other options for wls?

I have been searching for a way to have WLS, the insurance that I had CIGNA has restrictions, right now I am working with Vocational Rehab, but they are telling me that they do not pay for the surgery. I was wonderding becasue they are sooo many diets out there which one is best one. I am still looking for ways to pay for WLS, but in the meantime I would like to get on a diet. I was asking if anyone has new options about paying for WLS or diets.

WLS helps give a jumpstart with quick weightloss initially, but after the honeymoon period, most of us have to rely on ourselves to make the best choices and remain active. We are told to not snack and eat mostly protein with good carbs (veggies, fruit) secondary, but each surgeon tweaks that a bit based on their own feelings about post-op food choices. Getting active will also help jumpstart weightloss and increases metabolism. You also must get in your water intake to keep your metabolism functioning at it's best. So in a nutshell, any lifestyle change that embraces lower fat, lower carb, high protein with exercise would be the best choice to help lose weight. Good luck! Amy

Before giving up totally on Voc Rehab. Recheck with them. They have covered RNYGB in the past. As a matter of fact, I know of someone right now who has been approved by Voc Rehab but is having problems finding a surgeon who accepts it. I also believe in a low-fat, low-carb diet. Southbeach is a good one to model your "new way of eating" after. Allows good carbs and unlike Atkins does not allow the bad fats. One option to kick start your weight loss would be two protein shakes per day (low carb) and then a sensible dinner of a low fat protein and veggies. Our surgeons recommend this pre-op as well as for those of us further out who hit a plateau. Best of luck to you. Julie

I have to agree with Julie. Vocational Rehab should be the way to go. And I know that Capital One has a medical credit card with much lower interest rates so you may want to call them. Good luck. This is life saving surgery and you need to really fight sometimes to get it. La Wanda

I am also a self pay patient. I am going on wednesday to world known surgeon Ariel Ortiz to have lap banding done. He is an expect that has taught lots of surgeons how to perform this procedure. His total costs are $8500 including transportation to and from san diego, hotel, and all the surgery stuff. I will keep you posted on how it went. www.obesitycontrolcenter.com