Hi All-

I have been reading posts for months, but only today did I finally decide to join.

I enjoyed "watching from the sidelines", but I finally decided I wanted to play too!!

I have learned so much from eveyone on this site, thank you!!

I have been researching the lap band for about 6-9 months now.

I had to wait for open enrollment at my office to change insurance companies.

Pacificare (PPO) wouldn't even pay a Dr.'s visit that his nurse submitted saying "obesity consultation".

I now have Kaiser as of May 1st and my new doctor has reffered me for a Bariatric Group/Health Education appointment (they only have 8 appointments a month). I was lucky to get a June 22nd date.

My doctor "believes" Kaiser will only cover Gastric Bypass --- NO Way!

Not for me. I called the benefits department and the exclusions do not include lap band. I know they use UCLA Medical Center (they do Gastric Bypass as well as lap band). I actually looked into UCLA when I found out Pacificare wouldn't cover the surgery -I figured I would take a loan - $22,000 -$25,000 - I almost dropped the phone!

Needless to say I can't wait until 6/22 - 6PM!!

If Kaiser tries to bully me into the Gastric Bypass - I am going to fight, fight, fight!! You all have given great amunition!! I will print up all the positive facts about the Lap Band. I am going to be prepared, show them I did my homework and they WILL agree to the Lap Band!!!

I am so looking forward to being banded. Is there anyone in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles area) that has dealt with Kaiser Woodland Hills?

I will keep everyone updated!!

Thanks again for sharing your experiences.

I haven't dealt with Kaiser but I live in Van Nuys. We should like you know meet sometime or something. LOL!! We can you know like talk Valley language.

Good luck with the insurance issues. I have Pacificare PPO and tried to get reimbursed but no luck.

Welcome to LBT, and goodbye to lurking status! So glad you decided to make it official! I don't know the answers to your insurance questions, but, YOU GO GIRL! Just wanted to say HI!

Penni -

Yes, let's do coffee sometime, but as far as the valley talk--- no can do, I am a transplant from NY. I've been here 4 1/2 years and I am still homesick!!

Would love to "pick your brain" in person sometime.

Let me know.

Antoinette

Hello Antoinette,

Best of luck to you and fighting your insurance company. I wish you all the success in the world. It is nice meeting you. Penni is a doll so hopefully you two can get together. Best wishes,Teresa

Antoinette....Welcome to the family. You sound like a determined woman....that ole insurance company doesn't stand a chance...You go girl!!! Keep us updated with how it goes. Best wishes to you.

Welcome to LBT! Stick to your guns and don't let them change your mind!

Welcome welcome welcome aboard--enjoy the ride & hold on tight!!

Thank you everyone for such a friendly welcome!!

Hello, I would like to introduce myself. I am 32 years old and a mother of two girls ages 7 and 8. I've been reading your posting for months at a time and I too decided it was time for me to join in the group. I truely enjoy reading every single one of your posts. Like all of you I will be getting banded on July 12, 2005 in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. I'm kind of nervous but excited. I will be going to Mexico by myself. Which I would ...love for someone to accompaning me there. I really need your support. I've been ...overweight all of my life. I'm not happy with myself at the weight I am now. However, I'm looking forward of chatting with all of you.

Wow, July 12th! That is right around the corner! I will be on a cruise the week of July 10th, otherwise I would of loved to keep you company in Mexico.

Good luck to you and definitely keep us updated!!!

I went to what I thought was an appointment with a nutrionist at Kaiser and it turned out to be a seminar for Gastric Bypass surgery.

About 1/2 way through thank goodness someone asked about the lapband.

The nutrionist was very abrupt and said "Kaiser doesn't cover that surgery".

Funny, 3 different people at Kaiser told me over the phone that they do. I switched my insurance for that reason.

Their 200+ page handbook says that they cover bariatric surgery. To me that would cover quite a few different surgeries!!! Including Lap Band.

Under exclusions, lap band is not mentioned.

Now what?? This was 2 nights ago and I am still fuming!

I guess it is time to start writing letters. Everyday if I have to.

Wish me luck!!