New here in Nashville/Smyrna area

I'm at a 44.1 BMI and have BCBS PPO of FLA. I'm wondering how many months I will have to wait to get lapband? Has everyone had to join a medical diet group first? Just curious. I'd love to chat and meet with locals such as myself. Please reply! Lisa [email protected]

Hi Lisa. Welcome to TN. Have you started the process of having the surgery yet? Have you had a consult with a surgeons office or your Dr? I think it really depends on your insurance and what the requirement are. From what I can tell, most insurances that will approve the surgery require the 6 mth Dr Supervised diet first. I am in the middle of mine now. You need to find out if your insurance requires it and if your insurance includes approval for lap band surgery. Keep us updated on your journey. This is a wonderful site. You can find a lot of support and all kinds of information. I am going through Vanderbilt. What hospital/ surgeon are you looking into? Misty

Hi Lisa, I agree with Misty (I swear she's been around me too long). You need to check with your insurance company first. Find out if they cover the lapband or the gastric bypass, find if they have any exclusions, and if they require a 3-6 month dr. supervised diet. While on this diet you have be having several other tests done. One, sleep study for sleep apnea, possibly one to check on a hiatal hernia, mammogram, physical, plus others that your surgery may require. Best of luck, and congrads for moving south to our state. I was raised in Michigan, I don't miss all the cold weather. Always, Kathy's

Hi Lisa, your my neighbor. I am in lavergne. email me and give me your number and we can get [email protected]

Hi Lisa, First of all, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Ask what they require for approval of bariatric surgery. I have BC/BS of TN. Many people, including myself, start this process without knowing exactly what is required by the insurance company. This link lists what they require, yours may be similar since it is BC/BS. http://www.bcbst.com/MPManual/Bariatric_Surgery_for_Morbid_Obesity.htm I'm working with Centennail Medical Center for the Treatment of Obesity. Their website is www.cmcwls.com It's very informative. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Welcome to Tennessee. April

Hi Lisa, Welcome to Tn. I just had my WLS on Feb 13, 06 down 21 lbs. I too had BCBS of Tn. the criteria for them is that you have a 3 mo. Dr. supervisored diet and some medical problems associated with weight. I had several well documented weight loss attempts and 3 medical factors associated with obesity. I started the process for WLS in Nov. 05 by contacting Horizon Weight Loss Solutions in Dickson, Tn. and paperwork was submitted to insurance company in beginning of Jan and by the end of Jan. about 2 wks out was approved and surgery date set for 2 wks later. The staff at Horizons was wonderful to work with they do everything for you when filing, they walk you through the whole process to see that you get approved the 1st time so their is no appeal process. The Dr. is great, he is very considered about you, has wonderful bedside manner and the nursing staff is excellent. They have a 1 on 1 nurse for you after your surgery, they work in 12 hr. shifts and you are their only patient for that 12 hr. shift. You are waited on hand and foot and given the best care. I cannot recommend this program enough. I live 2 1/2 hrs from them and had other places to choice from but this was the best place after checking them all out. If you have not chosen a Dr. yet I suggest you check them out. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. The website is www.horizonmedicalcenter.com or contact Marcia Williams at 615-441-2502 she is amazing person to work with. If I can be of any help to you please feel free to email me. I hope this helps and Best of Luck. Regards, Belinda