APPROVED!!!

Three months ago I went to a WLS seminar and by the end of the night I was convinced that the band was the right thing for me. My paperwork was submitted to the insurance company (BCBS of NJ) on 5/29 and I was approved today. I am scheduled for surgery on 6/15.
 
I cannot wait to join the losing team! 

Laura

Congrats!  Dr. Bertha is wonderful and NJBCBS is very fast for approvals!

What are you having done?  I had the band first, had some reflux issues, had it removed and just had my RNY about 2 months ago.

Welcome 

Laura,

Congrats on your date !! You are in great hands !! IMHO ANY Doctor at ALS are top-notch.

Know we're all here rooting for you, and are here to help if needed !!

Hope to see you at some of the support meetings too. They are definitely worth going to !!

Thank you! I am having band surgery. Do you also have NJBCBS? If so, how easy was the approval for the RNY after having had the band?

It was very easy cause it was medically necessary for it to come out.  It was causing me severe reflux and vomiting.  I went in to see Dr. Bertha and the next Tuesday, it came out.  My issues started with the first fill, then when I got the second fill, I vomited all the time and had horrific reflux.

Got an emergency unfill, waited a month, got another fill and went back to the office for an unfill the next day.  My reflux had come back before I got to my car in the hospital parking lot.

Karla at the office scheduled my band removal, then about a week later we schduled my RNY.

It was approved really quickly - but I got the band out, waited a month and then had the RNY.  

I am concerned that you are asking that already - you haven't been banded yet.  I can definately say the RNY is a way easier way to go - flame me if you want to, but after having had both, I can say that and mean it.  Why did you decide on the band?  

It works instantly, there are no adjustments, and my reflux is gone.  Nothing against those of you who have the band.  You really have to work it and be patient.  I have lost more weight in 2 months than I ever did in the 8 months I had the band.  

PM me if you want to talk.  

Hi Jennifer,

No need for concern, I was only asking because in the event that I do encounter a serious problem and need to have the band removed, I wouldn't want the insurance company to say "too bad, you had your chance". I am very sound in my decision to have the band. The the number one factor in deciding to have the band vs the RNY, is that the band is reversible. I have small children to raise and hope to be able to do it in a healthy state of being. I am totally ok with the weight coming off slowly. I didn't get into this "bind" a few months ago, so I don't expect to lose it all in a few months.

I am glad that you've found something that works for you.

I actually live, in Sussex County, NJ but I grew up in Morris County and have not problem with traveling a little bit to get to a meeting.

I am pretty close to St. Clares in Dover, so I will try there first. Thanks for the info.
 

Whooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooo....so happy for you Laura!!!!

Thank you all for the well wishes and warm welcome. Can someone please tell me where the support groups are located in Morris County?

I am in Morris County too - where are you having it done?  I go to the one at St. Clair's - there is also one in the office.  Where in Morris County are you?

CONGRATS to you!!!!  All the best, you'll do great!  Can't wait until I am in your shoes!!!