Newbie On Board

Hello,  I'm just getting started on my lap band journey.  I've recently made a major decision to gain control of my weight and my first step was to talk with my PCP (Dr. K. Anders).  He was completely supportive and immediately agreed to help in any way I needed.   At 5'3" and weighing 225 with a BMI of 39.7, I think I qualify especially since I have hypertension, GERD, joint (knees) problems and high cholesterol.  I am really excited about finding a local group and hope that I can glean as much knowledge from you as possible.  My greatest fear is the fight I will have with my insurance company (United American).  I have this private insurance since I left education to care for my Mother (Alzheimer's) and it's prolly not in the top 10 (heck, 1000) insurance companies.  They do list 6 bariatric surgeons on their provider list so I'm taking that as a positive sign!  Any advise you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Dr. Clark Warden is on my provider list... does anyone out there have him as their WLS doctor?   Does anyone else have United American Insurance? 

Welcome Thought I'd give you the link for Dr. Warden's OH page (with patient reviews) if you haven't already stumbled upon it:

http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+testi monials+Clark+Warden+fpg.html Hope this helps and best of luck on your journey. ~Michelle OH Member Services

Thanks Michelle, It looks like he's doing a good job.  Now if I can get the insurance on board as well!!  I appreciate the kind words and look forward to the journey, bumps in the road and all!

Welcome to the board! Roz

Welcome! I am also from Monroe, LA....awaiting insurance approval for a RNY.  I've been on this board for about three weeks. Looking forward to sharing with you through this journey.