 6 months will fly by. It is a bummer to have to wait once you decide you want surgery.

Take care. Candi