New from NC!

[rkincaid]

Hey everyone, I jsut wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Rebecca, and I'm hoping to be banded this spring if I can get all my ducks in a row. I attended the lap band seminar in Concord on Jan 18th of this year, and I've got my consultation appointment with Dr. Bauman on the 22nd of this month. I'm very excited! I have bcbs, and I have to admit that my biggest fear is getting denied.

I'm 5'9" and 268 lbs. Which puts my BMI at 39. BCBS likes 40 or more. The only comorbidities I have are sciatic nerve pain, joint pain, acid reflux disease, and depression from time to time. I've also had a couple gallbladder attacks...those aren't fun. Anywho, I just wasn't sure if my comorbidities were serious enough for my insurance to approve me. I'm only 21, and my blood pressure is great, no diabetes for me, though it is in my family, normal cholesterol, and no heart disease. I have had serious attmepts at weight loss before. Even Dr. supervised attempts. And for bcbs, that's not required.

Sorry for the rambling, I'm just worried.... I've never been good about rejection, lol.

[Shellster]

Hi Rebecca,
Welcome! :welcome: Where in NC are you located. I'm guessing with Dr. Bauman, you are close to Charlotte. You've come to the right place for support. There is a great group of people on this board. I'm in the pre-op process myself, so I can't offer any band advice - yet, but I feel your pain with the insurance anxiety. I have Aetna....my appointment with Dr. Voellinger is on Tuesday.
Ask away....rambling is required here! No question is too insignificant and I'm sure that folks will chime right in to help with suggestions or opinions!

[rkincaid]

Thanks for the welcome! I live in Gastonia, but I work in Charlotte, however! Well I'm glad there are a lot of people in here who are in the same predicament as I am. At least you can relate. All the best of luck on your appointment, hope everything goes well.

["Just Jess"]

Hi Rebecca! :welcome: to B2G!!! :)

I am 28, and although I weigh a bit more than you (about 30lbs. more - 50 more from where I began) and had very few comorbidities as well. It's funny how doctor's sometimes seem surprised that your blood pressues, cholestrol, etc.. etc.. can be normal when you're overweight. However, I do have PCOS and a hyatal hernia/reflux. But that plus being 100 lbs. overweight was enough for BCBS on my end of things here in MD!

BEST OF LUCK!!!

[Neal R.]

Hi and welcome! :)

[Tara]

Hi Rebecca. I'm a newbie from Charlotte :)

I just introduced myself as well, just wanted to say howdy!

[rkincaid]

Hi tara! :wave: Have you been banded yet?

[Tricia K.]

*waves to Rebecca* :wave: Welcome to B2G!!

[Kathy]

Oh my gosh! So many Charlotte folks! I can't keep up! Welcome Rebecca and Tara! You two need to come to the next lunch get-together. We are trying to do something where we can get up and walk around a bit because our last 2 lunches had about 22 people! We are growing in numbers so yell loud in this crowded room, okay?. Welcome to b2g!!!

[Telly]

Welcome Rebecca and I wish you mucho luck and blessings in hopes you will have the lapband surgery and a successful weightloss following the surgery. No question is too crazy or obsurd, do ask anything you need to about the surgery. We are all here to help however we can.

[NurseTeresa]

Welcome Rebecca....as everyone has said.....if you have a question please ask cuz someone is bound to give you the answer..oh ok...answers!

[bgrand]

Hi Rebecca,
Ask your doctor to order a sleep study. I have BCBS and borderline BMI. I had no idea that I have Sleep Apnea, but the test showed that I did. With that BCBS approved and now I am just waiting for my date to be scheduled. Best of luck. Betty

[rkincaid]

Thanks betty, good advice. I think I'll definitely do that if I get denied. I need everything I can to convince the evil insurance company, lol...

[Kim G]

Rebecca Welcome...I think I welcomed you on the NC boards....but if not welcome. Hope you can meet up w/ us soon.

You might be alright w/ your insurance but I like your will to fight!!!!

[flowerlady]

Hi Rebecca and Tara-
I'm yet a 3rd newbie from NC- I live in Wilm and currently plan to do my surgery with Dr Bauman in Concord. I am a selfpay because at 80lbs overwt, I know BCBS will not pay for my surgery....I will vent a little- it's been 2 weeks today since all pre-op have been on Dr. Bauman's desk and STILL waiting for a surgery date.....pretty frustrated, but know its sure worth the wait. We may all be newbie post-opper's at the same time. Stay warm everyone!
Sheila

[JudyBellyBand]

:welcome: :bounce: FLowerlady -- Welcome to B2G and also I wanted to introduce you to our local NC support corner of B2G located here: http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=1727

:clap2:Come on over to introduce yourself and also get local support anytime.