Tomorrow afternoon is the day I've been looking forward to, the start. I'm going to the seminar for weight loss surgery. I'm excited. I've been doing some research and I think I feel safer with the sleeve than the gastric bypass and it's more permanent than the lapband. I don't want the option of leaving the band loose. I want to take the options away at first and train myself how to eat, smaller portions and learn that I'm ok with that. I don't have to eat in order to pass the time or dull the pain. If anyone has any advice, please let me know. This website is a god-send.
Also, I think my insurance may cover the surgery. I will post before pictures and measurements. Right now I'm 4'11 and about 250/255 lbs
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Pursuing WLS "Gastric Bypass RNY" 1/6/09 Attended Seminar.. Weight 285lb, BMI 57.6 1/28/09 Consult, Mexico To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Ok, the semiar was very informative. Unfortunately the sleeve is not covered by insurance because it is a fairly new procedure. However, I learned something I didn't hear before about the RNY Gastric Bypass, immediately following the surgery, insulin resistance is reversed and there is a lot of hormonal changes. So, those that are IR or diabetic can usually go home without taking their usual meds. Previously I was very afraid of this particular procedure before but I think those were the magic words to convince me that this is right for me. Insulin resistance has been my major problem and I'm a carbohydrate/sugar aholic. That's got to change of course but I was really encouraged by the seminar. Now I'm waiting for a call from the hospital. They are checking on my insurance and then will have the results from them when they call. That way i can schedule an appointment with the doctor I choose. The hospital is Southwest Hospital in Lafayette LA on West Congress and Ambassador Caffery. There was a past patient who had gone from a size 32 to a 2. She was a school principal who was very inspirational. I can't wait to get started!!! WLS here I come!
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Last edited by Heidi dawning; 01-07-2009 at 11:58 AM.
Reason: grammer, ha
What type of insurance do you have. You should call them directly find out what is required, etc. Insurance companies sometimes even post there requirements online. You can then get a head start. I am not sure how famliar you are with how long it took me but I had to end up appealing and changing surgeons. It seemed like a long time but in the end it has been worth it. I am now down 45 lbs since my surgery! I love to do research so if you pass on your insurance name, I can look things up if you don't have a lot of time.
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Heidi just wanted to welcome you! You're making a great decision for yourself! Want to wish you the best of luck and you'll find a lot of info on the ~*~WLS Divas*January pt 1*Happy New Year!!~*~ thread.
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Tammy-32 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ryan-36
Married May 10, 2008
RNY GBS August 10, 2004-330/151/165
Below my goal and officially no longer overweight!
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Look for me on the WLS Divas thread!
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Hey Marcie, that's cute. I'm the shyess gal in the world. I'm working on it though. I might wait a while before looking for someone but thanks for thinking of me!
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Pursuing WLS "Gastric Bypass RNY" 1/6/09 Attended Seminar.. Weight 285lb, BMI 57.6 1/28/09 Consult, Mexico To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I have blue cross blue shield of Louisiana and I just called and spoke with the customer service department, they said it is not something covered under our group policy. So, since I work for a small business, so I called our insurance contact, the Internal Service Representative who is of SEBS of Louisiana, Inc. and left a message for her to call me. I'm going to ask her what's involved in having it added to the group policy and if I can pay seperately for it. I don't know anything about all this so I'm just going to see what I can find out. Maybe surgery isn't a possiblity.
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Pursuing WLS "Gastric Bypass RNY" 1/6/09 Attended Seminar.. Weight 285lb, BMI 57.6 1/28/09 Consult, Mexico To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Heidi just wanted to welcome you! You're making a great decision for yourself! Want to wish you the best of luck and you'll find a lot of info on the ~*~WLS Divas*January pt 1*Happy New Year!!~*~ thread.
Thank you Tammy! I've notice how much of an inspiration you've been to soo many. Thanks on behalf of everyone!
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Pursuing WLS "Gastric Bypass RNY" 1/6/09 Attended Seminar.. Weight 285lb, BMI 57.6 1/28/09 Consult, Mexico To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
That is not an available benefit on any Blue Cross group plan. I don’t believe it’s covered on any of their individual plans either, but let me copy our emails to our Individual Specialist, so she can tell us for certain. Any suggestions gals? The surgery costs $19,600. Any suggestions? I am poor, I guess that's it.
Heidi I had BC/BS of Alabama when I had mine done. It was covered 100%. All I paid was $100 hospital co-pay. Keep fighting. If you have other troubles such diabetes, back problems, sleep apnea, bone and joint troubles, high blood pressure theres a better chance you can get it done. I wish you all the luck in the world!
Heidi thank you! I didn't know I was... I just like to share my story in hopes that it might help someone. The surgery has made such a huge difference in my life and my health and was such a life saver for me! No more High blood pressure and no longer pre diabetic. I woudln't change a thing about my decision and wish so many didn't have to fight so hard to get this life saving surgery!
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Tammy-32 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ryan-36
Married May 10, 2008
RNY GBS August 10, 2004-330/151/165
Below my goal and officially no longer overweight!
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Look for me on the WLS Divas thread!
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I would talk to your bariatric coordinator at the hospital. Mine was VERY informed on the insurance end & was willing to make sure that I got approved.
I have BCBS of ND for my lapband & it was only $100 out of pocket for the surgery and then the $25 for all the pre-op appts. do not give up if this is something that you know you need for you life.
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Laura Beth (28)
DH-Michael (30)
DD-Kristyn (11-14-06)
Dylan Michael or Kari Grace?
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Thank you Tammy and Laura Beth. I feel like I hit a brick wall because it's listed as an exclusion and says even if deemed medically necessary. Ugh, one positive aspect is I told my boss's wife and she didn't know about it being an exclusion and she was interested in having it done also, just later on. So, I think she might look into it for me. We'd probably have to change insurance carriers and that may be consistered pre-existing conditions.
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Pursuing WLS "Gastric Bypass RNY" 1/6/09 Attended Seminar.. Weight 285lb, BMI 57.6 1/28/09 Consult, Mexico To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Heidi we just had a gal on our thread be approved after being denied TWICE! You should come ask her about what she did or had to do. Maybe it will help you!
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Tammy-32 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ryan-36
Married May 10, 2008
RNY GBS August 10, 2004-330/151/165
Below my goal and officially no longer overweight!
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Look for me on the WLS Divas thread!
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Thanks Tammy, I asked her about it and her insurance covered the surgery but her doctor hadn't sent in all the information, so when he did she was approved. My case is different, it is specifically listed as an exclusion and states even if "medically neccessary" so I've got a battle to fight. However, I did a search and found this... I forwarded it onto the insurance representative, I'm waiting for a response.... Appealing Insurance Plan Exclusions for Weight Loss Surgery
In addition to treating obesity, bariatric surgery is now considered an effective treatment for many metabolic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Even if your insurance plan has an exclusion for "obesity surgery" or "treatment of obesity" it may cover treatments for the above-mentioned health conditions. If you have any of these obesity co-morbidities, the appeal would be based on the recommendation that bariatric surgery is the best method of treatment for these listed diseases, which are usually covered health conditions.
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Pursuing WLS "Gastric Bypass RNY" 1/6/09 Attended Seminar.. Weight 285lb, BMI 57.6 1/28/09 Consult, Mexico To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
My WLS Journey, 2009 is my year 
