New to Board- ISO info for someone in Fairbanks

Hi Everyone!

I'm new here...been lurking for a while, but have finally decided to bite the bullet.  I'm in Fairbanks and from the information that I've gathered, Dr. John Mayer is the only one in the area that does bariatric surgery however he also only does RNY.  I have decided on Banding so I've been looking at Dr. Searles or Dr. Todd.  I would prefer Dr. Searles only b/c from what I've gathered he requires less in terms of office visits, etc.  

I've always been an advocate for taking time and not rushing, however I don't want to p*ssyfoot  with all the co-pays, appointments, lab work, etc.  I know my BMI is over 40, I've dieted all my life and at this point I've made up my mind what I want.  I am well educated, also in the medical field, so I know what I'm doing.  I'm very to the point if you can't tell by now!


So to wrap up my questions are:

1.  Does anyone have experience with  Federal BCBS?  I have the basic option (researched it and found that it was actually the cheapest route)

2.  Does having a 40 BMI, high blood pressure, high cholesterol "enough" to get BCBS to cover this or will I have to go through the 6 month diet crap? I think I read somewhere that with the co-morbidities you don't have to go through all that.

3. For those in FAIRBANKS, how did you get your referral letter to the Bariatric Doctor? (Dr. Searles' office said I needed a letter)  I don't have a general physician yet, but when I had Kaiser previously they made me just through hoops for just a diet plan.  What I'd like is a doctor that's see me, chart me, and just write the letter.


Thanks in advance for any advice!!

I can answer all of those questions and if you would like you can meet with other local patients and myself at the Fairbanks Cancer Treatment Center (at FMH)  tonight  @ 7:00. here are the answers to these 3 questions.

1. Yes, I had basic option when my wife had surgery, I changed to standard and realize it was a mistake and as soon as I can I am changing back to Basic.

2. yes, all of those "comorbidities" qualify you and you will not be required by BCBS to do the 6 month diet.

3.  I wont give out a doctors name here, although I know of a doctor who will and others who wont, But yes it is possible.

Hey DrRuthie,

I also just remembered that we have a member of our support group who had RNY from Dr, Searles just about 3 weeks ago, so if you want his opinion I can get you two connected to discuss his experience with that DR. He will be at the support group meeting tonight if you would like to show up, we also usually have a few lap band patients there so you can ask them questions about the lap band.

Hi, Andrew told me that you posted,  I can't answer about the insurance questions, as I have Medicare/Medicaid.  But if you would like to talk/ask questions about the band, you may always give me a call and I can try and answer any questions that you might have.  If you would like my phone number send me a pm and I will give it to you. 

Welcome to the board.

Johanna