Advice on dealing with Group HEalth, HMO

I desperatly want to have the Rou en Y but my insurance group health will only perform the gastric band surgery. I haven't heard alot of good things about this procedure does anyone have any info either way??? Also any tips on how to speed up the long wait of trying to prove you are overweight? Thanks michele, Olympia

Michele- I think you might be misinformed. I have Group Health and they only perform the RNY gastric bypass, not the band. You need to get in touch with Harriet Stambaugh at the Eastside Specialty Center in Redmond. Also, there is a Yahoo group for Group Health people waiting for this surgery. They have info on how to get referred for this. You need to talk to your PCP and get a referral to the bariatric program. Drop me a line at [email protected] and I would be happy to help you. I'm 4.5 months post lap RNY and down 83 pounds. Beth Nolan