June 2006
My name is Kimberly. I am a dark n lovely divorced 34 yr old mother of a 16yr old son. I have been overweight much of my childhood and obese the past 6 yrs. I too am tired of being sick and tired. A majority of my friends are slim and I long to not be the big girl of the group. I am currently at 237pds and I stand 5'2. This is the biggest I have been ever. I try to shy away from pictures, but when I do see myself in a pic it is heartbreaking. My thoughts are always, "I can't believe my arms are that big. OMG look at how fat my face is." I had seen commericals for the Lapband procedure, but I really did not give it much thought because I knew financially I would not be able to afford the procedure nor did I think my insurance UHC would cover. Then 2 weeks ago I received a magazne subscription that had an article concerning Gastic v Lapband. This article really peaked my interested in both procedures. The Lapband article focused on Dr. N. Jayseelan. After reading that article I was on the internet for over 6 hours searching for anything concering the pros and cons of both. By 2a.m. I decided that Lapband would hopefully be a successful procedure for me. The next day at work (SWA) there was a healthfair. While visiting the different booths I came across a booth for Texas Lap-Band Center. Not realizing this was also the office of Dr. Jayseelan I proceeded to speak with the representative who was also a Lapband patient and told her about the article I read about Dr. Jay. She pointed to a picture of him and told me how great of a surgeon he was. That was it. I knew from that point that he was the surgeon for me. This may sound silly but I prayed for signs that this was the right thing to do and meeting Arlene was deffinetly a positive sign. So I made an appt the same day for a consultation. Went in 5 days later and met with an internist, Dr. Cha, and was told that I would definietly be a candidate. Completed my blood work and EKG the same day and am now waiting for approval from UHC. From what I have read online from other bandsters who had UHC coverage the approval was hassle free and did not take long at all. I am still nervous though. I hope to have a surgery date for the first week of September. Oh and let me tell you my third sign. I go to the Salon every Thursday. I always meet up with one lady in particular every week. Our appts are at the same time w/ different stylist. So we usually sit together and watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire..lol.. I knew she worked in a hospital because she sometimes has on scrubs, but I did not know where. 2 days after my consultation with Dr. Cha I asked Monique where she worked. She told me that she works in a operating room for a surgeon who speacializes in Lapband surgerys. Who might that surgeon be??? Dr. Jayseelan. I was estatic. I told her about my decision to have the procedure done by Dr. Jay and she told me everything about the procedure and answered all of my questions and concerns. She's even going to request to participate in my procedure. She had wonderful things to say about Dr. Jay and the success rate of his patients. So now I'm playing the waiting game. I'm going to wait 2 weeks before I contact UHC to verify the approval process which will be July 6, 2006. Until then please Wish me luck!!!!
July 10, 2006
Well I contacted UHC Friday 7/7/06 to verify if I had been approved, but I was told that my case was with the predetermination committee and that although my case was received 6/28 it could take 30 business days before a decision has been made.
In the meantime I have now decided that I am not interested in having the Lapband anymore. I am now interested in having the Lap/Gastric. I have spent countless hours researching this procedure and I'm convinced that this is the procedure for me. The only thing that discourages me is that Dr. Jay does not perform the Gastric procedure. I would really love to have him as my surgeon. Tomorrow I am going to make an appt with Dr. Dirk Rodriguez. He has recieved rave reviews on this site and he's within my insurance network. I would love to hear from other Black Americans who were/are patients of Dr. Dirk Rodriguez.
Good Luck to All.
July 19, 2006
I am beginning to get discouraged from my insurance company. My claim was submitted 6/28 and it's still with the Predetermination board. Further more after changing my surgery from band to gastric I have found out that Dr. Rodriguez is w/in my network, but Renassainace Hospital is not. So that counts him out. Therefore I am now researching surgeons again. This really sucks. I have scheduled a consulation with Davidson, Kim and Ihde. I like Dr. Davidson's after care program. Dr. Kim has excellent reviews and Dr. Ihde is convenient, but he too has good reviews. If anyone has any opioions about any of the surgeons listed then please do share.
July 24,2006
I AM APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received my approval letter in the mail today and it was dated 7/19. I am so excited and relieved. I only have one problem. My approval letter is for the lap band and I no longer want the lap band. I would much rather have Gastric. I wonder if anyone else has had this dilemma.
July 25,2006
I attended a seminar @ Presbyterian hospital w/ Dr. Davidson. I was very impressed with his office and the young lady conducting the seminar. He wants be to do a stress test and loose 15 to 20 pds before surgery. I am not at all happy about that.
August 2, 2006
Well I received some great news today. Julie from Dr. Rodriguez office called me today to inform me that Renaissnce is now in my network (UHC). I am so excited. I am paying my $150 for his 8/9 seminar Friday. I am so excited. Dr Rod was my first choice. Additionally one of my coworkers is a former patient of his and she has had nothing but rave reviews about him. I'm just curious as to what my 10% will amount to. My insurance will only pay 90% for this procedure.
August 9, 2006
I attended a seminar at Reniassance Hospital by Dr. Rodriguez. It was wonderful. I have a tentative surgery date of 9/18...Whoopie!!!
August 18, 20
Chris from Dr. Rod's office called me today. My insurance has APPROVED payment!!!!! I AM ESTATIC!!!!! I was given the option to move my surgery date to 9/5 or 9/11, but I am going to keep 9/18. I've planned before and aftercare around that date. I completed the echo/stress Wed 8/16 and I will have my psyc next Wednesday 8/23. I am so thankful that my desire for a healthier ME is finally going to be a reality.
August 29 ,2006
Well I have completed my Echo/Stress test and my Psychological exam. Unfortunately though I have had to delay my surgery. Due to a staff shortage my Manager has asked that I delay my surgery to Oct or Nov. I refuse to wait until Nov, but I will delay my surgery for 2 weeks from the original schedeuled date of 9/18 to Monday 10/2. This will buy me some additional time to try out a few more protein shakes.
