Help! I'm new

Hi all. I just found this site and I'm so glad I did. I'm just in the "thinking about it" stage and have some questions. Everyone here seems very helpful and friendly here compared to other sites I've seen. Does anyone have BCBS of GA? Just wondering how they feel about WLS. I have lots of questions if anyone has time to listen. It's good to see a site with local folks. I live in Dallas, about 35 miles NW of Atlanta. I read a journal by one of the members here and it was very enlightening. My biggest concern may sound ridiculous to some but I've read so many messages about not being able to eat a variety of foods, and being a complete food addict, my fear is that I'll have to go through the rest of my life not being able to eat my favorite things, even a little bit. I know how crazy that sounds but I've read that lots of people can't eat any kind of bread, steak, salad (or any other veggies for that matter) or anything containing sugar or fat. So what will I be able to eat? Thanks for listening! Carla

Hi Carla, I'm fairly new to this board as well! I've lurked for a while but just joined...do you know what kind of surgery you are leaning towards? Have you made contact with a surgeon or are you still just considering it? There are a lot of great people here that can really give you some insight...you might also want to see if there are support groups close to you where you can talk to people in person.

Thanks for responding. I'm only considering lap band right now. It seems to be the least invasive and have the least problems associated with it. At least, as far as my limited research has shown. I haven't contacted a doctor yet. I don't even know if I can go directly to a bariatric speciaist or if I need a referral from my PCP. I plan to call my insurance company tomorrow and ask if they cover any WLS. Have you had your surgery yet or just considering, like me?

Hi, Carla, and welcome. My advice to you is RESEARCH-RESEARCH-RESEARCH! I did, and after looking at all the options, chose to have the Mini-Gastrric Bypass surgery. You can learn about the benefits of this less-invasive surgery at CLOS.net. I have met many Georgia post-ops and have yet to find anyone dissatisfied with their results---including me after a loss of over 200 pounds. At this point I have few limitations on what I can eat, and I feel great! I would be happy to answer any questions for you. Good luck. Sandy

Carla, I live pretty close to you in Cartersville. From what I've been told with LapBand you can pretty much have a little taste of everything unlike the Rny where you can dump on sugars/fried and fatty foods. I'm still a pre-op but the best advice I can give anyone is make sure your insurance covers WLS before you start doing all the testing and get your hopes up. I've seen sooo many people on the boards upset because they assumed since their insurance was covering the pre-op testing that they would get approved for surgery when that wasn't the case. That their insurance had an exclusion. I have BCBS of GA as my secondary insurance...it used to be my primary until I took a job that offers insurance that does cover WLS. But, my BCBS insurance has an exclusion and from what I'm told they are pretty hard to get around. I called my husbands HR department to see about adding the WLS rider back and they said NO WAY were they paying the extra money to add the WLS rider into the policy. So thats my 2 cents worth. So, make sure to do plenty of research and good luck.

How did the call with your insurer go? You first do want to make sure that it covers weight loss surgery and being you want the LapBand specifically, you need to make sure that is also covered. Sometimes they will cover the bypass, but don't cover the Band. Usually they have it listed as the adjustable band and not the "LapBand". If you have a EPO, PPO, you likely don't need a referral to a surgeon. If it's an HMO you will need one. Also you do want to talk with your PCP about this as you will need a letter from them usually as part of the approval packet they submit to the insurance company for your pre-approval. Good luck on your journey. Amy

I spoke with BCBS (I have HMO) yesterday and they said other than a $50 facility fee, it should be covered 100%! Now I just have to convince my PCP to give me a referral. I"m a tiny bit worried about that as I'm not a big as some, probably most, people who undergo these procedures. I'm 5'6" and 231lbs. So that gives me a BMI of about 37. I have a new PCP that I've only been to once so I don't really know him well. However, the one time I went to him was for a follow up from an emergency facility because of severe chest pains. My father died from congestive heart failure at age 58. Should I phone his office first and just try to get a feel for how he views bariatric surgery in general or just make an appointment and go for it? Thanks to you all for responding! It's been a great help.

What I would seriously do Carla, make an appointment. You want to make sure your PCP knows that you understand what you are getting into and you feel this is the best choice for you. At this point you are wanting to get more information. This can only be obtained by the surgeon, so explain you need a referral. The only issue you might have is if the PCP doesn't back your choice, that can become and issue. Also be sure to check with your insurance about the BMI, some require it to be 40, but there are some who will do it below if you have other co-morbidities. Amy

Hi Carla, I am fairly new to this site as well but WELCOME!!! I currently have BCBS of Georgia through Georgia State Merit and my BCBS has an EXCLUSION so unfortunantely I am unable to have the WLS. I am a single mother of a 2 year old and with regular living expenses, gas, health insurance, and childcare cost I can not afford to pay for the surgery myself or get a Loan. I am praying that things change with my insurance company soon. Well......Good Luck with your BCBS; I hope that your Policy is a Generous one. Good Luck!!!!!! Welcome!!!!!

Hi Lashell. I wonder why my BCBS would cover it but yours wouldn't? I understand where you're coming from as I am also a single mom of a 4 year old. Thank you for your support and good luck with your journey! Carla