LittleMsSunshine

I was finally able to get a straight answer from my insurance. I *DO* have weight loss surgery benefits, so long as I meet their medical qualifications (which so far I do.... 5', 225lbs, BMI of 43 with hypertension that is still high even though I'm on two drugs, a fatty liver..... sigh )And they are willing to pay an out-of-network surgeon since I'm in Arizona for school. Woohoo!!!

I went to a seminar over the summer.... and my first consultation is next Monday. I'm excited.... but at the same time, just thinking about it makes my stomach jump into my throat. I am so terrified that for whatever reason, it's not going to work out.... I would be absolutely crushed.

Anyway... I'm sorry if threads like this have already been posted, but I would love to hear "first consultation" stories. I'm a bit squeamish about anything remotely "medical"..... so I'd like to know what I should expect over these next few months.

Thank you in advance.

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Skylark

Hi,
Congratulations on your decision! After I went to my first seminar, I was still trying to decide if "this was for me". I decided to go ahead with gathering the med tests I needed (saw my PCP before I even talked to my surgeon). She contacted the surgeon's office to get the list of needed tests. Three months later, and all results back, proved I was a good candidate for surgery. At this point, I wasn't sure I would be approved by my insurance company for the full amount. Then, something "clicked" and I decided that I was going to have this surgery "no matter what". Like you, I was so worried that it wouldn't be approved--but then I got it into my mind, that it was going to happen--I just didn't know how or when Well, I did see the surgeon--all OK, but then my insurance company told me they would not pay the amount this surgeon was asking for. So I fought for three more months--and won! Then I started to worry about this surgery not working for me, because of all my past diet failures. My surgeon said "well, you would be the only one who didn't lose weight with this surgery". To make a long story short--be very sure that this is for you and GO for it. I wasted a lot of time and energy worrying. My RNY is Jan. 14, 2009--had to put it off as I had no more sick days left at work and they start over Jan. 1.
SO---good luck with everything and keep us posted!
Laurie
Pre-op RNY
Jan. 14, 2009
Dr. Chiasson, Tucson

LittleMsSunshine

Thank you so much for your input!!

I have a little update since my original post. That particular surgeon, who I wasn't 100% sure about in the first place, flaked out and cancelled my appointment for today due to a family emergency (kinda funny... they cancelled last week, for a family emergency this week. Thanksgiving week.... convenient, huh? lol).......... so I was going to reschedule, but the soonest they could get me in was December 11th....

So I ended up calling back the original surgeon I wanted to see..... and talked a bit to their insurance director guy..... and they decided that they ARE willing to work with my insurance (WOO!!!!)........ and I had a private seminar last Wednesday so I was able to ask TONS of questions and pick the surgeon's brain. And my pre-surgery consultation appointment is this Wednesday. If I decide to proceed, I'll start the blood tests/psych exam/etc right there.... woohoo.

Based on what i've told him, he said I should have no problem getting approved.... WOOHOO!!!!!!!

I'm so excited

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