Hello everyone,

I’m not much of a poster but have read this forum nearly every day. This is a great site that has educated me immensely. So I thought I’d post my long journey to get banded.

Over 2 years ago in 2007, my wife and I considered the lapband but after running up against the mighty insurance requirement, we both decided to once again try dieting. Well you can all imagine the outcome of that decision as we both ended up weighing more than we had before we started our diet.

This decision is such a change of lifestyle but we felt it was needed. Five years ago at the age of 47, I had already had bypass surgery. At that time I was told if I didn’t change my habits they would see me in 10 years and the outcome wouldn’t be so good. Even though this haunts me, I would continue to sabotage myself and gain weight.

In the fall of 2008 we both once again began talking about lapband and decided we needed to approach this again but follow all the way through. Force the insurance company to make the decision.

October 2008 – went to the group meeting at the hospital to get weighed in and signed up.

November 2008 - Was informed our insurance administrator would change at the first of the year. Should probably wait until January before having our doctors submit information to avoid confusion.

December 2008 – Began our diet. Both weighting the most we ever have. Tough time of the year but we felt if we can do it during the holidays we could continue this life style. Set up our appointments for the first of the year.

January 2009– Completed our appointments with the Dietitian, Physical Therapist, Psychologist, & Surgeon. Being the first of the year, we had to meet our $800 deductable plus the Surgeon wasn’t on our plan. We would both have pay the $3,000 Surgeon fees and possibly the entire surgery. The Dr’s office is trying to get accepted with our insurance.

February 2009 – Information was finally sent to the Insurance Administrators.

March 2009 – The Surgeon is now on our prefered provider list!! Follow up calls we were led down a 30 day wait to a 45 day wait to a 45 working day wait.

March 27th I was finally approved but we haven’t heard anything yet on my wife. I only have to meet 10% of the cost.

April 2009 – End of the month I am scheduled to once again see the Dietitian, Surgeon, R.N. and the Hospital pre-cert.

May 11 2009 – I’m scheduled for the lapband.

Now the wait for my procedure and my wife’s approval!

What a journey, D, and congratulations. I hope your wife's approval comes through quickly.

Mimi

Wow! Looks like waiting for the doctor to get on your insurance is paying off!!! Great story and how wonderful to be able to do this together! It really does take all the support you can get and having your wife in the same boat will really help you both! I wish you both so much luck and improved health very soon! All the best!