Need information please?

Hello all,,Newbie here. I have a few questions for you folks who have had WLS. I can't get any straight answers out of my Dr's office and was hoping for a similar situation or just info. I am 5'8 and weigh 235 which puts my BMI at 35. All my weight is in my tummy (I look 12 months pregnant). I have high blood pressure, low back pain and joint pain, depression and rounding of the shoulders. I want the lap-band proceedure. Here is my questions- I have called my surgeons office (Dr. Barba) multiple times and never get the same answer twice. I just want to know if I qualify for the surgery. The lap-band site says I do, my doc's office has told me 2 times I do, and 2 times I don't. I am scheduled to go to the seminar in January but I just am really anxious about it. I know it is only the surgeons choice and I cannot expect anyone on this board to know the future, but I was wondering if anyone on this board had a similar situation or knew anyone in this predicament? I would appreciate your feedback!!! Thanks so much, sue

Hi Sue, I was not in your predicament but i would suggest you call your insurance company and find out what their requirements are (unless you are paying out of pocket). They always have the final say. Mine had a clear cut policy as to what qualifies you for WLS surgery. Good Luck! Nancy

Hello Nancy and thank you for your response. I have called my insurance company and they just keep saying "we cover the surgery when it is deemed medically necessary". No more info than that would be given. I asked them what "medically necessary" meant and I was told to look at the BCBS website to determine my benefits. That did not help at all. The very sad part about all this is that I work for doctors and thought I knew all the tricks to get them to talk. ahhh, I was sadly mistaken. I will keep trying though. Nothing good comes easy, right?

Hi Sue and welcome! I am also new and pursuing the lapband. I went to 2 different hospital seminars and selected a doctor. I had an initial consultation and found out that I am indeed a candidate. So besides the insurance approval, I would suggest actually scheduling an appointment with the surgeon to discuss your options. Good Luck! Tina

Hello Tina!!! Thanks for the response!! I grudgingly admit that you are 100% correct. I am just very impatient. I am right at the cusp of being eligible for the lap band and I am so afraid of being denied. I was just hoping that someone out there had a situation like mine and could give me some hope. I also am scheduled for a seminar in January. I feel like I have to do something NOW NOW NOW and I am sort of being like a spoiled child. The funny part of all this is that I have been overweight for at least 5 years, yet I feel like I have to know NOW about the surgery because I need to get healthy. Like 2 more months will kill me. and this too shall pass. Thanks!!!