Newbie - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

mom2threeinaz · 09-20-2009, 01:36 PM

Hello all,
I am so happy to find this forum. I am currently in the process of getting everything ready for insurance approval for the Lap Band procedure. I have struggled with my weight all my life and most family on my mom's side were over weight. I also struggle with Hypertension and T2 diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis. So I can't tell how ready I am to have this done. I am nervous though. Afraid about the procedure itself and scared my insurence will be difficult in giving me approval.
Can anyone give me some words of wisdom/support. My first visit with the surgeon is on the 29th of this month. thanks in advance to all.

noholes · 09-20-2009, 02:20 PM

Hi and welcome.

My suggestions are to make a list of questions to ask your surgeon, check with your insurance company to see what requirements they have and start getting yourself educated by finding out everything you can about surgery- Consider this your period of planning and education. Start askign questions and reading posts. Godo luck to you- and remember- no question is not worth asking.
Take care.

Amy H

LisaJo · 09-20-2009, 02:47 PM

Best of Luck! I was lucky and had no issues what so ever with my insurance...will keep my fingers crossed for you that its the same for you. Youve found a good place for support and advice. Welcome

Sherry_Lynn · 09-20-2009, 04:22 PM

Welcome! Ditto on making a list of questions for your Surgeon.

mistymee · 09-20-2009, 04:37 PM

One thing I'd like to suggest you discuss with your surgeon is what meds you'll be able to take post surgery for your arthritis.

Personally, I'm wishing I had done the vertical sleeve instead of the RNY because with RNY as well as the band, we cannot take NSAIDS which are much more helpful to relieve arthritis pain than acetominophen.. sadly it's the only pain reliever option. Make sure you're making an fully informed decision prior to having surgery.

Good luck

mommabri · 09-20-2009, 05:56 PM

I did research for yrs before i actually decided to go thru the surgery. I made a list of questions for the surgeon. I also had a list for the nutritionist. I called my insurance to see what requirements they have. Even after seeing the surgeon i had a million questions. Good luck.

mom2threeinaz · 09-20-2009, 06:12 PM

Thanks everyone for your reply's. I did a check with my insurance and they have seven requirements. I have met all but 2. I am hoping that they will waive the one about being under a dr. care for weight loss. I have tried every diet under the sun and nothing has worked. Oh sure I lost some weight only to gain it all back and then some. All of this was on my own never had any Dr. involved. Also, seem there may be possibility of me having sleep apnea. This wouldn't be a good thing but may push the surgery faster.

I have long list of questions fro when I go to first consult.

Thanks again everyone.

John · 09-20-2009, 08:20 PM

Welcome to the forum! Glad you found us

Josephine · 09-20-2009, 10:58 PM

Welcome to ThinnerTimes! You'll find tons of information and sweet people to help you here

Marella · 09-21-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom2threeinaz

Thanks everyone for your reply's. I did a check with my insurance and they have seven requirements. I have met all but 2. I am hoping that they will waive the one about being under a dr. care for weight loss. I have tried every diet under the sun and nothing has worked. Oh sure I lost some weight only to gain it all back and then some. All of this was on my own never had any Dr. involved. Also, seem there may be possibility of me having sleep apnea. This wouldn't be a good thing but may push the surgery faster.

I have long list of questions fro when I go to first consult.

Thanks again everyone.

Welcome to Thinner Times.

I think that having questions written down impresses a doctor, that you did your homework, that you are informed, and that you aren't looking at surgery as just some magic fix. IMO, I think it gives the doctor a boost of confidence in you.

I'm not expert in what doctors are looking for, but from my own experience, and reading, and from watching "Big Medicine" on TV, doctors and psychologists prefer patients who are aware of the changes that are in store for them. They don't want to see you fail either, and the more you know, the better a relationship you can have with your surgeon/NUT AND with food post-op.

Congratulations on making the journey!