Newbie from the Triangle with Questions

Hi all - I'm introducing myself after lurking for awhile at OH, but only finding this particular board today.  I decided to have WLS in December, and attended an information session in Cary with Dr. Enochs in January.  Unfortunately, I can't get on with testing out what my insurance will cover until March, as my company is switching from BCBS to United Healthcare on March 1, and I haven't gotten my policy # yet.

I do have a couple questions if anyone here has any information.

At first, I was studying and checking mostly on Lapband surgery.  I went to the info session for that reason and fully intended that I was going to apply for that surgery.  However, the more I study about it, the less I think that particular WLS is the right one for me.  Firstly, I have a sensitivity to polymers (such as silicone), and while medical grade silicone is "different" from other types, I'm incredibly anxious about having a permanent silicone implant in my body.  Also,  I know that it would not fit my job or life well to continually spend money and time off work with fills, adjustments, etc.  I've also just seen too many people go from lapband to something else because of slippage, sticking, erosion, or port flipping.  But mostly, just the idea of having that foreign body in my body makes me anxious.

So, my FIRST choice is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  It fits what I need more than any other of the surgeries.  I weigh 274 lbs, and need to lose anywhere from 100 to 130 lbs.  Also, there are not the issues with malabsorbtion or nutritional defiencies that tend to go along with some bypass surgeries, though RNY is my second choice if I absolutely can't get the fight for VSG approved with my new insurance.

That said, is there anyone on this board - a North Carolinian - that has been able to get VSG approved by their insurance company?  I'm willing to fight my bootie off in appeal, and bug my surgeon to do peer to peers, etc.  I think Dr. Enochs is willing to do so, the way it sounded in the seminar.  United Healthcare (PPO) is what I'll have.

Thanks for any info you can give me!

Hi there and welcome to the board! Lot's of great people here.

Good surgery choice! I'm scheduled for my sleeve March 9 with Dr. Voellinger in Charlotte.
I have BCBS and they approved on first try. Dr. V has been successful in getting approval with them for awhile now for VSG surgery. I don't know about United Healthcare. Try also posting on the VSG board and maybe someone there has UHC and can answer that question.

Good luck in your new journey! Hope to see you here often.

HUGS
Pam

Hi Kris,

Welcome to OH and to the NC forum! This is a wonderful resource for information and support. I think that you will find that this forum in particular is incredible helpful and supportive.

I noticed that Pam chimmed in already re: her band. We have a couple of members with it. You might also try the VSG board as well to see if you find other there that can give you specific support for that type of WLS.

I had RNY and my high weight was 264, but I was down to 233 by the time I had surgery and I lost 100 after surgery, with a total loss of about 130 lbs.

I think that it's great that you are exploring the variety of options available understand that there are a number of possibilities that may suit your needs and lifestyles.

I hold support group meetings in Raleigh. As a matter of a fact, this weekend we'll have the General Get Together. We meet the 3rd Saturday of each month. At any rate, at that meeting we usually have about 35 to 45 member at all stages of their respective journies... people like you who are just investigating, newbies that have just had surgery, folks in their downward march and people like me who are year or more out. We share information and support. I have also started having some specialized group get togethers and one is for 'Banders' The discussions at these get togethers is directed to those who have decided to have a restrictive only procedure, vs say an RNY or DS. If you are interested in joining us you can go to www.meetup.com/nc-wls

I look forward to getting to know you better,

Hello there!  I went to my information session determined that I was going to be a bander, but decided during the session that it was not for me.  I think it is very wise of you to research your options and decide what you think is best for you.  :)  I know in my heart that I ultimately made the right decision for me and my family.  

Welcome to the NC boards!  I wish you much luck with your pursuit for WLS.  And hey, March is RIGHT around the corner!!  It won't be long before you set sail on this remarkable journey.  

Thanks for your responses.

PJ, I hope that my inquiry for the Sleeve with my new insurance goes as well as yours did!

Barbara - thanks for the info - I think you misunderstand one thing - I'm not going to be a bandster.  I decided that was NOT for me, and I'm going to try to get approval for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, which has no banding involved.  I don't think I can make your meeting this weekend, as my weekend is pretty booked, but I'd be interested in attending at a later date, I'm sure.

Wish you could join us at Golden Coral this Saturday if I do say so we are a great goup of people.
I admire your knowledge on the differant wls after all you are the one that has to live with your choice.
I wish you luck on your journey and  feel free to post here any time.
                                              Annie

Thanks Jennifer - I've been waiting for March, and sometimes impatiently :)  But you're right, it's right around the corner, and then I can start the ball rolling!

Kristen