Newbie to the Forum

Hi all...
I am new to the forum but not to the weightloss rollercoaster.
I had VGB (band/ring) Oct 2000.  I started out 350lbs and lost a whopping 160 lbs.  I was so excited!!  Now, after 9 years, 2 kids, and a stress induced life (my son has Autism) I have made my way back up to 280lbs.  (I am 5ft tall and 280lbs) I have severe obstructive sleep apnea and use a C-Pap. I have swelling in my legs, joint pain and back pain, shortness of breath, etc...  

I am in terrible need of HELP!!!  I want desperately to have a revision but my insurance (HIP-Anthem) has weight loss surgery as an exemption.  Is there any method to get them to make an exception?  Our finances are in terrible shape so paying "out of pocket" is not even an option at this time. 

I am also looking for a doctor in the Indy area.  Does anyone have any input (good or bad) about Dr. John Huse?

hi BJ and welcome aboard!!!
glad to have ya here!!!
you and i are nearly the same size...and i can totally relate to losing the weight and putting it back on (lost 100 lbs 12 yrs ago...even had a tummy tuck) and gained every lb back and then some!!!
the pain sucks....im with ya sweetie!!!

i had to fight the insurance fight for SEVEN long yrs and can relate to that too...i know indiana has a mandate, but im not sure if it applies to insurance companies that have a no WLS clause...you may wanna chk into that...

im not familiar w/ dr huse (i think peggy from the board is 'tho)....
best of luck sweetie...
and please keep in touch and dont be a stranger!!!
hugs
p

I think you need to call you HIP Anthem again, they started covering the surgery July 1st 2009.  My sis has Hip anthem and is doing the six month pre op diet to prepare for surgery.

Jeannie

Seven years???  Oh my!
I don't think I would be that diligent. 

You just had a revision recently?  How is it going?

Dr Huse is wonderful.  He did my orginanal RNY and I just had my revision with him this past July.  I would recommend him to anyone. 

Welcome to the board.

Hugs

Peggy

Dr Huse and Dr Kaderback (forgive the spelling I am sure I butchered the name) are the two who take HIP Anthem.

GREAT!!  I am calling first thing Monday morning!
It's worth a shot!
Thank you,

How are things going with the revision? 
I just found out from another member that her sister has the same insurance as I do and they just started covering WLS in July!!!!

Obviously I have not figured out how to use the forum correctly yet! lol  DUH!!!