Hello & Intro

Good evening!  My name's Bela.  I'm 31 years old and, once again, going to try and get approved for WLS.   I started this journey several years ago.  One time was turned down for any form of WLS, and another time, denied for Lap Band but approved for RNY (which I didn not want).  I also used to be a member here at OH, so it's nice to see all the lovely changes that have occurred since then! I was just hired full-time by my employer and am anxiously awaiting my insurance information.  I know that they contract with United PPO, but I have no idea if there is a WLS exclusion in the policy.  I know a few years back, one gal with the company had Lap Band... but I'm out of contact with her and not sure if they have made changes to the coverage and/or group offering the coverage since then. I'm thinking of having the surgery at Memorial in Chattanooga.  I've heard the Dr. Ponce operates there, along with some other great doctors.   Right now, I'm starting the task of gathering all of my medical information and trying to build up my arsenal, so to speak!  My health problems are increasing over the years and at 31 and a single mother to two small children, I have to do whatever it takes to be around them for many more years to come.  Diets fail with me, over and over, and this is my only hope, I believe. It's good to be back in a place where I can see so much support and heartfelt concern towards people in the same situations. 

Welcome back Bela. You should have a phone number for Member Services somewhere on your insurance card, usually on the back. Just call and ask if they cover WLS and what the requirements are. Good luck and prayers for a speedy approval for your choice of surgery and surgeon.

Hi Bela! I just had my lap band Monday It took me well over a year with my insurance. I was told they did not readily approve Lap Band, but I have one! Dr Spaw at Baptist in Nashville did mine..awesome man and surgeon. Hang in there...never never give up.... If God be for us, who can be against us!

Welcome Home Bela!  You have arrived at the most "Supportive Board" in OH Land!  Feel free to jump in and ask questions, give answers, and just say Hello!  

Welcome back to the TN board Bela. I hope you are sucessful in having the lap-band this time. How long do you have to wait for the insurance to become effective - 90 days?? In the meantime, you might want to attend the hospital seminar so you can get that on the record as the first step with the hospital. Good luck and keep us updated on how you are doing.

Good morning, As of right now, no insurance card and I've not even received the information packet describing each of the plans.  So, there is no way for me to know my coverage options right now.  The company is a bit slow (official start date was 8/20), but I can't complain - I was temp for a year and a half with extremely minimal insurance and high premiums.   The good news is that benefits will be retroactive.  The bad news is I can't afford to pay out of pocket for any type of doctor's visits, even though I'd be reimbursed.  I just have to play the waiting game and wait until I have officially signed up for the insurance and can, in the least, print my documentation off online to show proof of coverage.  Then my journey begins, once again. Thanks for the warm welcome, mates.  I look forward to making new friends here and being able to share in joys and successes, and to comfort in times of sorrow and trials.

Welcome, Bela! Congratulations on your journey to WLS and welcome back to the Tennessee board.  I orignially wanted the Lap Band but changed my mind mid-stream and decided that the RNY was better suited for me.  There is no way I could ever divorce sugar without some help. I'm so glad that you are here!  Keep posting! Freddie

Hi Bela! Glad you are back with OH.   I don't know much about the docs, hospital, etc. in Chattanooga.  I hope you get your insurance info very soon so you can call them and ask about coverage!  Whatever you do....DO NOT GIVE UP! It's nice to meet you! Rhonda

Thanks for the welcome, Freddie & Rhonda.  I wouldn't mind having RNY over lap-band.  My only concern is I want to have more children at some point, and feel it would be easiest for me to go with the Lap Band.  Often times I do regret not having the RNY done when it was approved (and I was only seeking Lap Band)... but c'est la vie, I suppose.