New, nervous, and ready to begin

Hi everyone, My name is Sara, I'm 23, and I want to get the Lap-Band.  I have been trying to find out as much as I can about WLS, and I feel sure that getting the Lap-Band is the right route for me. But I am actually really scared about it, and don't know where to begin.  I am going to a seminar as soon as I can, but other than that, I don't know what to do.  My family is not supportive of my decision, so I feel it's something I have to do on my own (though my boyfriend is supportive of whatever I choose).  What do I do?  Do I go see my doctor?  What if she doesn't support my decision?   How do I approach my insurance company?  I have CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.  Does anyone here have experience getting approval (or disapproval) from them?  And what the heck is dumping, anyway!? Any help or advice you can give would be very helpful. Thanks, Sara

Hi Sara, You just took your first step in the learning process. This website and this forum are so helpful to all people looking to lose weight.  If I were you, I would talk to my primary care physician first. Find out what they suggest. Next, I would contact various doctors and programs. Your PCP may make a recommendation or you can get some names from here. I love my surgeon, but think if I had known more I may have gone to St. Agnes instead of GBMC since I live less than 5 minutes from there.  Hope this helps give you a sense of a stating point. Aime

Hi Sara, Welcome to the group and best wishes as your WLS journey continues. Hugs, Mo

Hello!!!  Talk to you primary first...if she does not support it (it may just be she does not know that much information about the WLS's out there) bring her information on the different types of surgeries, facts about weightloss after surgery, etc.  If you go at her like you have done your homework, I don't foresee her arguing with you over it.  You can do the same with your family too...once you find a program, offer for your parents to go to a seminar so that they know more about it.  If you find a program like DVR (he the surgeon for many of us on here) they will handle the insurance thing for you.  From what I understand most of the WLS programs do that anyways...Oh, and dumping is the horrible experience that we get when we eat too much sugar for our little bellies post-surgery...really bad cramping, vomiting, diahrrea...its bad, real bad!!!  Luckly, most of us only do it once then we have learned our lesson! Leslie

Hi Sara - Actually, you've already taken the first, hardest step in a long line of steps, and that is the decision to have the surgery.  What kind depends on a variety of factors - how much you need to lose, your comorbidities, etc.   It's okay to be scared about it, it's a major lifestyle change, but one that I absolutely would do again in a heartbeat.

Everyone has given you great advice already, so I'll just add that you should feel free to come here anytime with any questions or concerns that you have.  We're always happy and willing to share. Welcome to the MD Board! Teresa (Tia)

Hi Sara and welcome, This is a great place to discuss and learn about WLS. I have been amazed how open and helpful everyone is. Good luck with Carefirst. I can tell you the HMO programs don't cover WLS, but they do cover most of the pre tests with a referral from your primary. I'm in cue for the by-pass surgery with the band as I've been told the band alone will take a long time. I  would gladly share what I've learned if you have questions. Good luck, Mark

Hello and welcome! I just joined this group amd let me say...............they are honest, open and giving of anything they can share. I am in the beginning as well. Now I dont have BCBS (I have Optimum Choice) and mine does cover WLS .....................BUT..........................I have heard from several people and my own ins. that the lap band is not covered. I guess because it isnt permanent but please call your ins. and speak to someone about what is and isnt covered. I started there as I needed to know what they required. I then used that info to start the required 6 month diet and it had to be supervised so I am doing weigh****chers........................again. Today, I saw my PCP and discussed the process for WLS and to make sure he felt I was a candidate and also let him know of what will needed from him ( the letter of necessity) that I will take to the surgeon. He charted everything so there would be good ducumentation that would eventually be sent to the insurance.  Now if you are self pay, I believe you can skip the diet part but again please check. I plan to see the PCP for the last 3 months of the diet so he can have a more hands on but this is not required. I will only do 3 months with weigh****chers and 3 with him. You def need to find a supportive PCP. I have a BMI below 40 but I have several co morbidities so I am making sure the Ts and Is are all in place. Lastly, find as much info as you can from every source possible to be well informed of all options. Look for after surgery diets, lifestyle changes, recipes and especially this forum not only from MD but other states as the information is out there and abundant.  Good luck and welcome again Jennifer

Mark - HMO's don't cover WLS anymore??? Wow!  I'm glad I had my surgery when I did - I have Blue Choice, got immediate approval, and the only $$ I ever paid out was my co-pays for some of the tests, all in all, less than $175 total!!! I would think it would be just the opposite, that more are paying as opposed to less!! YIKES!!

Tia

Sara, I am brand new to this website and this is my first post.  I had lap band surgery on 4/30/07.  It is by far the best decision that I have ever made in my life.  I chose lap band because it is less invasive, has less complications and can be reversed.  To date, I have lost 47 pounds and loving every minute of it.  You have to work at losing the weight, it's no quick fix, but if you are serious about it, it will work for you.  My husband was always supportive, as well as my father and brother.  My mother, on the other hand was not so much.  She just doesn't like surgery for anything.  However, she sees the progress that I have made and she is very thankful that I decided to do it.  She is now a believer.  As background, I started out by first discussing it with my doctor.  My insurance required 6 months of documented supervised attempt at weight loss.  That journey for me began in September of 2006.  Following the six months (I didn't lose any weight), I got my referral to my surgeon.  I then had to do a psych evaluation, some blood work and then I finally met with the surgeon.  Before I knew it, I got a call from his office telling me that my insurance had approved me (MD IPA) and they were calling to schedule a surgery date.  It happened kind of fast from that point on.  Now I look at pictures and cannot believe the difference already.  I'm so excited. I wish you the best of luck.   Tina

Hi Sara, Welcome to the Md Forum!! Everyone has give you great advise already.  I spoke to my pcp first and h gave me a referral for the surgeon that my insurance would cover. I went for the seminar and then had the consultation.  Then I did all the testing the surgeon requested.  If your pcp is not on board with you maybe you can find one that will be.   Wishing you all the best in your journey.