So the official Journey starts tonight with Dr David Elliot with the Richmond Surgical group. Anyone know what they seminars entail. I am sure that they are all somewhat different, but if you want to proceed forward how does that typically work. I have a BMI of 40.4 with HBP and High Cholestrerol. I have BCBS of California which has been very good about WLS in with our company. I understand even if it is approved quickly I am sure is a number of months before the surgery takes place. Just trying to figure out what to expect tonight?

Greg

Hello & welcome! I went to my seminar in March of this year and looks like I may have surgery next month. The seminar is approx 2 hours. I went to 2 of them. They explain a few different surgery options, but concentrate mainly on the Band, of course. They go over what the diet will consist of and the proper way you must eat afterwards. These are all very basic and general and all of the details will be discussed further should you decide to proceed. Once you have attended the seminar you will be given a time where you can call or go in to make your initial consultation appt. They gave me a large packet of paperwork including a lot of personal questions to get an idea of your history and lifestyle. You will need to be honest with yourself and them with this. This will make your journey easier I am sure. In my case I had a much higher BMI so I am haivng to lose quite a bit of weight first. Each surgeon is different... from this point you will find out MUCH more info at your inital consult. The seminar is your first step. Congrats on the decision to go and I imagine you will be pleased with the information you get from it. Hopefully the actual surgeon will give the presentation and you will be able to ask him/her questions afterwards, but this is not always the case. The first one I went to they sent a former patient that now works for that particular clinic. Keep up informed on how things go with you and, again, congrats. Best of luck to you!

Jason

I sometimes go to seminars conducted by my surgeon to be available as a patient who will answer questions. He has a slide presentation that has discussion with each slide. They answer some questions during the presentation and then open questioning after. As a patient, I am usually the last part of the presentation and they show my before picture (I'm down 70 pounds but have 64 to go).

Each person receives a packet that includes a 6 page patient questionnaire (which you complete and bring to your individual consultation), a form for insuranc information so that they can confirm your insurance coverage and thus be able to tell you the requirements for approval, etc.

I was very pleased with the surgeon but not so much with the insurance person. Most of the information was printed in the hand out but everything she said seemed contradictory. I have BCBS anthem of California. She seemed to think It could be a toss up because I have a BMI of 41 and 2 co-morbidities. HBP and High Cholseterol. Said they usually want to see more. I asked if I should get some blood work done since it has been 2 to 3 years and she said no. We will do that after you are approved. Seems to me it would bolster my case as I think my cholesterol is still high and I suspect my blood sugar is as well. Based on others in my company I think I will be approved but I had concerns about how she will fight for me if she can't seem to keep it straight. I guess I need to assume she can't know it all off of the top of her head and she must do a good job helping people with their insurance company. I am going to move forward and I am excited. Kind of Crazy but the guest speaker was one of my wifes co-workers who lost about 140 + pounds. Small world.

I am glad you went and were encouraged! I don't think it will be a problem getting approved. I am certainly no expert, but your BMI is elevated. Now I only had one comorbidity of HBP, but my BMI was 74... I was and still am super morbidly obese so it was an ease to get approved. Don't let that one person get ya doubting... let the paperwork fly and you might just get what ya want. Good luck... keep this thread going and let us know what happens. Talk to ya soon!

Jason