New Kid on the block!

I have been researching surgery for 20 years when a friend of mine had surgery. Three years ago my best friend had a bypass and she looks great and has energy. Last year I was diagnosed with type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and I was already on a CPAP. I thought I better get down to business and figure out some changes. I originally set out to get the Lap-band but after meeting my surgeon and the info meeting I change my mind. I met with my surgeon on Thusday the 3rd and he is submitting all my paper work in to Aetna. I hope to have a date very soon. He said will try to do it before the end of the year.PTL

Welcome. I think this site will be a very useful tool for you. I am amazed at how knowledgeable wls people are. I have made a lot of decisions on different things based on this site. I too am hoping to have surgery by the end of the year. I am going to end up being a self pay after fighting with the insurance companies. I can't waste anymore time. Keep us posted on when your date is. Who is your surgeon? Good Luck!!!! Trish

Tricia, Sounds like we have a few things in common. I too was a self pay due to a "heartless" insurance company. Uniform Medical won't cover WLS even "if medically necessary." What a load of Crap! However, that doesn't change things. My 94 yr old mom loaned me the money, I am now almost 9 mos post op LAP RNY and I have lost 153 lbs. I weigh 224 down from 377. My life has changed. I'm living life fully now, not jus****ching from the sidelines. I live in Kennewick not far from you. Let me know if I can do anything to support you as you begin this journey. My kids are both WSU grads so I remember those Mom's weekends well! Best wishes to you as you begin this journey. It's an incredible ride and well worth it. You won't regret it. Karen

HI CAROL, I TOO AM TRYING TO GET THINGS IN ORDER SO I CAN HAVE REVISION BUT JUST GOT ON A NEW INS. AND BY THE SOUNDS OF IT THEY WILL NOT COVER ANY SURGERIES UNDER ANY CIR****TANCES. I READ THE INSURANCE CO. THAT DIFFERENT PEOPLE SAID COVERED THEM WITH NO PROBLEMS AND OURS HAPPENS TO BE THE WORST. EVEN AFTER SEVERAL APPEALS THEY SAID NO. NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO? I CAN'T AFFORD TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY MYSELF!!!! ANY SUGGESTIONS. MAYBE GET ANOTHER INS. JUST TO COVER ME. DID YOU HAVE TO HAVE A REFERAL FROM YOU PCP? THANKS FOR ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN GIVE ME...... BARB

Hi Carol, Welcome to the board! My name is Santina and I had RNY (open) surgery on October 10th. One month ago, today. I can't tell you how happy I am I had the surgery.:thumsup: This is the place I started to get my information. That was in August. I have a wonderful doctor, Dr. Weber, and am learing how to eat differently since my surgery. But, I am walking and have lost 35# so far. Keep asking questions and doing what your doctor tells you. We are glad you are here. Love, Santina

Carole, Best wishes to you. I had surgery in Kirkland at Evergreen Hospital in February. I have lost 153 lbs so far and feel great. My doctor was David Lauter. He was wonderful and his office staff was very supportive. Just returned from my almost 9 mo post op. Everything including my labs looks great. It was the best decision I have ever made. Take care, Karen