Results from my first Consultation, thank you!!!

Dear Everyone, Thanks so much for your support this far. I posted early last week about my upcoming consultation with Dr. Northop of UVA hospital. It went well. I attended a class on the gastric bypass and the lap band procedures, then listened to the nutritionist on staff teach us about expectations of our post-surgery menu choices (for both procedures). We were shown folks who had surgery and some pictures of skin both loose and surgically removed. The Dr. was fine. I wrote about him in my profile if anyone is interested. He suggested that I do lose some of my BMI so that my liver is smaller when he operates. He expects Anthem to deny my banding, as Anthem does not normally approve of my type of procedure for anyone out of the range of 30-50 BMI. Anything over a 50 BMI the provider thinks of as "experimental surgery". He said he would appeal with me, should I get denied as expected. He will also consult with my PCP to help build a case for me to receive the procedure. To me, it's a no-brainer. The procedure will help. I do have one hindsight that I plan to act on the next time I am in contact with Dr. Northop. I was involved in medical aspects of the procedure at the time of the appointment and neglected to ask him for a little bit of personal story - I think it will allow me to better connect with him. Still, it was a good experience and I feel confident that I will get help losing weight very soon. Again, thank you for your support while I learn everything and especially for explaining SO MUCH to me. I am grateful for the experiences you all share. One step closer, now. Thank God! Hugs, WendyAnne PS: Cross Posted in LapBand and Virginia forums

Hi Wendy, I am glad that you're learning so much and that your class went so well! God bless & keep us posted! Cindy

Wendy~ That sounds SUPER positive. I pray that for some reason or another you get approved right away!! If not, I so hope your appeal will go through. I prayed for you today. Please keep us posted!! Blessings~ Becky

Hi WendyAnne, You are in my prayers! I wanted to know everything that was going on when I had my surgery and each time I learned something I felt better. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we need to be good stewards and make informed decisions. Please keep us posted on your progress. God Bless, Lynda Phil. 4:8