Hello from WA state! - ThinnerTimes

racoo · 08-02-2007, 12:38 AM

Hi everybody!!

I am new to the forum (d'oh first post here lol). I have been talking with my primary care doctor about WLS for the last year or more. I joined the forum to learn more about the process and what to expect.

I have been doing low carb and started exercising and have dropped 40lbs so far.

If you have some threads or recommended reading you can point me to, I would be very grateful!

Would my first step be to contact my insurance company to see if they even cover it? Or do I find a bypass doctor?

Thank you in advance for your assistance!!

HUGS
Rachel

JenBear7 · 08-02-2007, 04:39 AM

Welcome to the board.

I would suggest making sure the procedure is covered under your insurance policy. Alot of times it will say its not covered unless deemed medically necessary.. which is fine.

After I made sure it was covered, I then started researching surgeons in the area and chose the one that worked best for me. I did have my pcp refer me, because alot of times, you can get into places quicker that way..

the rest, as they say, is history... Seemed like it took forever, but in reality, time flew by!

Good luck to you.. keep us posted on your journey!

Squishy · 08-02-2007, 06:34 AM

Hi Rachel!

Welcome! Yep... Insurance is the first stop. They should be able to tell you exactly what it would take for coverage. From there, your doctor will be able to help determine if you meet the criteria and if not, what might you have to do to meet the criteria.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

-Mike-

LyndasRoom · 08-02-2007, 09:14 AM

Hi Rachel,
Welcome. Great advice above. Insurance first, start with a "supervised diet" with your doctor, where they document your weight and what you're doing, most insurance will require 6 months of it...and depending on whether you have an HMO or PPO, you may need a referral to a bariatric surgeon.
We're glad you're here. a good book is "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies".

sierrab · 08-02-2007, 11:53 AM

hey werein wa state r u from ? there are a few of us here from wa

RNY4me · 08-02-2007, 06:52 PM

Welcome and congratulations on your 40 pound loss - great job. It will really help with your surgery as it helps to shrink the liver and the surgeon can lift the liver away to visualize inside much better. Yes, check your benefit first. Call your insurance company and ask them to send you the actual benefit (if you have one) language that spells out what is covered and what criteria must be met. Each insurance is different, but many of us had to go through similar pre-op hoops. Like the 6 month supervised weight loss with a doctor, all well documented, of course. It's a small thing compared to the rest of your life! Best wishes on your journey.

Corrine · 08-02-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sierrab

hey werein wa state r u from ? there are a few of us here from wa

Yep - I'm in WA too. Welcome!

racoo · 08-02-2007, 08:35 PM

Hi everybody and thank you for the warm welcome! I am in Renton center of the unknown and scary universe. Final resting place of Jimi Hendrix.

I will call the insurance company tomorrow and see what they say. I wonder if it would be on their website if I log into my group plan there. hmmmm

What else would you like to know about me? I like to read, enjoy tea and making perfumes. I read a LOT. I have just been focused on getting my health back in order since this spring. I am married and have 5 doxons (i am not married to them lol).

Debz · 08-02-2007, 10:08 PM

Welcome...another thing you might want to do is log on to your insurance companies' web site and look for their clinical policy bulletin on obesity surgery. I did that once I found out that my policy did cover it...and found out exactly what was needed. It seemed like when I talked to different customer service reps, I got different information. But the CPB was in black and white.

I used to live in Washington myself...in Spanaway. My ex works Boeing in Renton. I really miss good ole WA....especially this time of year.

racoo · 08-02-2007, 11:36 PM

oooh that is a great idea Debbie!

You probably wouldn't miss it here too much this summer. It has been raining a TON. (go figure seattle).

Sorry you moved away.