Thanks Joanne

Can you give me some examples of medically necessary.  So I can be sure what you mean about medically necessary

I just wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Keisha and I am a 38 year old single mother of two beautiful girls.  I've always been curvy but stayed around 10/12 however, after college, two children and one pending divorce later the pounds have crept on.  I've tried everything from seeing the "Fat" Doctor in Media, Off the shelf diet pills, working out, fasting, etc.  In my mind I looked good however, after attending my college's homecoming for the first time since 95 and looking at the pictures afterward I realized that I needed to do something.  Plus my knees, ankles and back started hurting me. I was later diagnosed as having osto arthritis (at the age of 38 ugh!!! ) I know everything can be attributed to my weight gain.  So I know it's time for a change and that's why I decided on WLS.  I want to be able to get down on the floor and play with my daughters, run and play soccer with them.  I need to not only be healthy for them but for me as well.  I can't wait to post my before and after pictures.
I am so glad that I found this site and Delaware's forum.  This site is amazing.  Every day I'm on here looking at the various posts and looking at everyone's before and after pictures.  It constantly blows my mind.
I have decided to have the banding procedure, the Realize Band.  I met with Dr. Iragau (he's awesome!!! ) 6/18.  Everyone I know told me that as soon as I received the ok from my surgeon to make as many appointments as soon as possible. I was able to schedule everything that day.  Went to my first support group (realized I'm taking the classes out of order but that's ok by me) last Tuesday and was cleared by the Pulmonologist last week as well .  So I have my first "REAL" NUT class Tuesday night and that same day I have my meeting with Dr. Slade-Martin for my psych eval.  I don't think there will be a problem so I'm anticipating her giving me my clearance that day as well.  I met with Dr. Marmo (Cardiologist) 6/18 didn't need an EST however, I have my Echo test on the 14th and he said he will give me my clearance .  I also had all my blood lab work completed last Wednesday.  Per my insurance I only have to attend four classes (two support, one NUT and the final eval). My Primary Dr has been very supportive so I don't have to have the Bariatric Internist give my final clearance.  Dr. Iragau said my Primary could give it.  So prayerfully, everything will be completed by 7/16. 
For you seasoned WLS'ers what has been your experiences.  How long from completing all your requirements did you get your surgery date, did you have to lose any weight prior to surgery (I was told I have to lose 5 pounds prior to my surgery date.  I'm really stressing over that.  I know it doesn't seem like much but I don't want to do anything to mess my chances for having this surgery), any advice for the pre & post op diets??? I appreciate any advice but would love to hear from fellow banders.
Sorry for the novella.  I'm so excited, have a lot of questions, and am a night owl who types like she talks
Thank you in advance and I look forward to reading your responses and meeting new friends.
Keisha
p.s I am in Wilmington and would love to find a support group close to home.

For BC/BS it has to be medically nessesary. Your best thing is to build up documentation. Go to the Drs and document everything. Hope this helps. Joanne

Does any body know the guidelines for plastic surgery after weight loss  for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware insurance.  If so can someone please let me know.

You too...Thanks