Newbie looking for help

I found this site about a year ago.  I'm from Wilmington. I would like to get the lap band but I have no idea where to start or what to do....I feel overwhelmed and lost. I can't afford the surgery myself but my husband has me on his insurance (BCBS blue options HSA).  My BMI is 40.2 so I think that's one hurdle out of the way but I don't really have any documented weight loss attempts. I worry myself out of even trying to do this.  I have been up and down scale all my life.  My body needs help, I need help.  I would greatly appreaciate any tips and advice. Thanks. B 

Hi B!

First of all, it's nice to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you better during your journey to a new, healthier you. Next, I hope that you will find this to be a warm, supportive, and informative place to come. Please be sure to ask plenty of questions and to share your thoughts and observations along the way. This give and take is part of what makes OH and the NC forum in particular such a great resource. I think that you will find that there is no such thing as a 'dumb' question and that we all learn from one another.

RE: where to start. First, you need to contact your insurer to find out what your particular policy covers and requires. You may find that you do not need to have 'documented' weight loss attempts. If you do need them, it's good to know that now and you can find out what will be required ... i.e., do they want supervised or medically supervised? for 3 months or 6 months? Do you need a documented exercise program? They can tell you this. Each policy is different and may vary depending on what your husband's employer may or may not have specifically excluded. Don't 'freak' if they tell you that they want a 6 month weight loss attempt. If so, call your PCP and set up your first appointment. Also don't freak if they tell you that they want 5 yrs weight history. Just find out what they are looking for and then you can start putting it together. If you don't have it, you can come post here and let people know what you need to do. Often many will have had a similar experience and be able to help you navigate the process of getting through the insurance approval process.

Next, You will find that there are a couple of surgeons that practice in the Wilmington area and members that have used them will surely chime in with their favorites, but be sure to check out all of the resources available, location is not the only consideration. You'll want to find a practice that meets your needs in a variety of ways. Go to their seminars and ask plenty of questions. While you may well end up doing the lapband, you also may find that you'll want to talk to the surgeons about the options that are available and their reasons for prefering one over another. For example, I was originally planning to persue a lapband, but switched to the RNY because after consulting with my Dr's and further research it was a better fit for my particular needs. I would suggest that you go on the various boards here on OH as well, there are boards for each surgery type. Remember that many people do have a bias for the surgery that they chose when you are asking questions, but you will also get a lot of good information about what living with these choices is like.

Wishing you success in your journey,

Barb

Hi - Don't be discouraged by the lack of replies to your post. Barb gave you great advice and should get you on your way. Continue to post, we look forward to getting to know you! Wendy

Blanca,  I just emailed you with all the info that I found out this week regarding BCBSNC, their Bariatric Centers of Excellence, etc.  Wasn't sure if we could give detailed info, links, etc on this forum?  I hope it helps you and am wishing you the best of luck.  Let us know what you decide as you dig deeper!  :)  Shauna

Each insurance company is different, but what I read most commonly is that you need to write down your weight loss attempts for them, they don't have to be documented.  My list was 2 pages long.   What some insurances require is a 6 month weight loss attempt with nutritional counseling before they'll approve.  That will have to be started asap once you find out if you need it.  I don't think BCBS does, but you will have to check with your individual plan. I think that Barb's advice is right on target (She usually is).  The first thing I would do is call your insurance company and see if they cover WLS under your plan.  They can outline what hoops they require you to jump through. Take care and good luck with your journey. Ellen