How did you make up your mind(s)?

I talked to the new lady Alice the other day too... She seems nice... I remember waiting a week or so before i got a call from Debbie and even then the wait time for initial consult was a couple months. (i emailed in July; my consult was in October) Anyway this does not mean that you couldn't start any required 6 month diet ahead of the consult visit though..... (i had started mine last August; had approval by xmas; surgery was in February but that was by my own choice because i was waiting for vacation time to kick in at my new job.) ~~K

Thanks! I don't have to do the 6 month diet, I've already been on the 30 year one! Someone needs to add the hug emoticon! Hugs, Nancy

Are you sure your insurance company will not require the 6 month supervised diest? Do you have documentation showing that you've been obese for at least 1-2 years?

No, isn't that great? I have BC/BS FEP (that's for federal employees) and although we pay more than some insurances, it doesn't exclude most (if any) things. All they need basically from the doc is BMI, weight, and med need (any comorbs). However, if it were to change tomorrow, I have 3 yrs worth of medically supervised diet with medication plus a lifetime of other structured diets, so I would be covered regardless. That said, my surgeon (hopefully my surgeon) doesn't participate so I have to pay him first and then submit to insurance to get reimbursed. An extra step, but no biggie. Thanks for your help, HUGS, Nancy

That's the way to go and my partner purchased Mailhandlers -- federal insurance for employees -- no referrals -- none of that and she had an easy time of it and so will you. Upward - Onward - Forward. Some of the tests she had to pay a portion upfront but not the entire bill. It was a painless process for her.

awww.....[img]http://forums.govteen.com/images/smilies/kate/Squeezieh.gif[/img] If you read my profile...you'll see i've been fat since the day i was born according to my mother... But as to how i made up my mind.... RESEARCH HONEY RESEARCH..... look at all of your options... Lap Band...Rny (distal or Proximal)...or DS... Talk to people who've had the surguries (both positive and negative outcomes). Know so much information that there really isn't much to ask once you see Dr. S. Consider what you want to live with for the rest of your life..... It took me going to several dr's seminars before i truly knew which surgery i wanted. I've been happy with my decision so far. (of course it's only been 10 weeks) ~~~Kristina

I'm leaning towards DS myself, and I def. want Dr. Schweitzer. Now if I could just get my initial consult appt scheduled!!!!!!

Hi Nancy - I did a lot (about 2 years) of research on RNY, and never really considered anything else. Plus, when I went to DVR's info session and they explained the differences in the surgeries, they do RNY and lapband, and the expected outcomes, I was even more convinced at my pre-op weight of 370 that RNY was for me. Once I had my initial consult, he agreed. I'm sure the doc will tell you which he thinks is most advisable. Never for one moment have I had any regrets - it's the best thing I could've done!!! Take care, Tia

I decided on the RNY because I belived at the time that it would not allow me to eat sugar post op. Found out the hard way I was wrong. I still am happy with my surgery just might have taken a more drastic approach if it not for being a sugar addict and wanting it to make me sick...YES I craved the dumping syndom & still do. Diana RNY 9/17/03 Dr. Roe 360/200/ still aiming at 180

Diana !!! ((((( Hugs )))) haven't seen you in ages. Hope you are well. Hugs, Mo